Tuition Funding: Advanced Practices for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Literacy - University of The People

February 8, 2026

By Kaitlin Gutowski


Rethinking Literacy: What Today’s Classrooms Really Need

Teaching literacy in elementary and middle school today isn’t what it used to be—and honestly, that’s a good thing. The world has changed, and so have our students. As educators, we’re not just teaching kids how to read and write anymore. We're helping them navigate emotions, make sense of digital media, and express themselves in creative, meaningful ways. Let’s talk about what that looks like in real classrooms.


Storytelling as a Tool for Empathy

We’ve always known that stories are powerful. But in the early years especially, fiction does more than just entertain—it builds empathy and emotional understanding. When students engage with characters facing tough decisions or big feelings, they start to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Take The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld. This simple yet profound picture book gives kids a gentle introduction to grief, emotions, and how to support others. Books like this open up space for rich conversations and help kids process their own feelings, which ties directly into both cognitive development and social-emotional learning. It’s a reminder that reading isn’t just about comprehension—it’s about connection.


Literacy Means So Much More Now

We’re all seeing how the definition of literacy has expanded. These days, being “literate” means being able to:

  • Figure out if an online article (or AI-generated image) is legit
  • Understand and communicate using audio, video, visuals, and interactive media
  • Be smart, safe, and kind online
  • Create and collaborate in digital spaces


So, we’ve got to teach more than reading strategies. We need to talk about digital footprints, misinformation, and ethical tech use—yes, even in the elementary grades. That means staying up to date ourselves, even when the tech landscape is changing fast. It can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also a great opportunity to bring real-world relevance into our classrooms.


Don’t Sleep on Poetry

Let’s not forget how magical poetry can be in a literacy-rich classroom. Short, expressive, and often deeply personal, poetry invites students to experiment with language in ways other texts don’t. It builds confidence, creativity, and even supports speaking and listening skills.

As Carter (2004) puts it, “Poems are perfect for developing speaking and listening skills – for discussing, analyzing, debating, reflecting upon, sharing – as well as for learning and ultimately performing.” Plus, when we bring poetry into shared readings or performances, we’re tapping into Vygotsky’s ideas about learning through social interaction. That’s where the magic happens—when kids build meaning together.


What This Means for Us as Teachers

So where do we go from here? If we want to meet the needs of today’s learners, we need to:

  • Use literature to spark conversations about feelings, relationships, and identity
  • Embrace digital tools—not just as add-ons, but as part of the literacy journey
  • Make space for creativity and self-expression, especially through poetry and performance
  • Keep evolving with the times and supporting each other as we do


Teaching literacy is no longer just about sounding out words or writing neatly. It’s about helping kids make sense of their world, their emotions, and the massive amount of information they’re exposed to every day. It’s complex, for sure—but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Here’s to growing with our students, one story, poem, and digital lesson at a time.


Reference

Carter, J. (2004). Page to stage: developing writing, speaking and listening skills in primary schools. David Fulton Publishers. Retrieved from eBook Central (accessed through LIRN).



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