Heather Willms, B.A., B.Ed., M.A.Ed., is the District Reading Intervention teacher for Comox Valley Schools. Her work includes mentoring, modeling, and supporting both teachers and students in grades K–7. Heather has twenty-three years of experience as a classroom, learning support, and district lead teacher. A respected literacy leader, she works as a reading consultant and coach for districts, schools, and teachers interested in shifting instruction to align with the Science of Reading.
An Overview of the Science of Reading
We live in a time where technology provides us with significant insights into how the brain learns to read. This, paired with years of reading research, allows us to address the alarming drop in reading scores we are seeing across North America. This workshop introduces educators to the Science of Reading, and a sampling of strategies that can be used to support reading instruction and intervention in the classroom and small group setting. The presentation takes participants through the Big 5 of reading (Comprehension, Phonemic Awareness, Fluency, Phonics and Vocabulary) and how the implementation of instruction in these 5 areas contributes to a comprehensive, research-based reading program.
6 Winning Strategies for Reading Success
In this fast-paced session, Heather will guide participants through 6 powerful strategies that will support reading instruction for emergent readers and those struggling in their reading journey. Strategies are drawn from the Big 5 of reading instruction (Comprehension, Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary and Fluency) and align with evidence-based reading instruction (SOR). Participants will have the opportunity to engage with several of the strategies in the session and leave with a list of resources to explore.
An Overview of the Science of Reading
We live in a time where technology provides us with significant insights into how the brain learns to read. This, paired with years of reading research, allows us to address the alarming drop in reading scores we are seeing across North America. This workshop introduces educators to the Science of Reading, and a sampling of strategies that can be used to support reading instruction and intervention in the classroom and small group setting. The presentation takes participants through the Big 5 of reading (Comprehension, Phonemic Awareness, Fluency, Phonics and Vocabulary) and how the implementation of instruction in these 5 areas contributes to a comprehensive, research-based reading program.
6 Winning Strategies for Reading Success
In this fast-paced session, Heather will guide participants through 6 powerful strategies that will support reading instruction for emergent readers and those struggling in their reading journey. Strategies are drawn from the Big 5 of reading instruction (Comprehension, Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary and Fluency) and align with evidence-based reading instruction (SOR). Participants will have the opportunity to engage with several of the strategies in the session and leave with a list of resources to explore.