We've discussed how challenging it is to fit all the necessary skills into your literacy block with limited time. But what if I told you that focusing on fluency doesn't have to take extra time? It can be seamlessly integrated throughout your day. Game changer, right? In today's episode, my special guest, Aylin Claahsen, shares practical reading fluency activities you can incorporate into your classroom today.

Many believe that upper elementary students are already fluent readers, but that's not always true. Fluency involves five key aspects: accuracy, expression, pace, smoothness, and reading for meaning. While this may seem like a lot, Aylin offers five strategies to help you support fluency development in your students.

Fluency is the thread that ties reading and comprehension together. Aylin's tips are easy to implement and require no extra time or prep. You can start using these reading fluency activities today to enhance students comprehension, fluency, and their love for reading.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode215.

I loved teaching genre when I was in the classroom, and now I love talking about it. I view teaching genre as the cornerstone of a literacy block. Genre is something that you can talk about in both reading and writing, so anytime you talk about genre, it can have an impact on all areas of your literacy block. 

Genre categorizes books and texts by specific attributes. When students understand genre, it gives them a roadmap to help them navigate the texts they read. By learning genre, students gain tools and clues to comprehend different types of texts.

Teaching genre boosts academic performance, student engagement, and community building. It's a great topic to introduce at the start of the year. In this episode, I share three fun activities to introduce genre to your students.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode212.

In this episode, we shift our focus from instructional strategies to an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of literacy instruction: the classroom environment, specifically the classroom library. While effective teaching practices are essential, how we organize our learning spaces can significantly impact our students' reading experiences and development. As the new school year approaches, I want to share ideas for organizing your classroom library in ways that align with the science of reading.

I used to organize my library by reading levels, but now I understand that this limits students' reading choices and does not support their growth or love for reading. Instead of doing this in your classroom this year, try organizing it by genre, or topic/theme, or author/series, or a mix of these. These approaches not only help foster a love for reading but also align with how books are organized in real-world settings.

No single organizational method fits all classrooms. However, avoiding reading levels and using a mix of genre, topic, and author organization can create a more engaging and effective classroom library. Tune in to learn the benefits and limitations of each method.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode205

Happy 2023, friends! As this podcast celebrates 2 years, I like to reflect on the journey of this milestone, while also thinking about the goals and plans for the upcoming year. I have to admit that I’m not into making resolutions, for I tend to make them specific, which then ultimately, I end up not following through. Instead, I make a ‘more and less list’. So in the spirit of resolutions, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my ‘more and less list’ for literacy teachers.

Download my Free Word of the Day: Context Clue Routine here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode115

After a long break, there’s bound to be some challenges that arise when students return. Before break, your students were in a routine and had good stamina for independent reading. But now, it’s almost like starting from the beginning all over again. To help your students regain their momentum towards independent reading, I’m sharing 5 tips to implement during your reading block.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode114

It’s our job to provide instruction to students on a variety of skills and strategies to use outside of the classroom. But it’s something special when we can do something inside the classroom that translates to an authentic experience in real life. One way to do that is through the implementation of book clubs. I’m known as a “serial book club starter”, which explains why I’m sharing tips on how to establish student independence with book clubs.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode113

You’ve hit the halfway mark in the school year, so it’s a great time to reevaluate your literacy routines and take this opportunity to revamp your ideas. One way to do that is through your reading response activities. While students read independently, the goal is for them to think about what they’re reading, which is exactly what reading response activities do. So if you’re looking for fresh and new reading response ideas that will energize independent reading time, today’s episode will do just that!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode112

The weeks between now and winter break can be long for both teachers and students, and a time when students tend to lose focus and need more engagement. One way to regain their attention is to incorporate movement into your instructional day. In Episode 53, I shared 4 ways to incorporate movement into your literacy block, so in a way, this is part 2 of that episode. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 additional ways to incorporate movement into any part of your instructional day!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode111

With the new year just around the corner, we often think of this time as a fresh start and a new beginning to something that is ending. But what if we applied that same logic to every ending that occurred in our lives? After reading the children’s book The End Is Just The Beginning, you will start doing just that. Giving us more insight, I have the author of that book, Mike Bender, to help discuss how to create a positive perspective on any ending.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode110

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and being grateful and thankful, I first, am so grateful for each of my listeners on this podcast. Y’all are amazing and the reason why I get to do what I’m doing. And secondly, this time of year provides a great opportunity to reflect and evaluate your professional and personal happiness. So we’re going to take a short break from our regular literacy discussions, and focus on how to take control of your professional and personal happiness during stressful seasons of life.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode109

We’ve talked about this idea of trying to fit all these different skills into your literacy block, but with what time? It’s so difficult to designate time specifically for certain skills when you have so much to cover. So what if I told you focusing on the skill of fluency doesn’t have to take up extra time and it can be organically streamlined throughout all parts of your day? Game changer! In today’s episode, my special guest, Aylin Claahsen, is sharing powerful and practical tips to increase student reading fluency.

Check out Aylin's Fluency Course here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode108

I don’t know about you, but one of the things that was difficult for me to teach to my students was writing. The act of writing causes many challenges for students, but unfortunately, it’s a skill that’s necessary in academics. And why most people just associate writing during literacy or ELA class, in reality, writing is transferable to all subject areas.

Since we know writing isn’t used when just talking about literacy concepts, having students practice and develop their writing skills needs to be incorporated in other content areas throughout the day. While this might be difficult for some to grasp and put into action, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 different ideas on how you can incorporate high impact writing activities into any content area.

Download our Sentence Writing Routine Resource here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode107

In the spirit of Halloween, I’ve got a treat for you today! If you’re like me, you think the same thing at the beginning of every single school year: I’m going to rock my classroom management this year! And while you might start with good intentions, it never seems to go the way you thought it would. Not to mention, holidays and other exciting events are starting to take place, which can disrupt the flow and management of your classroom. 

If this sounds like you, or you just need to tweak a few management techniques in your classroom, this episode is for you! On today’s episode, Dr. Lori Friesen is sharing her top smart and simple classroom management hacks for these ever changing seasons. 

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Don't forget to download Dr. Lori's Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist Freebie here!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode106

One of the ways for students to be successful readers and have excellent reading comprehension is if they have a good understanding of words and their meanings. This is why vocabulary instruction is an important aspect of your literacy block, or really during any content area. However, vocabulary instruction is more than just introducing new words to your students. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing four ways to enhance vocabulary instruction and why you should focus on a variety of vocabulary concepts.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Get on the waitlist to join The Stellar Literacy Collective here!

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop, The Time Crunch Cure: Create a Literacy Block That Fits it All In and Achieves More

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode204

I know I’ve said it many times before, but one of the things I love is connecting and interacting with my listeners, community at Stellar Teacher, and anyone on social media. I strive to bring you relevant content that will help you become a more effective literacy teacher. 

One of those ways is through the questions I get asked, which is how this three-week series started. This is our last episode in our series about writing about reading, which focuses on how to incorporate writing about reading during small groups. 

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode105

Getting started is always the hardest part of any task. However, that task is so much easier to begin if we’re motivated and have a tool to get us started. This same concept applies to students and writing.

As literacy teachers, you know that students struggle getting their ideas on paper formatting it in the correct way. Today’s episode is going to help with just that! In our second episode in our writing about reading mini series, I’m going to share 4 response frames that you can use when assigning a written response.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode104

One of the things I love most about what I do is interacting with the listeners within the Stellar Teacher community and helping teachers. Therefore, both of those things sparked this next mini series on the podcast. Throughout the summer and especially as school has begun, I’ve received a lot of questions in the area of writing about reading. 

With so much demand on this topic, we are kicking off a three week mini series on this topic in hopes to tackle your questions and provide you with information and resources you can implement in your classroom. We are starting the series off with today’s episode, which discusses 5 tips that help students improve in the area of writing about reading.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode103

"I’m a failure." Unfortunately, this is a common saying amongst ourselves as teachers and adults, along with our students. But is anyone really a failure? Absolutely not! YOU are not a failure, but you might be experiencing failure, which is a part of the human experience. So how do we change the way we view failure and share that with our students? In today’s episode, I have guest Andrea Burns who discusses ways to reframe a students’ thinking of failure using her new book Failure Friday.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode102

If you know me well, you know I love a good literacy routine! Mostly because they’re quick, purposeful, and greatly improve students’ literacy skills over time. What’s not to like?! I’m super excited because I’ve spent the better part of a year developing my new literacy routine, which I know you’re going to love. So in today’s episode, I’m going to share my high impact literacy routine on sentence structure and how it improves students’ reading and writing skills.

Download our Sentence Writing Routine Resource here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode101

Now, we are continuing our two part mini series about lesson planning. Last week, I discussed the mindset shift that needs to take place in order to tackle writing lessons, which is the first step before moving on to practical tips regarding your lesson planning system. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 tips for creating a personalized lesson planning system.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode100

Here’s a question for you. Do you know how much time it takes for you to do all of your lesson planning for the week? And then, if you know how much time you’re spending, how do you feel about that number? For most of us, we’re either spending too much time or more time than we’d like to be spending. Therefore, I’m doing a two part mini series all about lesson planning. Particularly in this episode, I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts teachers should make regarding lesson planning.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode99

How many times have you woken up sick or wanted to take a day off work, but thought it’s easier to go in than make sub plans. I’m raising my hand really high! Unfortunately, this is a common thought and action amongst teachers that needs to be changed. Here to help me give you solutions and better opportunities to take a day off is Kelsey Sorenson. On today’s episode, we’re discussing how to feel empowered and prepared when taking a sick day.

Download Kelsey's Sub Planning Starter Kit Freebie here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode98

I’m very excited about today’s episode because it’s about one of my all-time favorite reading topics - genre! Some might be wondering, Hmm, that’s an odd topic to get excited about. But I truly believe that learning about genres helps students have a love of reading and become lifelong readers, which is our ultimate goal as a literacy teacher. So in today’s episode, I’m going to share 3 ways to introduce genre to your students at the beginning of the year.

For all of your genre resources, click here! 

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode97

In education, there are a lot of buzzwords that float around, and one that’s important during this time is "21st century learning". But what exactly is it and how do we as educators utilize it in a way that’s impactful for your students? To give you all those answers and more, I have guest Rachael Parlett on the show today. We’re discussing the best ways to provide your students with 21st century learning!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode96

One major goal in upper elementary education is to help students become fluent readers. But what does that really mean? Fluency goes beyond speed; it encompasses the ability to read words, phrases, and entire sections of text quickly, accurately, and with understanding.

Reading fluency serves as the bridge between decoding and comprehension. Strong fluency skills improve both decoding and comprehension because they introduce a level of automaticity. Fluent readers don't need to think about how to read or sound out individual words; they read smoothly and quickly, allowing them to focus more mental energy on comprehension, meaning, purpose, and building knowledge.

So, how can we incorporate this knowledge into our classrooms? In this episode, I will share five strategies to build reading fluency with your students. These strategies are practical, fun, and easy to implement. I hope you'll choose one or two of them to implement in your classroom next year.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode203

This is the third and final episode in our series on word study instruction. I’ve enjoyed learning and getting to talk with you each week on this subject, and I know many of you are excited to implement this in your classroom when school starts. For our final episode, I’m sharing 5 do’s and don’ts of word study instruction.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode95

This is the second episode in our series about word study instruction. If you missed out on last week’s episode, make sure you take a listen so you understand the background information on word study before moving forward. Our next step is the application piece and how to implement it in our classrooms. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 word study concepts every upper elementary teacher should teach.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode94

Welcome to August, my friends! Well this summer was all about the mini series, and this month is no different. In order to get you prepared for the upcoming school year, our mini series in August is going to focus on word study instruction. So in today’s episode, I’m providing a foundation of word study and the 3 things you need to consider to have effective word study instruction this school year.

Head to https://stellarteacher.com/tpt to shop the sitewide Back to School sale! Use code BTS22 at checkout to get 25% off!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode93

If I had one wish, it would be the gift of time and having more hours in the day. I feel like I’m constantly thinking, I wish I had more time or if only I had more time I could get this task completed. We’re all wanting more time, especially as teachers. Although I can’t grant you more time, I can give you strategies that will help. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 tips that will save you time and mental energy.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Check out our examples of teacher slides here! 

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode92

This is the third and final episode in this mini series about small group instruction. We’ve covered how to structure and support your students during small groups, but please know that there’s still so much to cover and many of you have more questions on this topic. So in today’s episode, I’m answering more of your questions about small group instruction.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Download my FREE 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode91

Last week we talked about how to structure your small groups and what to do with the rest of your students not in small groups, which was our number one question asked. Today, I’ll be answering the second most popular question, which is how do I support struggling readers during small group lessons?

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Download my FREE 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode90

Today marks the first episode in our new series of the month that’s all about small group instruction. Throughout this month, I’m going to provide you ways to help you be more successful during small group lessons, ranging from the structure to activities. Let’s start the series with today’s episode on setting up your classroom for small group success.

Grab your 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode89

This is the fourth and final episode in our mini series about the science of reading. We’ve covered and learned a lot this past month about the science of reading that you can now utilize in your classroom. Since there’s a lot of information to take in, today’s episode I’m answering any questions you still have about the science of reading.

Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode88

All this month I’ve been talking about the science of reading, and this is the third episode of this mini series. We’ve discussed an overview of the science of reading, along with effective implementation activities for your classroom that correlate with the science of reading. On today’s episode, I’m breaking down the elements of language comprehension and practical implementation ideas.

Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode87

Last week I provided an overview of the science of reading and why it’s important. On today’s episode, I have my good friend Michelle from the Colorful Classroom here to talk about all things phonological awareness and what that looks like in upper elementary classrooms.

Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

Other free resources from the episode:

• Key Phonics Terms + Basic Scope + Sequence
• Phonemic Awareness Practice Drills
• Small Group Phonics Lesson Plan Template
• David Kilpatrick's FREE Phonological Awareness Screening Test (PAST)

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode86

When tackling a new approach to your instruction, it takes a lot of research, dedication, and implementation to find success with your students. After hearing about the science of reading, my guest, Meghan Hein, dove head first into learning all she could about it and has since made small changes to her literacy block to align with its practices just this past school year. So, in this episode, Meghan’s here to talk about her work with the science of reading practices, how she worked to align them with her curriculum, and the impacts they’ve had.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Get on the waitlist to join The Stellar Literacy Collective here!

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop, The Time Crunch Cure: Create a Literacy Block That Fits it All In and Achieves More

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode202

This is the first episode in our series that’s all about the science of reading. After surveying my listeners and members, this was a trending topic that y’all were curious about and wanted more information. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing with you the foundation of what the science of reading is and why it’s so important.

Grab your FREE Sciecne of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode85

I’ve received a lot of questions regarding scheduling and how to fit everything in and make it work. So in today’s episode, I’m going to replay a previous episode, Episode 27 Create a Schedule for Your Reading Block - Even with Limited Time! This is definitely a listener favorite and all the tips are still relevant today.

Grab your FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode84

With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start checking in with yourself and paying close attention to your health and wellness. On today’s episode, I have guest Alexis Shepard from The AfroEducator who is sharing 5 mindset shifts every teacher should make when it comes to self care.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Take Alexis's quiz, Discover Your Teacher Type.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode83

The end of the year is just about over, you’ve finished state assessments, and have covered all of the academic content you needed for this school year. So what do you do next? In today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 ideas for you to incorporate regarding writing and literacy skills that are quick, fun, and engaging!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode82

While there are many challenging aspects to teaching, having an effective schedule is definitely a struggle for most. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 steps to take toward a more efficient schedule.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Grab your FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/literacy-block-sample-schedules/

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode81

Today's topic is something that most teachers struggle with, whether you’re a beginner or veteran, which is classroom management. We have one of my favorite guests today, Dr. Lori Friesen, whose mission is to support new teachers. On today’s episode, Dr. Lori is sharing 7 classroom management hacks that are so simple!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode80

I don’t know about you, but when I was in the classroom, there was never enough time in the day to get everything accomplished, whether that was teaching, planning, or grading. I never had a good work-life balance and always felt so busy! I wish I had known today’s guest, Stephanie Palovchik. On today’s episode, we’re discussing two simple routines that every elementary teacher needs to know. 

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Grab your FREE Productivity Guide for Elementary Teachers: www.teachinglittleleaders.com/freeguide 

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode79

The end of the year can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for both students and teachers, so try incorporating classroom routines that replace the chaos with productivity. In today’s episode, I'm discussing literacy routines for an engaging end of the year. 

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Grab your FREE Word of the Day Routine: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/context-clues-word-of-the-day/

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode78

There are so many benefits to using picture books with your students and I find them to be such an asset in the classroom. Today on the episode, I have guest Courtney Hinshaw and we’re talking about the importance of picture books in elementary classrooms.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Check out this freebie from Courtney here.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode77

For some, especially novice teachers, talking with parents about difficult topics can be a struggle. So in today’s episode, I’m providing strategies on how to navigate difficult parent teacher conferences with ease. 

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode76

Scarborough's Reading Rope highlights the necessity of both word recognition and language comprehension for developing skilled readers. In this episode, I focus on effective vocabulary instruction, a crucial component of language comprehension. I will discuss both implicit and explicit vocabulary instruction methods and their role in enhancing students' vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Explicit vocabulary instruction involves directly teaching new words to students, allowing teachers to be intentional about the vocabulary they introduce. In contrast, implicit vocabulary instruction occurs spontaneously during teachable moments and is less structured but natural. However, teaching vocabulary effectively goes beyond knowing word definitions; it requires a deep understanding of instructional strategies. Listen to this episode for ways to effectively teach both implicit and explicit vocabulary in your classroom.

The importance of vocabulary instruction is underscored by the Matthew Effect, which suggests that students with a strong vocabulary foundation can accelerate their learning more quickly than their peers with limited vocabulary. A rich vocabulary makes it easier for students to comprehend complex texts, leading to further vocabulary acquisition and improved reading skills. Conversely, students with poor vocabulary face challenges in progressing and understanding new words from complex texts. Therefore, intentional teaching of both explicit and implicit vocabulary is essential to boost students' reading comprehension and overall literacy skills.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode201

Let’s face it, standardized tests can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for our students. Therefore, in this episode, I’ll be covering 7 test prep strategies that will give your students success!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Check out this Test Prep Strategy Freebie!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode75

I’m so happy you’ve joined me for the second episode in our two-part series that’s all about poetry. Last week’s episode was an introduction of my poem of the week routine with an emphasis in comprehension, so in today’s episode, I’ll be discussing how to use that same routine with the literacy skill of fluency.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode74

As most of you know, April is National Poetry Month, so this is the first of a two-part series that’s all about poetry! Each episode I’ll be breaking down how I incorporate a poem of the week routine into my literacy block and how the skills associated with literacy have a connection to poetry. 

In this episode, I provide a layout of my daily poem of the week routine with an emphasis on comprehension.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode73