You’ve had to figure out a lot of new technology and new ways of teaching over the past year, and we know it hasn’t always been easy. Good news! Whether you’re teaching in class or remotely, you can use Epic to make sure your students meet their ELA (English Language Arts) learning goals.
Check out the 10 top ways our Epic Educators use Epic to support ELA instruction.
1. Sequencing & Story Retells
Students can use their favorite stories on Epic to practice sequencing! They can work on this important ELA skill by identifying the beginning, middle and end of stories, then develop their language skills by retelling the stories aloud using a free video-recording tool like Flipgrid. To help guide students’ thinking check out this resource from Epic curriculum Innovator, Michael Hughes.
2. Text-Feature Scavenger Hunts
Knowing how to find and identify parts of an informational text is a Common Core Standard and precursor to developing strong research skills. It’s so much more fun to learn about things like “tables of contents” and “glossaries” when kids can explore thousands of high-interest nonfiction texts on topics they love. They can do this on Epic.
3. Mentor Texts for Writing Units
Looking for mentor texts or instructional videos to guide your students on informational or persuasive writing? We’ve got you covered! All you have to do is type the topic for the unit you’re teaching in the Search bar and select “Collections.” Then you can view related collections that have been created and shared by teachers like you.
4. Compare & Contrast
Want to teach students about the differences between nonfiction and fiction? How to compare and contrast fairy tales from around the world? Whatever your goal, Epic has tons of books for every grade level and subject. Search topics for your grade level here.
5. Author Studies
With Epic, author studies are easy. Students can search and find books by authors of their choice so they can discuss with the class about similarities and differences between their works. Does your class love books by Yuyi Morales, Tom Angleberger or Gail Gibbons? Search by their names to use them as resources for your next author study.
6. Diversify Your Classroom Library
Now, more than ever, students need access to content that showcases diverse cultural experiences and encourages acceptance, understanding, empathy and inclusion. Whatever you’re teaching, you’ll find plenty of books on Epic to help your students explore all voices and find their own.
7. Read-Alouds & Shared Reading
Students don’t have to miss out hearing their favorite teacher read aloud to them. While Epic doesn’t enable creating recordings, you can LIVE stream! Just share your screen and read aloud with your students using Zoom or another video app. Learn more about remote read-alouds on Epic here.
8. “Listen-to-Reading” as part of Daily 5
Literacy centers may look a little bit different if you’re teaching remotely, but students can still reap the benefits of Read-to-Me books as they listen to stories read aloud on Epic to build fluency and confidence as readers.
9. Guided Reading
Even if you’re teaching remotely, guided reading is still possible! Epic lets you select your reading level system (AR, DRA, F&P, GRL, Lexile) and search and assign books at the right level for your students. Then you can share your screen during a video call and let students read aloud. This way you can target specific skills and help them grow as readers even from afar. Learn how to assign books at the right level on Epic here.
10. Independent Reading
Last but not least! Epic is great for independent reading. Whether it’s built into your schedule for balanced literacy or squeezed into your day for brain breaks or free choice time, your students will benefit from endless independent exploration and find the books they love.
Whether teaching in class or at home, we hope these tips make your ELA instruction easy, effective and enjoyable wherever you are.
