Dr. Susan Zoll
Using Language Materials with Purpose
Join Dr. Susan Zoll, literacy expert and Montessori educator, as she shares strategies for assessing and supporting children’s literacy development within both Montessori and traditional education settings. With years of experience as a literacy coach, teacher trainer, and author, Susan offers practical tools to help you understand how to track progress and ensure children are moving forward in their learning.
In this session, you’ll discover:
-How to use observations and record-keeping to assess literacy development
-The importance of vocabulary and language comprehension, alongside decoding skills
-Practical tools like personalized literacy plans, checklists, and learning environments to support language growth
Susan also emphasizes the value of building reading and vocabulary skills from an early age, using Montessori materials and methods to support children’s natural development.
AUDIO VERSION
Dr. Susan Zoll
Dr. Susan Zoll is a Montessorian who has served as tenured professor and led several literacy projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education. She has co-chaired the American Montessori Society’s (AMS) Research Committee and received the AMS 2025 Impact Award. She is the co-author of three books: "Implementing the Montessori Method" (2026), "Effective Literacy Assessment in the Montessori Classroom" (2025), and "Powerful Literacy in the Montessori Classroom" (2023).
Discussion
Your questions will be answered after the conference.
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Wow the chart in regards to 1985 to later, the drop in reading was so sad.
B
@Val, I completely agree. But I believe we (educators and families) can greatly influence this!
Thank you for your lecture. I agree you can never do too much on literacy.
Children live in a different era now so sad to hear less children are reading books.