Understanding the science behind how children learn to read is the starting point for creating effective, well-grounded classroom instruction. Cognitive psychologists, neuroscientists, and education experts have studied literacy development for decades, resulting in a wealth of information for educators. One of the most well-known, concise, and grounded models of literacy
Teamwork makes the dream work. Your school’s team consists of your students, school administrators, teachers, and other faculty and support staff. But it’s important to have every teammate in the bullpen. Don’t forget who needs to be included: your students’ families. It can be challenging at times to get families
Regular family-teacher communication is a meaningful step to long-term family engagement. As Candra Morris, VP of Professional Learning at Waterford.org, notes in a recent article, “Academic success for students requires a partnership between educators and families.” Read on to learn how to communicate more effectively with the families in your
On both the classroom and schoolwide level, family involvement in education can make a profound difference in early learning outcomes. When educators build strong relationships, families can reinforce what their students are learning in the classroom as they set their own routines and expectations at home. As an educator, it’s
Time and time again, studies show that students who learn to love reading are more likely to develop strong reading skills—not the other way around. Libraries can be powerful tools—in your classroom, school, and community—to encourage a love of reading and engage students in learning. Read on to learn about
The first day of school is right around the corner! Creating a positive classroom experience for your students can shape the rest of their academic year. By preparing in advance, you can help your students return to school excited and ready to learn. So, how do you make the most
Windows offer new views, while mirrors offer reflections. This metaphor is the heart of the Windows and Mirrors learning framework, which recognizes the importance of both perspectives. When planning lessons or choosing books for your classroom library, it’s important to include stories that both reflect the experiences of your students
Now that we’re nearing summer, you might have more time to think about professional learning and licensure requirements. If you’re a teacher looking for a way to meet your professional development goals, there are plenty of options. Here are some free online professional development courses for teachers to consider, along
The key to lasting success in school is teaching academic skills as soon as a child is ready to learn. But how do we know when they’re ready? Is it ever too early to instill a love of reading? When Do Children Learn to Read? While most children begin reading
School and classroom grants can fill in the gaps sometimes left behind by limited school budgets. Grants help educators get resources they might not be able to otherwise. Since many educational grants have rolling deadlines, teachers and administrators can apply as needed. What is a grant, and what makes it
