10 Ways to Prevent the Summer Slump

The summer slump refers to learning regression that happens in the summer when kids aren’t actively learning. I provide 10 ways for parents to help encourage and support their child’s reading habits to prevent that reading regression.I also provide a free summer bucket list that provides diverse experiences to build up background knowledge, which will help with reading comprehension.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Watercress and Other Read Alouds

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and it’s an excellent opportunity to celebrate the contributions and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our classroom. As educators, it’s essential to help our students understand the diversity and richness of different cultures, and one way to do that is through literature. One particularly fittingContinue reading “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Watercress and Other Read Alouds”

Teaching Reading with the CCSS: Making Connections to Self, Across Texts, and to the World

Introduction As teachers, we all want to inspire our students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. We want them to engage with the world around them and develop empathy for others. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) provide a framework for teaching essential skills that will prepare our students for success in college, career, and life. In thisContinue reading “Teaching Reading with the CCSS: Making Connections to Self, Across Texts, and to the World”

8 Tips to Improve Reading Comprehension for 2nd Graders: Strategies and Book Suggestions

I remember struggling with my son’s reading comprehension in 2nd grade. Although he could read the words, he often couldn’t answer questions about the text because he wasn’t paying attention to what he was reading. This is a common problem that elementary educators face with their students. It can be frustrating for both parents and teachers toContinue reading “8 Tips to Improve Reading Comprehension for 2nd Graders: Strategies and Book Suggestions”

Engage Your Students with Fun and Educational Activities: How to Catch a Leprechaun Book Companion

Are you looking for an exciting and educational way to engage your students during reading time? Look no further than my book companion for the read-aloud book “How to Catch a Leprechaun.” This fun and engaging activity pack is designed to help children develop important skills while enjoying a beloved tale of trickery and adventure.Continue reading “Engage Your Students with Fun and Educational Activities: How to Catch a Leprechaun Book Companion”

Benefits of Reading Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs During Your Weather Unit

Integrating literature into content areas is a powerful way to engage students in learning. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett is an excellent example of a book that can be used in the classroom to supplement a weather unit in science. Reading this book aloud to elementary students can have numerous benefitsContinue reading “Benefits of Reading Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs During Your Weather Unit”

Structure of a Story: Plot

Elementary students need to understand the structure of a story. Knowing the elements of a story will help with comprehension during reading and when writing one, not to mention it’s one of the Common Core: RL.2.7. Characters, setting, point of view and plot are the basic elements of a story. Let’s focus on the plot. TheContinue reading “Structure of a Story: Plot”

Teaching Point of View According to Common Core State Standards

Teaching the Core Standards can be difficult to navigate. In this article, I chose a particular 2nd grade reading standard to give examples on ways to address it in the classroom. CCRA.R.6: Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text. How does one teach this standard in second grade?Continue reading “Teaching Point of View According to Common Core State Standards”