This is a roundup post all about using the Heart Word Method to teach high-frequency sight words in kindergarten, first and second-grade classrooms. It is a place to easily find all of the information, tips, and resources I have shared about Heart Words. The science of reading has brought about a shift in the ways we teach our students their… Read More
Heart Word Center Activities
In this post, I’m sharing heart word center activities that will give kindergarten, first and second-grade students the cumulative practice and review they need to commit high-frequency sight words to memory. Lately, there has been a shift in the ways we teach students their sight words. Instead of relying on flashcards and rote memorization, we are listening to what science… Read More
A Virtual Sound Wall for the Classroom
In this post, I discuss the benefits of using a sound wall in the classroom and share details about my Virtual Sound Wall with Mouth Photos, Audio and Personal Sound Wall Folders resource designed for kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers and students. As I’ve been studying and learning all I can about the science of reading and working to… Read More
The Science of Reading: 3 Steps to Get Started with Structured Literacy
In this post I recommend three instructional shifts you can make to better align your instruction to the science of reading and bring more structured literacy into your kindergarten, first, and second grade classrooms. Learn how teaching heart words, using sound walls and decodable texts can improve your reading instruction and help students learn to read. Teaching students to read… Read More
How to Use Decodable Texts
In this post I’m sharing an instructional routine for using decodable texts. You’ll also get details about my decodable passages resource and FREE decodable texts with comprehension questions perfect for your kindergarten and first grade classroom! For many years, I used leveled readers to teach my beginning readers. When they encountered an unknown word I encouraged them to use picture… Read More
Why Use Decodable Texts?
In this post I’ll answer the question “what is a decodable text?” and explain why you should use decodable texts in your kindergarten and first grade classrooms. I’ll discuss the difference between decodable texts and leveled readers. Finally, I’ll share my decodable passages resource and a FREEBIE that will allow you to begin using decodable texts in your classroom today!… Read More