Let's uncover the signs of dyslexia. So far we've addressed dyslexia myths and defined exactly what dyslexia is. Here's a quick refresher: Dyslexia is the most common learning disability. It is "characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of ... Read More
5 Ways to build the alphabetic principle
TRT Podcast#73: 5 ways to build the alphabetic principle The alphabetic principle is the understanding that printed letters represent sounds - it sounds simple, but not all kids grasp this concept. Without it, they can't learn to read! Here are five simple ways to build the alphabetic principle. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources ... Read More
How to keep the rest of your class learning as you meet with small groups
TRT Podcast#72: How to keep the rest of the class learning while you meet with small groups Keep the rest of the class busy AND learning with these easy-prep, effective literacy center ideas! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources ... Read More
Busting 12 dyslexia myths
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, yet many people know very little about it - dyslexia myths abound! Today we're going to do some dyslexia myth busting! Myth #1: People with dyslexia see letters and words backward, and people with dyslexia always write letters and words backward. This misconception may be the most common, perhaps because it's been around for so long. Dyslexia is not a ... Read More
How to plan and teach small group phonics lessons
TRT Podcast#71: How to plan and teach small group phonics lessons How should you form your phonics groups? How often should you meet with each group? What specific activities should you include in your lessons? We've got the answers in this week's episode! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related blog posts ... Read More
Phonics centers that will keep students busy and learning
I've written about different ways to structure your phonics lessons and meet the needs of all your students. One question remains ... what are the rest of the students doing while you teach small groups? Today I'm sharing ideas for phonics centers! These days I am seeing a lot of criticism of small group teaching, because there is concern about what the rest of the class is doing. There is (legitimate) ... Read More
What phonics skills should students learn in each grade?
TRT Podcast#70: What phonics skills should students learn in each grade? In this episode I share the phonics skills we should teach by grade level. Do you agree with how I break it down? Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Links you'll love Ultimate collection of phonics word lists What order should you teach phonics skills? (with a free scope and sequence) Free decodable book series Free ... Read More
What you need to know about Orton-Gillingham
TRT Podcast#69: What you need to know about Orton-Gillingham What IS Orton-Gillingham anyway? Is it backed by research? What do critics have to say? We'll answer these questions and more in today's episode. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript A complete look at IMSE's OG Method For brevity's sake, I did not include all lesson components in the podcast episode. Get the full IMSE lesson ... Read More
How to give small group phonics lessons
We're nearing the end of our phonics series, and it's time to get down to the nuts and bolts. What exactly should phonics lessons look like in your classroom? Today we'll look at how to meet the needs of all your students using small group instruction. My first year of teaching first grade, I was required to use a very explicit, scripted phonics program. It was a fail. Full disclosure: At the time I ... Read More
What does phonics have to do with comprehension?
TRT Podcast#68: What does phonics have to do with reading comprehension? What does phonics have to do with comprehension? A lot! We lay it all out in this episode. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources Scholastic article: How Phonics Contributes to Reading Success Reading Horizons article: How Does Phonics Impact Reading Comprehension? ... Read More