The Science of Reading – Part 3B: Developing Fluency (continued)

[Editor’s note: This is the fourth part of our five-part series on the best practices of learning to read and learning to read better.] To read Part 1, “Unlocking Language,” click here. To read Part 2, “Vocabulary and Comprehension,” click here. To read Part 3A, “Developing Fluency,” click here. Fluency benefits not just emerging readers, … Continue reading “The Science of Reading – Part 3B: Developing Fluency (continued)”


The Science of Reading – Part 3A: Developing Fluency

[Editor’s note: This is the third part of our five-part series on the best practices of learning to read and learning to read better.] To read Part 1, “Unlocking Language,” click here. To read Part 2, “Vocabulary and Comprehension,” click here. For emerging readers, text reading fluency generally refers to oral reading fluency, as students … Continue reading “The Science of Reading – Part 3A: Developing Fluency”


The Science of Reading – Part 2: Vocabulary and Comprehension

[Editor’s note: This is the second part of our five-part series on the best practices of learning to read and learning to read better.] To read Part 1, “Unlocking Language,” click here. Phonics, no matter how effective, can’t be taught in a vacuum. Word knowledge (vocabulary) is another essential part of building language expression in … Continue reading “The Science of Reading – Part 2: Vocabulary and Comprehension”


The Science of Reading – Part 1: Unlocking Language

[Editor’s note: This is the first part of our five-part series on the best practices of learning to read and learning to read better.] There’s a long-standing debate about how best to teach children to read, which has led to what is colloquially known as the “reading wars.” On one side of the battle are … Continue reading “The Science of Reading – Part 1: Unlocking Language”


Authors, Developing Words – P.D. James

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers.] “I think I’m very frightened of violence. I hate it. And it may be that by writing mysteries I am able, as it were, to exorcise this fear, which may very … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – P.D. James”


Authors, Developing Words – Neil Gaiman

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers.] “I definitely didn’t feel I fitted in. I was awkward, uncomfortable, not terribly happy in the real world but incredibly happy in books. I used them as a survival guide and … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – Neil Gaiman”


Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom

It’s pretty much a given that not all students in a classroom are going to be at the same level in terms of both knowledge and ability. While modern schools attempt to group students according to age and basic knowledge, every class still contains students of different backgrounds, abilities, and achievement levels. This situation is … Continue reading “Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom”


The Importance of Re-reading during the Coronavirus Pandemic

A while ago, we posted a blog on the importance of re-reading books and other materials. Two of the key takeaways were these: “While many students are given credit of some sort for reading books during the school year (or completing a summer reading assignment), they are rarely, if ever, given credit for re-reading material. … Continue reading “The Importance of Re-reading during the Coronavirus Pandemic”


Grading in the Age of Coronavirus

Last week we asked a lot of important questions about the state of education while the country is in lockdown from COVID-19, and we asked for our readers’ feedback to be able to draw some broad conclusions. Today, we’re going to talk about a related topic that’s on many students’ and educators’ minds — grading. … Continue reading “Grading in the Age of Coronavirus”