A new batch of erasers at the ever teacher-favorite dollar spot calls for a new batch of reading center games. These games are perfect for fostering a cooperative learning environment while practicing syllables, sight words, short vowel sounds, segmenting/blending, rhyming, and beginning ... read more
Spotlight on 4 Super Simple Ways to Make Handwriting Fun!
Do you practice handwriting with your students? Sometimes it seems like an archaic practice, but I think kids learn so much more than just handwriting skills when we practice handwriting. Attention to detail, print directionality, and fine motor development all come to mind when I think of ... read more
Spotlight on Awesome Halloween Reading Center Games that will make you Shriek BOO!
Don't let literacy centers give you the SPOOKS. We all know that when students are engaged during the reading block that learning is enhanced and behavior management runs smoothly. Today I'd love to share with you 6 fantastic games that promote mastery of word family recognition, letter ... read more
How to Create a More Motivating Writers Workshop Experience
Are your students motivated during Writers Workshop, or do they lack the drive to get started with writing? I know that when I started teaching Writers Workshop earlier this year (following Lucy Caulkins), I very quickly learned that my children this year just were not motivated to write. When I ... read more
Why Guided Reading is Holding Your Students Back
Yes, you read that right. Guided reading may actually be hurting your students' overall reading development. Now before you click the back button on your browser thinking, "that guy has completely lost it," let me add this. Guided reading should have a permanent home in your classroom. Most of us ... read more
