Foundational Writing Skills Students need to be successful writers

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


Lined Writing Paper With Writing

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


Blending lines with decodable text highlighted in yellow

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


First Grade classroom decor

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