The SEEDS framework offers a variety of tools that support planning, implementation, and reflection, all accessible via the Learning Portal. These resources are designed to work together to guide educators in the “how” and “what” of literacy instruction, ensuring a balanced approach to children’s learning and development.
Following is a breakdown of the core SEEDS tools and how to use them.
Literacy-Rich Schedule Template
The Literacy-Rich Schedule is a foundational planning tool that helps educators intentionally weave literacy-rich practices and routines into the daily classroom schedule. It ensures that all language and literacy content is included in the educator’s plans, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.
How to use it:
- Structure your day: The template features three columns: “Routine” (listing daily activities like arrival, large group, choice time), “SEEDS Strategies and Practices” (the specific strategies to integrate), and “Which Big 5 Literacy Skills will you embed into the routine?” (identifying the literacy predictors supported).
- Integrate strategies: Populate your schedule with SEEDS strategies such as strive for 5 conversations, Sign-In (Levels 1 and 2), Repeated Read-Alouds, Daily Message, Transition Songs (e.g., “What Is It?,” “Letters Have Names,” “Rhyme Song,” and “Beginning Sound Game”), and Targeted Vocabulary Instruction.
- Align with the Big 5: For each integrated strategy, identify which of the Big 5 Early Literacy Predictors it supports.
- Revisit and adapt: This schedule is dynamic and should be updated as new strategies are learned and children’s needs evolve.
Content Guide
The Content Guide documents what to intentionally teach to support children’s literacy development. There is one guide for each of the Big 5 Early Literacy Predictors.
How to use it:
- Understand learning objectives: Review the Content Guide for a specific literacy predictor to understand the foundational skills children need to strengthen.
- Inform activity design: Use the guide to design activities that support these skills as children progress through developmental stages.
Strategy Lesson Frame
The Lesson Frame is a step-by-step guide for implementing key SEEDS strategies throughout the day. The Frames provide suggested language, specific objectives, and material recommendations.
How to use it:
- Guide instruction: Use Lesson Frames as guides, not word-for-word scripts.
- Model and practice: Most frames follow a structure in which the educator explains a skill, models it, and then provides opportunities for children to practice.
- Adapt over time: As the educator becomes more familiar with a strategy, they can adapt the language to make it their own while maintaining the intended lesson steps.
Reflection Tool
A Reflection Tool accompanies each Lesson Frame and helps educators and coaches reflect on instruction and identify strengths and areas for improvement.
How to use it:
- Pre-lesson review: Use the checklists in the tool to review key parts of a strategy before teaching.
- Post-lesson reflection: After a lesson, use the tool to reflect on what went well and identify steps for improvement.
- Assess learning stages: The tool helps identify whether an educator is emergent (learning to implement), developing (implements somewhat accurately but needs more confidence), or fluent (implements accurately with confidence).
- Receive feedback: Coaches or team members can use these checklists to provide constructive feedback.
Planning Tool
The Planning Tool for each key SEEDS strategy supports planning for differentiated instruction and helps educators respond to children’s individual needs.
How to use it:
- Determine learning stages: Use observation data and anecdotal notes to identify whether children are emergent, developing, or fluent in a targeted skill.
- Differentiate instruction: The tool provides recommended teaching practices and scaffolding techniques for each learning stage.
- Articulate a plan: Document your instructional plan, integrating SEEDS Qualities, teaching practices, and scaffolding techniques to support children’s growth.
SEEDS Qualities Reflection Tool
This tool helps educators reflect on how their instruction aligns with the five SEEDS Qualities: Sensitivity, Encouragement, Education, Development Through Doing, and Self-Image Support.
How to use it:
- Self-reflection: Use the questions in the tool to systematically reflect on your interactions and instructional practices.
- Support multilingual learners: The tool includes specific reflection questions for educators supporting multilingual children to ensure inclusive practices.
- Integrate with planning: Use it in conjunction with Planning Tools to ensure your teaching is both effective and high-quality.
Integrated Thematic Planning Form
This form supports educators in planning thematic units around a particular area of study.
How to use it:
- Organize themes: Plan an integrated theme by identifying book titles, possible vocabulary words, props, and play center activity ideas related to the theme.
- Enhance learning: Integrated themes promote talking, reading, writing, and learning by building vocabulary and background knowledge across multiple classroom routines and areas.
SMARTIE Goals Template
The SMARTIE Goals Template helps educators set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Bound, Inclusive, and Equitable goals for applying new content to classroom practice.
How to use it:
- Set personal goals: Educators can use this template to develop a personalized goal based on what they’ve learned.
- Actionable steps: Educators can use it to ensure their goals include clear action steps and a timeline for implementation.
- Share with coach: If applicable, educators can share their SMARTIE goal with their Collaborative Coach for ongoing support and feedback.
Families Make a Difference! Letters
These handouts provide guidance and tips for families in supporting their children’s literacy development at home.
How to use it:
- Engage families: Share these letters (available in English and Spanish) with families regularly. They offer practical tips and strategies that align with the SEEDS approach, such as talking about objects, reading books aloud, rhyming, and writing activities.
- Build partnerships: These letters are one component of fostering strong, reciprocal relationships with families, who are seen as essential partners in a child’s education.
Educator's Guide
The Educator's Guide serves as a primary reference, providing comprehensive information on SEEDS principles, strategies, and implementation.
How to use it:
- Foundational knowledge: Review sections like an overview of SEEDS, the key beliefs embedded in the framework, literacy development, and social skills.
- Strategy details: Consult specific pages for detailed descriptions of SEEDS practices and routines, such as Transition Songs, Strive for 5 Conversations, Repeated Read-Alouds, and Sign-In.
- Supporting resources: Refer to it for information on setting up play centers, supporting multilingual learners, and building partnerships with families.
By consistently utilizing these SEEDS tools in a cyclical process of planning, implementing, assessing, and refining, educators can create a highly responsive and effective learning environment that nurtures every child’s journey toward literacy success.