Literacy

Professional Development

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. […]

Reading Groups and Structured Literacy: What Do They Look Like?

We know things are changing with our small group instruction, just as they have changed with our literacy instruction. And it’s a good thing, friends! There is so much good information out there about structured literacy. But what do we need to include in our literacy block each day? Today on the blog we are […]

From Balanced to Structured: Embracing the Power of Structured Literacy

It seems like the word Structured Literacy is everywhere. But what does it actually mean? If you’re a balanced literacy teacher and want to start making the switch, but aren’t sure how, you’re in the right place! Structured Literacy can be a powerful approach to teaching reading and writing. Here’s the thing…it is true that […]

A Teacher’s Guide to Differentiated Literacy Centers for Successful Readers

When you hear the words “differentiating literacy centers”, how do you feel? Do you start thinking about how overwhelming the idea is? Do you think of how daunting the task may seem? Or maybe you’re not really sure what that looks like in the classroom and how to get started. Literacy centers are a valuable […]

Unleashing the Power of Words: Oral Language Activities for Teachers

Oral language development plays a crucial role in a child’s overall academic success. Kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers have the unique opportunity to foster and nurture language development. That can be done through oral language activities, laying a strong foundation for future learning. But why should teachers want to promote oral language skills? And […]

The Importance of Spelling for Kids: What Can We Learn From It?

One area lots of teachers across America have been focusing on is implementing a science-based approach to reading. But what about the importance of spelling and writing? How exactly do reading and writing and spelling all tie together? Teacher friend, if you’ve been starting to wonder about what we can gather from our students’ spelling […]

Phonics Manipulatives and Reading Tools to Support Literacy Instruction

This post is sponsored by Carson Dellosa. All opinions and reviews of these reading tools are my own. Are you looking for engaging and effective ways to teach phonics and reading to your students? Look no further than literacy manipulatives and reading tools! In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best phonics manipulatives […]

6 Books for April Read Alouds Your Students Will Love

While the month of April may not feel as packed with fun holidays as some months, there are still a lot of holidays and themes we can bring into the classroom to integrate into science and social studies. There’s spring, Earth Day, and Easter (even if it’s in the form of bunnies and chicks). One […]

Heart Words: A Science-Based Approach to High-Frequency Words With 1 Warning

Learn how to use a science-based approach to teaching high-frequency words called “heart words”. Early in my teaching career, I can remember telling parents to practice high-frequency words at home. I told them to make flashcards and practice, practice, practice. I often explained that these words had “tricky parts” in them and that some of […]

5 Things to Consider When Choosing Books for Interactive Read Aloud Lessons

Interactive read aloud lessons are powerful. When you have a quality book and an effective lesson, you can get so much bang for your buck when it comes to teaching. Students are usually captive when you read aloud to them. You can use this time to build and deepen their comprehension skills. But do you […]

6 Easy Ways to Incorporate Activities for Blends

Have you ever had students who struggle to read words with blends or complete activities for blends? Maybe they read “bet” for best or “cab” for crab? This is very common for beginning readers! If you have students who know their letters and sounds and can blend and segment CVC words, they may be ready […]

10 Must-Try Science of Reading Centers for Kindergarten and First Grade

When it comes to the science of reading research, how do you feel? Do you want to learn more, but aren’t sure where to start? Do you feel like a rising expert, but need more ways to help your students master foundational reading and writing skills? Or maybe you’re somewhere in the middle and just […]

10 Books to Teach Social Skills to Kids + a FREEBIE

No matter what grade you teach in elementary, helping students develop strong social-emotional skills is always a part of your unspoken curriculum. Helping our young students grow into confident, kind adults can be done in so many different ways. One of my favorite ways to do this is to use books to teach social skills. […]

Reading Comprehension Passages & Decodable Passages: Why You Need Both

When it comes to teaching students to learn how to read, there are so many different resources and tools for teachers. One of my favorite tools is a reading passage. You can pack so much teaching and practice into such a short amount of text with reading passages. But which kind should you use – […]

8 Activities to Celebrate World Read Aloud Day in the Classroom

February sure has lots of fun holidays and events to celebrate – Groundhog Day, President’s Day, and Valentine’s Day. The list goes on. But do you know what we can celebrate on February 1st? World Read Aloud Day! World Read Aloud Day is a day to celebrate the power of reading aloud and sharing stories. […]

Save Tons of Time on Read Aloud Lessons: Here’s How!

Interactive read aloud lessons were always one of my favorite times of the day. Not only do you get to gather your students together and help them develop a love for reading and expose them to a variety of books, but you get to help them strengthen their reading skills and strategies to build a […]

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