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


What to do with leveled text. childrens books

The Science of Reading and Literacy Centers, Part 3: Leveled Readers

Welcome to my third post about The Science of Reading and Literacy Centers!  If you have questions about what kinds of activities you might have your students complete during center time, you are in the right place.  After you read this post, you will find out why you should not throw out those leveled readers Continue reading