I receive many emails from teachers and parents asking me how to teach sight words. Are you here to learn how to teach high frequency words? You're in the right place! What are sight words? Traditionally, when teachers say "sight words," they are referring to high frequency words that children should know by sight. We often define sight words as words that kids can't sound out - words like the, for ... Read More
Rethinking running records
In the past I was a strong proponent of running records. I used them every day as a first and second grade classroom teacher, and as an online educator I've often promoted their use. I felt that a running record - a visual representation of a child's reading - was a wonderful tool to see exactly where readers were struggling and to know where to take them next. But now that I've adopted a more structured ... Read More
How to teach a child to read
Are you wondering how to teach a child to read? This short blog post and free ebook will get you started! I get many emails from parents wanting the answer to this question: How can I teach my child to read? It often takes me weeks before I reply to their message, because the answer is such a big one. For that reason, I decided to write this ebook. In it, you will learn the following: The essential components of ... Read More
Free decodable nonfiction readers
Are you teaching young children to read using fiction and nonfiction readers? If so, it's imperative that your learners get lots of practice with decodable text ... text with words they can sound out and not guess using the pictures. In the past, I really resisted decodable readers. I was sure they made no sense, would kill a love for reading, and got in the way of comprehension. The fact is that ... Read More
Teaching preschoolers to read
We're in the golden years of parenting. Right now, in 2021, our family is between diapers and dating. And I love it. Things are still wild and crazy (and LOUD), but that's to be expected with six kids ages 5-13. I admit that I don't miss the Exhausted Years ... the years I had a preschooler, baby, and toddler all at once. I can't count how many times I pushed a shopping cart with a baby seat in the cart, ... Read More
High frequency word lessons with decodable text
Are you teaching sight words to young readers? You're in the right place! In this post I'll show you exactly how to teach sight words using hands-on lessons and free printable sight word books. But first things first ... What ARE sight words, anyway? It depends whom you ask. When reading researchers use the term sight words, they're referring to the words that a reader recognizes instantly, ... Read More
What’s wrong with three-cueing?
TRT Podcast#39: What's wrong with three-cueing? I never thought I'd be sharing an episode about what's wrong with three-cueing. After all, I've spent decades prompting kids to think about what makes sense, sounds right, and looks right when solving words! Listen to find why I (finally) changed my approach. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Link to original Facebook Live presentation Video ... Read More
What the science of reading is based on
TRT Podcast#38: What the science of reading is based on There are a lot of questions about what the science of reading truly is. Is it from a journalist? Is the science brand-new? How do we know that we can trust it? In today's episode I'll share the particulars! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Link to original Facebook Live presentation Video presentation Check out the full science of ... Read More
How the brain learns to read
TRT Podcast#37: A simple look at how the brain learns to read How exactly does the brain learn to read ... and why should teachers even care? In today's episode I simplify the science and share exactly why this understanding is important for K-2 teachers. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Recommended reading Language at the Speed of Sight, by Mark Seidenberg Overcoming Dyslexia, by Sally ... Read More
My reaction to Emily Hanford’s article, “At a Loss for Words”
TRT Podcast#36: My reaction to the article that reignited the reading wars When I first read Emily Hanford's article, "At a Loss for Words," I felt annoyed, angry and - in the end - dismissive. I've read the article many times since, and now my reaction is quite the opposite. Listen to find out what's changed! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript The article that reignited the reading wars At a ... Read More