Family and Caregivers

"Families are composed of individuals who are competent and capable, curious, and rich in experience. Families love their children and want the best for them. Families are experts on their children. They are the most powerful influence on children's learning, development, health and well-being." -- The Kindergarten Program 2016, p.10

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. The Early Reading Framework outlines the critical components of effective early reading instruction and guides reading instruction at the TDSB.

Family and Caregiver Early Literacy Guide

TDSB Early Reading Framework

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

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Ontario Human Rights Commission: Right to Read Inquiry Report

The Ontario Human Rights Commission released the Right to Read Inquiry Report which reflected findings from a public inquiry into human rights issues affecting students with reading disabilities. In response to the inquiry report, the Ministry of Education released Effective Early Reading Instruction: A Guide for Teachers which includes examples of instructional strategies to support reading instruction.

TDSB Literacy supports for educators reflect the recommendations from the Right to Read Inquiry Report and also ensure the students’ lived experiences and identities are affirmed and that they experience the joy of reading.

Families and caregivers can support reading development at home in many ways. Please check out the tips below to support children’s language in the following key areas: