We Blame Teachers for Low Reading Scores. Should We?
I watched the recent Congressional hearing, in which Dr. Holly Lane, director of the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) spoke about the science of reading and what she views…
When Your Curriculum Lesson Plans are Too Much
It’s very common to hear the term “curriculum bloat,” otherwise known as “basal bloat.” Curriculum companies want to sell their product to as many districts in as many states as…
Is Popcorn Reading Good for Fluency Practice?
When it comes to instructional practices in literacy, there are many things that are tried and true, which we can count on to be effective. Systematic phonics instruction, teaching vocabulary…
Text Excerpts vs. Novel Studies: Striking a Balance
Many adults recall the feeling of coming in from recess and settling in for the read aloud. That eager feeling of finding out what would happen next to the characters…
Fluency Practice Should Build Readers, Not Just Scores
When it comes to literacy instruction, there tends to be a lot of back and forth. Which is caused in large part by overcompensation. Meaing we tend to really spotlight…