Language Curriculum and Strands
Literacy is about more than reading or writing - it is about how we communicate in society. It is about social practices and relationships, about knowledge, language, and culture. Those who use literacy take it for granted - but those who cannot use it are excluded from much communication in today's world. Indeed, it is the excluded who can best appreciate the notion of "literacy as freedom".
– UNESCO, Statement for the United Nations Literacy Decade, 2003-2012
Literacy development is the focus of the Ontario Grades 1-8 Language Curriculum which is organized into 4 strands:
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Reading Resources
- Toronto Public Library - We have the largest public library system in Canada and one of the largest neighbourhood-based systems in the world - obtain a library card at your nearest local branch and see why our libraries are one of the best free services offered by Toronto!
- Genres of Books - This document provides information on the different categories of books.
- Recommended Book List for Grades 3-10 - Compilation of personal recommendations and from Books That Build Character (William Kilpatrick).
- Middle School Reading Flowchart - Looking for a book to read? Use this infographic flowchart to find the right book for you!
- No Flying, No Tights: Recommended Graphic Novels - This site provides reviews of an extensive number of graphic novels - select the "Kids" or "Teens" menus to find recommended books.
- Dialogic-Reading for Reading Buddies document
Writing Resources
- Writing Process - It is crucial to follow the 6 writing process steps to become a more proficient writer.
- Mini Thesaurus - Use this document I created to replace overused words with more descriptive ones.
- Ten Words to Cut from Your Writing - Avoid using these tired words.
- Transition Words - Transitions are required to link ideas together more seamlessly. This documents provides an extensive list of transition words and phrases.
- 6+1 Traits of Writing Checklist - Edit your work with this checklist.
- Four Types of Writing - This poster explains the difference between expository, narrative, persuasive, and descriptive writing.
Grammar Resources
Media Literacy Resources
- How to Read a Graphic Novel - the basics
- see Other tab for web tools to create various media
Life Maps (Grade 8: 2014-2015, Grade 4/5: 2018-2020)
After reading Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss, students created a life map or visual timeline of the 9 most important events that have happened in their "journey" or life and included a tenth event of where they think they will "go" or be in the future.
Poetry Writing Collection (Grade 8: 2014-2018)
Students created a collection of ten poems, each following a different structure, to allow the reader to visualize, through the use of specific word choice, the emotions and images evoked. Savour the digital books below, with pictures to complement each poem.
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