Nicky Newsome, a Grade 4 teacher and Literacy Lead Teacher at our Junior School (currently on a year leave) had the opportunity to present at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual Convention in Boston in November 2024. This premier event brought together thousands of educators from across North America to explore innovative and proven teaching methods in English language arts.
A Unique Collaboration with Matt Glover
For the past three years, our Junior School has worked closely with Matt Glover, an internationally renowned literacy consultant and author. Glover’s passion for supporting and nurturing young writers aligns with SMUS's commitment to best practices in literacy education, while still preserving our unique program. During a visit last year, Glover invited Newsome to collaborate on his current research. This partnership involved action research in her classroom, focusing on language composition and oral rehearsal, which later became the foundation for her presentation at NCTE.
Presentation Highlights: Valuing Oral Rehearsal in Writing
Newsome’s presentation, part of a panel alongside Glover and six other literacy professionals, was titled Valuing More Than What Can Be Seen: Leveraging Language Composition and Oral Rehearsal to Support Individual Student Writers. She shared insights from her classroom research, showcasing how oral rehearsal can serve as a powerful bridge to writing.
“It’s easier for students to write when they have a clear vision of what they’re going to create,” Newsome explained. “Oral composition—using the language of the genre—deepens their understanding and provides a low-stakes, high-impact way to practice.”
For example, during an opinion writing unit focused on reviews, students first analyzed real-world examples, then practised composing their own reviews aloud. Newsome observed that this process boosted students’ confidence, engagement, and independence as writers. By speaking their ideas first, students could actively construct their understanding of the genre, receive immediate feedback, and transition seamlessly into written composition.
A Star-Studded Convention Experience
Beyond presenting, Newsome immersed herself in the vibrant learning environment of the NCTE convention. She met celebrated middle-grade authors, including Susan Hood, Jasmine Warga, Ellen Oh, and Kwame Alexander, and attended an engaging session by Kate McKinnon.
“I also had the privilege of meeting some of my literacy mentors—individuals whose published resources have greatly shaped my practice,” Newsome shared.
SMUS’s Thoughtful Approach to Literacy
At SMUS Junior School, our goal is to foster a strong foundation in literacy—developing in students the skills and attitudes required to become lifelong readers and communicators. Balanced with explicit skill instruction, our program also emphasizes motivation and engagement in literacy, aiming to cultivate ‘wild’ readers and writers—students who choose to explore books for pleasure and allow literature to reshape their views of the world.
“Many presenters at NCTE were passionate about the importance of a purposeful and responsive approach to literacy instruction, Newsome noted.
“Among other things, we want our students to see reading as a window into new perspectives and writing as a tool for reflection and change,” Newsome said. “Our goal is to empower young readers and writers to know that their voices and ideas matter.”
Leaving a Lasting Impact
Reflecting on her NCTE experience, Newsome highlighted the rewards of sharing her research and connecting with passionate educators.
“Presenting with such a distinguished panel at NCTE affirmed my belief in the importance of oracy as part of a well rounded literacy program,” she noted. “I’m excited to bring these strategies back to SMUS, where our dedicated team continuously seeks new ways to inspire and empower our students as communicators and thinkers.”
Newsome’s work exemplifies the lasting impact that innovative teaching practices can have on both students and the broader educational community. Her contributions at the NCTE Annual Convention underscore SMUS’s commitment to excellence in literacy education and to fostering a love of reading and writing that transcends the classroom.
