I'm often asked, "What's the best order to teach letters?" The answer is: it depends. Keep reading to find out my recommendations! Many teachers and parents wonder what's the best order for teaching letters of the alphabet. Should we go in alphabetical order? Should we start with uppercase or lowercase? What does the research say? Well, here's the first thing to know: As I stated in the first post of ... Read More
It’s our 10th anniversary GIVEAWAY!
The Measured Mom launched in January of 2013 ... which means that we're celebrating a big anniversary! 10th anniversary giveaway I'm giving away a 45-minute one-on-one call to 10 winners. That's right ... if you win, ask me anything! (Well ... anything related to teaching literacy. ;) ) Here are some things we might discuss: Please use the form below to enter. IMPORTANT *I will choose ten ... Read More
Should we teach letter names or sounds first?
TRT Podcast #106: Should we teach letter names or sounds first? When teaching the alphabet, should we teach letter names or sounds first? Everyone seems to have an opinion ... what does the research say? Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Articles to read Foulin, J.N. (2005) Why is letter-name knowledge such a good predictor of learning to read? Reading and Writing 18:129-155. Piasta, ... Read More
Should we teach letter names or letter sounds first?
If you ask this question in a Facebook group, watch out. People on both sides of the aisle have strong opinions, and many of them will tell you that their opinions are absolutely backed by research. At a recent Reading League event, Dr. Steven Dykstra joked that people on both sides of this debate will start pulling punches if you put them in the same room! (I think he was only sort of joking.) So … who’s ... Read More
What to do when you suspect dyslexia: A conversation with Heather O’Donnell
TRT Podcast #105: What to do when you suspect dyslexia: A conversation with Heather O'Donnell What are the signs of dyslexia? What should you do if you suspect it? And how can classroom teachers make sure they teach reading so all children learn? Heather O'Donnell, certified Dyslexia Practitioner, has answers to these questions and more! Listen to the episode here Full episode ... Read More
From Balanced Literacy to Decodable Books Author: A conversation with Elise Lovejoy
TRT Podcast #104: From Balanced Literacy to Decodable Books Author: A conversation with Elise Lovejoy Like so many of us, Elise Lovejoy began her career as a balanced literacy educator. After throwing herself into research, she created her own decodable books and reading curriculum. Listen to learn more about Express Readers! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Express Readers Program ... Read More
Structured literacy in kindergarten: An interview with Kate Winn
TRT Podcast #103: Structured literacy in kindergarten: An interview with Kate Winn Kate Winn is a brilliant teacher who shares how she moved from a balanced to structured approach ... and how structured literacy has reignited her passion for teaching! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Kate Winn's recommended resources The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading, by Christopher ... Read More
How to make the most of repeated reading
TRT Podcast #102: How to make the most of repeated reading The research is clear: repeated reading builds fluency! In today's quick episode we'll explore best practices for repeated reading ... so you can make the most of it. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Fluency resources from my shop Fluency Center MEGA Bundle Partner Plays Reader's Theater ... Read More
How to implement Readers Theater
TRT Podcast #101: How to implement Reader's Theater: with Dr. Chase Young In today's discussion about fluency, Dr. Chase Young shows us exactly how to implement Reader's Theater in the classroom. You'll love this entertaining episode! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related links Artfully Teaching the Science of Reading (with Tim Rasinski & David Paige) Links to ... Read More
How to use repeated reading to improve fluency
In this final post in our fluency series, we look at how to use the research-backed practice of repeated reading! Repeated reading is reading the same text multiple times until a certain (or better) level of fluency is reached. We've known since the 1970's that repeated reading improves fluency. It helps readers achieve automaticity - so that they can decode without thinking about decoding (Shanahan, ... Read More
