A Project-Based Aligned Literacy Curriculum with Tanya Sheckley and Brittany Botta
The Be Podcast Network, an organization of more than four dozen engaging shows dedicated to education, and Reading Is Fundamental are partnering during National Literacy Month to share high-impact conversations about literacy with more than 40 unique episodes featuring conversations about the state of children’s literacy nationwide, best practices for reading instruction and engagement, strategies to foster the joy of reading in school and at home, and much more.
In this interview, Tanya Sheckley and Brittany Botta from Up Academy discussed their Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum. They explained that project-based learning often didn't align well with literacy, so they developed this curriculum that focuses on a particular aspect of writing in each module. They have seen positive results, with students not showing resistance to reading and writing. The curriculum divides the literacy block into community, agency, SELf-check, empowerment, and wrap-up. They emphasized the importance of creating time for learning what really matters and providing space and time for students to read to increase literacy in schools.
- Up Academy - love of learning, inclusive educational space.
- Project based learning didn’t always align well to literacy.
- Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum
- Each module is focused on a particular aspect of writing.
- Don’t see the resistance to reading and writing with this curriculum.
- Not teaching the same stuff all the time, but getting to the same goals.
- Literacy block divided into community, agency, SELf-check, empowerment, wrap-up
- Restaurant project - partnered with a local restaurant
- School Shirt opinion - leading to opinion writing.
- Science of reading incorporation.
- How to increase literacy in your school: Create time for learning what really matters. Space and time for students to read.
- Increase reading time, talk to students about the books they’re reading.