Author Archives: Learning N Progress

The Science of Reading from Day 1: How to Include Literacy Practices into Your Back to School Plans

Listen to the podcast. Aww…back to school…the smell of sharpened pencils, the excitement of new books, the smiling faces of your new classroom family…there is something very special about the start of a brand new school year. Although I truly love back to school season (despite mourning the loss of my summer break), it canContinue reading “The Science of Reading from Day 1: How to Include Literacy Practices into Your Back to School Plans”

From Elkonin to Phonics: Bridging the Gap from Phonemic Awareness to Phonics

When it comes to early literacy, letter sounds, or phonemes, reign supreme, but what happens afterward? How do we connect the phonemic awareness we so strategically built to phonics instruction? Well, the answer to that question is Elkonin boxes, which are sometimes referred to as sound boxes. In my last post, we discussed the differencesContinue reading “From Elkonin to Phonics: Bridging the Gap from Phonemic Awareness to Phonics”

Phonemic Awareness or Phonological Awareness: What’s the Difference?

The best predictor of reading difficulty in kindergarten or first grade is the inability to segment words and syllables into constituent sound units (phonemic awareness). Lyon, G.R. (1995) As many of you know, I am a literacy mentor in addition to being a classroom teacher. As a mentor, I often coach other teachers regarding theirContinue reading “Phonemic Awareness or Phonological Awareness: What’s the Difference?”

How to Combine Phonics and Fluency into Your Halloween Literacy Centers

I love the holidays!!! Halloween is no exception. As a teacher, I find the holidays even more exciting because they allow us the opportunity to share in the excitement with our students. I usually go all out for Halloween…art projects, contests, and the biggest class party of the year. (More to come on that! LookContinue reading “How to Combine Phonics and Fluency into Your Halloween Literacy Centers”

3 Ways to Differentiate Your Science of Reading Centers

Differentiation and the Science of Reading?! This post is like my pedagogical dream!!! Over the last month, I have introduced you to the key components of the Science of Reading and shared some ideas on how to quickly and efficiently use them in your classrooms. In this post, we will incorporate the Science of ReadingContinue reading “3 Ways to Differentiate Your Science of Reading Centers”

The Science of Reading in a Real Life Classroom

In my last post, we discussed the top three things you should know about the Science of Reading. When I first learned about this topic, I asked myself what many of you may be thinking at this very moment…NOW WHAT?!!! I hear you. It’s one thing to learn about a teaching philosophy or strategy inContinue reading “The Science of Reading in a Real Life Classroom”

3 Things You Should Know About the Science of Reading

Listen to the podcast. Teaching reading is rocket science. Louisa Moats Yeah, no kidding…the “correct way” to teach reading has long been debated, and it seems like it is becoming a hot topic in the educational community once again. When I was in college, I was once told that education is like a pendulum, swingingContinue reading “3 Things You Should Know About the Science of Reading”

5 Literacy Activities for the First Week of School

Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development… Kofi Annon As many of you know, I am a literacy mentor along with being a classroom teacher. The quote above stresses the importance ofContinue reading “5 Literacy Activities for the First Week of School”

Creative Teaching: An Introduction to Project-Based Learning

What we learn to do, we learn by doing. Thomas Jefferson As one of our founding fathers stated so long ago, in order to truly learn a new skill, we must use it. Now, in the educational world, this does not mean doing more practice problems. It also does not mean more homework. What itContinue reading “Creative Teaching: An Introduction to Project-Based Learning”

Depth and Complexity Icons: Where Book Clubs Meet Advanced Learning

Listen to the podcast episode. Good teaching is good teaching. -unknown source Early on in my career, I had a principal that really inspired me to be the best teacher I could be. When we used to chat about educational philosophies and teaching practices, she would always end the conversation by saying, “Good teaching isContinue reading “Depth and Complexity Icons: Where Book Clubs Meet Advanced Learning”