Category: Literacy Small Groups

How to Start Literacy Centers in the Primary Classroom

One of the hallmarks of my teaching approach is my dedication to classroom centers and small group activities. These structured environments are important in promoting student engagement and individualized learning. My enthusiasm for center routines has become well-known at my school, often prompting fellow teachers to visit my classroom to

Read More »

3 Ways to Utilize Reading Intervention

I graduated from college and prepared myself to storm the gates of the teaching world. Once the door to my classroom closed behind me, I faced a classroom filled with diverse learners, each with unique learning needs. I had a few struggling readers, and that number has grown exponentially over

Read More »
Small Group Success Essential Tips and Hacks

Small Group Success: 7 Essential Tips and Hacks

Small group is where the magic happens! There are so many moving pieces that getting started doesn’t always seem magical. With valuable tips and an in-depth look at smart small group techniques, we can provide our students with effective personalized instruction. Read on to learn how veteran educators create an

Read More »

What are Phonemes and Graphemes?

If you’ve ever felt a bit overwhelmed by all the different terms and ideas related to teaching reading, you’re definitely not alone. Today, we will explore two important terms: phonemes and graphemes. Reading can sometimes be tricky, and words like “phoneme” and “grapheme” might seem similar at first, but they

Read More »

The difference between phonemic awareness and phonics

It is essential for educators to understand the difference between phonemic awareness and phonics when teaching children how to read. They often appear similar on the surface, but in actuality, they are two different skills that work together to create proficient readers. Phonemic awareness focuses on identifying individual sounds within

Read More »
The first minutes of small group instruction

The 1st Minutes of Small Group Instruction

Students are at your small group table for small group instruction, but what should you do first? Read on or press play, and I’ll share with you what the first minutes of small group instruction look like in my classroom. This post contains affiliate links. You can take a peek

Read More »

What is the Simple View of Reading?

The simple view of reading has been a big part of the science of reading that is sweeping across educational circles. But what is it exactly, and how can we use it to inform our instruction? It’s no secret that reading problems in students have grown exponentially in recent years.

Read More »

What is the Science of Reading?

The term “science of reading” has been thrown out there a lot, but I’m not sure that I have found a clear, concise definition for it that didn’t sound like it was written by a scientist. Have you ever wondered what exactly IS the science of reading? Today I want

Read More »
Easy Alphabet Arc Activities

Easy Alphabet Arc Activities

Do you have an alphabet arc, but you aren’t quite sure what to do with it? The purpose of an alphabet arc is to help students gain speed, accuracy, and automaticity in letter recognition. Head on over to learn more and grab your freebie!

Read More »

FREE CONCEPTS OF PRINT LESSONS

Learn how to create positive literacy experiences right from the start!