ELA/Writing Resources

IDOE Literacy Framework | Elementary and secondary teachers alike should familiarize themselves with this fantastic resource from the IDOE. The Literacy Framework provides educators with clear learning objectives, vocabulary, questions stems and resources for every literacy related standard. Use to develop curriculum, assessments, and meaningful lessons.

Smekens 6+1 Traits of Writing | In terms of quality K-12 writing instruction, Kristina Smekens’ 6+1 Writing resources are at the top.  Use her language as a common framework for writing approaches, peruse her teacher-friendly resources (templates, mini-lessons, and rubrics) and explore her reading resources, as well. Recently connected to Indiana’s ILEARN requirements, Smekens’ resources have a direct link to improving the overall quality of writing while explicitly addressing skills assessed by ILEARN.

Commonlit.org | The need to embed nonfiction with literary passages is clearly met within the resources of Commonlit.org. Teachers can filter by theme, novel, topic, grade level and standard to drill down into an expansive resource of reading passages. Each passage is paired with multiple choice questions and writing prompts.  Lesson ideas are available to educators as well as adaptive learning tools.  Use as part of your guaranteed and viable curriculum, or pull for intervention resources.

Readwritethink.org | A terrific K-12 resource that provides teachers with standards-based ELA lessons and reading passages.  Readwritethink continually updates its reading bank to provide current, relevant nonfiction selections that require critical reading and discussion for students. Browse videos and online resources to enhance your lesson, too.

Reading Reconsidered, Doug Lemov | Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and Teach Like a Champion 2.0, collaborates with Colleen Driggs and Erica Woolway in this essential reading guide for literacy teachers.  This resource is a deep dive behind how to build a rigorous reading environment in your classroom and/or school. By focusing on 4 key tenets (read difficult texts, embed nonfiction, close read texts, write in response to reading) Lemov and his team unpack the nuances of questions that increase comprehension and analysis for all levels of readers.