Ask teachers about small group instruction and many would say it is a valuable part of the day. Contrarily they might also tell you planning for small groups, working in small groups, and ensuring academic gains in such a short amount of time is a challenge. If this sounds familiar, using decodable readers for small …
Hello Teachers! One common question we hear about using decodable texts in the classroom is, “Aren’t decodable books too easy?” Our answer: It depends! Imagine you are an emergent reader who struggles with decoding and your teacher hands you a leveled text or a picture book. You try your hardest to read the words, but …
5 Strategies to Increase Rigor using Decodable Books Read More »
As teachers, we love seeing a child with their nose buried in a book! Whether they’re captivated by a beautifully written fantasy story or engrossed in the pages of an engaging biography, a love of reading is what we’re aiming for! But there’s a great deal of learning that takes place before a young reader …
Hi, teacher friend. Let’s talk listening skills: Every teacher hopes for a classroom full of students with good listening skills, right? Follow directions, pay attention, don’t interrupt, ask good questions… All these are skills that students will use throughout their educational journey. But there’s another essential skill that involves hearing, and it’s absolutely foundational to a …
Tips for Teaching Phonological Awareness in the Classroom Read More »
Do you know someone who rambles when they tell a story? No need to mention names; but I think each of us knows someone who could work on their summarizing skills! Halfway through their narrative we want to just stop them and say, “Boil it down! Get to the point! Just get to the good …
There are a few key factors to consider when it comes to selecting texts for close reading lessons. It’s much more than just picking a passage or excerpt from a “difficult” book. Since close reading is all about digging deeper into a text passage, let’s take a minute to dig deep for a closer look …
Guided Writing instruction goes hand in hand with Guided Reading instruction. Just as your kiddos are busy learning decoding skills and sight words as well as developing automaticity and fluency in reading, they can also reach a level of automaticity in their writing. What is Guided Writing? Guided Writing is an approach to writing instruction …
The Science of Reading and Balanced Literacy I’m proud to say that I’m an advocate for Guided Reading. Despite reports that the “Reading Wars” have re-ignited, I know what works; yet I also understand and acknowledge the evidence-based claims of the Science of Reading proponents — including the need for teaching phonics. Here’s what else …
In last week’s post, I went over where to start when teaching syllable division. We also discussed how to introduce the six syllable types, beginning with closed and open syllables. So with that foundation, we’re ready to tackle the remaining four syllable types: VCe (“Magic E”), Vowel Teams, V+R (“R-Controlled”), and C+le. If you’re getting …
What Are Syllables? Teaching Syllable Division (Part 2) Read More »
Syllable division rules are essential for your students to learn. So how can you approach teaching them in the most effective way? As you teach spelling patterns and rules for dividing words into syllables, you’ll give your kiddos the tools they need for decoding those big multisyllabic words they’re going to encounter. In fact, once …
What Are Syllables? Teaching Syllable Division (Part 1) Read More »
Are you wondering how to successfully teach decoding strategies to your Early readers? Skippy the Frog and Tryin’ Lion are the final strategies you should teach your students. I covered Skippy Frog in a previous post; but If you’re ready to teach the Tryin’ Lion decoding strategy to the students in your classroom, stay with …
At-Home Reading Instruction for Parents and Children Download this guide which will provide you with Discussion Questions you can ask your child as you are reading with them at home.
Are you wondering how to successfully teach decoding strategies to your Early readers? Despite funny names like Flippy Dolphin and Skippy Frog, these decoding strategies are so important! If you’re ready to teach the Skippy Frog decoding strategy to the students in your classroom, keep reading for some helpful tips and information. I’m glad you’re …
What decoding strategies should you be teaching your Early readers? The students in your Early Readers leveled group are already familiar with Lips the Fish, but now they’re ready to meet her more adventurous big sister, Flippy Dolphin! The Flippy Dolphin strategy provides a great way for your students to solve words with long or …
Which reading strategies should you introduce to your Emergent readers? Of course, basic strategies like Eagle Eye and Lips the Fish will help new readers as they begin the process of learning to decode. But what about a strategy like Chunky Monkey? This one may be a little advanced for your Level A & B …
Are you wondering about the best ways to teach reading strategies to your Emergent readers? These students are at the beginning stages of reading; but that’s why it’s so important for them to grasp these important tools for reading and decoding. As Emergent readers start the adventure of learning to decode, the Stretchy Snake strategy …
Are you wondering how to effectively teach reading strategies to your Emergent readers? Readers at the Emergent level are reading on levels A through C. Graphophonic or visual cues are so important for readers at this level. Once they can recognize and use these cues, they’ll begin to see how letter-sound relationships help them solve …
Are you wondering how to tackle the task of teaching reading and decoding strategies to your Emergent readers? Readers at the Emergent level are reading on levels A through C. They rely heavily on the semantic cueing system, using the pictures they see to make meaning. There are some strategies that may be too advanced …
What words come to mind when you think about doing Guided Reading lesson plans? Stress? Frustration? A late-night race against the clock? Planning lessons for your Guided Reading level groups takes some work. I’ve been there, and I feel your pain! Lesson planning is a huge part of our job as educators, and to be …
We teachers live for long weekends. In warm weather, we head for sunshine and a sandy beach, but in winter we may choose a cozy cabin near the slopes. Either way, we’re prepared to chill. For the beach trip, we pack sunscreen, flipflops, a pair of cool shades and a fun romance novel. For the …