Components of Literacy

Intro to Literacy

Starting out as a new teacher can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the many components that make up effective literacy instruction. With so much to learn and implement, having a clear, easy-to-use visual reference can make a world of difference. In this blog post I wanted to introduce a simple graphic designed specifically to support new educators, like you, as they build confidence in teaching literacy. My goal is to break down this complex topic into manageable parts, the graphic serves as a quick guide and reminder of key literacy elements—helping teachers focus more on their students and less on deciphering dense professional jargon.

There is a debate in the literacy world which greatly forces the pendulum of education one way and then the other; whether phonics-focused or whole language programming is best for teaching literacy skills to students. From my experience as a child in a whole-language environment and seeing the swing back to phonics as a teacher, I strongly believe a true balanced approach to teaching is most important. Navigating and structuring skills that support students in developing their literacy skills is the true goal so why can’t we have a little bit of both philosophies?

There are so many resources and ideologies surrounding literacy it can be difficult as a new teacher to navigate what it all means. My goal is to help educate yourself to the broader components of literacy so you have a stronger understanding as a foundation for the rest.

So….What are the components of literacy?

Having a background in literacy instruction has given me perspective on the necessity of understanding and anchoring instruction in current research. Many of the graphics educators use fail to give new educators the larger perspective necessary to understand where and how these components connect.  This graphic gives tangible and research-based material you can use in your classroom. Feel free to use it as an anchor for your teaching throughout the year or even as a checklist.  Click HERE for your copy of the Components of Literacy Graphic!

I’m a NEW teacher, where do I start?

Short answer, you start with the student. While you have a curriculum you need to teach, if the student is not yet at that skill level teaching that will not be helpful. Welcome to the world of differentiation.

Start by using general activities to see what the students produce or show you. Then, once you have had time to assess different skills and the student’s abilities you will know more about the direction to continue as a class. As a group, what are students able to do or what skills need more practice? On an individual basis, literacy skills build throughout a person’s life, it is your job as a teacher to support each child to strengthen and learn these skills. Knowing how literacy skills start and develop allows you to know the road map. Once you assess the student and find out what skills they know or don’t know, you find where they are on that map.  

Based on the ELA curriculum, links to authentic learning experiences from other subject areas, and the students’ abilities, create a broad plan over the year that outlines the development of skills. Connect each “big rock” within the Components of Literacy Graphic to an intentional time throughout the year.

• Integrated skills like phonics, phonological awareness and vocabulary can be focused on at a daily /weekly level

• Writing and reading skills need larger lessons and practice which are then supported or differentiated within small group sessions

How do I teach it?

During the year, align with other activities and experiences from other curriculums making the learning more authentic.  

Throughout the week, use a more narrowed view of developing literacy skills, for example on Tues/Thurs – practice this and Mon/Wed – practice that.

You should even develop your plan to build structures and routines to scaffold skills daily. Some suggestions might be:

• Students are most available for learning during the morning so the most important learning should be done then

• Splitting up skills into smaller chunks

What if students need more?

While differentiation is amazing and helpful to support students to build skills at their level, sometimes that is not enough. Learning difficulties can often make the transfer, of teaching to learning challenging and requires an exceptional amount of repetition, practice, and explicit instruction to overcome. Having open communication with parents can greatly help the child succeed and grow. But what if you are the first teacher to recognize this child’s difficulties? I hope, at this point, you have the backing of a great admin and learning support team that can help you navigate services and supports. Usually, difficulties in literacy is one of the biggest factors in recognizing learning challenges or delays. If you are noticing inconsistency or significant gaps in a child’s knowledge it would be worth having conversations with parents and your team.

Getting the help YOU need as a new teacher

Your program will become a unique representation of your teaching style, literacy components, guidelines from your district, and professionally researched programs. As you experience different programs and learn about “best practices”, my wish for you is to have the courage to make it your own. Don’t feel the need to follow a program or learning design exactly, instead, think critically about what will work best for your students, their learning, and save the rest in your knowledge bank for later.

As you look forward as a new teacher there will always be feelings of overwhelm, nervousness, and fear, those are completely natural. The difference is, you don’t have to embark on this journey alone. Connect with me and you will have a mentor and experienced teacher with you every step you take. Inside the coaching program, you can personalize the support you want and what you want to get from it. Choose which mentorship is right for you. As you begin your teaching journey, I hope you remember I am here for you. If you need support to build or design your program in literacy or help to walk through taking the steps we talked about today, please reach out.

As an experienced teacher with a passion for helping new teachers succeed, I wish you all the best.

Tiffany

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