<![CDATA[PASSPORT TO LITERACY - Blog]]>Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:38:43 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[The Writing Revolution]]>Sun, 10 Jan 2021 22:28:01 GMThttps://passporttoliteracy.com/blog/the-writing-revolutionIn all my years of education, teaching students how to write is probably the most difficult task I have encountered. The programs and curriculums available all have pros and cons, but I always felt like something was still missing.  That is, until I read The Writing Revolution by Judith C. Hochman and Natalie Wexler.  I have come to realize, even though I probably really knew it if I were to be honest with myself, that we asking students to write essays when they can't write a simple sentence.  In this book, the authors talk about the importance of helping students at the sentence level so we can build their ability to express themselves in more robust pieces of writing.  It's a great read with very specific examples to help you get started in this writing journey with your students.  

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]]><![CDATA[Story Sequencing]]>Tue, 24 Nov 2020 18:10:48 GMThttps://passporttoliteracy.com/blog/story-sequencingHave you ever wondered why we should teach story sequencing.  Reading Rockets provides us some insight into its importance as shared below: 
  • It assists with comprehension, especially for narrative texts.
  • Sequence structures help students of varying abilities organize information and ideas efficiently.
  • Sequencing is also an important component of problem-solving across the curriculum, including science and social studies. 


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Click on the above image to find out more about story sequencing including including a classroom video and examples of how to teach it across the different content areas. 

Click here to access our Story Sequencing page with a list of books that can be used for teaching sequencing in your classroom. 
]]><![CDATA[Novel Study - Bridge to Terabithia]]>Tue, 24 Nov 2020 00:24:26 GMThttps://passporttoliteracy.com/blog/novel-study-bridge-to-terabithia
Our first novel study has been posted!! 

​Our novel study sets provide resources that specifically compliment chapter books.  They are designed to be used as a whole class project, a literacy circle study, or as individual work. It can be used in its entirety or selected pieces can be used to fit your specific academic needs.  Check it out here. 
]]><![CDATA[The Early Literacy Trifecta: Language, Print and Executive Function in African American Students]]>Sun, 25 Oct 2020 19:03:11 GMThttps://passporttoliteracy.com/blog/the-early-literacy-trifecta-language-print-and-executive-function-in-african-american-studentsThe Early Literacy Trifecta Webinar by Dr. Julie Washington provides insight into students' needs in language development during those primary years of development.  If you are ready to better understand the skills necessary for students, especially African American children growing up in poverty, to find academic success, join Dr. Washington in this recorded webinar.  The information she has to share is enlightening. Handouts are also available on the website below. 

AIM Institute for Learning and Research ]]><![CDATA[A Conversation with Natalie Wexler]]>Fri, 16 Oct 2020 02:05:47 GMThttps://passporttoliteracy.com/blog/a-conversation-with-natalie-wexlerWhether you have read her book, The Knowledge Gap, or not, you will find a wealth of information in Wexler's podcast.  As part of this discussion, Wexler talks about the inequities students face as well as the importance of a knowledge-based curriculum.  Podcast - A Conversation with Natalie Wexler]]><![CDATA[Little Red Riding Hood Activity Set]]>Sun, 13 Sep 2020 17:01:03 GMThttps://passporttoliteracy.com/blog/little-red-riding-hood-activity-setPicture
Check out the newest activity set focused around learning the characteristics of fairy tales.  Included are:
  • 2 cover and copyright pages
  • 1 background of Little Red Riding Hood page
  • 1 characteristics of fairy tales page
  • 1 each sequencing, Venn diagram, and classification pages (3 total)
  • 2 answer key pages
  • 3 picture card pages
  • 1 finger puppet page
  • 1 coloring page (write a complete sentence and then color)
This can be used whole group, small group or independently depending upon the purpose and study abilities. It can be used in its entirety or selected pieces can be used to fit your specific academic needs.

]]><![CDATA[How a flawed idea is teaching millions of kids to be poor readers]]>Sun, 06 Sep 2020 22:00:23 GMThttps://passporttoliteracy.com/blog/how-a-flawed-idea-is-teaching-millions-of-kids-to-be-poor-readersAs I continue my journey reading the most recent research in literacy development, I find so many educators still don't realize there's anything wrong with the way we have been teaching reading for decades.  As the reading gap continues to grow, we continue to use the same strategies that we have always used. But if we dig deep into the research, we will see the theory behind our teaching was debunked by cognitive scientists repeatedly.  So why are we still using it! 

This podcast brings some light to this subject - At a Loss For Words 



]]><![CDATA[The Knowledge Gap]]>Sun, 01 Dec 2019 06:00:00 GMThttps://passporttoliteracy.com/blog/the-knowledge-gapFor so many years, I have followed the curriculum and academic plans provided by my school district, which focused on teaching the standards.  I remember teaching just one standard each week, for example - main idea and details, moving on to another one the next week. I would find isolated articles, short stories, flash cards, etc. to help me in teaching the standard.  After reading the book, The Knowledge Gap - The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System - and How to Fix it by Natalie Wexler, I have a new perspective.  Teaching is more than focusing on standards; it should include exposing students to the exciting world in which they live.  If you are interested in learning more, try out Natalie Wexler's book.    
]]><![CDATA[Hard Words:  Why aren't kids being taught to read?]]>Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:50:43 GMThttps://passporttoliteracy.com/blog/hard-words-why-arent-kids-being-taught-to-readNearly 20 years ago, the National Reading Panel released their final report on teaching students how to read.  The information provided in this report has changed the way reading is taught across our nation.  However, after all this time and with the information provided by the National Reading Panel Report, students are still struggling to read on-grade level.  Have you ever asked yourself why?  Here are some insights into why we are facing such a reading crisis in our country.  Hard Words: Why aren't kids being taught to read?]]>