May

Why is Diverse Literature Important in All Classrooms?

A start to our diverse books lending library: picture books on top,
upper EL and MS in the middle, HS on the bottom. 

Thoughtful conversations and planning with SOEL and IDLL teachers, guidance on text selection from guest speaker Dr. Laura Jimenez from our Responsive Teaching Institutes, a wish and a book list from the late YCS teacher Caroline Jacob, and ongoing collaboration with Dr. Shayla Griffin, Culture and Diversity Consultant at WISD, are all part of helping us build and shape a county-wide lending library for diverse books.  After selecting some K-12 diverse texts, SOEL met with Dr. Griffin to help understand and communicate why diverse and multicultural literature is important in all classrooms. Dr. Griffin says:

 1. Multicultural books act as mirrors that affirm, validate, and celebrate our children’s identities and lived experiences and the contributions people like them have made to the world.

Dr. Shayla R. Griffin, PhD. 2018

2. Multicultural books act as windows that expose students to the diversity of the broader world. 

3. Multicultural books can help students and educators interrupt bias and prejudice. 



Stay tuned for more on the Caroline Jacob Memorial Diverse Lending Library available in the 2019-2020 school year for Washtenaw County educators. 

What are We Reading to Learn? 

SOEL Teachers summarize, review and recommend books from
professional reading time this year

Professional books, and the time to read them, has always been part of SOEL since we formed in 2013. 
A few of our titles this year were:

• Every Child a Super Reader: Seven Strengths to Enter a World of Possible, by Ernest Morrell and Pam Allyn, was a favorite for a second year in a row.   Centered on Belonging, Curiosity, Friendship, Kindness, Confidence, Courage and Hope as Super Reader strengths, this book will certainly be on our SOEL list again next year, as it connects specifically to Essentials #1 and #10. 

• Interactive Writing Across Grades: A Small Practice with Big Results PreK-5  by Kate Roth and Joan Dobrowski.  Connecting to Essential #6, this text is highly engaging for the reader with many practical, immediate applications of the interactive writing practice.  This was voted to be a SOEL selection again next year as well.

• The Literacy Teacher's Playbook, K-2: Four Steps for Turning Assessment Data into Goal Directed Instruction, by Jennifer Seravallo. Connecting to Essentials #3 and #9, this coaching text directs teachers in using formative assessment to meet every child's literacy needs.  This text, as well as the grades 3-6 edition, was voted for offering again in SOEL next year. 

Upcoming Learning Opportunities

Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy- One Day Overviews

 August 1st for grades K-3 at WISD 8:30-3:30

August 2nd for grades 4-5 at WISD 8:30-3:30

At the end of each session, registrants will be invited to join the SOEL network for the 2019-2020 school year. 

Disciplinary Writing InstituteJune 24-25 at EMU

Register here- Disciplinary Writing Institute 

Participants will be given an invitation to join the IDLL network after completing the institute. 

June

SOEL Teacher Research Presentations

On May 22, 23, 24, Study of Early Literacy teachers presented their year long action research projects around an aspect of their early literacy instruction aligned to the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy.  

SOEL impacts teacher motivation and engagement in improving literacy instructional practices.

You can see all teacher presentations HERE and view snapshots of many in the video below. All SOEL teachers and their colleagues should be proud of the work SOEL teachers have done and presented this year! If you are interested in joining SOEL, attend SOEL SI August 1, 2, 3!

IDLL Practices in Disciplinary Literacy 

Inquiry into Disciplinary Literacy and Learning teachers and guests spent the day on May 16  digging deeper into disciplinary literacy practices in social studies, science, math and ELA.  IDLL will continue work next year by aligning current lesson plans and building new units specific to disciplinary literacy.  If you are interested in joining IDLL, come to our summer institute!  

October

No Longer Invisible: How Diverse Literature Helps Children Find Themselves in Books, and Why it Matters

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Council Chronicle published this piece last month. It showcases K-12 teachers around the country who have worked to include diverse literature in their classrooms and what a difference this is making in teaching and learning.   Also included is a resource list for teachers seeking to use more diverse texts.  See the article HERE.

Upcoming Professional Learning for October and November