In today's post, the second in our 5-part series, we'll dive into do's and don'ts for teaching phonics. Another name for this post could be "Mistakes I've Made When Teaching Phonics ..." because I've made a lot. (Psst... I'm sharing a free phonics scope and sequence at the end of the post!) Let's start with a little backstory. When I first started teaching first grade, I had to use a very rigid phonics ... Read More
Do’s and don’ts for teaching phonemic awareness
Looking for tips for teaching phonemic awareness? In this post I'll share do's and don'ts for teaching phonemic awareness ... sharing mistakes I've made in the past and new insights I've gained through my study of the science of reading. As we consider do's and don'ts for teaching phonemic awareness skills, let's start with the basics. I admit it ... I didn't understand the difference between phonological and ... Read More
Books to read on your science of reading journey
TRT Podcast#44: Books to read on your science of reading journey This concludes our official science of reading series, but there's a lot more to learn! Check out my top recommendations for books that will help you understand the science AND apply it to your classroom. Also check out our online course, Teaching Every Reader! It's open for enrollment through May 10, 2021. Get the details here. Listen to the episode ... Read More
Syntax and semantics in structured literacy
Have you been following along in our series about structured literacy? Becky Spence (This Reading Mama) are doing this collaborative blog series as we revise our online course, Teaching Every Reader, to align with the science of reading. In week 1, I named the elements of structured literacy. In week 2, we examined the key differences between balanced and structured literacy. I was honest about ... Read More
Three science of reading myths debunked
TRT Podcast#43: Three science of reading myths debunked I fought the idea of structured literacy for a long time, and it's because I believed these three myths about the science of reading. How about you? Listen to find out how we can debunk these three common misunderstandings. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related episodes What are the reading wars? My reaction to ... Read More
Science of reading giveaway – an $825 value!
Becky Spence and I have completely revised our online course to reflect the science of reading. We're opening the course back up on May 3; the doors will be open for one week, and those who join us will be able to go through the new material on their own schedule. To celebrate the revision and re-launch of course, we're offering a giveaway! If you're a U.S. resident, you're eligible to ... Read More
The difference between balanced and structured literacy
TRT Podcast#42: The difference between balanced and structured literacy It’s time to take a good look at what we’re doing when we teach children to read. I considered myself a “balanced literacy” teacher for many years. It’s the approach I learned in graduate school, the approach I used as a classroom teacher, and the approach I (used to) teach on my website and in my online course. However, after a great deal of ... Read More
What is sound-symbol association in a structured literacy classroom?
It's time for another post in our structured literacy series! Today we'll look at teaching sound-symbol association. Have you been following along with our series about structured literacy? We've defined structured literacy, compared it to balanced literacy, and explained how to teach phonology in a structured literacy classroom. Today we're going for the big one ... sound-symbol association. What is sound-symbol ... Read More
Do’s and don’ts for using decodable texts with beginning readers
TRT Podcast#41: Do's and don'ts for using decodable books with beginning readers For years I thought that decodable texts were a necessary evil ... I thought they were boring, stilted, and nonsensical. Now I know that quality decodable books are vital for helping young learners build a strong foundation. The good news is that there are many wonderful decodable books, and more are being published all the time. ... Read More
What is the difference between balanced and structured literacy?
Balanced and structured literacy are two different approaches to teaching reading. They have things in common, but when they're referenced in the same breath they're usually pitted against each other. I considered myself a "balanced literacy" teacher for many years. It's the approach I learned in graduate school, the approach I used as a classroom teacher, and the approach I (used to) teach on my website and in my ... Read More