Reading

Phonics, Reading

How to Teach Open Syllables in a First Grade Classroom

Teaching open syllables to your students can help them decode and write a large number of words. Single syllable open syllable words are some of the most common words used in the English language which means they are very important to teach young students. Here is how you can teach open syllables to your first grade, second grade, or kindergarten…

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Intervention, Reading

How I Teach Closed Syllables in my First Grade Classroom

Understanding syllable types makes reading and writing so much easier. Closed syllables are typically the first type of syllables children learn because it is the most common type of syllable. Here is how I introduce closed syllables in my first grade classroom. What Do Students Need to Know Before You Introduce Closed Syllables? If you’d like a complete breakdown of…

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Classroom Organization, New Teacher Tips, Reading

How to Set Up and Run Reading Centers in a First Grade Classroom

Reading centers are an important part of your literacy instruction because it gives you time to target key skills with students. It also allows students to make some choices in their own practice and learning. Knowing how to set up reading centers in a way that is simple for you and engaging for students will set you up for a…

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New Teacher Tips, Reading

How to Teach Comprehension with the Science of Reading

The Science of Reading might feel like a hot, new buzz word. All of this talk of heart words and word mapping might be a bit different from a balanced literacy approach you are used to. When you get down to it, the Science of Reading is not new at all. It’s simple researched based instructional practices. But, what about…

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Phonics, Reading

How Using Partner Plays with Decodable Text Develops Fluency (and Fun!)

Decodable texts are necessary for strong reading instruction in all grades, but particularly in kindergarten and first. Students in these grades are still breaking the reading code, so it’s important for them to have texts they can easily decode using the letter sound knowledge they’ve developed so far. Here is how you can use decodable partner plays to help your…

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