Why is content-rich ELA important?

Hi Literacy Lovers,

In this week's episode, we talk with Dr. Sonia Cabell about the importance of oral language and content knowledge. We love that Sonia talks about the research, but also what it means for the classroom. She shares that the knowledge we bring to a text is THE key determinant of how much we understand that text. Like we said on social media, the science of reading is more than just phonics! (see it on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram)

 We are so glad you are here to learn with us! 💙

 

Learn More

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Mentioned on the Podcast

A list of all of the amazing resources mentioned in this week's episode! 

• Dr. Sonia Cabell’s Google Scholar page 
• Florida Center for Reading Research website
• The Sixth Pillar of Reading Instruction, The Reading Teacher
  • Here is a pre-publication version of the paper   
  
  
  

Lori Recommends

How Can We Bridge Decoding and Knowledge?

I see a lot of buzz about decodable texts! When decodable texts bridge pre-taught foundational skills PLUS build knowledge, that's a super special pairing (like wine & cheese!). I'm a big fan of Geodes: readable, decodable, knowledge-building texts for kiddos in K-2. Look at this one for mid-year kindergarten students. 

Melissa Recommends

How Can We Expand Students' Knowledge? 

Check out this Student Achievement Partners' paper! Their Top Recommendations are:

1. Create sets of conceptually connected texts/media for students to read
2. Design learning to enhance knowledge and experiences students come to school with 
3. Read informational books that focus on a topic 
4. Read aloud to students - especially in the early years

Thanks for reading, Literacy Lovers! 

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