We recently shared eight components of a strong balanced literacy program on the Flocab blog, and some of you reached out to ask us how Flocabulary fits in with these various balanced literacy components. With over 800 units featuring reading passages, writing activities and assessments, Flocabulary is a great fit for any balanced literacy program!
Every Friday morning, teachers find a shiny new Week in Rap or Week in Rap Junior announcement sitting in their inbox. Our weekly current events units are a favorite among Flocabulary users, and we hear (and see!) lots of excitement from teachers and students every week.
During a recent school training, I asked the teachers, “How does Flocabulary support the components of balanced literacy?” No one responded. I assumed the group just wasn’t energized for the session yet. So I repeated the question—“Come on guys! You can answer this. How does Flocabulary support balanced literacy?” The blank stares I received was confusing. Finally, I heard a voice say, “I don’t know about everyone else, but I don’t know what balanced literacy is.” Ah, now I was getting somewhere! As a former teacher, I should have known better than to assume the group knew what balanced literacy was. In…
Earlier this fall, we partnered with Atlanta Public Schools on a writing contest called Hip Hop History. The challenge posed to students was simple: Write a rap song about a historical figure who inspires you. The results were remarkable. In the video below, see how students found their voices — and new levels of engagement — through writing academic rhymes.
This time next week, members of the Flocabulary team will be gearing up for what will surely be an awesome FETC 2017. Are you heading to Orlando, too? Read on to find out what's on tap at Booth 2317—our home base for FETC.
