Imagine a child staring at a giant puzzle, eager to put the pieces together but unsure where to start. Now, picture handing them a guide that shows how each piece connects, turning confusion into clarity. That’s what concept maps offer our early readers—a visual way to organize new information and build connections that make reading […]
In many classrooms, every child is expected to climb the same reading ladder at the same pace, using the same tools. But not all students start from the same place. Some ascend with ease, while others struggle to reach the first rung or get stuck halfway. Differentiation in reading instruction offers a better way forward, […]
Have you ever noticed how some children seem to read in choppy, disconnected sentences while others flow smoothly from one idea to the next? That difference often comes down to understanding transitional phrases – those small but mighty connecting words that bridge ideas together. These seemingly minor language elements can actually be a major key […]
When you sit down to read with your child, you’re doing more than sharing a story — you’re actively shaping their brain development. Thanks to advances in neuroscience and brain imaging, we now understand exactly what happens in your child’s brain during storytime and why reading together is so powerful for literacy development. The Reading […]
Walk into any classroom, and you’ll see it immediately: every student is unique. Some are racing through their books, others are carefully sounding out each word, and a few might be struggling to get started. As teachers, we’re tasked with helping each of these learners succeed, and that’s where differentiated reading instruction becomes our most […]
Understanding root words isn’t just another reading strategy—it’s a fundamental approach that unlocks thousands of new words for developing readers. As we explore the science behind root word instruction, you’ll discover why this method is so powerful for building strong readers. The Power of Root Words in Reading Reading theories show us that explicit vocabulary […]
As tablets and e-readers become increasingly common in homes and classrooms, many parents find themselves wondering about the role of digital reading in their children’s literacy journey. If you’ve ever watched your child navigate a tablet with ease while you’re still figuring out how to adjust the brightness, you’re not alone – and you might […]
When eight-year-old Thomas first sat down in Ms. Rivera’s third-grade class, he already knew what was coming. Another year of struggling to read aloud, watching other kids breeze through chapter books while he got stuck on simple words, and feeling that familiar knot in his stomach every time the teacher called on him. What Thomas […]
For parents guiding children learning to read in English as an additional language (EAL), the journey can feel exciting and challenging. You might wonder how to support your child’s reading development best while honoring their first language. The good news? Research shows that multilingual children can become exceptional readers with guidance and support. Understanding the […]
Did you know that the foundation for learning to read is understanding speech sounds? While letters and words are seen with our eyes, when learning to read the brain facilitates a process that correlates with spoken language. This is why it’s so important for children to sound things out when they’re learning to read. In […]
