Building the Literacy Block: Structuring the Ultimate ELA Workshop

by Bridget M. Spackman

Overview

Transform the way your students engage with learning during your literacy block.

In Building the Literacy Block: Structuring the Ultimate ELA Workshop, veteran public-school educator Bridget Spackman delivers an insightful and practical discussion on establishing an authentic and purposeful workshop model while integrating reading and writing instruction to create a rigorous environment for all learners. Every chapter of the book focuses on an individual element of your literacy block, provides example activities, and offers practical tips on how to accommodate a variety of classroom environments, ages, and learners.

Readers will also find:

• Explorations of the essential elements of establishing a strong literacy block and the process necessary for educators to implement this method of instruction
• Simple and effective strategies for building critical thinking and lifelong learning skills
• Techniques rooted in modern instructional practices designed to help educators develop authentic learning experiences for all students.

A powerful tool that offers upper elementary teachers methods for establishing an authentic and rigorous literacy block, Building the Literacy Block is a must-have resource for 3-6 literacy educators as well as those who work directly or indirectly with students, teachers, and school administrators.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781119819592
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	05/02/2023
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 7.20(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

BRIDGET M. SPACKMAN is an experienced public school educator and researcher. She specializes in providing authentic learning experiences that build twenty-first century skills in her students and in developing innovative and effective methods of literacy instruction.

Table of Contents

Author’s Note xi

Introduction xv

Part I: The Basics 1

Chapter 1: No Time for That 5

Chapter 2: We Built This City 25

Chapter 3: Do the Work, Work, Work 43

Part II: The Strategies 59

Chapter 4: Follow the Yellow Brick Road 63

Chapter 5: Pump Up the Jam, Pump It Up 79

Chapter 6: Say My Name, Say My Name 101

Part III: The More 117

Chapter 7: You Can Go Your Own Way 121

Chapter 8: Celebrate Good Times 135

Chapter 9: Come Together, Right Now 153

Conclusion 165

Acknowledgments 175

Index 179

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Praise for Building the Literacy Block

"Bridget does a fabulous job giving a plethora of concrete ideas for upper elementary teachers to meaningfully structure their literacy block. Her emphasis on intentional planning, building routines, and putting students in the driver seat of their own learning  supports student critical thinking while simultaneously cultivating their love of reading."
—Shane Saeed, Instructional Coach, St Vrain Valley School District

"Every upper elementary literacy teacher can benefit from Bridget Spackman's deep knowledge of effective instruction and the structure, strategies, and specific examples provided in Building the Literacy Block!"
—Michelle Emerson, Author of First Class Teaching

"Structuring a literacy block is a challenge that is rarely a focus in preparing educators for their time in the classroom. Spackman has done a phenomenal job of using her classroom experience to create a resource that feels like she's sitting next to you and guiding you to literacy success!"
—Juan E Gonzalez Jr, Third Grade Teacher

"Building the Literacy Block is the PD you need. Written by a teacher for teachers. Bridget Spackman asks all the right questions that make you take a second and third look at your routines, procedures, and how you teach standards, skills, and strategies. She offers intentional, practical, and effective solutions to bridge reading and writing into a true literacy block. The examples she provides lets you know she is a real, working classroom teacher. Whether you are a first year or veteran teacher, Building the Literacy Block is a must for your personal bookshelf."
—Lesley Carmichael, Classroom teacher, Georgia, USA