Simply For Teachers

  We work really hard to deliver the most effective literacy instruction to our students.  Using the techniques based in the science of reading has been a game changer!  We know better and we are doing better for our students....but we can't forget to build the love and interest of reading.  This starts with a love of stories FIRST. Building a love of stories and storytelling promotes a love of books and reading.  It seems so simple, but I'm not just talking about reading aloud a lot (although that's important too).  I challenge you to be more strategic and deliberate in how you build a love of stories.  Here are some simple and effective ways to get your students to ASK for stories and TALK about them outside of the classroom. Being deliberate means that you have to take an active role in knowing what your students like.  Take notes and ask questions.  Every class is different and just because last year's class couldn't get enough of Th...

  Hearing the term "Progress Monitoring" can make teachers feel nervous or anxious because it can feel like ONE. MORE. THING.  I get it.  As a former classroom teacher I understand the demands.  However, as a former classroom teacher I pressed on and found a way to make it work.  Why? Because I understood the power of the data and how it gave me a "bigger hammer" when I attended meetings and advocated for students or when I was able to plan strategic instruction.  That "one more thing" became something I would never want to give up because I understood the VALUE.  Let's break it down simply.... What is Progress Monitoring? (in my words) Why should we do Progress Monitoring? Who needs to be Progress Monitored? Technically we can monitor the progress of any student in any number of areas.  However, for our purposes we are going to focus on students who are below benchmark. What should you look for in a Progress Monitoring Assessment? it should be a ...

  If you've been wanting to start using a blending board or need some help with your current situation...I've got you covered! The blending board is an integral part of the 3 Part Drill.  It transitions students from seeing singular sounds to blending sounds together to form words.  Early readers and students that struggle with reading benefit from direct instruction on how to blend sounds properly.  This method supports the use of sound/symbol relationships to decode effectively.   The system is based on previously taught skills that are woven together week after week.  Every time a new skill is taught it enters the card deck and becomes part of the blending board.  As skills are mastered, you can start exciting cards from the deck.  Just keep enough to make words and boost confidence. Here are some simply laid out tips and tricks that you can start today! **Keep in mind that the blending board can be used for the most basic patterns, b...

You listen to your students read and notice a few behaviors that make you concerned: doesn't stop at punctuation doesn't acknowledge punctuation reads one word at a time (robotic) reads to the end of the line as if it's the end of the sentence reads in poorly formed phrases that affect text meaning and flow These are poor reading behaviors that will affect comprehension.  It is possible that a student can display a number of these behaviors and still be reading accurately.  But accurate reading is not enough if students aren't showing understanding.  Many students need direct instruction in fluency, more specifically...prosody. Check out these simple steps on how to start using Smiles and Eyeballs to support your students in fluency.   By following these simple steps, you can set your students up for success.  Modeling and ample opportunities to practice can not be overstated!  This process is so simple and flexible that you can fit it into any part o...