What it is: The Literacy Shed is a fantastic blog/site I learned about on Twitter from @missmac100, thanks Carol! The Literacy Shed is maintained by primary teacher Rob Smith and is packed full of teaching ideas all related to literacy. The site is separated into “sheds,” each with a different genre. There are short films images and book suggestions that are each accompanied by a teaching idea that includes discussion questions and writing prompts. The Literacy Shed has plenty of ideas to keep you going all year long! This truly is a treasure trove that will keep you coming back again and again. You will find the following “sheds” on the Literacy Shed:
- Fantasy
- Ghostly
- Other Cultures
- Inspiration
- Moral
- Picture Book
- Great Animation
- Love
- Inventors
- Fairytales
- Reading
- Poetry
- Adventure
- Mystery
- Film Trailer
- Fun
- Lighthouse
- Flying Books
- Resource
- Non-literacy
- Weblinks
How to integrate The Literacy Shed into the classroom: The Literacy Shed is a great one-stop-shop for inspiration and ideas to improve literacy and critical thinking in your classroom. The ideas can be used with a variety of age groups, different ages will pick up on different themes and discussions using the same videos/images/books. Students will become familiar with a variety of genres and become comfortable with the characteristics of each.
There is something here for every classroom and unit. As I said, it is a treasure trove of resources! Use the ideas in the Literacy Shed to spark meaningful discussions and writing direction for your students. I always like to start with discussion and end with a written reflection because it gives students the opportunity to listen to other ideas, and then solidify their own ideas and reflections in writing.
Please leave a comment and share how you are using The Literacy Shed in your classroom!
I am glad you like this as much as I do. I am amazed at the video clips. They are the perfect length to get students thinking so the time will be spent on the thinking rather than the media. It is open-ended enough to meet all levels of students. I can see every child finding an entry to begin talking, writing or creating. 🙂
I appreciate the time you put into your post about The Literacy Shed. After reading your description, I was very interesed in how I could use this site in my classroom. After viewing the site, I agree with you in regards to The Literacy Shed being for everyone. I look forward to trying it with my class this coming school year.