10 Things to Consider When Choosing an Inclusive Literacy Curriculum

We know that students with complex needs can be consistently inconsistent. One day, they may be fully engaged in a story and the next, they may require extra support with previously mastered tasks. That’s why a single assessment on a single day rarely captures the full picture of what our students know or what they’re capable of.
 
This is why Readtopia and ReadtopiaGO is designed to support educators to notice and celebrate learning as it unfolds.

• When a student points to a picture to express an opinion
• When a non-speaking learner uses their AAC device to choose a character they relate to
• Or when a student who's usually on the move pauses, tunes in, and contributes meaningfully to a group moment.
  

These aren't small moments.  They're signs of progress, connection, and confidence that standardized tools often miss.

If you’re exploring a literacy approach that truly honours how students learn, it may be helpful to pause and reflect on what that could look like in your classroom or school.

Here are 10 questions to guide that reflection:

1. Does it support a wide range of reading levels?
2. Does it create opportunities for whole-group, small-group, and one-on-one instruction?
3. Is it drown from best practices that support students' learning challenges?
4. Does it decrease the amount of hours spent finding, adapting, and aligning curriculum?
5. Does it reflect your students' lives and interests?
6. Does it provide repetition with variety?
7. Does it recognize the role that background knowledge plays in reading comprehension?
8. Are the activities and materials universally appealing, accessible, and engaging?
9. Are learning experiences distributed across phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency?
10. Does it align with curriculum standards?

CLICK HERE to learn about Readtopia and ReadtopiaGO and download a FREE Readtopia Sample Set.

For more information, CLICK HERE to find recordings of all Readtopia and ReadtopiaGO FREE webinars, along with details about upcoming events.

See other Bridges Canada blogs on the following topics:

• Why Knowledge Matters in Literacy Instruction
• Bringing the World to Students Through Video Lessons
• Close Reading to Increase knowledge, Strengthen Comprehension
• Encouraging a Love for Reading Through Self-Directed Choices