Guide
Whole-School Read Guide: Foster a Literacy Community
This planning guide will help you design and implement a Whole-School Read that centers students’ voices and experiences.
At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- English & Language Arts
- Culture & Identity
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Whole-School Read Guide: Foster a Literacy Community
Date of Publication:
September 2022
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Literature, and the discussions it invites, can serve as an engaging and empathy-building opportunity for a whole-school read. This guide will help you design and implement a whole-school read that centers students' voices and experiences. The questions and activities in this guide invite critical thinking and conversation around issues of identity, belonging, choices, and justice. Exploring these ideas in community with others invites the students and adults at your school to consider how these concepts play out in other individuals’ lives as well as in their own.
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Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.
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Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.
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Students identify one personal or academic goal that they would like to commit to in the week ahead.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Students reflect on the past year and generate ideas for the kind of learning community and learning experiences they are hoping for this year.
Our Names and Our Place in the World
Students consider what parts of our identities we choose for ourselves and what parts are chosen for us, as well as the impact our names can have on our identities.
Making Meaning of Community
Students explore the idea of “community” in order to identify its key aspects and deeper meaning.
Most teachers are willing to tackle the difficult topics, but we need the tools.
—
Gabriela Calderon-Espinal, Bay Shore, NY
