English orthography often has a reputation of being overly complicated and too difficult for students to navigate. While the English writing system certainly is complex, there is a predictable and consistent structure that supports strong reading and writing. This structure must be taught explicitly and systematically! Overlap is part of the nature of our code….
This template can be used for daily review. Created by Laura Bross and inspired by the OG Classroom Educator Course, it can be used as a quick review tool for older students who still require daily review on phonics skills. Recommendations include: Use pens for this task. When students make an error, encourage them to…
Alphabetics (phonemic awareness and phonics) were key elements of effective, evidence-based reading instruction identified in the National Reading Panel. 20 years after the release of the report of the panel, Dr. Susan Brady summarized Panel findings, and highlighted key findings from research after its release. The View Resource button below opens the 2020 paper, and…
In this book, Heidi Mesmer shares research-backed strategies to support teachers as they move students beyond basic phonics and decoding short words. It’s easy to follow with lots of graphics, sidebars, resources accessible by QR code and appendices. Part I of the book breaks down the foundations of teaching big words with “What You Need…
Curious about the best way to teach students to read multisyllabic words? Check out this explainer from two researchers who study multisyllabic word reading.
REWARDS is a research-validated, specialized reading intervention program designed for students in junior, intermediate and senior grades. There are three YouTube videos for different versions of the program: REWARDS Intermediate, REWARDS Secondary, and REWARDS Social Studies.
This book is an excellent, reader-friendly resource for kindergarten teachers and Early Childhood Educators. While infant and toddler development takes place before the Ontario curriculum kicks in, the authors are American. Their recommendations for preschoolers generally align with the age of our Year 1 kindergarten students. Much of the research and advice in the book…
In this book, the authors share background information on how writing develops, and a research base for three key elements: handwriting, spelling and composition. The following chapters provide practical classroom advice for teaching all three, including several chapters dedicated to genre-specific writing instruction: book reviews (opinion), narratives and description, and how those progress from K-2….
See how repeated reading, an evidence-based approach to building fluency, can be implemented in the classroom with this brief video from the Institute of Education Sciences.
Morphological awareness is a skill that helps students read and spell. Teaching English morphemes, and building students’ awareness of morphemes in oral and written language, is key to supporting vocabulary, spelling, comprehension, and writing.
This is a set of fluency grids including words from the UFLI Irregular Words and the High-Frequency Dolch and Fry Word Lists that are aligned with the UFLI scope and sequence. They can be used for a whole group, small group, partner, or independent to practice fluency with high-frequency words. Thanks to Avon Maitland DSB…
Repeated reading is an instructional routine with plenty of research support. Learn more about how to use repeated reading in your classroom to build students’ fluency with this implementation guide from Dr. Stephanie Stollar.
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