Category Archives: Differentiated Instruction

Got Data? Now What?! The Pain Points of Intervention

We know as educators how important it is to reteach, yet intervention time seems to be the hardest time of day to plan. As a literacy and math coach, I have had several discussion with teachers on this very subject. Here are the common pain points surrounding intervention: If you find yourself asking any ofContinue reading “Got Data? Now What?! The Pain Points of Intervention”

Phonics 101: How to Teach Phonics in 5 Steps

Equity in education begins with good phonics instruction in the early grades; it doesn’t end there, but it begins there. Emily Hanford I cannot stress enough the importance of phonics instruction. This should be the bread and butter of education in the primary grades. Without a solid foundation of both phonological awareness and phonics, studentsContinue reading “Phonics 101: How to Teach Phonics in 5 Steps”

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”

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”

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”

Flip It: How Can a flipped classroom improve student engagement?

Listen to the podcast. Are you looking to improve student engagement during your differentiated lessons? Would you like to prioritize higher-order thinking skills while meeting the needs of every learner in your class? Then, I suggest you flip your classroom! Flipped learning has been around for almost two decades, though it has gained popularity overContinue reading “Flip It: How Can a flipped classroom improve student engagement?”

Upper-Grade Math Centers: To Rotate or Not To Rotate

Are math centers only for primary grades? Is it necessary to rotate centers? How do I manage math centers and make sure students are on task? Upper-grade teachers, if you are asking yourself any of these questions, you are not alone! As many of you may already know, I have taught a variety of gradeContinue reading “Upper-Grade Math Centers: To Rotate or Not To Rotate”

Differentiated Literacy Centers: A Primary Teacher’s Guide

Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible. -Barack Obama Listen to the podcast episode. Today, we are here to talk about two of my favorite subjects…literacy and differentiation. As the quote above so eloquently reminds us, literacy is really the gateway to all other learning. In the primary grades, we knowContinue reading “Differentiated Literacy Centers: A Primary Teacher’s Guide”