Even though many of us teach upper-level high school ELA (AP® Lang and Lit, American Lit, British Lit, ELA 11 and ELA 12, etc.), we can’t assume students know everything when they come into our classrooms in August. For this reason, I start with explicitly teaching key literacy skills at the start of the school year.
This comprehensive guide will help you “crash course” your students through key skills that’ll help them become effective readers, communicators, and writers. By implementing these strategies, you’ll set your students up for success not just in your English class, but in all of their academic pursuits! (Here is the guide/handout I give them for these skills.)
Cultivating Strong Reading Habits
Pre-reading Strategies
Teach your students to approach texts strategically by:
- Skimming study guides or discussion questions before reading
- Researching background information on the author and historical context
- Reading chapter summaries before diving into challenging texts
- Using audiobooks to support comprehension
Encourage students to view these steps as part of the reading process, not just extra work. Explain how these strategies can enhance their understanding and retention of the material.
The Art of Annotation
Effective annotation is a skill that can significantly improve reading comprehension. Teach your students to:
- Jot down thoughts, epiphanies, and questions as they read
- Connect their annotations to study guide questions
- Use a consistent system of symbols or colors for different types of notes
Consider providing annotation guides or conducting annotation workshops to help students develop this skill.
Troubleshooting Reading Difficulties
Empower your students with strategies to overcome reading challenges:
- Re-reading difficult passages
- Looking up unfamiliar words
- Reading ahead for more context
- Finding a distraction-free environment for reading
- Using classical music to block out distractions
Emphasize that even skilled readers face difficulties sometimes, and using these strategies is a sign of a committed reader!
Fostering Effective Communication Skills
Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment
To encourage open and respectful communication:
- Practice respectful dialogue, and give lots of praise as well as constructive criticism to help them see what’s desirable and not-so-desirable. Give them plenty of opportunities to practice speaking and listening, and consider giving feedback on these skills, whether verbally or in written form.
- Establish clear guidelines for classroom discussions.
- Recognize and praise thoughtful contributions.
Teaching Discussion Techniques
Provide your students with a toolkit of phrases for expressing opinions, asking for clarification, and agreeing or disagreeing respectfully. Some examples include:
- “I think… because…”
- “Could you explain what you meant by…?”
- “I agree/disagree with that idea because…”
Practice these phrases through role-playing exercises or structured debates to help students internalize them. (More ideas here!)
Encouraging Active Listening
Teach students the importance of listening carefully and asking follow-up questions. Encourage them to:
- Paraphrase others’ points to ensure understanding
- Ask for clarification when needed
- Build on others’ ideas in discussions
More on Speaking & Listening: I love this fishbowl worksheet for specific speaking feedback & these discussion ideas really work!
Developing Strong Writing Skills
Introducing the C.E.A. Method
The Claim, Evidence, Analysis (C.E.A.) method is a powerful tool for structuring written responses. Here’s how to teach it:
- Claim: Teach students to answer questions clearly and concisely.
- Evidence: Show them how to select relevant quotes or paraphrase text evidence.
- Analysis: Guide students in explaining how their evidence supports their claim.
Provide examples of strong C.E.A. paragraphs and practice constructing them as a class before asking students to write independently.
Need Materials to Teach It?
Teaching Proper Citation
Emphasize the importance of academic integrity by teaching proper citation techniques:
- Introduce in-text citations for both direct quotes and paraphrased information
- Teach students how to create a Works Cited page
- Explain the consequences of plagiarism and the benefits of proper attribution
Consider using citation games or interactive online tools to make learning these skills more engaging.
Implementing These Strategies in Your Classroom
To effectively teach these skills
- Introduce concepts right away during back-to-school/the first few weeks of school
- Model the skills yourself when reading or discussing texts
- Provide ample practice opportunities in class
- Offer constructive feedback on students’ reading notes, discussion contributions, and written responses. (Want to give great feedback in less time? Try this blogpost!)
- Celebrate progress and improvement in these areas
Remember, developing these skills takes time and practice. Be patient with your students and consistently reinforce these strategies throughout the year.
Even 11th and 12th graders love to be praised and recognized. TELL THEM OFTEN how awesome they are, and emphasize what they are doing well. Kids will love you when you love them. (It really is that simple most of the time!!)
Conclusion: Empowering Lifelong Learners
By teaching your students these essential reading, communication, and writing skills, you’re not just preparing them for success in your class. You’re equipping them with tools for lifelong learning and effective communication in all areas of their lives.
As you implement these strategies, you’ll see improvements in your students’ comprehension, critical thinking, and academic performance. More importantly, you’ll be fostering a love for learning and literature that can last a lifetime.
What strategies have you found effective when teaching these skills early in the year? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
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