Foundations of Equitable and Engaging Literacy Teaching in Primary Grades - FEELIT - aims to advance knowledge about language, reading, and writing instruction for teachers working in primary education.
We know that strong language, reading, and writing skills are established early through thoughtful and inclusive instruction from the very first day of school. Skilled teachers are essential for successful teaching in which all students learn and progress in their knowledge development. However, delivering high-quality instruction and providing all students—including high-achieving learners, multilingual students, and those with language, reading, and writing difficulties—with rich opportunities to advance can be challenging.
FEELIT has identified three areas that require further investigation:
- Structured and explicit instruction in reading and writing.
- Inclusive teaching practices adapted to students with diverse backgrounds and needs. This area is given particular attention at Linköping University and by the two doctoral students affiliated with LiU who are part of the research school.
- How children's literature can be used to enhance students’ engagement and comprehension of literary texts.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among universities and with international researchers, FEELIT contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how children’s literacy development can be promoted in ways that are both equitable and engaging.
The FEELIT Research School is funded by the Swedish Research Council (2026–2030) and is led by Linnaeus University as the host institution in collaboration with Linköping University, Malmö University, and Kristianstad University. Bringing together researchers with expertise in language, reading, and writing development, the research school aims to strengthen teaching in the early years of schooling.
Partner institutions and researchers
- Linnaeus University: Robert Walden and Linda Fälth
- Linköping University: Åsa Elwér and Johanna Lundqvist
- Malmö University: Eva Wennås Brante and Kim Ridell
- Kristianstad University: Victoria Johansson and Petra Magnusson
