The Importance of Comprehension Monitoring in Early Reading

Help young readers build comprehension monitoring with a simple rereading routine. Try practical activities that teach students to notice confusion, check the print, reread, and explain what the text means.

October Reading Activities for 1st–3rd Grade: Fall Read-Alouds, Halloween Activities, and More

Plan your October literacy lessons with engaging fall read-alouds, book companions, poetry activities, scarecrow crafts, Halloween worksheets, and low-prep reading centers for grades 1–3.

12 Fun and Engaging Literacy Activities for Your Classroom

We all know the struggle—keeping students engaged during reading and writing can sometimes feel like an uphill climb. But here’s the good news: when learning is fun, kids actually retain more. Fun activities spark curiosity, build positive emotions, and make reading and writing stick in a way that worksheets alone never could. In other words, whenContinueContinue reading “12 Fun and Engaging Literacy Activities for Your Classroom”

Building Reading Stamina, One Book at a Time

A child opens a book. Two minutes later, the page turning stops. Then comes a request for water, a trip to the pencil sharpener, or the familiar question: “How much longer do we have to read?” Sound familiar? In my previous blog, I explored the benefits and risks of AI in the classroom. One concernContinueContinue reading “Building Reading Stamina, One Book at a Time”

Is AI Helping Students Learn?

Technology should support the teacher, serve a clear learning objective, and then step aside when students need to concentrate, persevere, and think for themselves. We can embrace helpful innovation without losing the books, conversations, and productive struggle that help children become confident readers.

Engaging Texts and Discussions Boost Reading Skills

Reading comprehension is often considered one of the hardest skills to teach in second and third grades. At this age, students are expected to do much more than simply read the words on the page. They must understand what is happening, remember important details, make connections, explain their thinking, and sometimes determine ideas the authorContinueContinue reading “Engaging Texts and Discussions Boost Reading Skills”

5 Spring Picture Books for Meaningful Reading Lessons

Spring is one of my favorite times to refresh our reading block with engaging picture books that naturally spark discussion, creativity, and deeper thinking. The right read-aloud can do so much more than fill time—it can build comprehension, vocabulary, inferencing, writing skills, and even science connections in a way that feels fun and memorable forContinueContinue reading “5 Spring Picture Books for Meaningful Reading Lessons”

10 No-Prep Reading Activities for After Testing (Grades 2–3)

State testing puts so much pressure on our students to focus for long periods of time and do well. They’ve worked hard—and they deserve a break. (Does anyone else hear the McDonald’s jingle in your head?) But the school calendar doesn’t exactly allow for a vacation right before summer break. My solution? Give them activitiesContinueContinue reading “10 No-Prep Reading Activities for After Testing (Grades 2–3)”

7 Engaging Activities for National Reading Month

Looking for simple ways to celebrate National Reading Month without adding more prep to your day? These engaging activities will help your students build a love for reading while keeping things fun and manageable. March is one of my favorite months in the classroom because it’s National Reading Month — a time to celebrate books,ContinueContinue reading “7 Engaging Activities for National Reading Month”

Sophie Mouse Novel Study for 2nd–3rd Grade: A Guided Reading Chapter Book Approach

If you’re looking for a Sophie Mouse novel study that gently pulls students into real reading work—without overwhelming them—Sophie Mouse is a perfect fit for a 2nd grade chapter book or early 3rd grade guided reading unit. Sweet, thoughtful, and rich with teachable moments, these stories are ideal for 2nd and 3rd grade readers who are ready to grow theirContinueContinue reading “Sophie Mouse Novel Study for 2nd–3rd Grade: A Guided Reading Chapter Book Approach”