Featured Video
Introduction to Partnerships for Literacy and Learning (PLL)
Partnerships for Literacy and Learning helps schools get better at developing students’ literate abilities so that they can think well and enjoy future success in school, work, and civic participation. We accomplish this by providing professional learning that improves teaching, strengthens leadership, and creates partnerships and networks. (5 minutes)
Video Archives
Inquiry, Investigations and Projects
Christine Hertz Hausman is a teacher, author, and consultant. In this video, she will explore ways that children can use cycles of inquiry and project based learning to follow their curiosity and explore, create, and learn. With strategies and tools that could be used for remote or in-person learning, this video will guide teachers in creating learning experiences that are engaging and responsive. (29 minutes)
Meaningful Discussion In An Online Environment
Mary Grace and Melanie Stultz-Backus share some tried and true discussion strategies and that have been tweaked for online use. The importance of discussion, making the most of online discussion and assessing student discussion are some of the topics covered in this video. (24 minutes)
Home and School Collaboration In the Time of COVID 2020
Jim Calhoun, Ph.D school psychologist, speaks about how to support students and build collaborations with parents during these challenging times. He uses Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to step us through this socio-historical time as it shapes education. “Play Personalities” as a way to find a way in with various students is also discussed. (19 minutes)
Writing About Reading – Ways We Respond to Text
Gayle Moskowitz is an elementary literacy coach, a literacy consultant with PLL, and has taught classes for UVM, Saint Michael’s College and Southern NH University. She helps us learn more about teaching our students to respond to text through writing. Are kids comprehending what they are reading? What kinds of thinking are students doing when they read? Gayle will help you find ways to answer these and more questions. (17 minutes)
Play: Social Emotional Learning For Families
Kristi Mraz is a teacher, author for teachers, pun nerd and consultant. Why is it important to maintain PLAY at this time? Kristi helps us understand why we need to encourage our children to play independently. According to the research, socially competent children do better in life, and this video will help you support your children in these important skills. (30 minutes)
From Freedom to Empowerment in Student Centered Learning
Alysia Backman and Emily Gilmore are both Vermont high school teachers who have worked together for 5 years. Alysia is a lecturer for pre-service, undergraduate teacher courses and Emily is a 2017 Rowland Fellow who studied Act 77, the Flexible Pathways Initiative. This video will help you be intentional and reflective when designing learning for all students. You will also become aware of how different lenses and frameworks impact students’ learning. Additionally, you will learn about a variety of tools to use to reflect on how to know if you are meeting the needs of all your students. (37 minutes)
Vocabulary Matters … A Video For Teachers
Ellen Thompson, Ed.D, a well-known Vermont Literacy Consultant and National Board Certified teacher is with us to help us with this all important topic: Vocabulary Instruction Matters! What does the research say? What are some guiding principles for teaching vocabulary? Learn 5 instructional moves to use in a digital or traditional classroom environment. (29 minutes)
Choreographing Communication
In this video PLL’s Vermont Literacy Consultant Melanie Stultz-Backus describes the Critical Response Process, an innovation developed by Liz Lerman, dancer and choreographer. This process is designed to create meaningful feedback and communication within the writing workshop for the upper grades. (5 minutes)