11 Exhilarating Ways to Use Nonsense Word Activities Nonsense words are key to reading success. We read nonsense words every day without even realizing it! These words often are syllables hidden within larger words. Think of the word “picnic”. This features two nonsense words: pic and nic. In order to successfully read the word, “picnic” students need to be able… Read More
small group activities
5 Easy Steps for How To Manage Small Groups in the Classroom
5 Easy Steps for How to Manage Small Groups in the Classroom It can be hard to learn how to manage small groups in the classroom! As a teacher, you can feel pulled in all different directions when leading small group instruction. This may include a center time or strategic intervention where you only meet with 3-4 students at a… Read More
9 Easy Strategies for a Simple Special Education Classroom Setup
9 Easy Strategies for a Simple Special Education Classroom Setup It can be stressful to think of a special education classroom setup, especially as a new (or new to special education) teacher! After 5 years in a traditional classroom, I moved into a special education role and had to re-imagine how I could set up my space to support my… Read More
11 Ideas to Improve Teaching Consonant Digraphs in your Small Groups
Consonant Digraphs Interested in easy, no prep ideas to improve teaching consonant digraphs? Grab these digraph activities featuring an in-depth week for each consonant digraph sound. These lessons will guide your students from introductory to mastery with each digraph sound. Small groups are a great way to teach consonant digraphs but do you find your students are not engaged or… Read More
How to Effectively Teach Sight Words (& Make It Fun!)
How to Teach Sight Words Are you wondering how to teach sight words? You’re in the right place! Through small group instruction, you can effectively teach sight words and make it fun for kids! You’ll also find out how to weave trick word practice throughout your day, so your students are constantly practicing and memorizing their sight words. … Read More
The Importance of Nonsense Words & How to Teach Them!
The Importance of Nonsense Words & How to Teach Them! Are you using nonsense words in your phonics instruction? If not, you’re missing a big piece of the puzzle to support your students reading! These silly words should be a daily part of your phonics instruction. They are an important piece of the puzzle to help students read fluently. … Read More
5 Quick and Easy Ways to Differentiate Instruction
5 Quick and Easy Ways to Differentiate Instruction Every teacher wants to be able to differentiate instruction easily and effectively. Each kid in a classroom has their own learning style, their own strengths and weaknesses, and requires their own curriculum. How can teachers possibly provide individualized, differentiated instruction to a class of 15, 20 or even 30 students? Read… Read More
11 Must Have Gifts for Hybrid Teachers
Hybrid Teaching Are you hybrid teaching? Or know a teacher teaching in the classroom and online? These make great gifts or self-buys to make the stressful job of hybrid teaching easier! Technology for Hybrid Teaching A Drawing Tablet Do your online students struggle to see the board while live streaming? Or the pre-made slide decks not offer enough flexibility as… Read More
The Absolute Best Activities to Teach: What Are Short Vowels
When teaching reading you may find yourself wondering: what are the short vowels? Our vowels, (a, e, i, o, and u), can be found in every English word. Vowels can occur together or separately and they make so many different sounds! Here you will learn what short vowels are when they occur in words, how to teach the short vowel… Read More
How To Teach Short Vowel Sounds
Wondering how to teach short vowel sounds to your pre-reading students? Teaching short vowels is a daunting task. They are the foundation of all words! Vowels hide in the middle of words and with close knit sounds, students often confuse which vowel they hear! Read below for 5 tips to learn how to teach short vowel sounds! Before teaching short… Read More