Literacy

Professional Development

From Sounds to Sentences: Fluency Activities for Early Readers

As teachers, one of our primary goals is to equip our young learners with the foundational skills they need to become proficient readers. As we dig into the Science of Reading research more and more, we see this in Scarborough’s Reading Rope through the word recognition strands. Fluency, the ability to read smoothly and accurately […]

Supporting Kids Struggling in Reading: 10 Practical Tips and Interventions

Teaching reading is truly a science. As we learn more about the Science of Reading research that is rising to the top, schools are beginning to adopt best teaching practices for teaching reading. We are better equipped to support kids in reading. But even with our knowledge base growing, one thing still remains–we still have […]

Using A Personal Sound Wall for Students FREE

Sound walls are a great change that many teachers are making in their literacy classrooms. Why? Sound walls are a great visual for students of how phonemes and letters or letter patterns are used to write words. Giving each student a copy of their own sound wall is a valuable tool in the classroom. Let’s […]

6 Easy Activities to Help Teach Vowel Teams

Have you heard the chant “when two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking”? It is commonly used to help teach vowel teams. I remember teaching my students this refrain during reading small groups. A few of my students were struggling with words like peach, read, and pie. I don’t remember where I […]

Science of Reading Small Group Lesson Template

Planning a reading small group can feel like a big task. It is incredibly important, and there are many pieces to consider, but it doesn’t have to be hard! Having a science of reading small group lesson template at your fingertips makes everything easier! I have been there–the end of a long day, cleaning up […]

Kindergarten Reading Small Groups

A Kindergarten schedule is always jam-packed. I know it felt this way in first grade, too, but it was just a different level of “jam-packed” in Kindergarten. Not only are you constantly teaching them how to do school, but you also have so many core curriculum pieces to squeeze in. Among them were kindergarten reading […]

8 Top Holiday Literacy Resources Your Students Will Love + Freebies

December is often a busy time not just in the classroom, but in our personal lives as well. That coupled with the holiday excitement that the students bring to school each day, it can feel overwhelming to manage everyone and everything. I found over the years that when I bring the holiday fun into the […]

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Open and Closed Syllables: A How To

Recently, my friend’s daughter was reading on the couch as she was prepping dinner in the kitchen. She came and asked, “Mommy, what does the word “cat er” mean?” I didn’t understand what she was asking so I asked her to repeat the word. She said, “cat er”. “In my book it says, “My mom […]

4 Teacher Loved Science of Reading Small Group Materials

Do you have favorite tools for baking? Or maybe favorite tools for a sport? I love to bake and have some that definitely make baking a lot easier. I love using my KitchenAid mixer when baking. It is so nice to not have to mix by hand or hold an electric mixer. I also love […]

Fall Read Alouds: 6 September Books You Will Love

It’s September and school has settled in, your routines are becoming solidified, and it air starts to get cooler. I truly love to welcome September into the classroom because the pace of our day seems to find its rhythm. We are busy with centers as we get ready for reading small groups to start soon […]

Easily Unlock Reading Power: 8 Science of Reading Small Group Instruction Tips

As a teacher, I know you’re dedicated to fostering strong reading skills in your students.  As things have been shifting and changing with the science of reading small group instruction and research in mind for several years now, it can feel like we are throwing the baby out with the bathwater at times. Leveled Books? […]

Alphabet Arcs: How to Use Them and Activities to Try

Alphabet arcs…you’ve probably seen them if you are a primary teacher. But do you know how to use them? Do you know why so many people think they are a valuable tool? I remember during my first year of teaching, a had a small group set of alphabet arcs. But I really didn’t know how […]

4 Practical Ways to Bring the Science of Reading Research to Your Classroom

When it comes to the science of reading research, many teachers are probably familiar with it and the gist of what it means. But what about what that looks like in your classroom? What does bringing the science of reading research to your classroom and applying it actually look like? If you have questions like […]

The Must-Have Word Work Tool for Primary Teachers {Freebie}

When it comes to work work, how prepared do you feel? I don’t know about you, but I felt like when my students and I had everything we needed for word work time (whether it was a whole group lesson, small group lesson, or literacy center), I was way less stressed. You’d probably feel the […]

How to Easily Get Started With Science of Reading Centers

As a kindergarten, first, or second-grade teacher, the concept of getting started with science of reading literacy centers may initially seem overwhelming. This is especially true at the beginning of the year when you are still trying to establish routines and procedures for success. But I’m here to help! With a clear understanding of the […]

3 Ways to Differentiate Phonics Instruction to Reach All Readers

As dedicated teachers, we understand the importance of tailoring our teaching strategies to meet the needs of each student. When it comes to phonics lessons, finding ways to differentiate phonics instruction plays a crucial role. It helps us ensure that we are reaching all readers and they have a strong phonics foundation. Whether you’re working […]

Syntax: What It Is and Why It Matters in Literacy

My two-year-old son asked me in the store, “Mommy, has I this new toy?” I responded, “Can you have this new toy?” “Yes,” he said. This is a funny story that happened to me, but it happens all the time with young children. They don’t know all the grammar rules yet or how to correctly […]

4 Vocabulary Activities to Easily Boost Students’ Reading Skills

Teachers play a vital role in setting a strong foundation for their academic success. One of the key areas that significantly impacts a student’s reading journey is vocabulary development. By understanding the science of reading, we can use effective vocabulary activities and strategies to enhance vocabulary instruction in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classrooms. […]

Which type of professional development interests you?