The Literacy Connection

Dear Educators,

This issue will look a little different and is purposely short; it is May, after all!

I know how exhausting the end of the school year can be with summer just around the corner, so I’ll keep this short and sweet. I’ve loved using this platform to connect with all of you, and I can’t wait to continue this work next school year.

First, I want to take a moment to thank you for the incredible work you've done to support literacy across our county. Whether you were analyzing data, refining instruction, leading PD, or putting just the right book in a student's hands, your dedication has made a real difference. Every lesson, conversation, and adjustment you've made has added up to something powerful—and our students are better for it.

Before we head into summer, I want to gently name something we’ve all felt: the temptation to look for blame when things get tough. In education, where the stakes are high and the challenges are real, it's easy to point fingers--at curriculum, systems, testing, parents, or even each other. But blame doesn’t build better readers—collaboration does. Let’s keep leaning in, asking questions, and working together. Because when we assume positive intent and stay solution-focused, we create the kind of professional community our students deserve.

Wishing you rest and a well-earned break. Thank you for everything you’ve poured into this year. You are seen, you are appreciated, and you are making a difference. See you in August!

Happy Reading,

Joy Kamp

Literacy Instructional Coach

Shawn was nominated by a 6-12 instructional coach for his hard work with literacy. Here is a short shoutout to Shawn!

"Shawn is an AP English, public speaking, and journalism teacher. While working with the department this year on writing and assessment alignment, I have been able to collaborate with Shawn on a few mini-projects; Mr. Price truly cares about exposing his learners to diverse topics, real-world problem-solving skills, and the communication tool-kit necessary to thrive in our world. He is especially passionate about encouraging learners to engage in healthy discourse. He challenges them through inquiry and exposure to a sound balance of philosophy, literature, and research. I am especially impressed with Mr. Price's approach to literacy skills aligned to the 21st-century skills. As I've been keeping up with the development of the ICLP, I couldn't help but make the connection that Shawn's attention to those secondary literacy skills is proven to be invaluable to high school students who may or may not be moving on to a traditional post-secondary-education future.

Shawn's AP students, especially, have been engaging in tasks centered on Critical Literacy as they navigate and dissect non-fiction texts published by current humanitarian organizations. They are often asked to critically analyze the validity, potential bias, and relevance of the materials that they are then asked to respond to in organized and clearly communicated written expression.

Learners in Mr. Price's room have been conditioned to engage in the student-centered activities by making personal connections and continually questioning the most effective ways to "argue." Every time I have the pleasure of visiting Mr. Price's classroom, I learn something new. I appreciate working with another educator who shares a similar WHY, and I hope our future work together benefits the learners of Peotone High School."

Ever wonder why we teach nouns in kindergarten and 1st grade, and yet we still teach them in 7th grade? Make It Stick unlocks the mystery of how our brains retain information by sharing research-backed strategies that improve learning.

The key takeaway? Learning that sticks is active, spaced out, and effortful. Instead of relying on rereading or highlighting, try these more effective methods:

• Retrieval practice (self-quizzing)

• Spaced repetition (review over time)

• Interleaving (mixing topics)

• Elaboration (explaining in your own words)

If you haven't read this popular book yet, this summer is a great time to do so!

In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the rise of anxiety, depression, and mental health struggles among today's youth—and pinpoints the rapid adoption of smartphones and social media as a key turning point. Drawing on a wealth of data, Haidt argues that a “phone-based childhood” has replaced the more developmentally healthy “play-based childhood,” leaving kids more isolated, sleep-deprived, and vulnerable.

Haidt identifies four foundational “Great Rewiring” shifts that began around 2010: a sharp increase in screen time, the decline of unsupervised play, the erosion of in-person social interaction, and the rise of overprotective parenting. He offers research-based insights into how this shift has particularly impacted adolescent girls and outlines a path forward for families, schools, and society to restore balance and resilience in the lives of young people.

This is a must-read for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about the future mental health of the next generation.

*Click the book image to purchase on Amazon (not an affiliate link!)