Keys+to+Literacy

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I recently met Joan Sedita and sat in on a mini-conference where she spoke about the Keys to Literacy -- literacy instruction that is relevant and consistent in each class and every grade.

The above link provides worksheets and instructional materials that can be downloaded for free, including
 * What the resource is:**
 * [|Blank 2-column Note Page (1 page)]
 * [|Blank Homework Assignment Page (1 page)]
 * [|Bloom's Taxonomy (1 page)]
 * [|Brainstorm vs. Top-Down Topic Web (1 page)]
 * [|Common and Useful Suffixes (1 page)]
 * [|Common Greek and Latin Roots (2 pages)]
 * [|Common Numerical Prefixes (1 page)]
 * [|Common Prefixes (2 pages)]
 * [|Common Transition Words (1 page)]
 * [|Creating a Top-Down Topic Web (1 page)]
 * [|Daily Home Time Planning (1 page)]
 * [|Good and Poor Readers (2 pages)]
 * [|How to Write a Summary (4 pages)]
 * [|Key Three Routine: Comprehension Strategy Instruction 5-Step Chart (1 page)]
 * [|Master Notebook and Study Routine (1 page)]
 * [|Organizing Study Space (1 page)]
 * [|Question Terms (1 page)]
 * [|Vocabulary Knowledge Rating Checklists (1 page)]

The idea of this literacy tool is that literacy skills should be developed in all areas of the curriculum in a way that is consistent, regardless of the subject area. If a Science teacher and an English teacher both integrate two-column note-taking into their classrooms, the potential outcome is that their students will be able to apply the same valuable skill to every subject area. Something like two-column note-taking can be integrated into Grade 2, and can continue into secondary and post-secondary education. Many of our high school students do not know how to take notes in effective ways, and this is largely due to the inconsistencies between classrooms and teachers. By creating the grounds for consistency between classrooms, we are better able to re-enforce this necessary academic skill.
 * Why I would take this resource:**

I will focus on the two-column note-taking again. I would use this resource in each and every classroom (from English to Science to Parenting) for the creation of student notes. Two-column note-taking is effective because it is easy-to-read and provides students with a wonderful graphic organizer. This kind of note-taking makes it easier for students to find and remember information, and is perfect for studying. When students go to study for tests, they have the option of studying directly from their notes -- all they have to do is fold their notes in the middle of the column, and they have instant flashcards. By integrating this skill into my classes, my hope would be that the students transfer two-column note-taking into their other classes and future studies. Ultimately, this is a simple idea that can yield wonderful results and better students.
 * How I would use this resource:**