Literacy is the key to a strong, robust, and rewarding life
Literacy is a complex, multifaceted skill that co-exists and grows with lived experience, interest, background knowledge, and cultural relevance. Literacy Proficiency rests on 3 main pillars: Conceptual Understanding (the "why"), Procedural Fluency (the "how"), and Contextual Application (the "what").
Conceptual Understanding
Conceptual understanding in literacy goes beyond decoding words—it’s about making meaning, recognizing patterns, and applying knowledge across contexts. True literacy empowers learners to think critically, engage with diverse texts, and navigate the complexities of communication in a changing world. When students develop a deep, transferable understanding of literacy, they become adaptable, informed, and capable participants in their communities.
Dive into Topics and Artifacts with Virtual Museum Tours!
Smithsonian Museum
Procedural Fluency
Procedural fluency in literacy is the ability to apply reading and writing skills efficiently, accurately, and flexibly. It involves mastering foundational skills—like decoding, syntax, and grammar—while seamlessly integrating them to support comprehension and expression. When learners develop procedural fluency, they gain the confidence to engage with texts, communicate ideas, and adapt to new literacy challenges with ease.
Reading Rockets adds: "...fluent readers do not have to concentrate on decoding the words, they can focus their attention on what the text means. They can make connections among the ideas in the text and their background knowledge. In other words, fluent readers recognize words and comprehend at the same time."
Contextual Application
Contextual, real-world application in literacy means using reading, writing, and communication skills to navigate daily life, solve problems, and engage with society. Whether analyzing media, understanding workplace documents, or advocating for ideas, literacy empowers individuals to think critically and act effectively. When literacy is connected to real-world contexts, it becomes a tool for lifelong learning, personal growth, and active participation in the world.
Check out this clip on Media Literacy
Literacy Limelight
This week, let's explore this article posted by Edutopia
How to Work Literacy Instruction Across All Content Areas
Excerpt from our featured article:
"...teachers should aim to get students doing as much domain specific writing as their curriculum allows for...mixing informal writing activities like quick writes, stop and jots, or one-minute essays into instruction, but ... the key is to think through the particular skills inherent to the discipline, and tailor the activities to those objectives."
Office Hours
Tuesdays @ 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Topic of the Week: Literacy in Space!
Register Here
Thursdays @ 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Week 1: Pre-K-2 Week 2: Grades 3-5 Week 3: Grades 6-8 Week 4: Grades 9-12
Register Here
“...literacy education not only unlocks opportunity for learning across disciplines but it is enhanced when well-integrated within disciplines. Inter-disciplinary literacy instruction enables the application of literate abilities for purposeful and richer learning, often motivating learners through engagement in disciplines and topics of interest.”
Contact
Heather Martin
Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist
Phone: 207-557-0386
Email: heather.martin@maine.gov