TRT Podcast#65: Response to Fountas & Pinnell #9 - Do teachers know best? Fountas and Pinnell tell us that no literacy program can take the place of a teacher's expertise. And they're right! But expertise comes from knowledge, and that knowledge is not innate. In this episode I'll share online courses that will improve your understanding of the science of reading. Listen to the episode here Full episode ... Read More
Why you should include spelling dictation in your phonics lessons
Spelling dictation allows children to apply the sound-spellings you've taught in your phonics lessons. Keep reading to learn best practices for this important activity! When you hear the word dictation, you might visualize an old-school boss dictating a letter to his efficient secretary, who is madly typing on a typewriter. But today I'm talking about spelling dictation. What is spelling ... Read More
Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #8: Is structured literacy responsive?
TRT Podcast#64: Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #8 - Is structured literacy responsive? Fountas and Pinnell are proud to describe their approach as responsive; rather than follow a script, they make observations and tailor their instruction to meet individual needs. They insinuate that more structured programs don't allow teachers to adjust for individual students. Is that a correct assumption? Is structured ... Read More
How to use blending lines
Today we're going to talk about blending lines - a powerful, easy-to-use tool that will help your students become masters at decoding! It's the fourth post in our 10-part series about teaching phonics. Blending is the stringing of letter sounds to read a word. There are two main types of blending: *Weird but important note: Some phonics experts use the terms "successive blending" and "final ... Read More
How to use a sound wall
I'm sure you heard the buzz about sound walls. Most literacy experts are telling us to replace our word walls with sound walls. And I agree. :) But what exactly IS a sound wall, and how do you use it? We've got the answers in today's post! What is a sound wall? A sound wall is a visual reference to help students when they are reading and spelling. Unlike a word wall, where words are ... Read More
Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #7: Do Fountas & Pinnell promote “balanced literacy?”
TRT Podcast#63: Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #7 - Do Fountas and Pinnell promote "balanced literacy?" Fountas and Pinnell are steering clear of the label "balanced literacy." But should they? Do they deserve the label? Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources Fountas & Pinnell's series: Just to Clarify Emily Hanford's response: Influential authors Fountas and Pinnell ... 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 #6: We can teach phonics AND language comprehension
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 here Full ... Read More