Symbolated or picture-supported text is a strategy that some educators use with the intent of making text comprehension easier for their students. The idea behind symbolated or picture-supported text is that connecting symbols to text can help students better understand text. It involves adding a picture or corresponding symbol above or below each word in… Read More Symbolated Text. Does it make learning to read easier or harder?
Seven Super Ways to Update Your VESOL Instruction
Spring is here. We are in the final quarter of the school year and the VESOL testing window will soon be closed. This is a great time to try a new resource or teaching strategy. Consider the following ideas and pick one or two to try with your students. 1) Content Teaching Academy This June, James Madison University… Read More Seven Super Ways to Update Your VESOL Instruction
Innovative Strategies for VESOL Instruction
On January 18, 2023, T-TAC ODU hosted The VESOL Alliance at the Newport News Marriott. This unique professional learning event offered a range of high-interest sessions and free resources to over 80 attendees from across regions 2 & 3. Our expert presenters shared VESOL-referenced lesson plans that can be used to engage learners of all ages. If you were not able… Read More Innovative Strategies for VESOL Instruction
The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL)
The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL) aims to increase access to, and use of, evidence-based approaches to screen, identify, and teach students with literacy-related disabilities, including dyslexia. Resources for Parents & Families present practical ideas, tips and strategies to use at home and during everyday routines with struggling readers. Among the many resources, NCIL… Read More The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL)
Free digital resources for students in Virginia
A great free digital resource for students is Find It Virginia. Managed by the Library of Virginia it includes many databases that students can use for literacy, learning, and research. Free to residents of Virginia are e-books and digital resources including newspapers, magazines, and encyclopedias for elementary, middle, and high school students. It is a great… Read More Free digital resources for students in Virginia
Virtual Learning for Students with Significant Disabilities
We’ve heard that teachers will need to develop virtual learning activities! Our specialists have developed a list of resources that we hope can help you. Looking for leveled reading? Try these free resources for teachers: Epic! Newsela Are you using Tar Heel Reader? Need a tip for how to share selected books with your students? Create… Read More Virtual Learning for Students with Significant Disabilities
Leveraging Literacy Instruction for Success
As educators, it’s our business to work toward profitable gains in our students’ learning by being systematic when designing instructional practices. The Council for Exceptional Children (2019) informs us that systematic instruction involves what to teach, as well as, when to teach it. This not only includes a logical sequencing of literacy instruction in terms of building… Read More Leveraging Literacy Instruction for Success