In this blog post: We will take a closer look at the Science of Reading centers and how they align with the Science of Reading Curriculum.
If you're new to the Science of Reading, you might be wondering, "What are the other students doing while i'm teaching small groups?"
In the past, they've done literacy centers... but can I still do literacy centers or do I need to ditch them?
This might be a debated topic, but i'm here to say - DON'T toss out your literacy centers!
Literacy ...
Read More
Free Science of Reading Aligned Phonics Tool Kit
In this blog post: Grab everything you need to create a SOR phonics tool kit for whole and small group phonics instruction that align with the Science of Reading.
If you're new to the Science of Reading and phonics-based small groups, you know how exciting it is to finally understand how to teach reading and make it stick... but also how overwhelming it can be!
You're looking for the best Science of Reading aligned resources, tools, and activities and it's probably making your head ...
Read More
Fun and Free Interactive Alphabet Books!
In this blog post: Grab a set of FREE interactive alphabet books perfect for alphabet practice in Kindergarten.
Learning the alphabet in Kindergarten is kind of a big deal. Our first few months are packed full of fun, hands-on alphabet activities!
I always love to find new ways to switch things up and keep students learning.
Interactive alphabet books are the perfect way to do that! These books let students practice each letter and letter sound in multiple ways, while still being low ...
Read More
4 Free Back to School Centers for First Grade
In this blog post: Grab four free back to school centers for 1st grade that are perfect for the first week of school.
If you've taught first grade before, you know that it can be HARD to figure out what activities to put in your centers the first weeks of school!
Your students come in with a HUGE range of abilities, some fluent and reading and some who have never been to school and who still need to learn the alphabet.
Don't worry, I've got you!
I have 4 fun and free back to school ...
Read More
What Does Guided Math Look Like in Kindergarten?
In this post: Unsure about what guided math should look like in Kindergarten? This post details what it is, how to implement it, and why you should add it to your classroom routine.
You know that Guided Math works in other grade levels, but could it possibly work for your Kindergarteners who are new to school and still mastering routines? I’m here to tell you that it can!
When I first started implementing Guided Math time in my kindergarten classroom, I thought for sure that it was going ...
Read More
How to Use a Sound Wall in the Classroom
In this blog post: Learn all about what a sound wall is and how to use a sound wall effectively in your classroom.
You may be seeing sound walls, well, pretty much everywhere right now and wondering, "What is a sound wall? How can I use a sound wall in my classroom?"
Maybe you're new to the Science of Reading and considering swapping your word wall for a sound wall, but you aren't quite sure where to start or even what the difference is.
The truth is, sound walls can be amazingly ...
Read More
Can Guided Reading Work with the Science of Reading?
In this blog post: Are you new to the Science of Reading and feeling overwhelmed with how to teach small groups? Are you wondering if guided reading can work with the science of reading or if you need to toss it out completely? Continue reading to find out!
When I first began learning about the Science of Reading, I realized I was going to have to make some big changes in my instruction. Know better, do better.
Honestly, it all felt overwhelming at the beginning!
Making the switch to ...
Read More
FREE Kindergarten Sentence Building and Writing Center
In this blog post: Are you working writing simple sentences in Kindergarten? Grab the free Kindergarten sentence building and writing center activity that your students are sure to love!
I'm sure you already know this but... writing sentences in Kindergarten is hard!
We need all of the practice we can get making and writing simple sentences.
I started search for sentence building and writing centers and activities for my students, but I couldn't find any that were "just right" for my ...
Read More
Why You Need to Rethink Your First Math Unit in Kindergarten
In this post: Learn about why teaching numbers to 5 is the first math unit you should teach in Kindergarten this year. This post also includes an overview of my Numbers to 5 Kindergarten math unit and how to implement it within your Kindergarten Guided Math instruction.
I have something I’ve been wanting to get off of my chest for a while now. Ready? Here goes:
Kindergarteners shouldn’t learn about sorting or 2D shapes as their first math unit.
There, I said it. And honestly, I feel a ...
Read More
A Close Look at the Preschool and Pre-K Phonics Curriculum
In this blog post: Take a closer look at the components of the preschool and pre-k phonics curriculum and how it aligns with the science of reading.
The idea of teaching phonics in preschool or pre-k can feel kind of daunting.
How do we build a strong literacy foundation while staying developmentally appropriate and, just as important, having fun?
Is it possible to have a preschool and pre-k phonics curriculum that aligns with best practices from the Science of Reading?
The answer is ...
Read More
