This January, we were excited to welcome Leyton Schnellert to support our literacy growth. Teachers explored our guided reading books, learning effective ways to use them and engaging in rich group discussions about bringing these resources to life in the classroom. After Spring Break, Leyton will return to work alongside individual teachers in their classrooms, providing hands-on support to strengthen literacy instruction. 

As a follow-up to our professional development with Dr. Schnellert, Ms. Cheung’s Grade 2/3 students are learning how to build different-sized words using a variety of letters (see attached photo). 

Our librarian, Ms. Barrington-Foote, has been working with two of our Grade 6/7 classes on book talks. The goal of these lessons is to engage students in meaningful discussions about books in verse that are accessible and student-friendly, while still encouraging deeper thinking. Alongside the classroom teachers, she has introduced ten different titles and organized students into small groups to foster rich conversations and collaboration. A major focus of the sessions is discussing the texts and making personal and thematic connections. Students are challenged to infer meaning—an area that can be difficult at this level—while also thinking critically and responding thoughtfully to one another’s ideas. They are asked to find specific passages to support their thinking, read at a deeper level, and demonstrate their understanding through discussion and reflection. 

We are also thrilled to continue learning with Briana Adams, who previously shared valuable support for our early career teachers in December. In March, Briana will lead a session where teachers will create a fun and engaging “Where Is…?” game and blending boards to use with picture cards and magnetic letters in their classrooms. 

It’s shaping up to be a season full of collaboration, creativity, and meaningful literacy learning!