Supported Reading in Text: Moving Rapidly from Decodable Books to Trade Books
How long should students continue reading decodable books? Do they need leveled books? When and how can they move to getting a book from the library or store, advancing to reading whatever they want? The importance of reading in connected text is critical to improving reading. Of course, the reader must have a foundation in…
Spelling and EBLI – Accelerate Reading with Accurate Spelling
Research says a lot about the importance of spelling as well as the connection between spelling and reading and writing. Here are just a few research references about the importance of spelling: ‘The spelling to read movement spotlights the importance of spelling for orthographic mapping and spelling’s role in automatic word reading which drives reading…
Plea from a Former Balanced Literacy Teacher: Can We Let Go of Classroom Practices that Aren’t Working
“Teachers the world over are experiencing increasing awareness about the research that backs how reading should be taught – often referred to as the Science of Reading – and are shifting or completely changing their teaching practices as a result. Julie VanLier is a 21-year veteran Kindergarten Teacher who has undergone extensive self-education on the…
Student Literacy Behaviors that Scream Success (and those that don’t)
How do I know if my student(s) or children are reading successfully? There is an abundance of information that is easily accessible about reading instructional practices based on the Science of Reading, Balanced Literacy, or other processes to teach or remediate reading. Reading assessments happen routinely in schools too. However, information about the behaviors of…
Parent Teacher Communication: Collaborating for Each Student
Effective communication in general is tricky, and communication between parents and educators takes this to a whole new level. There’s often so much emotion involved, both for the parents and the teacher and/or administrator. I have experienced this firsthand and often think of what I could have done differently (a lot of things I’m sure!)…
Phonics and Syllable Rules: Do We Need Them?
Writing about whether phonics and syllable rules are necessary for student learning makes me feel somewhat anxious and quite vulnerable. I’m certain that teaching rules and syllable types is not necessary in order to learn to read well and quickly, but I am also acutely aware of the vitriol that can result from pushing up…
R-Controlled Vowels: How to Teach in a Way that Makes Sense
R-Controlled vowels. Bossy r. Pirate r. R-influenced vowels. R in charge, rhotic and non-rhotic. What do these terms mean? These terms are referring to words that have one or two vowels with the letter ‘r’ after them in a word. The following words are r-controlled: far, for, war, earth, ear, bear, dollar, marry, word, and…
Get Your Mitts on a Great Book: The EBLI Team Shares Their Favorites
The joy of reading and getting immersed in a great book is one of the main reasons we are obsessed with teaching kids and adults so they become proficient readers. Deviating from my typical format, this blog post will introduce you to the EBLI team, some of their favorite books, and why they love them….
How Learners Camouflage Literacy Struggles: A Shame-Based Secret
Think of something that you are not adept at, something that you can muddle through but it isn’t easy or enjoyable. For me, technology and tennis come to mind. I can do the basics on the computer but am sure I could even do those more efficiently. If something goes awry when I’m working with…
The Fallout of Illiteracy and Sub-Literacy: What happens to children who aren’t capable readers?
Those who read and write well, which most likely includes you if you’re reading this, typically take for granted the gift of literacy that allows us full access to society. The daily impact of sub-literacy, or low level reading, spelling, and writing, is not part of our experience. Even though you may not be aware…
