Speaking of Reading
The Speaking of Reading blog is hosted by the East York-Scarborough Reading Association and aims to share ideas and stories that encourage Reading for the Love of It! Created in 1983, Speaking of Reading began as a twice annual print newsletter focusing on relevant literacy issues and stories. As of 2024, we have made the transition to an open forum blog. To read past newsletters, visit our archive.
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Inspiring Insights: My Experience at the Reading for the Love of It Conference
Natasha Hameed, a Bachelor of Education student, shares her impactful experience at the Reading for the Love of It conference in Toronto. As a first-time attendee and volunteer host, she immersed herself in workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities. Highlighted by a keynote on fostering empathy and social consciousness in young readers, the conference left… Read more
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Growing a Grade 9 Reader
Natasha Serba initiated a daily reading program for her de-streamed grade 9 English classes, allowing students to choose their own books. This approach led to increased interest and engagement in reading among students, demonstrating that given time and choice, students can indeed become avid readers. Students highlighted the importance of support, choice, and an enabling… Read more
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StrongBookList
Are you looking for support and resources to build upon your 2SLGBTQI+ awareness and inclusion practices? A regular contributor at the Reading for the Love of It conference, Pam Strong believes in empowering educators with the comfort, competence, confidence and resources that they need to build bridges to engaging and inclusive learning spaces, where students… Read more
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Mental Health and Wellness: A New Direction and A New Course
Students at Scarborough’s Lester B. Pearson C.I. are now able to take a grade 12 Wellness course. It is an innovative course developed by Stephen Nieforth, a Pearson teacher and curriculum leader, which offers a blend of theory and practice in the science of mental health and wellness. Grade 12 Wellness is an interdisciplinary course… Read more
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Volunteering at RFTLOI has its Benefits
Growing up I had a deep passion for English Literature, and reading. The Ramona books by author Beverly Cleary and the Junie B. Jones series by author Barbara Park were a couple that got me hooked on reading. Seeing the Scholastic Book section made me feel super nostalgic because I remembered attending book fairs and… Read more
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A Day at “Reading for the Love of It”: Thoughts on Returning to In Person Conferences
I love attending teacher conferences: meeting new people, learning new ideas and strategies, browsing the latest student resources, experimenting with new technology for the classroom. Pre-pandemic, finding a good conference was a ritual I’d perform every school year – Googling endlessly for an event that was just the right location, theme and cost for my… Read more