“The ONLY way to become a better writer is to write MORE!” – Karen Erickson Writing is more than the motoric task of putting pencil to paper or fingers to keyboard— it is the composition of text that expresses thoughts and ideas. Let’s be clear: Writing is communication, not just a motor task. Mastery of… Read More From Scribbles to Sentences: Understanding the Developmental Stages of Writing
Multisensory Instruction + Free VESOL Lesson Plans
Have you ever smelled something that instantly took you back to another time or place? Perhaps you have tasted a particular food, felt a texture, or heard a song that brought back distant, but powerful memories. If one particular sense can bring back such memories, imagine the impact of multisensory instruction! In this post, we… Read More Multisensory Instruction + Free VESOL Lesson Plans
Free VESOL Resources
The Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) are fairly new, so it can be tricky to find great resources. Since searching the internet for ideas can be time consuming, we are pleased to serve up this batch of links and ideas. Enjoy! VESOL Lesson Plans for T-TAC ODU In the spring of 2023, T-TAC ODU hired… Read More Free VESOL Resources
All Means ALL: The Virginia Literacy Act and Teaching Students with Complex Needs
Embracing a Holistic Approach The Virginia Literacy Act ensures every student in kindergarten to grade five will receive core literacy instruction based in scientifically based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction and, every teacher will use evidence-based literacy curriculum, use student-level data to inform instruction and intervention, and participate in training on evidence-based literacy instruction…. Read More All Means ALL: The Virginia Literacy Act and Teaching Students with Complex Needs
Try These VESOL Lesson Plans that Promote Cross-Content Instruction
If you use the Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) in your daily instruction, then it is likely that you are tasked with teaching multiple content areas to your class. Perhaps you are responsible for teaching Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies to your students. Maybe you are part of a teaching team, where… Read More Try These VESOL Lesson Plans that Promote Cross-Content Instruction
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
