In this post, I offer explanations of the most common phonics spelling rules (and the exceptions) in the English Language.  I introduce you to my Phonics Rules Guidebook which offers clear explanations of phonics spelling rules and teaching posters for the most common spelling patterns in English. This research-based resource will help you provide explicit spelling instruction to your students. English spelling has a reputation ... read more

The science of reading tells us that explicit phonics instruction helps students to become fluent, successful readers. In this post, I provide you with clear and concise definitions for the most common phonics terms you will encounter when teaching students phonics. I also offer a FREE downloadable Phonics Terms Cheat Sheet that makes a great reference for teachers and is helpful information to share with families. All around the world, ... read more

In this post, I share information about phonemes and offer resources to help you systematically and explicitly teach your Kindergarten, first, and second-grade students the 44 phonemes in English. Be sure to grab the FREE Phoneme-Grapheme dictionary that lists the 44 phonemes and matches them with the correct graphemes. It is widely known that the English alphabet has 26 letters.  A lesser-known fact is that those 26 letters make (at ... read more

In this post, I explain what features to look for in decodable texts to ensure they are high-quality and aligned with the science of reading.  Then I share a list of the BEST decodable books for readers of different levels and ages. Be sure to download 5 FREE decodable books with comprehension questions for kindergarten, first or second-grade students! A decodable text is a text you use in beginning reading instruction.  It can ... read more