The Blog

Why Letter Formation Still Matters

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 …

Rethinking Round Robin and Popcorn Reading

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 …

Game-Changing Spelling Instruction

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 …

Building Strong Readers, One Sound at a Time

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 …

Unlocking Success for Every Student

“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 …

Why Read Alouds Matter!

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 How to Get the Most From Read …

Busting Common Myths about the Brain

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. …

Understanding and Preventing Reading Difficulties

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. Why It Matters for the Classroom Kilpatrick bridges decades …

Unlocking Reading with “Speech to Print”

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. What I Love About This Book Moats …

From Sentences to Success

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. What Sets The Writing Revolution 2.0 Apart? Building upon …