I'm often asked about where someone might find a master list of phonics rules or a phonics rules cheat sheet. I've put this post together so you have a place to find the most important phonics rules and patterns. Let's dive in! Note: In this post, letters written between slash marks represent sounds. For example: /sh/ represents the sound you hear at the beginning of the word chef. Letters written ... Read More
The 6 systems every school needs to improve literacy outcomes – with Pati Montgomery
TRT Podcast #187: The 6 systems every school needs to improve literacy outcomes - with Pati Montgomery Increasing teacher knowledge about the science of reading is one important step toward improving literacy outcomes in a school or district. But so much more is required! Pati Montgomery, founder of Schools Cubed, walks us through the six key systems that are essential for improving ... Read More
Why a skeptical balanced literacy teacher embraced the science of reading
TRT Podcast #186: Why a skeptical balanced literacy teacher embraced the science of reading Jolene Rosploch was a committed balanced literacy teacher. When Schools Cubed arrived to help her school improve literacy outcomes, Jolene was skeptical. Listen to find out what led her to embrace the science of reading. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Jolene recommends: ... Read More
From struggle to success: A reading specialist’s structured literacy journey
TRT Podcast #185: From struggle to success: A reading specialist's structured literacy journey Reading specialist Julie Speidel describes the struggles and triumphs that she faced as she supported her staff in improving literacy outcomes. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Julie's recommended resources ... Read More
How one school moved from balanced to structured literacy – with Candice Johnson
TRT Podcast #184: One school's journey from balanced to structured literacy - with Candice Johnson Today's episode tells the story of a Cudahy, Wisconsin school's journey from balanced to structured literacy. Reading specialist Candice Johnson describes how her school implemented systems, high impact instructional routines, and more to improve reading instruction in every classroom. Listen to the episode ... Read More
“I didn’t believe him” – How one mom learned that her son’s school wasn’t teaching him to read – with Dr. Irene Daria
TRT Podcast #183: "I didn't believe him" - How one mom learned that her son's school wasn't teaching him to read - with Dr. Irene Daria Irene's kindergarten son was attending a prestigious Manhattan public school. When he told her that the school wasn't teaching him to read, she didn't believe him. When she finally realized he was right, she set out on a challenging journey to save his academic life. You won't want ... Read More
How to Teach Writing in K-8: A thinkSRSD deep-dive with Dr. Leslie Laud
TRT Podcast #182: How to teach writing in K-8: A thinkSRSD deep dive with Dr. Leslie Laud If you're looking for an evidence-based approach to teaching writing in all grades, look no further than thinkSRSD! Dr. Leslie Laud explains this approach and breaks down how it looks across the grade levels. Be sure to check the show notes for links to free resources that will get you started! Listen to the episode ... Read More
Answers to all your questions about teaching handwriting – with Dr. Shawn Datchuk
TRT Podcast #181: Answers to all your questions about teaching handwriting - with Dr. Shawn Datchuk Should we teach students to write upper or lowercase letters first? What's the best routine for practicing handwriting? How much time should students practice handwriting each day? Dr. Shawn Datchuk shares what the research says (and doesn't say) about these questions and more! Listen to the episode here Full ... Read More
What I wish I’d known about dyslexia
TRT Podcast 178: What I wish I'd known about dyslexia As a classroom teacher, I had heard of dyslexia - and that's about it. In this episode I share what I wish I'd known about this common learning disability. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript ... Read More
A simple way to improve comprehension through writing
TRT Podcast 177: A simple way to improve comprehension through writing Research tells us that students comprehend text better when they write about it. Here's how to use a simple sentence expansion activity to improve comprehension. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript ... Read More