Literacy Matters Vol 24 Winter 2024

Letter from the Editors Koti L. Hubbard, Ph.D. and Kirsten Abel, Ed.D

Dear Readers,

We trust this letter finds you well and thriving in your classrooms this winter. We are excited to share the latest issue of Literacy Matters with you. In this issue of Literacy Matters , you’ll read studies about making American nature writing in ELA secondary classrooms more diverse and representative of the students in the classroom (Camp), examining available

Koti L. Hubbard

Kirsten Abel

book resources in a Chinese-English dual language immersion elementary school (Du), and an examination of the disparities within literacy education (Gillette & Pattman). In addition, Hoffman and Crenshaw discuss incorporating intensive vocabulary using read alouds, and Tisi researches how preservice teachers integrate science and literacy in the early grades with a STEM Twist. Lastly, with preservice teachers at Clemson University, Shelnut reviewed picture books focused on a favorite topic of young children–animals! As always, it is our privilege to serve you, the dedicated teachers and teacher educators who tirelessly strive to support the literacy development of all students. If you are interested in contributing to the next edition of Literacy Matters, please do not hesitate to email us for further details. Be inspired and inspiring, Koti and Kirsten

Literarcy Matters Make it Matter

Letter from the President

Kaye Jamison

keeping with the mission, the conference was invigorating as we connected with long-time friends and established new friendships and professional relationships with the individuals in attendance. Sheer joy, enthusiasm, and thoughtful reflection and knowledge were cultivated and shared among attendees to explore the theme “ The Many Facets of Literacy: Mining the Hidden Gems .” I sincerely appreciate all who participated in various important ways that supported a successful conference. A special thanks to Dr. Denise Furlong, Dr. Stephen Peters, Kylene Beers, Berit Gordon, Rebecca Harper, Carol Jago, and Lauren Tarshis, who shared rigorous literacy and learning research with us. It was also a pleasure to have many well-known authors and South Carolina teachers share their expertise in meaningful ways. “ He who dares to teach must never cease to learn ” (Dana). To this end, I would like to recognize the dedication of the editors and authors of the Literacy Matters journal, which is offered to our membership. All educators benefit from the latest educational research; the Literacy Matters journal provides that access. In closing, I have been honored to serve with educators across the state this year who are tireless literacy advocates and make a difference in the lives of the children in South Carolina schools. As you enter the final months of the 2023 2024 school year, please know that you are appreciated, and we thank you for your professional dedication to take the very best in literacy-based learning to your students each day!

Dear Colleagues,

Serving as the 2023 2024 Palmetto State Literacy Association (PSLA) President has been a pleasure and privilege. Mindful of the adage “ it takes a village,” I am grateful to the members of the PSLA executive committee, the board of directors, committee chairs, and our local council officers. It is immensely inspiring to be part of this group of literacy leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to promote PSLA’s mission and vision to support members. As a statewide organization, many avenues and opportunities allow us to advocate PSLA’s goals for teaching and improving literacy in South Carolina . The primary commitment is to promote literacy through the advancement of reading, writing, and communication instruction and to encourage literacy as a lifetime tool for learning. We have had an amazing year of learning and growing together. Our journey began in May 2023 with an informative PSLA LeadershipWorkshop followed by many professional learning opportunities throughout the year. Most recently, we were together for our PSLA 48th Annual Conference! I send a heartfelt thank you to Krystal Turner, Conference Chair, and the Conference Committee for organizing an amazing conference on February 22-24, 2024, at beautiful Hilton Head Island. Such stellar service, dedication, and collaboration provided a refreshing experience for professional learning that does make a difference. The objective of this year’s conference was to share and learn new tools that students need to thrive in a world surrounded by multiple forms of literacy that promote critical thinking. In Kaye Jamison

Most sincerely, Kaye Jamison PSLA President 2023-2024 https://palmettostateliteracy.org

| VI | Literacy Matters | Volume 24 • Winter 2024

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