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When we teach reading, the goal is not for students to follow a routine. The goal is to develop readers who think, make meaning, and build knowledge from text. That starts with a shift: Start with the understanding you want students to reach. Then ask: What kind of thinking will get them there—and what do I already know that I can draw on to support that thinking?  This one shift changes everything. Repetition Matters—but Not in Isolation Teachers often ask: “How many times

Reading is foundational to everything we do as educators—it shapes how students learn, think, and ultimately succeed. Yet one of the most important questions we must continually ask is this: What actually makes reading effective?  Why do some students navigate complex text with ease while others struggle to access meaning? The answer lies in understanding the science of reading —and more importantly, applying it with intention. In this post, I want to walk you through the key

Technology in the classroom isn’t inherently good or bad—but how  it’s used makes all the difference. When technology is thoughtfully designed to support instruction, it can enhance learning. When it replaces teaching, discussion, or feedback, it often weakens it. The guidance below offers a clear framework for teachers and leaders who want technology to serve instruction rather than drive it . 1. Technology Supports Instruction—It Doesn’t Replace It Technology works best whe

Screen time in the classroom is neither inherently good nor inherently harmful. What matters most is how  technology is used, for what purpose , and for how long —and, critically, what it may be replacing in students’ learning experiences (Hooft Graafland, 2025; Tamim et al., 2021). When discussions about screen time move beyond simple minute-counting and instead focus on instructional design, student thinking, and well-being, schools are better positioned to make informed de

Teachers often encounter students who can read nearly anything placed in front of them but struggle to explain what they’ve read. These students read accurately and fluently, so it feels as though comprehension should  follow automatically. Research, however, tells us otherwise. While decoding is essential, it is only one component of what students need to truly understand text (Gough & Tunmer, 1986; Perfetti, Landi, & Oakhill, 2005). Decoding gets students through the door—b

Oral language development from birth to age 3 provides the foundation for communication, literacy, and long-term academic success. A robust body of research consistently demonstrates that early interactions, caregiver engagement, and rich language exposure are essential to fostering these critical early skills. Milestones From Birth to Age 3 Oral language emerges long before children speak their first words. During the first three months, infants respond to familiar voices, c

Letter formation might seem like a small detail in the big picture of writing instruction, but it’s actually one of the most important building blocks for fluent, confident writers. When students learn to form letters accurately and automatically, they set the stage for clear, expressive, and efficient writing throughout their school years (Psychology Direct, 2025; Scribd, 2025). The Simple View of Writing reminds us that skilled writing has two key parts: Transcription – t

Round robin and popcorn reading remain common practices in many classrooms, yet a substantial body of research shows these approaches are not effective in promoting student reading development. It is critical for educators to understand the limitations of these methods and explore research-backed alternatives that foster meaningful engagement and skill growth for all learners. What Are Round Robin and Popcorn Reading? Round Robin Reading:  A structured approach where students

If you think spelling is just about memorizing word lists and passing weekly tests, it’s time to reconsider. Research increasingly shows that the best way to teach spelling isn’t through rote repetition, but through clear, systematic instruction that connects sounds, meanings, and letter patterns. This approach doesn’t just improve spelling—it strengthens reading, writing, and overall language skills. What the Research Says Studies consistently find that explicit and systemat

Why Daily Phonological Awareness Matters For teachers committed to building strong, confident readers, research consistently points to one key practice: short, consistent work with phonological awareness skills. Even spending a couple of minutes each day—focused on listening to and manipulating sounds—sharpens essential skills. The science of learning, including the spacing effect, reveals that frequent, brief practice helps students retain and apply concepts much better than

Reading aloud to students—no matter their age—is one of the most researched and effective ways to support literacy. Decades of evidence show regular, interactive read alouds foster vocabulary growth, comprehension, print awareness, motivation, and even social-emotional learning (Swanson et al., 2011; DeJulio et al., 2022; Lane & Wright, 2007). Benefits Backed by Research Vocabulary & Language Growth: Meta-analyses reveal that read aloud interventions, paired with active quest

“Effective Universal Instruction” provides classroom teachers with a toolkit of actionable, research-based strategies for making Tier 1 instruction inclusive and effective for every student (Gibbons et al., 2018). The book, authored by Kimberly Gibbons, Sarah Brown, and Bradley Niebling, is praised for its clarity and real-world examples, making it highly practical for day-to-day classroom use (Gibbons et al., 2018; Baum & Beaulieu, 2025; The Reading League, 2023; ISEA, 2024)

Teachers often hear plenty about how the brain works and what helps kids learn best. But not all popular ideas are true—and some common misconceptions, called neuromyths, can actually mislead us and hurt our teaching efforts. Here’s a clear, friendly guide to the most widespread neuromyths and what research really says, so teaching can be smarter and simpler for everyone. 1. Learning Styles “Some kids learn best by seeing, others by hearing, and some by moving. Teaching to ea

As teachers, we’ve all had students who work hard but still struggle to make sense of print. It can be frustrating to know they’re putting in the effort yet not making the progress we hope for. David Kilpatrick’s Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties speaks directly to this challenge. As an Amazon Associate, earnings are made from qualifying purchases, which helps support the work of EA Literacy & Learning. Why It Matters for the Classroom

When I first picked up Louisa Moats’ Speech to Print , I’ll admit—I wasn’t sure how practical a book about “language essentials” would feel in the day-to-day of teaching. But here’s the truth: this book has completely reshaped how I think about reading instruction, and I believe it can do the same for you. As an Amazon Associate, earnings are made from qualifying purchases, which helps support the work of EA Literacy & Learning. What I Love About This Book Moats takes somethi

Transforming Student Writing In the realm of education, effective writing instruction is paramount. The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades by Judith C. Hochman and Natalie Wexler offers a structured approach to teaching writing that enhances student thinking and comprehension across disciplines. As an Amazon Associate, earnings are made from qualifying purchases, which helps support the work of EA Literacy & Learn

“Without knowledge, even the strongest reading skills can’t help students understand what they read.” Natalie Wexler Closing The Knowledge Gap : A Call for Knowledge-Rich Instruction As an Amazon Associate, earnings are made from qualifying purchases, which helps support the work of EA Literacy & Learning. Natalie Wexler’s The Knowledge Gap offers a compelling examination of one of the most pressing challenges in education today: the persistent gap in reading comprehension a