My annual learning goals are centred around deepening my understanding of Structured Literacy. You can read more about it here.
Ontario educators already use a wide range of thoughtful, equitable, student-centred practices. Deepening my understanding of the science of learning has been one way I’ve strengthened parts of my teaching, but it exists alongside many other effective approaches. My goal in this series is simply to share and reflect on shifts I have made that have supported my learners in their journey of reading.
Shift # 1 – Explicit Instruction
Explicit instruction is sometimes misunderstood as “teacher-centred,” but in reality, it is profoundly learner-centred. It removes guesswork, makes learning transparent, and ensures every student has the tools they need to succeed. Using a gradual release model—“I do, We do, You do”—offers students modelling, guided practice, and the confidence to work independently.
Explicit instruction isn’t less creative, less fun, or less student-centred. In fact, it is more equitable, more predictable, and more effective for our diverse Ontario classrooms.
This approach aligns seamlessly with Structured Literacy practices such as:
- Phonics instruction
- Morphology work
- Modelling decoding and encoding strategies
- Teaching comprehension strategies explicitly
- Building academic language intentionally
Since shifting toward more explicit instruction, I’ve observed meaningful changes in student learning and engagement. Some benefits include:
- Learning feels more accessible: Concepts are broken into clear, manageable steps that students can follow
- Thinking is modelled out loud: Students hear the reasoning process, not just the final answer.
- Guided practice bridges the gap: Students get support before being asked to work independently.
- Language and expectations are clear: Directions, success criteria, and vocabulary are no longer left to interpretation.
- Students are more confident and independent: Predictable routines build trust.
- Classroom management improves: When students understand what to do and how to do it, engagement in learning increases.
It is important to note that explicit instruction is deeply connected to equity. Explicit instruction levels the playing field. It ensures all students receive clear, high-quality, structured teaching. My shift toward explicit instruction continues to evolve, and I know every teacher’s journey looks different. If you’re curious about trying elements of explicit instruction, I hope this reflection offers a helpful starting point. You can also review this ETFO resource for an example what explicit instruction can look like and tips how to get started! It is also available at the ETFO assessment website.
