Talking about love with little kids usually ends in giggles of some sort! My preschoolers have no problem hugging and holding hands with each other. I think this is why I love that age so much! They are so genuine with their feelings. Valentine's Day is the perfect time of year to encourage friendship and kindness. It's also a great time for extra silly fun while … [Read more...]
Vocabulary – Your Questions Answered
Vocabulary knowledge is fundamental to reading success. It goes hand in hand with comprehension. A child simply cannot understand text without having a working knowledge of what the words actually mean. Just like phonemic awareness and phonics, vocabulary development is one of the five components of effective reading instruction. Teaching reading is a huge task. Big enough that a complete and … [Read more...]
Phonics – Your Questions Answered
Reading is such a complex process that an estimated 10 million children struggle with learning to read. The good news is that most of these children, given the proper instruction under the five components of reading, will progress out and become strong and avid readers. One component, proven to have a severe impact on reading success, is phonics. Teaching reading is a big task. Big enough that … [Read more...]
Phonemic Awareness – Your Questions Answered
Reading is not only an extremely complex cognitive process, but it can also be taxing for young children learning to read. The brain tasks associated with reading can be made easier with instruction in the five components of reading. Phonemic awareness is one of those components that stands as a pillar in the foundation of reading. Teaching reading is a big task. Big enough that a comprehensive … [Read more...]
Great Gifts for Early Readers
As a teacher, I often get asked my opinions and recommendations for educational gifts. Whether they are for birthday parties, Christmas, or other special occasions, sometimes people want to give kids fun gifts that also help them learn! These great gifts for early readers are fantastic for anytime of year, and are also great for teachers to add to their classroom collections … [Read more...]
Building Fluency in Early Readers (and freebies!)
Learning to read is hard work! It is such a precious and important time in a child's life, and it is not a skill that develops overnight. Fostering the development of an emergent reader is like caring for a delicate flower. You need to water it, care for it, and tend to it in order for it to bloom and thrive.As a Kindergarten teacher, I have the privilege of being a part of this magical … [Read more...]
