Balancing “All the Things”: Literacy Learning in Kindergarten

You may be feeling inundated with what seem to be competing messages: Teach reading in a systematic and explicit way! Focus on phonological awareness! Embed literacy learning in play! Follow the students’ interests! How can kindergarten educators make sense of “all the things” you are expected to include in your literacy instruction? This session will provide you with a window into the classroom practice of educator teams who are balancing teacher-directed explicit instruction with student-centred and responsive teaching. You will be introduced to a framework to help you structure your planning and the learning opportunities you provide for your students and walk away with practical ideas you can use on Monday. This session is geared for both teachers and early childhood educators working in kindergarten classrooms.