Reading and Writing Instruction for Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Classrooms in a PLC at Work‪®‬

Prepare students to succeed with increasingly sophisticated reading and writing challenges. Designed for teachers of grades 4-5, this resource helps readers address the pivotal shift in learning expectations that occurs during the upper elementary years. Myriad templates, tools, and strategies are included to support collaborative teams as they work to establish a rich and robust plan for quality literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention.

Use this resource to inspire fourth- and fifth-graders to excel in reading and writing:


Understand the role PLCs and collaborative teams play in literacy development and reading comprehension strategies.

Obtain strategies and tools, such as the pre-unit protocol, for unpacking and clarifying literacy standards.

Explore adaptable, research-based instructional strategies, and learn how to plan high-quality literacy instruction that boosts student reading and writing skills.

Examine the four components of the gradual release model--(1) focused instruction, (2) guided instruction, (3) collaborative learning, and (4) independent learning.

Observe how to collaboratively score assessments and conduct effective data inquiry and analysis.

Study the powerful impact literacy has on student engagement and inclusivity.






Contents:


Introduction: Every Teacher Is a Literacy Teacher


Chapter 1: Establish Clarity About Student Learning Expectations


Chapter 2: Examine Assessment Options for Literacy


Chapter 3: Create a Learning Progression to Guide Instruction and Assessment


Chapter 4: Develop Collective Understanding of Learning Expectations


Chapter 5: Respond to Data to Ensure All Students Learn


Chapter 6: Differentiate Instruction With Gradual Release of Responsibility


Chapter 7: Plan High-Quality Literacy Instruction


Chapter 8: Select Appropriate Instructional Strategies


Chapter 9: Consider Equity in Literacy


Epilogue


Appendix A: List of Figures and Tables


Appendix B: Templates and Tools


Appendix C: Process for Prioritizing Standards


Appendix D: Depth of Knowledge Overview


Appendix E: Essential Understandings and Guiding Questions


References and Resources


Index