Science of Reading Small Group Lessons: A 20-Minute Model for K-2

If you’ve been teaching for a while, you’ve probably noticed that small group reading instruction has changed. The old Guided Reading model—where kids read leveled books and used picture clues to figure out words—is no longer considered best practice. Research tells us that small groups

Test Prep Guide For K-3 Teachers

Imagine this: It’s a few weeks before testing, and you’re wondering if your students are ready. Do they understand the format? Will they freeze up on test day? Many teachers feel this pressure, but the good news is that test prep doesn’t have to be

The b and d Dilemma: A Teacher’s Guide to Letter Reversals

Have you noticed some of your students turning their letters into acrobatic champions, flipping and reversing all over the page? Well, guess what? Until about the ripe old age of 8 or 9, kids can basically be letter gymnasts, and that’s totally normal! And nope,

Phoneme-Grapheme Mapping Guide

This week we will put on our Science of Reading hats, and dig into the importance of phoneme-graphing mapping in early literacy. If these terms are unfamiliar, phoneme-grapheme mapping is a game-changer for helping early readers connect sounds to symbols & this post will show

How to Identify Gaps in Phonics Using a Phonics Screener

Phonics is a big part of helping young readers become strong readers by teaching them how letters and sounds work together. A phonics screener can be a great way to spot any gaps in a child’s phonetic understanding, so you know exactly where to focus

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