Project-Based Learning and Literacy
Project-based learning (PBL) and other models, such as play-, problem-, or place-based, are powerful instructional models that engage students in the community around them. Embedding literacy instruction into PBL is aligned with reading science and can be a powerful combination. The following module seeks to connect educators with PBL practices that support literacy instruction. In this module, you will find:
- a definition of project-based learning
- a connection between foundational literacy and PBL
- PBL literacy moves based on the Active View of Reading
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Literacy Foundations & the Active View of Reading
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When we think of foundational literacy, we often think of skills and strategies all readers need to be successful readers. The following video explains the Structure of Knowledge and the Structure of Process. The purpose is to show educators how foundational skills can be embedded into project-based learning.
Early Learning Foundational Skills: Literacy
Article
The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading
When Young Readers Get Stuck (ASCD) - Nell Duke
Podcast
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy: Ep 66 The Science of Reading Comprehension with Nell Duke
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Language Comprehension
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One of the most powerful instructional moves to support literacy is activating prior knowledge and building background knowledge. Prior knowledge is everything a student knows about a topic and may be tied to their culture. For example, students may have prior knowledge about holidays that they celebrate. That knowledge will help them comprehend holiday books.
Research and Resources
Background Knowledge Placemats
What Works Clearinghouse: Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9
Books
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Active Self-Regulation
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Additional Professional Learning
Engagement Professional Learning Modules
Books
Teaching Students to Drive Their Learning: A Playbook on Engagement and Self-Regulation K-12
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Bridging Processes
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Research and Resources
Reading Rockets - profile of Isabel Beck, vocabulary researcher, and a list of her books
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Integrating Reading, Writing, & Content
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Research and Resources
Talking About Text Structures in the PBL Classroom (Edutopia)
What Works Clearinghouse: Teaching Elementary School Students to Be Effective Writers
What Works Clearinghouse: Teaching Secondary Students to Write Effectively
Video
Nell Duke Speaking Up for Science and Social Studies (~ 29 min)
Podcast
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PBL Additional Resources
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Articles
PBL & Literacy: A Perfect Match for Elementary Schools
How Project-Based Approaches in Literacy Could Go Terribly Wrong (Or Powerfully Right)
Videos
How to take care of the environment (TK) (PBLWorks)
Project-Based Learning: Raising Student Achievement for All Learners (elementary)
Project-Based Learning: Success Start to Finish (high school)
Additional Professional Learning
Books
Contact
Kathy Bertini
Interdisciplinary Instruction Coordinator
Phone: 207-816-0294
Email: kathy.bertini@maine.gov