Blog - Mrs. Winter's Bliss

Using Word Building for Phonics Instruction

Word building is a critical phonics activity. Students will develop word awareness skills as they explore and play with letter sounds to build words. Make sure to download the letter building cards and word building activities in this post. One thing I love about teaching is that there is always the opportunity to learn, grow and become better. This past year I have spent a lot of time reading the work of Wiley Blevins. I’ve ... read more

Using Word Sorts for Phonics Instruction

Word sorts are an engaging phonics activity for K-2 students who are learning how words work while developing word awareness skills. Make sure to download a FREE sample of these differentiated word sorts in this post. When we first introduce a new phonics skill it is best to keep the instruction explicit, clear, and to the point. But as I discussed in my last blog post, in order for students to truly master the phonics skills we teach ... read more

A Common Problem with Phonics Instruction & How to Fix It

Explicit and systematic instruction is key for phonics instruction however, once we teach phonetic skills students must have multiple opportunities for review. I've shared meaningful practice ideas that make learning phonetic skills fun! Make sure to download the free word building activities! We know phonics instruction is an integral part of literacy instruction, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start and how to adequately cover ... read more

A Phonics Scope and Sequence for K-2

In this post, we examine a strong phonics scope and sequence for Kindergarten - 2nd grade students. Research shows students must be taught with a systematic and explicit approach phonics in order to build solid foundations for reading. Too often it is assumed that learning to read is a natural process, like learning to talk or walk. But decades of research has shown us that learning to read doesn’t come naturally. English decoding ... read more

Engage and Motivate Students to Read at Home: The Adopt a Pet Reading Buddy Kit

Get students excited about reading at home with an adopt a pet reading buddy. Classroom reading pets build students' responsibility and enthusiasm for reading! As teachers we know the importance of reading cannot be underestimated. We not only teach students how to read but also try to cultivate a love of reading. We know that reading for pleasure can improve a child’s education, social and cognitive development, their wellbeing, and their ... read more

Non-Contact Morning Greetings

Classroom morning greetings are a powerful way to deepen relationships, build our students’ confidence, and learn communication skills. Non-contact morning greetings are a way to still offer greeting choices while maintaining social distancing or remote teaching meetings. This past school year was one we never could have predicted! So much changed, so very quickly. You suddenly left the comfort of our classrooms and quickly ... read more