Junior School Literacy

STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: JUNIOR SCHOOL LITERACY

Goal areas

• Personalisation of Learning • Skills Development

Literacy is a foundational skill for all aspects of student learning and lifelong success. Using a student-centred approach, we continue to research and implement strategies that personalise and improve our teaching and learning.

In the 2021-22 school year, Abby Longmire shifted from the role of a classroom teacher to that of PYP Literacy & Information Literacy Coordinator. In this dedicated role, based in our JS Library Hub, she is able to strategically assess and improve Mulgrave’s approach to literacy teaching, support classroom teachers to ensure a consistent approach across the division, and work with students directly to personalise and inspire their learning.

Through research and examination of best practices, we broadly implemented the Writer’s Workshop model which enables students to progress at their own pace while encouraging them to explore different types of writing. Students take the approach of thinking like a writer, as opposed to simply as a reader and individual or small group teacher support hones in on where students can take next steps. The programme aligns well with the inquiry-based approach of the IB PYP as students can explore topics and genres which spark their interest. Celebration and feedback are also central to the model.

In addition to new programming, the shift to an embedded library model, which has books throughout our hallways, has led to greater student engagement with reading materials of all types. Shelves outside classrooms directly align with students’ Units of Inquiry and the ability to self-checkout is building independence. See page 40 for more information.

Our Learning Centres are essential to providing personalised education, which empowers students. Your gifts help advance our support programmes so our teachers can help students thrive.”

- Leanne Frehlich

Learning Strategies Teacher

Scan the QR code for a short video with Abby Longmire, our PYP Literacy & Information Literacy Coordinator, and students speaking about our approach.

Writers Workshop makes me inspired to write different kinds of stories…I feel really supported because I know that my friends like it and they give me feedback sometimes and I take it. I also give them feedback.”

- Rosha Razavi Grade 5 Student