Early Reading in the TDSB
The Family and Caregiver Guide has been developed to outline this vision of early reading in the TDSB in partnership with families and communities. This Guide is led by our vision of families and it provides an overview of the foundational early reading skills and essential instructional approaches. Suggestions of strategies for families and caregivers are shared that extend, respond and honour children’s competencies in early literacy behaviours.
Early Reading Instruction at the TDSB Educators strive to embed the intentional teaching of foundational reading skills into rich learning experiences that build upon children’s strengths, interests, passions, lived experiences and identities.
Key messages outlined in this framework include
- Reading experiences build on students’ prior knowledge, their strengths, passions, interests, identities and language experiences in their home and their community
- The Teaching of foundational reading skills happens in purposeful and meaningful contexts where students are immersed in rich literacy experiences that cultivate joy
- Instruction in reading is grounded in responsive, caring relationships