Are you wondering how to improve reading fluency? You're in the right place! This post is the first in a four-part series all about building fluency. Do you have students who struggle with reading fluency? Maybe they read in a stilted, word-by-word fashion. Maybe they read accurately, but ooooh so slowly. Or maybe you know readers who trip over words. To them, reading is awkward and painful. I personally know a ... Read More
How to learn more about the science of reading
Here are we are, at the end of our Balanced to Structured Literacy series!You've learned: How to make phonemic awareness part of your dayHow to teach phonics systematicallyHow to use decodable books within your instructionHow to build comprehension through interactive read-aloudsHow to teach with explicit instruction And ... now what? How can you make sure you keep learning? That's what today's post is all ... Read More
Excellent courses about the science of reading
TRT Podcast #95: Excellent courses about the science of reading If you're looking for a streamlined way to learn more about the science of reading, check out these online courses that get my stamp of approval! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related links Recommended books about the science of reading The Science of Reading Short Course - Big Dippers The Online Elementary ... Read More
The science of reading in kindergarten
TRT Podcast #94: The science of reading in kindergarten 094: Today we get to hear from Stephanie, a kindergarten teacher in Arkansas. Now that she understands the science of reading, she shares exactly how she teaches reading to her kindergartners. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Stephanie's TPT store Darling Ideas Stephanie's recommendations Equipped for Reading Success, by ... Read More
How to teach reading comprehension in K-2
Welcome back to our Balanced to Structured Literacy series! Today we're tackling a topic that many people think isn't even part of the science of reading: comprehension. It feels like phonics get talked about the most - which is probably true. After all, kids must have strong phonics (and phonemic awareness) skills to lay the foundation for reading. After they get more automatic with those skills, they ... Read More
How to give corrective feedback
TRT Podcast #93: How to give corrective feedback 093: What's the best response when students misread a word? How can our response be both efficient and helpful? Find out in today's episode! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related links Explicit Instruction, by Anita L. Archer and Charles A. HughesWhy Explicit Instruction? video with Anita Archer on Center for Dyslexia MTSUWhat should ... Read More
How to keep your students engaged and listening
TRT Podcast #92: How to keep your students engaged and listening 092: In today's episode we look at how to elicit frequent responses during your lessons. Not only will this keep your students engaged, but research tells us that it will also help them better master the information! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related links Explicit Instruction, by Anita L. Archer and Charles A. ... Read More
How to give systematic phonics instruction
Welcome to the first post in our series about making the switch from balanced to structured literacy! Today we're tackling phonics. Specifically, systematic phonics instruction. Before we begin, let's be clear. I am not saying that balanced literacy teachers don't teach phonics. The concern I have is that this instruction is often neither systematic nor explicit. In other words ... a ... Read More
The 3 important parts of an explicit lesson
TRT Podcast #91: The 3 important parts of an explicit lesson 091: Learn the structure of an explicit lesson, and get a free template in the show notes! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related links Explicit Instruction, by Anita L. Archer and Charles A. HughesWhy Explicit Instruction? video with Anita Archer on Center for Dyslexia MTSUProject Follow Through50 fun call and response ... Read More
The what and why of explicit instruction
TRT Podcast #90: The what and why of explicit instruction Does the phrase "explicit instruction" make you think of "drill and kill"? The good news is that explicit instruction isn't about boring teaching ... it's about GOOD teaching. Learn exactly what explicit instruction is, and why it's important for student success. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related links Explicit ... Read More