Literacy

We are committed to engaging learners in rich experiences that are anchored in the Ontario curriculum, reflective of student voice and supported by focused instruction and timely and effective feedback.

Literacy - Kindergarten to Grade 12

Literacy is the ability to use language and images in rich and varied forms to read, write, listen, speak, view represent, discuss and think critically about ideas. Literacy enables us to share information and to interact with others. Literacy is an essential tool for personal growth and active participation in democratic society.

Literacy involves the ability to:

access, manage, create and evaluate information;
think imaginatively and analytically;
communicate thoughts and ideas effectively;
apply metacognitive knowledge and skills; and
develop a sense of self-efficacy and an interest in life-long learning.

Development of literacy

The development of literacy is a complex process that involves building on prior knowledge, culture and experiences in order to instill new knowledge and deepen understanding.

We focus on rich literacy instruction and believe that literacy is a shared responsibility. Literacy "involves all learning and teaching partners -including students, parents and classroom teachers, early childhood educators, school leaders, professional learning facilitators and system leaders as well as members of the broader community. While a focus on literacy goes beyond reading and writing, it builds on the fundamentals to nurture a deep knowledge and appreciation of language. As we move forward toward a thorough understanding of literacy, we work together to motivate students to become critical and creative communicators and responsible and respectful participants in world communities.

Resources

For more information on how to support your child's literacy instruction, please consider the following online resources:

Reading and Writing with Your Child: Kindergarten to Grade 6: A Parent Guide; and

Paying Attention to Literacy - Kindergarten to Grade 12 - EduGAINS.