Improving Reading Curricula by Developing an Explicit Theory of Reading Instruction

Supervisor: Prof. Blair Armstrong

There is broad consensus that an early step for pre-literate children is learning that particular patterns of visual symbols (letters) map onto particular sounds; this is referred to as phonics instruction. However, phonics programs disagree on exactly which rules to teach. Student RAs will work as a team to examine what is taught in several popular phonics programs. Different students will take the lead on different parts of a phonics program, but we will work collectively and meet regularly to discuss challenges and standardize our examination methods. 

Curriculum Resources Collection (OISE Library)

A collection of 36,000+ resources supporting K-12 Ontario curricula. Physical resources available at the OISE Library include textbooks focused on the Ontario curriculum (e.g. those from the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Trillium List), manipulatives, DVDs, resource kits, lesson plans, teacher's guides, etc.

• Location: 3rd floor, OISE Library
• Call number range for phonics texts: 428.1, 428.3 - 428.4
• When searching the U of T Libraries catalogue, try using the following subject headings: 
  • Reading -- Phonetic Method
  • Reading -- Phonetic Method -- Study and teaching
  • Phonetics -- Study and teaching

Ontario Curriculum Documents

The Curriculum Resources Collection also allows those with a U of T affiliation to access Ontario curricula. Once logged in with your UTORid and password, there is a section called "Curriculum by Grade" where you can refine to "Elementary Grades." Once selected, this link will take you to documents for Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2.

• For longer documents, it is recommended to do keyword search (CTRL/Command + F) using terms such as 'reading,' 'phonics,' 'phoneme,' etc.

Ontario Ministry of Education’s Trillium List

• How to use the Trillium List Online - search keywords of interest and/or browse the Trillium List pages by grade level, course, subject area, etc., using the expandable menu options on the left of the page 
   
• U of T Libraries catalogue - for any texts of interest, search for them in LibrarySearch to see if they are available for loan through U of T Libraries; ask a librarian if you require assistance
  • Find specific titles in LibrarySearch - a guide on searching for known titles within LibrarySearch

See more Google searching tips!