So. These days I've been doing a lot of research into how our brains learn to read. In doing that, I've made a shift in how approach beginning reading. I used to ascribe to the three-cueing-systems model. It's the idea that kids solve unfamiliar words by using three cues: what looks right (phonics), what sounds right (syntax) and what makes sense (semantics). Here's the problem with the three-cueing ... Read More
Introduction to the science of reading podcast series
TRT Podcast#34: Introducing our science of reading podcast series I've been pouring over the science of reading research, and I'm making shifts in how I approach teaching reading. You're invited to join me on this exciting journey! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Link to original Facebook Live presentation Video presentation Check out the full science of reading bootcamp Introduction to ... Read More
Books about black history
Today I'm sharing a huge list of our favorite black history books for kids! Do your kids encounter a lot of racial diversity? We live near a major American city, full of people of all races. But our own little suburb is mostly white. Unless we go shopping, my children don't encounter a lot of faces different from their own during the school week. I can't begin to understand the racial ... Read More
Favorite science of reading authors
TRT Podcast #31: Favorite science of reading authors Have you ever bought a book about teaching reading - only to find out that it doesn't align with what you know to be true based on the science? Here are some authors you can trust! Listen to the episode here Science of reading authors David Kilpatrick Equipped for Reading Success Essentials of Assessing, Preventing and Overcoming Reading ... Read More
Best books about teaching phonics
TRT Podcast #30: Best books about teaching phonics Looking to build your science of reading library? Here are my favorite books about teaching phonics! Listen to the episode here Best books about teaching phonics Phonics from A-Z, by Wiley Blevins A Fresh Look at Phonics, by Wiley Blevins Choosing and Using Decodable Texts, by Wiley Blevins Making Sense of Phonics, by Isabel Beck & Mark Beck Uncovering the ... Read More
Answers to decodable book FAQ’s
TRT Podcast #29: Answers to decodable book FAQ's Why should we use decodable books? Who should be reading them? For how long? Get answers to these questions and more in today's episode! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related links Free fiction decodable books Free nonfiction decodable books Ultimate guide to decodable book series ... Read More
Christmas problem solving activity
I have a problem. I'm a clip art addict. Sometimes I buy clip art without any idea what I'm going to create ... because it's Just. So. Perfect. That's how I felt about this Christmas sweater clip art. How could I resist? Thankfully, I thought of the perfect use for these adorable sweaters ... problem solving! I created a set of task cards. Each card has a set of clues to help kids determine the mystery sweater. As ... Read More
40+ free printable Christmas games for kids
Today I'm sharing over forty free printable Christmas games! Are you in charge of a classroom Christmas party this year? Maybe you're looking for something to entertain the kids during a family Christmas gathering. Either way, I've got you covered! Today I'm sharing over forty free and fabulous Christmas printable games for kids. Christmas Matching Games Get Christmas matching game from Kids Activities ... Read More
Must-watch science of reading YouTube channels
TRT Podcast #28: Must-watch science of reading YouTube channels Looking for free professional development? Here are my favorite YouTube channels for learning about the science of reading. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Recommended science of reading YouTube channels SoR-What I Should Have Learned in College The Reading League OregonRTIi Reading Science Academy Reading Simplified Reading ... Read More
What every teacher should know about dyslexia
TRT Podcast #27: What every teacher should know about dyslexia Do you suspect that one of your students has dyslexia? Here's what every teacher should know about this common learning disability! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Recommended dyslexia screeners Lexercise Screener for schools EarlyBird Education Recommended dyslexia resources Conquering Dyslexia by Jan Hasbrouck Dyslexia ... Read More