Part 1: A New Assessment Tool for Teachers with Sharon Callen

In this episode, Sharon Callen dives into a groundbreaking tool for educators—the "Listening to Reading, Watching While Writing" protocol, developed by literacy experts Nell Duke, Ward, and Klingelhofer. Sharon explores how this informal, formative assessment tool, launched between 2020 and 2023, is reshaping the way teachers assess and support their students' literacy skills in real-time.Unlike traditional formal assessments, this tool places teachers in the role of a researcher, empowering them to observe, reflect, and teach on the spot. Sharon highlights that the protocol bridges reading and writing in a way that reflects their natural reciprocity, emphasising that what students learn as readers, they apply as writers—and vice versa.Sharon discusses how this tool doesn’t replace formal assessments, but complements them by guiding educators in their observations during daily instruction. It provides nuanced insights into areas like word identification, comprehension, and vocabulary strategies. By capturing these moments, teachers can make informed, immediate decisions about how to scaffold students’ learning.The episode underscores the protocol's flexible and evolving nature, inviting teachers to adapt it to their needs. Sharon shares her experiences working with educators to trial the tool, noting its potential to humanise assessment—focusing not just on data collection, but on real-time learning and growth. With this tool, the goal is clear: empowering teachers to make a difference right there, right then, for every student’s reading and writing journey.Listeners are encouraged to explore the protocol and its resources, readily available for free online, and to see how this innovative approach can transform their teaching practice.RESOURCESListening to Reading, Watching While Writing protocolTimothy Rasinski - Fluency RubricTEACHIFICPersonal Word Walls JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]