The Knowledge Loom: About the Elementary Literacy Spotlight

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About the Elementary Literacy Spotlight

This Knowledge Loom spotlight identifies the promising literacy practices of successful elementary school teachers who support the diverse learning needs of their students. Special sections highlight issues pertaining to English language learners, providing examples of good teaching that can apply to all students.

The content in the spotlight has been prepared by The Education Alliance at Brown University. It will continue to grow and change as users share their experiences and concerns in support of elementary literacy development.

Here is what you will find in different sections of this spotlight:

List of Practices
View promising practices on each essential literacy skill.

ELL Overview
Review the main ideas to keep in mind when teaching each essential literacy skill to English language learners.

What Is It?
Learn about the defining characteristics and implications of the practice you select.

Implications for ELLs (on the "What Is It?" page)
Understand some specific issues that arise when implementing the practice with English language learners.

Strategies for Supporting ELLs (on the "What Is It?" page)
Explore examples of good teaching for ELLs, most of which are effective for all students.

Technology Tips (on the "What Is It?" page)
Discover helpful tips on how educational technology can support teachers in implementing the practice (K-3 Reading Instruction Practices section only).

Glimpse of the Classroom (on the "What Is It?" page)
See how one aspect of the practice plays out in an actual classroom.

Questions to Think About (on the "What Is It?" page)
Use these questions in discussions with peers about how to take the next step to making the practice a reality in your setting.

Stories
Read about how educators have handled the challenges of enacting a practice in their classroom, school, or district.

Research
Review a selection of research that informed the practice.

Technology Research Summary (on the Research page)
Review research supporting the use of technology in the classroom (K-3 Reading Instruction Practices section only).

Resources
Find an array of online resources that provide practical guidance on how to implement each practice.

Have Your Say
Add your own stories, questions, and bits of wisdom.

Q & A
Browse questions answered by specialists in the field.

Download/Print
Build your own book by selecting portions of the spotlight and creating a printable PDF.

This spotlight is based on work sponsored in part by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), U.S. Department of Education, under contract number ED-01-CO-0010 (Northeast & Islands Regional Educational Laboratory, 2000-2005). The content of this site does not necessarily reflect the views of IES, the Department of Education, or any other agency of the U.S. Government.

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