Following the tremendous success of our EKC book club last Fall, we heard educators from all corners of the globe asking for more opportunities to get together. Our new EKC Global Chats series is a space for sharing, asking for support, and brainstorming together.

Each month, we will tackle a different hot topic in literacy with an expert in the field, and then join in some global camaraderie and discussion. It's free to join!

Chat: August 18 | 7:00-8:00am EST
Topic: "Scheduling Literacy Blocks"

Phonics, reading, writing, word study, grammar, math, science, social studies…how do we fit it all in? 

Join Erin and EKC Senior Strategist Molly Ball to talk through how our understanding of “literacy blocks” has evolved. 

When reading and writing are more closely linked to what students are learning in other areas, what does that mean for the traditional “literacy block?” 

When we’re thinking about different age groups (K-2, 3-5), are there specific considerations for use of literacy minutes that differ for lower elementary vs upper elementary classrooms?

Facilitators

Erin Kent

Erin Kent consults with international schools around the world. She helps teachers and administrators grow customized approaches to PK–12 literacy that fit an international school’s unique context. Erin taught literacy for many years in urban, independent, and international schools before becoming a literacy coach and then P–12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction where she led a team of 13 instructional coaches and advised K–12 administrators on establishing data-based educational initiatives. Erin has spoken many times at Columbia University Teachers College in New York City and at international conferences on Readers’/Writers’ Workshop methodology, literacy coaching, curriculum development, and literacy leadership.

Molly Ball

Molly Ball has worked as an IB PYP classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and literacy coach in the United States, Korea, and Singapore. She has led teachers in curriculum development with a specific focus on unpacking standards and benchmarks to create tailored reading and writing units that align with and/or enhance units of inquiry. Molly is passionate about emergent and foundational literacy and the many ways we can amplify student choice and agency through play and inquiry, as well as, transfer learning to support reading, writing and other subject areas. She has extensive experience in Reading and Writing workshop, Word Study, Student-Centered Coaching and in supporting multilingual learners. Molly is always eager to learn about each school's unique context, needs and demographic of learners and loves to collaborate with educators around the world. Currently, Molly is a Literacy Coach at Stamford American International School in Singapore.