TRT Podcast#62: Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #6 - You can teach phonics AND language comprehension Fountas and Pinnell caution against focusing "only on accuracy and decoding." If we do that, they say, students may not understand that what they read must make sense. But the science of reading community doesn't advocate phonics alone. Far from it! Listen to the episode here Full episode ... Read More
What every teacher should know about the reading wars
The reading wars are alive and well. Should you pay attention or stay out of the debate? Here's what every teacher should know about the reading wars. As a mom of six, I've refereed countless arguments. It wasn't much different in the classroom. I loved my years as a classroom teacher, but I remember how incessant student squabbles can be. The truth is ... I've heard enough bickering to last the ... Read More
Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #5: Here’s why you SHOULD use decodable books
TRT Podcast#61: Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #5 - Here's why you SHOULD use decodable books Fountas and Pinnell aren't moving when it comes to decodable books. They believe these books are contrived and that decodable books teach children that their reading doesn't have to make sense. But decodable books are exactly what our beginning readers SHOULD be reading. Here's why. Listen to the episode ... Read More
It’s a giveaway for our 9th anniversary … and we’re choosing NINE winners!
It's hard to believe, but we've been in business for nine years! When I began this website, I was a mom of four kids, ages 5,4, 2, and almost 1. Since then we've been blessed with two more kids, and our oldest two are taller than I am. This year our kids are 14, 13, 11, almost 10, 7, and 6. A lot can happen in nine years! We've published hundreds of blog posts and shared over 800 free printables on our ... Read More
Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #4: Here are the problems with guided reading
TRT Podcast#60: Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #4 - Here are the problems with guided reading For Fountas and Pinnell, guided reading is the key piece of the reading block. But there are some problems with the guided reading approach in K-2. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources Fountas & Pinnell's series: Just to Clarify Emily Hanford's response: Influential ... Read More
The Best books about teaching phonics
Looking for books about teaching phonics? Here are my top recommendations! Phonics from A-Z, by Wiley Blevins This classic is on its third edition, and Wiley Blevins starts with phonemic awareness and takes us through planning phonics lessons and meeting the needs of students who struggle. It truly is the A-Z guide! A Fresh Look at Phonics, by Wiley Blevins Unlike his previous book, which is more of a guidebook, ... Read More
Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #3: Yes, you ARE teaching guessing
TRT Podcast#59: Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #3 - Yes, you ARE teaching guessing No one likes to admit they're teaching kids to guess at words, but that's exactly what's happening when we teach beginning readers to use three-cueing. This short episode explains the connection. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources Fountas & Pinnell's series: Just to ... Read More
Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #2: Fountas & Pinnell are wrong about three-cueing
TRT Podcast#58: Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #2: Fountas and Pinnell are wrong about three-cueing Despite the lack of evidence for three-cueing, Fountas and Pinnell aren't budging. In this episode I respond to their recent blog post in which they claim that we must help students use multiple sources of information to solve words. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related ... Read More
What order should you teach phonics skills?
We can all agree that teaching phonics is important. But there are SO many skills. Which ones should we teach? And in what order? Today we'll look at my recommended order for teaching phonics skills. Before we get into my recommended order, I want to be clear about a few things. There is no perfect order for teaching phonics skills. When choosing your own scope and sequence (mine or someone ... Read More
Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #1: You CAN have conversations about the science of reading
TRT Podcast#57: Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #1 - But you CAN have conversations about the science of reading Fountas and Pinnell tell us they're staying out of the current debate about teaching reading because it isn't productive. But there ARE safe, sane places to discuss the current research. Tune in to learn more! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources Fountas ... Read More