What is syntax within structured literacy? Syntax is the set of principles that dictate the sequence and function of words in a sentence in order to convey meaning. This includes grammar, sentence variation, and the mechanics of language. The International Dyslexia Association on readingrockets.org You likely have a grammar program that you follow. But syntax isn't just about identifying whether a word is a ... Read More
Three science of reading myths debunked
TRT Podcast#43: Three science of reading myths debunked I fought the idea of structured literacy for a long time, and it's because I believed these three myths about the science of reading. How about you? Listen to find out how we can debunk these three common misunderstandings. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related episodes What are the reading wars? My reaction to Emily Hanford’s ... Read More
The difference between balanced and structured literacy
TRT Podcast#42: The difference between balanced and structured literacy It’s time to take a good look at what we’re doing when we teach children to read. I considered myself a “balanced literacy” teacher for many years. It’s the approach I learned in graduate school, the approach I used as a classroom teacher, and the approach I (used to) teach on my website and in my online course. However, after a great deal of ... Read More
What is sound-symbol association in a structured literacy classroom?
It's time for another post in my structured literacy series! Today we'll look at teaching sound-symbol association. What is sound-symbol association? We're teaching kids to associate sounds (phonemes) with symbols (graphemes). In other words? Phonics. Like it or not, phonics has been a hot button topic for decades. Let's tackle the "why" first. Why do we need to teach phonics? Don't some people learn ... Read More
Do’s and don’ts for using decodable texts with beginning readers
TRT Podcast#41: Do's and don'ts for using decodable books with beginning readers For years I thought that decodable texts were a necessary evil ... I thought they were boring, stilted, and nonsensical. Now I know that quality decodable books are vital for helping young learners build a strong foundation. The good news is that there are many wonderful decodable books, and more are being published all the ... Read More
What is the difference between balanced and structured literacy?
Balanced and structured literacy are two different approaches to teaching reading. They have things in common, but when they're referenced in the same breath they're usually pitted against each other. I considered myself a "balanced literacy" teacher for many years. It's the approach I learned in graduate school, the approach I used as a classroom teacher, and the approach I (used to) teach on my website and in my ... Read More
What is structured literacy?
Are you here to get the details about structured literacy? Let's dive in! For years I considered myself a balanced literacy teacher. And it's not really a surprise. I was in college when balanced literacy came into existence (1996). I entered the classroom during its heyday (1999). And all the coursework I did for my master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction (with a focus on reading) revolved ... Read More
The ultimate guide to decodable books
So ... how do you feel about decodable books? I admit it. I avoided them for a long time. I felt that decodable books were boring, stilted, and would kill a love of reading. I preferred to use leveled books with beginning readers. I thought that if I taught them multiple ways to solve words, their fluency and comprehension would be better than if they learned to read using decodable text. But I changed ... Read More
Should you use leveled or decodable books with beginning readers?
TRT Podcast#40: Should you use leveled or decodable books with beginning readers? Leveled books are predictable books with strong picture support. Decodable books feature words whose sound-spelling patterns have been explicitly taught. Which are best for beginning readers? Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Link to original Facebook Live presentation Video presentation Check out the full ... Read More
How to teach sight words
I receive many emails from teachers and parents asking me how to teach sight words. Are you here to learn how to teach high frequency words? You're in the right place! What are sight words? Traditionally, when teachers say "sight words," they are referring to high frequency words that children should know by sight. We often define sight words as words that kids can't sound out - words like the, for ... Read More