School Story Actions Post March 2025

Inquiry Grant #1:  Facilitating Collaboration

Kindergarten through grades 6 teachers are using this inquiry question as a guiding pillar:

How can we build teacher capacity on pedagogical practices and instructional routines to enhance students’ proficiency as readers?

On February 19 our team took part in our third collaboration day for our Literacy Project.  The day’s main topic of discussion was:  What instructional routines have classes focused on since our last meeting?  What have we noticed about our learners using these instructional routines?

Novel study: Various books

• Look at perspectives from different characters for each small group 

• Character analysis: character relationships, visual representation 

• Add evidence into journal entry (supporting ideas with evidence) 

• Students attached to character and engaged … sparks discussion that are connected to social studies

Post It Annotation 

Post-it annotation reading strategy" involves using sticky notes to actively engage with a text by jotting down questions, ​​​​​​​thoughts, and key points as you read, enhancing comprehension and retention. 

• Students share what they write on post it with class 

• After many practices, students are more comfortable and confident 

• Using colour coded sticky note or symbols 

• Students are more engaged and motivated 

• Gradually making deeper connections. 

Double entry journal 

A double-entry journal is a reading comprehension strategy where you divide a page into two columns: one for recording quotes or key ideas from the text, and the other for your personal thoughts, reactions, and questions about those ideas. 

• Students are encouraged to share their curiosities and questions about the reading
• Students are actively engaged with the text and are prepared to share out.

Zoom In 

Zoom in reading strategy, often used in writing and critical analysis, involves focusing on specific details within a picture or text to gain a deeper understanding of the author's message or the broader context. 

Students focus on an enlarged part of a picture or text and gradually zoom out to see the full picture or text. 

Builds student skills in making predictions, supporting their thoughts and opinions with evidence and learning to shift their thinking when provided with more inforrmation and evidence

Next steps: 

• Read aloud instructional strategies 

• Word work – explicit mini lessons, literacy talk,  

• Continuation of instructional routines already put in place 

Inquiry Grant #2:  District Inquiry Grant:  Flexible Learning Spaces

This grant involves our Kindergarten and grade 1 teachers and is looking at flexible learning space and our question is:

How might the physical set up of a classroom and student choice in seating, workspace and play space  impact student learning?

• Our Kindergarten teachers used their release time to look at what items will enhance the group learning and play spaces of their classrooms and shared learning space in the pod.  Items have been purchased that will aim to build upon the students’ collaboration and curiosities, particularly as they take part in building and imaginary play together in the pod.