One of the best ways to set up students for lifelong success is by involving their families in their educational journey. When family involvement is a priority in class, student achievement, self-confidence, and motivation all improve.[1,2] Family engagement is most effective when it’s encouraged earlier in the year.[3] If you
The human brain is pre-wired for speech, but learning to read always involves explicit instruction.[1] “Learning to read requires several years of intentional instruction,” explains Waterford Director of Curriculum Julie Christensen in a recent video.[2] And the earlier that children are introduced to the foundational skills for reading, the better.
What is one of the proven predictors of academic achievement? Studies show that family engagement has a direct positive impact on a child’s learning success. When families are engaged in their children’s school lives, students have the home support they need to develop a lifelong love of learning. Encouraging family
Find out how a student’s reading development is strongly related to their speaking, listening, and writing skills. Then, discover helpful strategies for teaching these communication skills in the classroom. Plus, get five free writing activities for your classroom. Why are Communication Skills Important for Early Reading? Communication skills encompass the
Sometimes it can feel like pulling teeth trying to teach reluctant readers to develop their literacy skills. The key to teaching these children is, as with many academic subjects, to inspire a love of learning and get their families involved in their literacy development. Read on to discover strategies for
Following educational trends can sometimes feel like watching fads come and go—confusing at best and frustrating at worst. But keeping an eye on these trends can be helpful in addition to completing your professional development requirements. Many are based on educational research or current events that can help you support
Knowing a book’s recommended grade level can help you find books that best fit children where they are in their literacy development. Not all children in a classroom will read at the same level. But suggested grade levels can help you find books that will strengthen specific reading skills. Then,
Holidays, religious celebrations, and cultural festivities all come into play for students and teachers during the early winter months at school. December may be the most memorable and fun time of year for many students—with plenty of seasonal activities, holidays, and classroom parties during the days before winter break. In
These days, the answer to the question, “Should we prioritize academics or social-emotional learning in schools?” is a firm, “Yes to both.” Academic skills are of course essential for children’s lifelong success. But without intentional social-emotional development, students may not learn how to process their emotions and connect with others
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a campaign founded by PACER to eradicate bullying across the country. According to school bullying statistics, 37% of children report having been bullied before, but only 31% of this number reported it to an adult.[5] This means that although over one third of all
