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How to Get Struggling Readers to Fall in Love with Reading

After 17 years of teaching and more than 20 years of having been a student, one thing that never seems to change is that students love to get their teachers off-topic and...

How to Pair Books for Comparing and Contrasting Practice

I can feel the enthusiasm among my students when I am sharing a book with them that I love. I guess my passion and excitement are that contagious! As a literacy specialist,...

How To Effectively Use Picture Books In Literacy Centers

Students love choice and variety! A great way to incorporate both into your literacy instruction is with centers. Literacy centers are a small area within the classroom where...

Game

Rainbows & Rainclouds Phonics Game

Grades K–3

Kit

<em>Vocab Gal's Favorite Test Prep Resources</em> Kit image

Vocab Gal's Favorite Test Prep Resources Kit

Grades 3–12+

Content-Rich Curriculum is the Best Preparation for High-Stakes Reading Tests

High-stakes testing puts an incredible amount of pressure on teachers and students. Teachers are evaluated based on their students' performance on these tests, which can have...

How Literacy Coaches Can Help Teachers Use Picture Books Across Subject Areas

Most school districts are pushing to have a topic that is covered across the curriculum. When you are able to work on a topic in reading, writing, math, science, or social...

Prepare for Standardized Tests Using Books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

With the second half of the school year in full-swing, many educators are starting to think about preparing their students for standardized testing. If you have visited this...

How to Use the CSI– Color, Symbol, Image Thinking Routine

This article outlines how educators can use the CSI– Color, Symbol, Image Thinking Routine to engage students in visible thinking and includes an awesome printable graphic...

Literature Awards and School Book Clubs, Grades 1–8

Recently some of the mothers at the preschool where my own children attend started a book club. Our first book was Pulitzer Prize winner, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. If you...

Inspiring Young Readers; Download Your Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library PDF

I mentioned in a previous post that through my blog I would be sharing with you 'inspiring reads.' These are books that 'inspire' my students that typically do not enjoy...

Headlines Thinking Routine; A Professional Development Series

Today I’m continuing the Professional Development series about how principals, school leaders, and teachers can implement thinking routines in schools. This article outlines...

Compass Points Thinking Routine; A Professional Development Series