Authentic Literacy Experiences in Early Childhood: Balancing Fundations and Heggerty - Part 2
This professional learning course introduces reading and writing experiences designed to supplement your Fundations and Heggerty teaching by integrating phonics skills with authentic literacy practices, boosting engagement, and fostering a love for reading and writing in early childhood classrooms. While phonics instruction is essential, an overemphasis on phonics can lead to student frustration during independent reading and writing. When literacy engagements are meaningful, students' confidence and enjoyment of literacy increase.
In part 2, we will explore 6 instructional practices that align with the NYS literacy briefs and that differ from those employed in part 1. Over the course of 6 weeks, we will explore a variety of reading and writing activities that allow students to use their phonemic awareness and phonics skills in purposeful, connected ways. From storytelling and dialogue journals to letter exchanges and classroom newsletters, these activities offer opportunities for students to express themselves, collaborate with peers, and make real-life connections to their learning.
This course is designed to support teachers who want to create a balance between structured phonics instruction and authentic literacy experiences. Through practical strategies and engaging activities, you'll learn how to foster literacy environments that promote student voice, agency, and confidence. By the end, you'll be equipped with tools to bring phonics instruction to life through meaningful reading and writing practices your students can relate to and enjoy.
Class Sessions:
Storytelling & Story Acting (October 16th)
Classroom Dialogue Journals (October 23rd)
Letter Exchange (October 30th)
Character Interviews (November 6th)
Classroom Newsletters (November 13th)
CLOZE Procedures (November 20th)
FORMAT: Synchronous and asynchronous online learning
DATES/TIME: Synchronous online sessions: Thursdays, 10/16/25, 10/23/25, 10/30/25, 11/6/25, 11/13/25, 11/20/25, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Asynchronous online period: 10/22/25 - 11/26/25
FACILITATOR: Natalie Casale
GCRTC CONTACT: Lorena Hurst, GCRTC Teacher Leadership Coach for Elementary Education
FEE: None. Registration is required.
CTLE HOURS: 15
REGISTRATION: https://tinyurl.com/y3cztm5m