The importance of vocabulary cannot be overlooked in our work to create skilled readers. Vocabulary is one of the main strands of language comprehension in Scarborough’s Reading Rope. Why? Because as students decode the words on ... Read More
How to Build Background Knowledge
Today we're talking about how to build background knowledge. I know that sometimes it can feel like it’s phonics, phonics, phonics when we’re talking about the Science of Reading. I get it. It is an area that has been lacking from many ... Read More
10 Favorite Science of Reading PD Books
After my blog series about the Science of Reading, the number one question I received was "what are your favorite Science of Reading PD books?" I love this question because it means that teachers are invested in understanding how ... Read More

FREE Number Talks
First grade teachers, access 20 FREE Number Talk Prompts to enhance your place value unit and get your students engaged in conversation.
Shifting to Decodable Readers in Small Groups
It would be nearly impossible to talk about the components of the Science of Reading without talking about decodable readers. With so many practices and resources to consider, it can get overwhelming to figure out how to incorporate ... Read More
10 Domino Addition Games and Activities for Your Math Centers
There are many ways to play with Dominoes. People have played variations of the game for centuries. But did you know that Dominoes are an excellent tool for teaching addition? Years ago, I discovered that a bit of creativity ... Read More
Your Phonics Scope and Sequence Questions Answered
If you’ve been following along on our Science of Reading journey this far, you know that phonics instruction is a key piece of the reading puzzle. But maybe you’re left with more questions than answers. Like, how should I create ... Read More