A Simple Vocabulary Routine That Actually Sticks

I used to think vocabulary was supposed to be fancy. Colorful posters. Elaborate games that took longer to explain than to play. Then I watched a teacher introduce vocabulary with a clear, predictable routine that made sense. After more research into the best practices for what words to teach and how to teach them, my … Continue reading A Simple Vocabulary Routine That Actually Sticks

The Transformative Power of Daily Read-Aloud Time in the Classroom

Imagine a classroom where students are captivated by the rhythm of a story, their imaginations ignited with every word. Reading aloud does more than entertain; it builds critical language skills and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Using classroom time for read-alouds is not just beneficial but essential, as it provides students with unique opportunities … Continue reading The Transformative Power of Daily Read-Aloud Time in the Classroom

Building Knowledge: The Secret Ingredient to Supercharging Reading Comprehension

When we talk about helping our students become strong readers, itโ€™s easy to zero in on phonics and decoding skills. And while these foundational skills are crucial, theyโ€™re only half of the story. The other half? Building knowledge. If youโ€™ve been diving into the latest Science of Reading research, you know that students need more … Continue reading Building Knowledge: The Secret Ingredient to Supercharging Reading Comprehension