Our spelling system is complex. We cannot just depend upon sounding out words and matching those sounds to an appropriate letter or combination of letters. Phonology, orthography, and morphology and etymology all play a role in how words are spelled. Phonology (Sound system in language) and Sound Segmentation When we are first beginning spelling instruction, Continue reading
5 Foundational Writing Skills Students Need to Be Successful Writers
Writing is the most complex literacy task we ask students to perform. Before one can become a proficient writer, they must first master the foundational skills of writing, which include letter formation, handwriting, spelling, capitalization and punctuation, as well as sentence construction. In this blog post, I will provide an overview of each of these Continue reading
The Science of Writing: Where to Begin
So much has been researched and written on the topic of research-based strategies for reading, but writing is an area where there has not been a lot of research.There are many methods, strategies, and practices that are useful and several books have been written on the topic. If you are looking for a place to Continue reading
Using Blending Lines in a Structured Literacy Classroom
This year I was blessed to receive some rather intensive training through my school district based in the Science of Reading (Structured Literacy). It has been life-changing and has helped me make some very positive changes in the delivery of my instruction as well as in my instructional strategies. One of the great activities I Continue reading
Classroom Tour 2021-2022
It’s already back to school time for me. This year I decided to decorate my classroom with a mint / turquoise blue and black. I was SO excited to find these book bins at Target. Finally my entire classroom library can match! I always have a wall dedicated for student work. This wall is Continue reading