What They Read Matters: Why Kids Need Books They Can Decode?

We are thrilled to host Heidi Anne Mesmer, Professor in Literacy in the School of Education at Virginia Tech!

Join us in person, to connect with other Minnesota districts as we explore the research on improving literacy for all students.

February 12th
10:00 am-1:00 pm CT

Brightworks
2 Pine Tree Dr #101
Arden Hills, MN 55112

What They Read Matters: Why Kids Need Books They Can Decode?
Think that your phonics instruction is over once students can blend short words? Think again! High quality literacy instruction “closes the deal” teaching students to decode and understand “big words,” right from the start. This pivotal “under the radar” skill is essential for reaching the levels of comprehension that are expected in the intermediate grades.
Participants will leave this session equipped with a) information about how word parts of big words work (syllables and morphemes); b) a scope and sequence for teaching word parts, with special attention to addressing appropriate parts K-1; c) strategies and techniques for teaching the many different word parts that advance students’ decoding and understanding (e.g., inflections, derivational morphemes, bound roots, compounds, affixes). Significant emphasis will be placed on appropriate practice that "adds in" elements without replacing high quality phonics instruction in single syllable words.