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More Than Words: Why pancakes ended the lesson
Words stick when they're connected to real experiences. Today that experience was pancakes and maple syrup.


Repeated Practice Builds Early Reading Skills
The Literacy Hill explains engaging strategies and resources for effective repeated practice that target the right skills and knowledge, helping all students flourish.


From Sound to Symbol: Effective Practices for Beginning Readers
Effective instruction in the preschool years and beyond sets children on the right track and helps teachers identify who needs extra support.


Unlocking Literacy: The Power of I Do, We Do, You Do
Learning to read is not a skill we learn by copying others. It's also far too complex for most to go it alone and learn through trial and error. Most children require instruction to flourish. The amount of instruction varies depending on the individual. For some, it is a trek, and for others, a bump in the road. Learning to read is a crucial lifelong skill , so instruction must be efficient, engaging and scaffolded so the climb to the top of the literacy hill is not arduous


FRIDAY FRIENDS — MAKING CONNECTIONS
The word friend can be really tricky to spell until we highlight the silent <i> with the related word Friday. Read the blog, grab the picture books and download the resource pack.


HALLOWEEN BOOKS TO SHARE
Here is our list of books that we use in the weeks before and after Halloween.


EAR HEAR HEARD — MAKING LINKS
Link the words ear, hear and heard for spelling instruction and decoding practice.


BOOKS THAT BUILD CONFIDENCE
A list of engaging stories that bridge the gap between decodable texts and traditional chapter books to help sustained reading practice.


ANDY GRIFFITH STORIES
A list of short stories that students can transition to after decodable school readers or books that can work alongside school texts.


CK BOOKLIST
A CK spelling booklist to use for phonics and spelling lessons.


SPIN AND READ
We often play mini games at the beginning, middle, and end of sessions. This helps students focus for longer when I am teaching as the...


A GHOSTLY BOOK LIST
Halloween is almost here, so it's the perfect time to use the festival as a learning resource. What better way to celebrate the season...


WHERE DID THE H IN GHOST COME FROM?
Do you have students who have 'given up the ghost' with spelling because they just don't seem to understand? Do you feel like you have...


What's going on with CK?
CK looks like just another spelling for the /k/ sound — but as with the spelling QU there is a reason behind the spelling. It isn't just ano


What's the deal with queue?
The word queue has a strange spelling and an interesting story to tell. The word has four vowels in a row that don't look as if they do...


Why does Q almost always go with U?
When teaching letters and sounds, a quick story about the 'why' can engage and enthuse most students. Why does Q almost always go with U?...


AN AUSSIE BOOKLIST FOR THE QU SPELLING
A list of Aussie picture books to help teach the 'qu' spelling. Let's learn all about quolls and quokkas too.


HAPPY FAMILIES
We love playing Uno with our disCARD packs. To mix it up in the clinic, we also play other games.


WHAT IS DECODING?
Teaching how to decode is crucial—gentle advice for the classroom and home. Grab the free resources, too!


LEARNING TO READ
Many components have to come together for reading to happen. For many, learning to read starts at school. A knowledgeable teacher, enough time, and the right resources should be all most need to flourish. To get the free learning to read poster, go here. Learning to read is not natural. It does not just happen. When we teach any new skill, it is often the subskills that need training before mastery and brilliance occur. It would be lovely to think that surrounding children
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