Home Is Where Children’s Reading Skills Start to Develop

The On Track study performed at the Norwegian Reading Centre at the University of Stavanger found a strong connection between a child’s home reading environment from the time they’re very young and the progress that child makes in learning to read and learning to read better when they’re in school.[1] Study researcher Vibeke Bergersen indicated … Continue reading “Home Is Where Children’s Reading Skills Start to Develop”


Reading Fluency Instruction After Grade 3

We’ve addressed the issue of reading fluency in emerging readers a number of times, as it’s one of the fundamental concepts that must be explicitly taught by the teacher and practiced by the students (you can find previous texts here and here). Reading fluency generally refers to a student’s oral reading fluency, as they’re encouraged … Continue reading “Reading Fluency Instruction After Grade 3”


The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 5 (Strategies for Hearing Parents)

[Editor’s note: This is the last post of a five-part series on the deaf and educational interventions to ensure reading comprehension and fluency. To read the first part, go here. To read the second part, go here. To read the third part, go here. To read the fourth part, go here.] If you’re a hearing parent of a … Continue reading “The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 5 (Strategies for Hearing Parents)”


The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 4 (Reading to Deaf Children)

[Editor’s note: This is the fourth post of a five-part series on the deaf and educational interventions to ensure reading comprehension and fluency. To read the first part, go here. To read the second part, go here. To read the third part, go here.] Reading aloud is just as important for deaf children as it … Continue reading “The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 4 (Reading to Deaf Children)”


The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 3 (ASL and Literacy)

[Editor’s note: This is the third post of a five-part series on the deaf and educational interventions to ensure reading comprehension and fluency. To read the first part, go here. To read the second part, go here.] If a child’s primary language is ASL (American Sign Language), does this enhance or expedite the acquisition of … Continue reading “The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 3 (ASL and Literacy)”


The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 2 (Phonics Instruction)

[Editor’s note: This is the second post of a five-part series on the deaf and educational interventions to ensure effective reading comprehension and fluency. To read the first part, go here.] Chamberlain & Mayberry (2000) indicate that reading requires two related abilities. First, you must be familiar with a language. Second, you must understand the … Continue reading “The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 2 (Phonics Instruction)”


The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 1 (Overview)

[Editor’s note: This is the first post of a five-part series on the deaf and educational interventions to ensure reading comprehension and fluency.] Chamberlain & Mayberry (2000) indicate that reading requires two related abilities. First, you must be familiar with a language. Second, you must understand the mapping between that language and the printed word … Continue reading “The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 1 (Overview)”


Addressing Subvocalization

According to Merriam-Webster, subvocalization, a term first used in 1925, is defined as “the act or process of inaudibly articulating speech with the speech organs.” When used in the context of reading, subvocalization refers to the habit of reading along with the printed text using your “inner voice” to form the words instead of silently … Continue reading “Addressing Subvocalization”


The Many Traits of Critical Thinking

We’ve talked a number of times about the need for students to use critical thinking to effectively evaluate and process new knowledge [see here and here]. It helps, though, to understand the specific steps that make up the critical thinking process. Here are nine steps, adapted from an infographic designed by Mentoring Minds. Examine Use … Continue reading “The Many Traits of Critical Thinking”


Savvy Strategies for Integrating Technology into the Classroom

In a past blog post, we described the efforts of teachers trying to integrate technology and technological tools into their classrooms. Then came the pandemic, with an abrupt shift to distance learning that, by definition, was technology-dependent and a game-changing experience. Now our knowledge of educational technology has skyrocketed, along with a host of strategies we … Continue reading “Savvy Strategies for Integrating Technology into the Classroom”