Are you always trying to find ways to build comprehension in students? I’m sure you are! Teachers have an enormous goal of helping students learn to understand what they read. It is important to remember that this does not require any fancy strategies or expensive programs. One of the best ways to build understanding involves background knowledge. This allows students to have context, develop their schema, and gain insight into the topic. Thankfully, there are easy ways to build your students’ background knowledge! So, let’s dive in and review a few options.  Strategy 1: Diverse Explorat ..read more

Do you have students who are significantly behind in their reading skills? I’m sure you do. It seems like every classroom has multiple students who struggle to read. Since so many components come together to form strong readers, it is easy to see why some struggle. There are so many standards to teach each year, and teachers must keep teaching more content. However, some students need specific, targeted reading interventions to catch them up on their struggles. Luckily, there are three steps to successful reading interventions to help all students become strong readers! By following these step ..read more

Are you always looking for ways to make your lessons more engaging and interactive for students? I know I am! It is crucial for students to be interested and focused on their learning. Thankfully, I have the perfect answer for you: mini lessons! They are a fantastic way to ensure students receive instruction at their level and feel comfortable to ask questions. So, let’s explore 5 reasons why you should be using mini lessons.  #1 Tailored Learning Experience  When using mini lessons, teachers can address specific learning needs of individual students or small groups. For example, thi ..read more

Do you ever wish students participated more in class? I’m sure you do! Participation is a fantastic way to ensure students know the material. However, it is essential to remember that students may not know how to formulate thoughts into questions. Thankfully, these tips for teaching asking questions will transform how students participate in class!  The Importance of Asking Questions Students need to see the value in asking questions. Many will not naturally grasp why we ask them or how asking helps us as readers. So, if we want to implement these tips, students must understand the impor ..read more

Educators, do you ever feel overwhelmed by the transformative changes in elementary education? I completely understand this feeling! There are so many different waters to navigate, especially in literacy. Thankfully, educators know the importance of working together. So, let’s take a deep breath together as we learn about using mentor texts to enhance our reading block! We will explore the “what,” the “why,” and the “how-to” of using the magic of mentor texts in the classroom!  Want to watch the video instead?  Check it out below!  Make sure to subscribe to get updates on all n ..read more

Teachers have so much to do that they often forget some of the cornerstones of literacy. For example, do you know the five literacy components, or Fab Five, as I like to call them? If you do, do you understand how they are all connected and vital to teach? If you’ve forgotten, it happens! It’s why you are here. So, let’s explore the 5 components of literacy and how they are important in every grade.  Want to watch the video instead?  Check it out below!  Make sure to subscribe to get updates on all new content!  Importance of the 5 Components of Literacy  The Fab Fiv ..read more

Do you ever feel like you get educational whiplash being a teacher? I do! The programs we should teach and the strategies we should use are constantly changing. It’s insane and hard to figure out where to look, what to do, and who to trust with all the changes. Honestly, I feel like this is happening with all the Science of Reading research coming out. Specifically, I mean there are two different structures of literacy that keep going back and forth. On one hand, it is balanced literacy. On the other, it is structured literacy, which the Science of Reading research supports. Since this all get ..read more

Can you imagine sitting in a classroom all day listening to a language you do not understand? This would be so hard to do! Sadly, this is often the case for ELL students as they learn English. Since teachers do not want students to feel like this, they get creative in teaching reading to ELL students. This is essential as students are learning grammar and language at the same time. So, let’s explore six small group activities for ELL students. All of these activities are excellent ways to help students understand the meaning of words and comprehension of stories.  Want to watch the video ..read more

Do you ever get frustrated with all of the time, energy, and even MONEY that you spend to find the right resource or the right PD to attend? With so much to do, this often feels like wasted time. If you had the opportunity to have all of these materials every month, would you take it? I know I would! Well, this is now possible with the BC Hub Membership! This fantastic membership allows you to receive resources, professional development, and even 1:1 reading coach support when you and your students need them. They are standard-based activities and resources that students will absolutely love ..read more

Do you love free plot lessons? I know I do! Honestly, teaching plot can be mundane and boring. So, I created a free printout where you can get five free plot mini lessons that bring excitement to your teaching! Students will love this plot lesson plan and gain so much confidence while working with this tough literary skill.  Want to watch the video instead?  Check it out below!  Make sure to subscribe to get updates on all new content!  Importance of Plot I completely understand when people say teaching plot is boring. Honestly, it is. However, it is like a sandwich that ..read more