Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

276. Intervention That Works: A 5-Day Framework for Busy Teachers Oct 27, 2025

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing a simple, effective five-day routine to help upper elementary students who are struggling with reading. I know how overwhelming it can feel to support students who are behind while still teaching grade-level content, so my goal is to give you a strategy that’s easy to implement and takes just 15 minutes a day. I walk through why intervention is so challenging in upper elementary, and why many traditional resources don’t meet the needs of third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students who still need phonics, decoding, and phonemic awareness support.

I break down each day of the five-day routine, showing you exactly what to do: from introducing a weekly sound-spelling pattern, practicing phonics with activities like “tap it, map it, graph it,” building fluency through reading words, phrases, and sentences, to applying skills in decodable texts and finishing with spelling and fun games. This routine is structured yet flexible, allowing you to pull small groups, work with your whole class, or adapt it to your schedule. I also share how to make these lessons engaging for upper elementary students so they stay motivated and build confidence with big words and tricky spelling patterns.

Finally, I talk about resources and tools that make this routine even easier, including the Stellar Reading Intervention Toolkit. This ready-to-use toolkit follows the five-day framework and includes everything you need—word lists, activities, decodable texts, comprehension questions, and follow-ups—so you can start teaching right away without the stress of planning from scratch. I challenge you to pick one sound-spelling pattern this week and give the routine a try. Even small steps can make a huge difference in helping your students catch up, gain confidence, and become successful readers.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode276.

275. How to Use Agree or Disagree Statements to Activate Background Knowledge Oct 20, 2025

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I share a simple but powerful strategy to help students activate background knowledge before reading: agree or disagree statements. This quick, low-prep approach gets students thinking critically, talking about the topic, and reflecting on their own understanding. By engaging students in this way, you can boost comprehension and spark curiosity before they even open the text.

I walk through why activating background knowledge is essential for comprehension and how the ABC model from The Reading Comprehension Blueprint can guide your instruction. You’ll learn how to craft statements that are tied to your text, spark discussion, and reveal what your students already know—or what they might need to learn. I also provide examples from lessons I’ve used in the classroom, showing how even a short discussion can uncover misconceptions and build a foundation for understanding.

Finally, I give practical tips for creating your own agree or disagree prompts, including how to make them clear, thought-provoking, and connected to the core ideas of your text. We talk about follow-up discussion strategies and how to help students revisit their responses after reading to reinforce learning. This episode is packed with ideas that are easy to implement right away and can make a big impact on student engagement and comprehension.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode275.

274. How to Help Students Read Big Words With Confidence Oct 13, 2025

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I share a practical, step-by-step strategy to help upper elementary students tackle multi-syllabic words with confidence. I talk about the challenges students face when they see long, unfamiliar words, why simple prompts like “sound it out” often don’t work, and how we can give students the tools they need to break words into manageable parts. This episode is for teachers who want actionable strategies they can introduce in their classroom right away.

I walk listeners through the Big Words Strategy, a five-step approach that helps students identify prefixes, suffixes, roots, vowels, and syllables before putting the word together and pronouncing it. I explain how this strategy builds decoding skills while also supporting comprehension and vocabulary development. I also share tips for modeling the strategy effectively, providing guided practice, and supporting students who might not have a strong background in phonics or word study.

We also cover common roadblocks you might encounter when teaching this strategy and practical solutions to keep students on track, including slowing down the pace, using color-coded tools, and pairing students for peer feedback. I emphasize the importance of repeated practice, approximation, and consistent reinforcement to help students feel confident with complex words. This episode gives you a research-backed, easy-to-implement strategy that strengthens reading skills, supports fluency, and empowers your students to tackle big words independently.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode274.

273. Dear Stellar Teacher: How Do I Effectively Teach A Novel Study? Oct 06, 2025

In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I dive into the world of novel studies for upper elementary classrooms. We share some of our favorite books and highlight strategies that make reading engaging while supporting comprehension and skill development.

We cover how to plan and structure your novel study, including pre-reading activities, targeted vocabulary instruction, and highlighting important syntax. We also discuss the benefits of building related text sets and incorporating multiple genres into your novel study. Plus, we explain how the 3-2-1 reading routine and writing about reading can help students retain and reflect on what they read.

Finally, we provide practical tips for keeping novel studies manageable without getting bogged down in every detail of the text. From assessing in smaller sections to integrating reflection and projects, this episode offers a framework for designing a novel study that fosters a love of reading, strengthens comprehension, and supports writing growth in your classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode273.

272. Multilingual Learner Support: Practical Strategies for Upper Elementary Teachers with Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez Sep 29, 2025

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I dive into a critical topic for upper elementary classrooms: supporting multilingual learners (MLLs). With the help of experts Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez, we explore why the term “multilingual learner” is replacing “English language learner,” how to challenge common misconceptions, and why it’s so important to recognize the linguistic assets students bring to our classrooms. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the difference between everyday language and academic language, and why focusing on both is essential for our students’ success.

We also tackle the myth that students need to fully master English before they can access grade-level content. I talk with Jana and Jeanette about research showing that, with intentional support and meaningful instruction, MLLs can engage with the same literacy and content skills as their peers. From understanding the role of academic language as a “gate opener” to strategies for integrating language objectives into everyday lessons, this episode is full of practical ideas you can bring right into your classroom.

Finally, the conversation turns to actionable strategies teachers can implement immediately. From leveraging students’ background experiences to integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing into content lessons, Jana and Jeanette highlight simple yet powerful ways to support language development across disciplines. This episode is packed with guidance to help you feel confident, intentional, and empowered to meet the needs of multilingual learners—reminding us all that these students are learners just like everyone else.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode272.

271. [Listen Again] Maximize Your Read Alouds With These 3 Tips Sep 22, 2025

Being an elementary teacher, you know how important read-alouds are in your classroom. They offer many benefits, from fostering a love of literacy to connecting students with real-life events and situations. However, getting the most out of them can be challenging. Here are three tips you can use to maximize your read-alouds this school year.

If you’re anything like me, you may have been incorporating read-alouds into your daily routine without feeling confident in their full impact. That’s when I started using specific strategies to make my read-alouds more intentional. Each of these three tips helps students see that literacy goes beyond the classroom, exposes them to new interests, and shows how reading can be truly enjoyable.

Reading is essential, and reading aloud to your students is even more powerful. Read-alouds help build a community of readers and learners while offering countless other benefits. Instead of going through the motions, use these three tips to make your read-alouds more intentional and impactful this year.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode271.

270. Explicit, Systematic Writing Instruction for Upper Elementary with Dr. Karen Harris and Dr Steven Graham Sep 15, 2025

Writing is one of the most complex skills our students will ever learn—and one that is often overlooked. In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, I’m joined by two of the leading experts in writing instruction: Dr. Steven Graham and Dr. Karen Harris. Steven has spent more than 40 years studying how students learn to write, while Karen developed the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model, one of the most widely used and researched approaches to teaching writing. Together, they share valuable insights into what makes writing instruction so challenging and how teachers can provide explicit, systematic writing instruction that really works.

During our conversation, we dig into the many complexities of writing—everything from idea generation and sentence construction to transcription skills, motivation, and self-regulation. Steven and Karen also unpack what it means to use evidence-based practices in writing instruction and help us distinguish between strategies that truly make a difference and those that fall short. Their insights are especially helpful for teachers in upper elementary who often face limited time for writing and wonder how to make the most of the minutes they do have.

You’ll walk away from this episode with practical guidance you can apply right away, whether it’s structuring short but consistent writing blocks, integrating writing into reading and content areas, or helping students set goals and monitor their own progress. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by teaching writing, this conversation will give you clarity, encouragement, and research-backed strategies to strengthen your writing instruction.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode270.

269. [Listen Again] Scheduling Tips for Creating an Effective Literacy Block (SOR Summer Series Part 7) Sep 08, 2025

As we wrap up our Science of Reading Summer Series, it’s time to start thinking about next year and how to make your literacy block both effective and manageable. We know fitting everything into a literacy block can be challenging, so here are some key components to include: word study, reading comprehension, whole group lessons, writing, small group lessons, independent practice, and transitions.

The secret? These elements don’t need to happen in isolation. I encourage you to be creative and find ways to teach multiple concepts at once. Integrating different elements can make your literacy block more engaging and efficient, allowing you to cover more ground without overwhelming your students.

Remember that while it’s important to establish routines and structure in your literacy block, you want to also maintain flexibility to adjust as needed throughout the year. This adaptability ensures we can meet our students’ needs and help them become successful readers and writers. Tune in for practical strategies to plan a literacy block that works for your classroom and your sanity.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode269.

268. Dear Stellar Teacher: How Can I Use AI in My Classroom to Save Time and Reduce Stress? Sep 01, 2025

In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I talk about how using AI can actually make teaching easier and why it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We break down practical ways to use AI for things like organizing student groups, creating seating charts, planning parent-teacher conferences, and streamlining your day—without losing the human touch that makes teaching meaningful.

We share the lessons we’ve learned from experimenting with AI, including how to give it context, assign roles, and get back useful results that actually save time. We also discuss common pitfalls and how to make sure AI works for you. Whether you’re just curious about AI or ready to start using it in your classroom tomorrow, this episode is full of tips and ideas you can put into action immediately.

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear picture of how AI can be a powerful helper in your teaching toolkit, without replacing the things that only a teacher can do. Tune in for a friendly, informative conversation that’s packed with strategies to save time, reduce stress, and help your classroom run smoother than ever.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode268.

267. [Listen Again] Episode #216 - Back to School: 3 Fun, Engaging, and Important Literacy Lessons to Teach at the Beginning of the Year Aug 25, 2025

I remember back-to-school time being both exciting and exhausting. It's a new school year filled with fresh possibilities. It's also extremely busy with classroom setup, planning, organizing, and meeting students, parents, and new teachers. To lighten your load, I'm sharing 3 important literacy lessons to teach at the beginning of the year to set your students up for literacy success.

As literacy teachers, we strive to build skilled readers who develop a love for reading. I've come up with 3 literacy lessons that are great to teach at the beginning of the year, and I've included various ideas for fun, engaging activities for students to participate in during each lesson. Plus I share picture books you can use to go along with each lesson.

Focusing on literacy from the start emphasizes its importance. Therefore, implementing these 3 essential literacy lessons towards the beginning of the year will lead to more skilled readers in your classroom this school year!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode267.

266. How to Support Upper Elementary Students in Reaching Grade-Level Literacy with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck Aug 18, 2025

What if I told you that 90% of students can be on grade level with the right instruction? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, a leading researcher, author, and consultant in the field of literacy. Dr. Hasbrouck has dedicated her career to helping educators better understand the complexities of reading fluency and effective interventions, and today she’s sharing her valuable insights with us. Whether you’re an upper elementary teacher working with students who are still developing foundational skills or someone looking to dive deeper into the science of reading, you’re in the right place.

In this conversation, Dr. Hasbrouck breaks down the importance of understanding reading fluency and how to identify the true root causes of reading struggles. We also dive into the impact of language development and decoding fluency on comprehension, as well as how to support struggling readers. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of supporting students who are behind in reading, Dr. Hasbrouck offers a fresh perspective and encourages a collaborative, community-based approach to overcoming these challenges.

This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for educators who want to better support their students’ reading development. From understanding the research behind effective interventions to practical strategies for identifying and addressing gaps in fluency, you’ll leave this episode feeling empowered and ready to tackle the new school year with confidence.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode266.

265. 3 Simple Steps for Effective Word Study Instruction This School Year Aug 11, 2025

Welcome back to The Stellar Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we're diving into the importance of word study in upper elementary classrooms. If you're looking to bring more intentionality and depth to your word study instruction this school year, you’re in the right place. After reflecting on my own teaching experiences, I’m excited to share some insights on how we can make word study more effective and meaningful for our students.

Whether you’re just starting to explore word study or are already using it in your classroom, this episode will help you lay the groundwork for an impactful word study block. I’ll break down the three key components to successful word study instruction, including how to teach students to recognize and understand words in a way that supports their fluency and comprehension.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of what word study truly is, why it's critical for upper elementary students, and how to provide more intentional, engaging instruction that helps students become confident, skilled readers and writers. Let’s get started!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode265.

264. Dear Stellar Teacher: Navigating the Back-to-School Chaos with Confidence Aug 04, 2025

Welcome back to The Stellar Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re kicking off the back-to-school season with a Dear Stellar Teacher conversation that’s all about getting ready for the new year. Whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, we’re here to cheer you on and help you find your balance as you dive into the chaos of back-to-school preparations. Emily and I chat through the pressures that come with this time of year—like trying to make everything perfect before the first day—and share our best advice for navigating the madness without burning yourself out.

This episode is packed with tips on managing your time, setting priorities, and most importantly, taking care of yourself as you prepare for the year ahead. We’ll talk about how it’s okay if you’re not 100% ready when your students walk through the door, and why finding joy in what you do—whether it's sticking to old routines or trying something new—is key to staying energized throughout the year.

We also get into some fun topics like our latest book recommendations (because every teacher deserves a good read!) and a little reminder to not compare yourself to others, whether it’s your colleagues or Instagram classroom influencers. The most important thing is that you do what works best for you and your students. So grab your coffee (or whatever keeps you going), and tune in for this back-to-school pep talk. You’ve got this!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode264.

263. Making Words Stick: Orthographic Mapping and How the Brain Learns to Read with Dr. Molly Ness Jul 28, 2025

What is orthographic mapping—and why does it matter so much for your upper elementary readers? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Molly Ness, educator, researcher, and co-author of Making Words Stick, to unpack the science behind how students store and retrieve words. We break down what orthographic mapping actually is, how it develops, and why it’s a missing piece for so many students who struggle with fluency and comprehension.

You’ll learn about a simple, four-step instructional routine that supports orthographic mapping in a way that’s practical, flexible, and effective across all grade levels. From segmenting sounds to exploring word meaning and usage, Dr. Ness shares how you can make this invisible cognitive process visible in your classroom instruction—even without a fancy program or curriculum.

If you teach reading in grades 3–5, this episode is packed with insights and tools to help you feel more confident supporting students who struggle to decode and read automatically. Click play and discover how focusing on orthographic mapping can transform your reading instruction—one word at a time.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode263.

262. Cheers to 10 Years! Sara Marye Shares the Story Behind STC Jul 21, 2025

This week’s episode is extra special—we’re celebrating a decade of Stellar Teacher magic! In honor of The Stellar Teacher Company’s 10th birthday, the podcast gets a fun twist as team member Emily steps in as guest host to interview Sara Marye, our founder and CEO. From her unexpected start in education to becoming a literacy leader and entrepreneur, Sara shares the full journey that led to the creation of a company that now supports teachers around the world.

You’ll hear the real, unfiltered story—complete with career pivots, big dreams, and moments of doubt. Sara opens up about the highs and lows of building a business from scratch, what inspired her to focus solely on literacy, and how one not-so-nice podcast review ended up being a turning point in her career. This conversation is full of honesty, growth, and the kind of encouragement teachers need when they’re dreaming up big things of their own.

If you’ve ever wondered how Stellar Teacher came to be, or what’s next on the horizon, you’re in for a treat. From upcoming resources to Sara’s dream of making the membership accessible to schools everywhere, this episode gives a glimpse into the heart, hustle, and hope that has defined the last 10 years—and sets the stage for what’s ahead. Tune in, celebrate 10 years with us, and don’t stop believin’!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode262.

261. Reading Intervention Made Easy: 15-Minute Lessons for Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary Jul 14, 2025

In this special episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of our most exciting new resources—the Stellar Teacher Reading Intervention Kit! I’m joined by my teammate Emily, one of our amazing curriculum writers and the mastermind behind this new intervention resource designed specifically for upper elementary students who struggle with decoding. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to approach reading intervention or wondered how to fit it into your already packed schedule, this episode is for you.

Emily and I talk candidly about the biggest challenges teachers face when it comes to reading intervention—limited time, lack of confidence, and keeping older students engaged—and how each of those challenges shaped the design of this kit. You’ll hear about our goals, the research that guided us, the beta testing process, and the thoughtful routines we built to make intervention practical, effective, and doable in just 15 minutes a day.

Whether you’re looking for tools to support struggling readers, or you just want to feel more confident about teaching phonics in the upper grades, I hope this episode gives you inspiration and clarity. I truly believe this resource is going to make a huge difference in classrooms—and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode261.

260. Dear Stellar Teacher: Our Phonics and Intervention Confessions (and What We’d Do Differently!) Jul 07, 2025

Are you feeling a little lost when it comes to teaching phonics and supporting struggling readers in upper elementary? You’re in good company! In this month’s Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Emily and I are baring it all with our phonics confessions—sharing the biggest mistakes we made in the classroom and how we’ve learned (the hard way!) what really works when it comes to intervention and decoding support.

We get honest about why we didn’t prioritize systematic phonics instruction, how we let intervention become someone else’s responsibility, and why we regret not weaving in more phonemic awareness activities in our upper elementary classrooms. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t because we didn’t care—it was because we didn’t have the knowledge or confidence to know where to start.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the science of reading or unsure how to support your older students with foundational skills, this episode is for you. We’re here to help you avoid the same mistakes and give you permission to learn right alongside your students. And don’t miss next week’s episode, where Emily will share all about our brand new Reading Intervention Kit—created to make intervention easier, more effective, and way less stressful!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode260.

259. From Sentences to Essays: The Writing Sequence That Works Jun 30, 2025

In this final episode of our summer writing series, I’m unpacking one of the biggest challenges upper elementary teachers face: helping students write multi-paragraph essays. If your state test expects students to write an essay by the end of the year, the pressure to start early is real—but I’m here to tell you why that might actually hold your students back. Instead of jumping straight into essays, we’ll talk about how building a strong foundation in sentence and paragraph writing can lead to much greater success down the road.

I’ll share why starting the year with essays can be overwhelming for students, how to know when they’re truly ready for multi-paragraph writing, and what scaffolds to put in place in the meantime. From sentence-level work to outlining and targeted revision, this episode walks through the writing sequence that actually supports long-term growth—not just short-term test prep.

Whether you're a third-grade teacher wondering if essays are developmentally appropriate, or a fifth-grade teacher looking for a better way to build student confidence, I hope this episode gives you clarity and encouragement as you plan your writing instruction. Essay writing doesn’t need to happen right away—in fact, holding off might be exactly what your students need to grow into confident, capable writers.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode259.

258. From Sentence to Paragraph: A Peek Inside Our Writing Routine Jun 23, 2025

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re diving into all things writing—with a special guest! Sara is joined by Kori, the head curriculum creator at The Stellar Teacher Company, to talk about how her experiences as both a student and a teacher, along with research, have shaped the writing resources she’s helped develop. From classroom strategies to behind-the-scenes insights on how our writing routines and resources came to life, you’ll get a candid look at what it takes to build confidence in student writers.

This conversation explores why paragraph writing needs to be broken down into manageable, scaffolded steps—and how imitation, modeling, and sentence-level support are essential to helping students grow as writers. Kori shares some “aha” moments she had throughout the curriculum creation, and the powerful mindset shift that writing doesn’t need to start at the finish line.

Whether you’re already using our resources or just starting to think about how to teach paragraph writing more effectively, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to support struggling writers, challenge advanced students, and create writing routines that help everyone feel like a successful writer.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode258.

257. How to Strengthen Student Writing—One Sentence at a Time Jun 16, 2025

If your students struggle to write solid paragraphs or essays, the solution might be simpler than you think. In this episode, we’re zeroing in on the often-overlooked foundation of all good student writing: the sentence. When students can write strong, clear, and varied sentences, everything else—from organizing paragraphs to crafting essays—becomes easier and more effective.

You’ll hear why sentence-level instruction deserves a front-row seat in your upper elementary writing block and learn easy-to-implement strategies like fixing fragments, unscrambling sentences, and using the “because, but, so” routine. These quick activities not only boost sentence skills but also lead to noticeable improvements in overall student writing.

Whether you're short on time or unsure where to begin, this episode will show you how to make sentence writing a natural part of your daily instruction—without overhauling your schedule. These quick activities take just minutes a day, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to building your students' writing confidence and skill. Tune in to discover how focusing on the building blocks of student writing can lead to big wins in your classroom all year long.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode257.

256. 5 Signs You Might Need To Rethink Your Writing Instruction Jun 09, 2025

Writing instruction in upper elementary can often feel overwhelming, especially when your students are expected to produce multi-paragraph essays—but struggle to write a clear sentence. In this episode, we’re taking a step back to reflect on what effective writing instruction really looks like. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your writing block or questioned whether your current approach is helping students grow, you’re not alone.

We’re breaking down five common signs that it might be time to rethink your writing instruction. From assigning writing instead of explicitly teaching it, to skipping sentence-level work and fast-forwarding to essays, we’ll unpack the most frequent challenges teachers face—and offer simple, actionable shifts you can make to see real progress in your classroom.

Whether you're looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just some encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. Tune in to learn how you can make small but meaningful changes that will transform your students' writing outcomes all year long.

Whether you’re looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just a little encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. It’s never too late to rethink your writing instruction and make changes that will transform your students’ writing outcomes all year long.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode256.

255. Dear Stellar Teacher: How to Navigate Changing Grade Levels with Confidence Jun 02, 2025

If you’re changing grade levels, schools, or positions next year, this episode is for you! In our monthly Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily and I are sharing our own experiences with making big transitions in our careers and offering encouragement and advice to help you feel more confident and supported through the changes ahead.

From rethinking your mindset to giving yourself grace, we offer the kind of teacher-to-teacher advice that will help you navigate your transition with a little less stress and a lot more support. We also talk about how to lean into your strengths, make meaningful connections with your new team, and avoid putting pressure on yourself to have it all figured out on day one. We’re also sharing our personal stories—yes, even the mid-year surprise moves—and how we’ve learned to embrace the unknown with confidence (and a little humor).

If you’re entering a season of change, tune in for some real talk, encouragement, and practical tips to help you feel ready for whatever next year has in store. This episode will remind you that you're not alone—and that every teacher brings something valuable to the table, no matter where you land next year.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode255.

254. Supporting Multilingual Learners Through Structured Literacy with Maya Valencia Goodall and Kristie Shelley May 26, 2025

Multilingual learners are a growing and vital part of today’s classrooms—but many teachers feel like they’re navigating this responsibility without enough support. In this episode, I’m joined by Maya Valencia Goodall and Kristie Shelley, two educators and advocates who are helping schools bridge the gap between structured literacy and language acquisition. Whether you're new to working with multilingual learners or looking to refine your approach, this episode is filled with tips, tools, and encouragement to help you create a truly inclusive classroom.

We explore how teachers can better understand the process of language acquisition, why oral language is essential for reading success, and how teachers can build in meaningful support for multilingual learners without adding more to their to-do list. Maya and Kristie also share how small shifts—like increasing student talk time or using language frames—can lead to big gains for all learners.

Whether you're new to supporting multilingual learners or looking to fine-tune your literacy instruction, this conversation will give you fresh ideas and renewed confidence. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how structured literacy and language acquisition go hand in hand—and how to make sure all students, especially multilingual ones, feel seen, supported, and empowered in your classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode254.

253. Teaching with Empathy and Boundaries: Why Both Matter with Jenn Borovy May 19, 2025

If you’ve ever ended the school day completely drained—wondering how long you can keep this up or feeling guilty for needing a break—this episode is for you. I'm joined by trauma-informed consultant and former Teacher of the Year Jenn Borovy, founder of Ten10Coaching. Jenn is passionate about helping educators protect their energy, set clear boundaries, and build a teaching life that feels balanced and sustainable.

In our conversation, Jenn shares her personal story of hitting a breaking point and how it led her to completely rethink her approach to teaching and leadership. We talk about the emotional dual burden teachers often carry, how to be trauma-aware without stepping into the role of a therapist, and simple boundary-setting strategies that can help you keep doing the work you love—without losing yourself in the process.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply trying to avoid burnout, Jenn offers a grounded, compassionate perspective that reminds us: you can be a great teacher and still have a life outside of school. This conversation is a powerful reminder that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential for longevity in this work. You’ll walk away with practical steps and a renewed sense of permission to protect your energy and your joy.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode253.

252. Finish Strong: 7 Fun & Meaningful Literacy Ideas for the End of the Year May 12, 2025

As the final weeks of school approach, it can be tempting to hit cruise control—but the end of the year is actually the perfect time to bring some fresh energy into your literacy block. In this episode, I’m sharing seven fun, low-prep literacy ideas that will help you keep students engaged and learning all the way to the last day of school. Whether you’re running on caffeine, countdown chains, or sheer willpower, I’ve got you covered.

These literacy ideas are practical, meaningful, and designed to support the skills your students have been building all year long—without adding more stress to your plate. From word ladders and genre studies to book clubs and research projects, you’ll find easy-to-implement activities that blend fun with academic purpose. These strategies aren’t just engaging—they’re also flexible, so you can adapt them to fit whatever time or energy you have left as the year winds down.

So if you're wondering how to make the most of May, this episode is your game plan. These end-of-year literacy ideas will help you maintain momentum, create lasting memories with your students, and finish the year feeling confident and proud of the learning still happening in your classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode252.

251. Dear Stellar Teacher: Our Writing Confessions (and What We’d Do Differently!) May 05, 2025

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to teach writing, you’re going to love today’s episode. In this Dear Stellar Teacher conversation, I’m joined by my teammate Emily, and we’re opening up and sharing our biggest writing confessions—the mistakes we made in the classroom and the lessons we’ve learned since. Spoiler alert: if you’ve ever felt like you were just assigning writing instead of actually teaching it, you are definitely not alone!

We’re reflecting on why writing used to feel so overwhelming, how we misunderstood the writing process, and what we would do differently now after everything we’ve learned from resources like The Writing Revolution 2.0. I hope our honest conversation encourages you and reminds you that it’s never too late to strengthen your writing instruction and support your students in becoming more confident writers.

I’m also sharing all the details about our upcoming summer book study on The Writing Revolution 2.0—and how you can join us for a summer full of learning, collaboration, and encouragement. Whether you’re ready to change your writing instruction or just want to hear some relatable writing confessions, this episode is for you!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode251.

250. Let Them Be Bored: Why Boredom Might Be Exactly What Kids Need with Mike Bender and Chuck Dillon Apr 28, 2025

Have you ever had a student declare, “I’m bored!”—and then look to you to fix it? In this fun and thought-provoking episode, I’m joined by returning guest Mike Bender, author of The End Is Just the Beginning, The Most Serious Fart, and The Bravest Booger, along with Chuck Dillon, the brilliant illustrator behind Mike’s newest picture book Bored Panda. Together, we dive into why boredom might be exactly what our students—and we—need.

We explore the inspiration behind Bored Panda and talk about how boredom can be a gateway to creativity, imagination, and unexpected adventures. Mike and Chuck also give us a behind-the-scenes look at their author-illustrator collaboration, share hilarious stories from the making of the book, and reflect on the role of screen time, mindfulness, and finding joy in slowing down.

Whether you're looking for a meaningful read-aloud to spark classroom discussions or simply want a reminder that it's okay to let your mind wander, this episode will leave you inspired. Get ready to rethink boredom—and maybe even celebrate it.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode250.

249. Closing Learning Gaps: Practical Strategies for Supporting Struggling Readers with Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift Apr 21, 2025

Supporting students with learning gaps can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift, host of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations and Director of Professional Learning and Academic Partnerships at Learning Without Tears. Cheryl brings both heart and expertise to our conversation as we talk about how to meet students where they are—especially those who are missing foundational literacy skills.

We dive into the impact of the pandemic on student learning, how to assess literacy skills in meaningful ways, and practical strategies for differentiation that benefit every student in the classroom. Cheryl shares how multisensory tools, student choice, and oral language can all be leveraged to support growth in reading and writing. Whether your students are working below, on, or above grade level, this episode is filled with actionable ideas you can start using right away.

If you’re looking for ways to help struggling readers, foster a love of literacy, or simply breathe new life into your instruction, this episode is full of encouragement and practical wisdom. Take a deep breath, grab a notebook, and let’s rethink how we can close learning gaps—one student at a time.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode249.

248. Rethinking Narrative Writing: A Better Way to Teach Students to Write Apr 14, 2025

Personal narratives have long been a staple in elementary writing instruction—but what if this traditional approach is actually holding our students back? In this episode, we’re rethinking the role of personal narrative writing and exploring why it can be such a challenging task for students. From memory recall struggles to a lack of structured storytelling practice, we’re unpacking the reasons personal narratives often fall flat in the classroom.

Instead of having students write about personal experiences they can’t quite remember or don’t feel confident sharing, what if we shifted our focus toward content-based expository and narrative writing? When students write about what they’ve learned—whether it’s a science topic, a social studies figure, or a story they’ve read—they’re better equipped with the background knowledge and vocabulary to write with clarity, detail, and structure.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through why content-rich writing tasks can lead to better writing outcomes, how to redefine narrative writing beyond personal stories, and what it looks like to create a knowledge-driven writing block. If you’ve been frustrated with vague student writing or looking for ways to make your writing instruction more meaningful, this episode is a must-listen!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode248.

247. Dear Stellar Teacher: How Can I Make Test Prep Season More Effective and Less Overwhelming? Apr 07, 2025

Standardized testing season is just around the corner, and if the thought of long testing days, endless review packets, and restless students already has you stressed, you’re not alone. In this episode of our Dear Stellar Teacher series, Sara and Emily are sharing realistic and encouraging strategies to help you navigate test prep season with more joy, confidence, and intention—without overwhelming your students (or yourself!).

From building test-taking stamina to rethinking how we review and prep, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas to help you maintain a positive classroom environment and keep students motivated and supported during testing season. Plus, you’ll hear some of our favorite ways to create balance and avoid burnout, so your students can show up on test day feeling confident and calm.

We also share a few common mistakes to avoid during the final weeks of test prep, along with our go-to ways to maintain your normal literacy routines while still meeting test prep goals. Whether you're a test-season veteran or heading into your first round of state assessments, this episode will help you finish the year strong—with a little more fun and a lot less stress.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode247.

246. Integrating SEL into Literacy to Strengthen Student Behavior with Allie Szczecinski Mar 31, 2025

Managing student behavior can be one of the most challenging parts of teaching, and it’s easy to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even like you’re doing something wrong. But what if there was a way to navigate classroom behavior with more confidence and compassion—without shame for teachers or students? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Allie Szczecinski, is here to talk about. Allie is the creator behind Miss Behavior and the author of the upcoming book Their Best Behavior, and she’s sharing practical, teacher-friendly strategies to support students while creating a positive and structured learning environment.

In this conversation, Allie and I discuss the intersection of social-emotional learning (SEL) and literacy instruction, simple ways to integrate SEL into your daily lessons, and how a proactive approach to behavior management can transform the classroom experience. We also tackle some of the most common behavior challenges teachers face and what to do when you feel stuck without a clear plan for support. Whether you’ve struggled with student back talk, disengagement, or inconsistent classroom routines, you’ll walk away from this episode with actionable strategies to try right away.

If you've ever taken student behavior challenges personally or wished for more effective ways to support struggling students, this episode is for you. Allie’s approach removes shame from the conversation and replaces it with understanding, structure, and clear next steps. Let’s dive in!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode246.

245. How To Fix This Common Mistake in Comprehension Instruction (Part 2) Mar 24, 2025

Comprehension instruction is about more than just teaching individual strategies—it’s about creating the right conditions for students to deeply understand what they read. In this episode, we’re continuing our two-part series on comprehension by exploring exactly how to move beyond the strategy-of-the-week approach. If you haven’t already listened to episode 244, be sure to go back and check it out first!

Today, I’m sharing two simple but powerful shifts that can make a big impact on your students’ reading comprehension. First, we’ll explore the 3-2-1 framework—an easy way to build background knowledge, introduce key vocabulary, analyze sentence structure, and engage students in meaningful discussions about texts. Then, we’ll dive into how to be more intentional with text selection so that students engage with content-rich, purposeful texts that expand their knowledge and strengthen their comprehension.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make comprehension instruction more effective, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away. Plus, if you want even more guidance, our Unlocking Comprehension workshop is still available throughout March—visit stellarteacher.com/workshop to sign up!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode245.

244. Are You Making This Mistake in Your Comprehension Instruction? (Part 1) Mar 17, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered why your students can master comprehension skills one week but struggle the next, you’re not alone. Many upper elementary teachers follow a standards-based approach, teaching comprehension skills in isolation. But what if that’s the very thing preventing students from building lasting comprehension? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the biggest mistake teachers make when teaching comprehension—and why shifting your approach can lead to better results.

Too often, comprehension instruction in upper elementary classrooms is structured around a checklist of isolated skills—one week on main idea, another on summarizing, then moving on to character analysis. But is this approach truly helping students become strong, independent readers? The reality is that comprehension isn’t just about mastering individual skills—it’s an outcome that depends on multiple factors, including background knowledge, vocabulary, and fluency. When we focus too heavily on isolated comprehension strategies, we miss the bigger picture of what truly helps students understand and retain what they read.

We’ll break down why teaching comprehension skills in isolation doesn’t lead to lasting comprehension and discuss the key factors that truly impact students’ ability to understand a text. By the end of this episode, you’ll start to see comprehension not as a checklist of strategies but as an outcome—one that requires the right instructional conditions to happen. And if you want to take an even deeper dive into this topic, be sure to join us for our upcoming Unlocking Comprehension workshop this March at stellarteacher.com/workshop.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode244.

243. Intervention Strategies for Struggling Readers with Shannon Moore Mar 10, 2025

Supporting struggling readers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start or how to make the most of your intervention time. That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Shannon Moore from Moore Literacy Leaps to the podcast today! As a certified reading specialist, Shannon has helped countless teachers and schools implement effective literacy intervention programs, and she’s here to break it all down for us.

In this episode, we’re tackling the four essential components of literacy intervention—data analysis, skill-based grouping, progress monitoring, and planning. Shannon shares practical strategies for making intervention both manageable and effective, so you can confidently support your students without feeling like you’re drowning in extra work. Whether your school has a structured intervention program or you’re navigating this on your own, you’ll walk away with clear steps to ensure struggling readers get the help they need.

If you’ve ever wished for a more structured approach to intervention or wondered how to better track student progress, this episode is for you! Shannon’s expertise will give you the tools to implement research-based strategies that lead to real growth for your students. Let’s get started!

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242. Dear Stellar Teacher: How can I take personal days without feeling guilty or overwhelmed? Mar 03, 2025

Taking personal days as a teacher can feel complicated. Between the guilt, the prep work, and the fear of falling behind, many educators avoid taking time off even when they need it. But here’s the thing—your personal days are part of your compensation, and you deserve to use them without feeling guilt. In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I are breaking down why teachers struggle to take time off and how you can shift your mindset to confidently use your personal days when you need them.

We know that planning for a sub can sometimes feel like more work than it’s worth, but we’re sharing simple strategies to make it easier—from creating emergency sub plans to building routines that keep your classroom running smoothly. We’re also talking about how teachers can help shift school culture so that taking time off is normalized instead of frowned upon.

If you’ve ever second-guessed taking personal days or worried about what others might think, this episode is for you. We’re here to remind you that rest is necessary, and you shouldn’t have to feel guilty for taking time off. Tune in for an honest conversation about setting boundaries, making sub planning easier, and finally letting go of the guilt!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode242.

241. The Secret to Expanding Students’ Vocabulary (Without More Word Lists!) Feb 24, 2025

If you’re looking for a more effective way to help your students expand their vocabulary—without relying on endless word lists—this episode is for you! Today, we’re diving into morphology instruction and how a simple five-step routine can transform the way your students learn new words. By teaching morphemes explicitly, you can give your students the tools to decode unfamiliar words, make meaning independently, and support them in expanding vocabulary in a meaningful, lasting way.

Teaching morphemes is one of the most powerful strategies for helping students recognize word patterns, determine word meanings, and build a stronger understanding of language. But if you’ve ever felt like you didn’t have enough time in the day to fit in meaningful word study, or if you’ve relied on worksheets and memorization without seeing long-term retention, this episode will show you a more effective approach to expanding vocabulary in your classroom.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through a structured, step-by-step approach to teaching morphemes that will help students recognize word patterns, build connections, and focus on expanding vocabulary across all subject areas. This strategy works for all students but is especially powerful for upper elementary learners tackling complex texts.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple and effective plan for incorporating morphology into your literacy block—without adding more memorization or worksheets! Whether you're new to morphology instruction or looking for ways to refine your approach, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to support your students in expanding vocabulary in a way that truly sticks.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode240.

240. Are You Ignoring Fluency? How It’s Impacting Your Students’ Reading Success Feb 17, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered whether fluency instruction still matters in upper elementary, this episode is for you! Many teachers assume fluency is something students master in the early grades, but the truth is, fluency plays a critical role in reading success at every stage. In this episode, we’re diving into why fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehension—and why it deserves just as much attention in third, fourth, and fifth grade as it does in K–2.

Fluency is more than just reading fast. It’s about reading with accuracy, appropriate pacing, and expression—all of which help students fully understand what they read. Without strong fluency skills, students often struggle with comprehension, and those gaps can persist well into middle and high school. That’s why today’s conversation is all about making fluency a priority in upper elementary and finding simple, effective ways to incorporate fluency practice into your literacy block to set students up for reading success.

If you’ve noticed that some of your students read too slowly, skip words, or sound robotic when reading aloud, this episode will give you the tools to help them improve. We’ll discuss why fluency is essential, common fluency challenges in upper elementary, and a structured five-day fluency routine that you can easily implement in just a few minutes a day. With these strategies, you can boost your students’ confidence, comprehension, and overall reading success. Let’s jump in and make fluency a key part of your reading instruction!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode240.

239. 7 Research-Backed Strategies for Reading Success with Lindsay Kemeny Feb 10, 2025

If you’re on a journey to align your instruction with the science of reading, this episode is a must-listen! Today, I’m sitting down with educator, literacy advocate, and author Lindsay Kemeny to talk about how research-backed strategies can transform the way we teach reading. Whether you’re in early elementary or upper elementary, these strategies will help you strengthen foundational literacy skills and support all students—especially those who struggle with decoding and comprehension.

Lindsay’s book, Seven Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-3 Reading Success, is packed with strategies that help teachers bridge the gap between research and classroom practice in a way that truly benefits students. In this conversation, Lindsay shares how her personal journey supporting her son through dyslexia led her to completely transform her teaching. She walks us through the seven powerful strategies for reading instruction that have made a huge impact in her classroom and can help all students—whether they’re just beginning to read or still struggling in upper elementary. These strategies are not only backed by research but have been tested in real classrooms, making them practical and easy to implement.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by gaps in reading instruction or unsure of how to support students who need more explicit, structured literacy practices, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take action. Lindsay breaks down each of the seven mighty moves and offers advice on where to start, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make meaningful progress without feeling like you have to overhaul everything at once. Get ready to walk away with practical, effective strategies for reading that you can start using in your classroom right away!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode237.

238. Dear Stellar Teacher, How Can I Reach My Goals Without Feeling Overwhelmed? Feb 03, 2025

Teaching is full of big goals, high expectations, and never-ending to-do lists—but what if you could make meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed? In this Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Emily and I are breaking down simple, actionable strategies to help you stay on track, build momentum, and reach your goals without burnout.

We know that so many teachers feel like they’re constantly behind, no matter how much they accomplish. But here’s the truth: you’re not behind—you’re right on time. Today, we’re sharing mindset shifts and practical steps that will help you prioritize, focus on what really matters, and confidently move forward without the pressure of perfection.

If you’ve been feeling like there’s too much to do and not enough time, this episode will help you reset and refocus. Whether you're looking to improve your literacy instruction, streamline your routines, or simply feel more in control of your workload, we’ve got encouragement and strategies to help. Let’s dive in!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode237.

237. Reciprocal Teaching: A Research-Backed Approach to Stronger Readers Jan 27, 2025

If you’re looking for a structured, research-backed approach to improving your students’ reading comprehension, this episode is for you. We’re diving into reciprocal teaching, a highly effective strategy that helps students become active, engaged readers by focusing on four key comprehension skills: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing. This approach encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and independent learning—giving students the tools they need to deeply understand any text.

Reciprocal teaching isn’t just another comprehension strategy—it’s a powerful, interactive routine that fosters student-led discussions and enhances metacognitive awareness. Research has consistently shown that students who engage in reciprocal teaching make significant gains in comprehension. And the best part? It’s easy to implement with any text and across all subject areas. In this episode, I’ll break down how to introduce reciprocal teaching in your classroom, step by step, so your students can start benefiting from it right away.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for setting up reciprocal teaching in your classroom, from modeling and guided practice to full student-led implementation. Whether you teach third, fourth, or fifth grade, this strategy can make a meaningful impact on your students' ability to process and engage with complex texts. So, if you’re ready to boost comprehension and empower your students as confident, independent readers, let’s dive in!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode237.

236. Why Read-Alouds Still Matter: Research-Backed Benefits for Every Learner with Molly Ness Jan 20, 2025

Have you ever wondered if read-alouds still belong in a Science of Reading-aligned classroom? As we dive deeper into research-based literacy practices, it’s easy to question whether cherished routines like reading aloud still have a place. The good news? They absolutely do! In this episode, we explore how read-alouds can be a powerful tool to build language comprehension, foster engagement, and enrich your students’ reading experiences.

Joining me today is Dr. Molly Ness, a researcher, author, and expert on read-alouds. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for literacy, Dr. Ness shares fascinating insights into the academic, linguistic, and even physiological benefits of read-alouds. Together, we’ll discuss how read-alouds go beyond enjoyment to support vocabulary acquisition, background knowledge, and critical thinking skills.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your current read-aloud practices or seeking fresh ideas to make them more impactful, this episode is packed with practical tips and research-based strategies. Tune in to discover why read-alouds remain a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction—and how you can use them to inspire and empower your students.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode236.

235. 3 Powerful Routines to Boost Reading Comprehension in Your Classroom Jan 13, 2025

Are your students struggling to fully understand what they read? Teaching reading comprehension can be one of the most challenging parts of literacy instruction, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you see your students grow as confident, capable readers. In today’s episode, we’re diving into three powerful routines that can help you strengthen your students’ reading comprehension and transform how they engage with texts.

These routines focus on three key areas: explicit vocabulary instruction, writing about reading, and fluency practice. Grounded in research and designed to be practical for busy classrooms, each strategy provides a clear path to building the skills students need to deepen their understanding of what they read. When implemented consistently, these routines can make a meaningful difference in your students’ reading success.

Reading comprehension isn’t something that happens by chance—it’s the result of intentional instruction and consistent routines. In this episode, I’ll walk you through actionable steps for each routine, making it easy to incorporate them into your literacy block. Whether you’re supporting struggling readers or refining your teaching practices, these strategies will empower your students to thrive in literacy this semester and beyond.

If you’re participating in our Comprehension Reset Challenge, this episode aligns with what you’ve been learning. Haven’t joined yet? There’s still time! Sign up at stellarteacher.com/reset to access daily videos packed with evidence-based strategies. Let’s kick off the semester by resetting your approach to comprehension instruction.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode235.

234. Dear Stellar Teacher: What’s the best way to teach comprehension strategies and skills? Jan 06, 2025

Wondering how to teach comprehension effectively? You’re not alone. In this month's Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily joins me to answer a listener question about whether to teach comprehension strategies, like finding the main idea, before diving into a text. This question opens the door to an insightful conversation about shifting from traditional methods to evidence-based practices that truly help students comprehend what they read.

In this episode, we explore why the classic "strategy of the week" approach may not be the best way to teach comprehension. Instead, we highlight the importance of creating the right conditions for comprehension, including building background knowledge, focusing on syntax, and selecting text-dependent practices. By understanding how comprehension works as an outcome of multiple factors, you’ll feel empowered to teach comprehension in a way that truly benefits your students.

If you’re ready to refine your approach and discover better ways to teach comprehension, don’t miss our FREE Comprehension Reset Challenge. Starting January 11th, 2025, this week-long virtual event will transform how you approach comprehension instruction. Sign up at stellarteacher.com/reset. Let’s kick off the new year with strategies that lead to lasting success!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode234.

233. 5 Misconceptions About Comprehension and the Truths We Should Embrace Instead Dec 30, 2024

Struggling with teaching comprehension? You’re not alone. Many students find comprehension challenging, and as teachers, it’s easy to feel stuck when strategies don’t seem to stick. In this episode, we’ll explore five common misconceptions about comprehension and how addressing them can transform your literacy instruction. If you’ve ever wondered why your students aren’t mastering comprehension strategies or why their understanding seems inconsistent, this episode is a must-listen.

Comprehension is more complex than it seems, and traditional methods often miss the mark. By viewing comprehension as an outcome rather than a single skill, and by focusing on elements like background knowledge, vocabulary, and syntax, you can unlock significant progress in your students’ reading abilities. I’ll also share actionable strategies to help you assess comprehension authentically and build the foundational skills students need for success.

Whether you want to refine your strategies or start fresh this semester, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your students succeed. Plus, join us for our FREE Comprehension Reset Challenge starting January 11 to dive deeper into evidence-based strategies. Head to stellarteacher.com/reset to sign up today!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode233.

232. [Listen Again] Episode #58 - 5 Creative Ways to Reteach Classroom Routines in January Dec 23, 2024

As you head into your well-deserved winter break, it’s the perfect time to contemplate a plan for a smooth return to the classroom. In this episode, we’re bringing back one of our most-loved episodes from the archives: 5 Creative Ways to Reteach Classroom Routines in January. Whether your students need reminders on how to line up, transition between activities, or engage during independent reading, these fun and effective strategies will help you reset your classroom expectations without stress.

Returning from winter break can be a challenging transition for both teachers and students. After two weeks away, routines can feel like a distant memory, and classroom behavior might get a little “spicy.” That’s why taking time to reteach and reinforce your expectations is so important—and these strategies make it engaging, lighthearted, and manageable. You’ll hear how to involve your students in the process, make routines fun, and ensure the second half of the school year starts off strong.

So, whether you’re tuning in during the first days of break (I hope you’re relaxing!) or saving this episode to help you prep before heading back to school, this episode will give you a simple game plan for tackling routines and behaviors in January. Let’s jump into five creative and student-centered ways to refresh your classroom routines so you can head into the new year with confidence and calm.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode232.

231. [Listen Again] Episode #55 - Creative Ways to Assess Student Learning Dec 16, 2024

Winter break is almost here, and you’re probably balancing excitement for the holidays with the pressure to assess student learning before the semester wraps up. But assessments don’t have to mean stressful, time-consuming tests. This week on The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes from the archives: Creative Ways to Assess Student Learning. These quick and engaging strategies will help you gather valuable insights without overwhelming your students—or yourself!

In this episode, I’ll share 10 creative ways to assess student learning without relying on traditional tests. From quick brain dumps to hashtag challenges, these ideas are versatile, low-prep, and effective across all subjects. They’re designed to give you meaningful insights into your students’ thinking and understanding while keeping them engaged and motivated during the final days before winter break.

If you’re looking for fresh ideas to assess student learning, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use right away. And if you’re looking for even more ideas, check out the templates available in my TPT store to make implementing these strategies even easier. Let’s finish the semester strong with fun, meaningful ways to celebrate all the learning your students have done so far!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode231.

230. Supporting Students with Dyslexia: Expert Tips for Teachers and Parents with Heather O'Donnell Dec 09, 2024

Dyslexia is a complex challenge—but with the right support, students can thrive. In this episode, Sara is joined by dyslexia specialist Heather O’Donnell to explore how teachers can build strong, collaborative relationships with parents to support students with dyslexia. Together, they break down the essential steps teachers can take to identify potential signs of dyslexia and how to communicate effectively with families to ensure students get the interventions they need to succeed.

Heather unpacks the common signs of dyslexia that teachers may observe, including challenges with reading, writing, spelling, and executive function tasks. She highlights the importance of early identification and structured literacy interventions, while also addressing misconceptions about dyslexia, like the myth that it’s simply “reversing letters.” With her practical advice, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to approach this learning difference with empathy and expertise.

Whether you’ve worked with students with dyslexia before or are supporting a student for the first time, this episode offers valuable insights to help you build a team approach. Discover how to empower both students and parents with the tools they need to overcome obstacles and celebrate progress along the way. Don’t miss Heather’s expert tips for fostering confidence and collaboration in every step of the journey!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode230.

229. Dear Stellar Teacher: How can I make a familiar book or resource feel fresh and engaging for my students? Dec 02, 2024

Have you ever felt a little possessive over a favorite classroom activity or picture book? You’re not alone! In this month’s Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Sara and Emily dive into a question many teachers can relate to: What do you do when a beloved book or activity has already been used by another grade level? Together, they explore how to shift your mindset from competition to collaboration, unlocking new opportunities for your students.

Throughout this episode, Sara and Emily share practical strategies to make familiar books and routines feel fresh and engaging, even for students who’ve seen them before. From creating collaborative campus traditions to tailoring activities for different grade levels, they highlight how to maximize the learning potential of shared resources. Plus, they discuss the unexpected benefits of rereading books and repeating routines across multiple years.

Whether you’ve encountered this scenario or are simply curious about fostering a collaborative teaching culture, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Don’t miss the chance to transform how you approach shared classroom materials and build a stronger sense of community on your campus. Let’s make teaching a true team sport!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode229.

228. The Power of Outlining: 3 Strategies to Strengthen Student Writing Nov 25, 2024

Do your students struggle to turn their ideas into cohesive, organized writing? If so, you’re not alone. Outlining is an essential step in the writing process, yet it’s often rushed or overlooked in classrooms. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the art of teaching outlining—a skill that makes writing easier and more effective for students. By helping students create a roadmap for their writing, you’ll set them up for success and reduce the frustration of staring at a blank page.

Drawing inspiration from The Writing Rope by Joan Sedita and The Writing Revolution by Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler, we’ll explore why spending more time in the “think and plan” stage can transform your students’ writing. We’ll discuss how outlines reduce the cognitive load of drafting and make the writing process more efficient. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, organizing details, or structuring a paragraph, outlining is the key to unlocking confident and skilled student writers.

In this episode, I’m sharing three strategies to help your students master outlining. From teaching them to identify the task, audience, and purpose (TAP) to practicing paragraph deconstruction, you’ll walk away with practical tips to implement immediately. Plus, you’ll discover how to seamlessly integrate outlining into your literacy block and beyond, empowering your students to write with clarity and confidence.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode228.

227. Mastering Topic Sentences: 6 Strategies Every Teacher Should Know Nov 18, 2024

If teaching topic sentences has ever felt like a struggle, you’re not alone. Many students find it challenging to start their paragraphs with a clear, engaging main idea, often jumping into details or relying on repetitive phrases. In today’s episode, we’re tackling this foundational writing skill with six practical strategies to help students craft topic sentences that truly enhance their paragraphs.

Reflecting on my own classroom experiences, I remember how often students would freeze at the beginning of a paragraph or produce overly generic topic sentences. Now, with proven strategies in hand, I’m here to share exactly how you can guide your students to create topic sentences that set the right tone and direction for their writing. From structuring their ideas to experimenting with sentence frames, these approaches will make a noticeable difference.

Join me as we explore hands-on activities and techniques, like identifying topic sentences in reading materials and practicing with prompts, that are sure to build your students’ confidence and skill. With a bit of guidance, you’ll see them move from hesitation to mastery in no time! Plus, these strategies will not only strengthen their topic sentences but also enhance their overall paragraph writing, helping them create clearer, more cohesive paragraphs with ease.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode227.

226. The Powerful Impact of Sentence-Level Work Nov 11, 2024

Sentence-level writing can be a skill that is often overlooked but absolutely essential for literacy success. Many teachers feel the pressure to focus on end-of-year essay skills, but without strong sentence foundations, even the best essay instruction can falter. I’ll be sharing why it’s crucial to prioritize sentence writing with your students and how this focus will strengthen all areas of their literacy—from writing coherence to reading comprehension.

Why is sentence work so powerful? It all starts with structure. When students learn to craft clear, varied, and purposeful sentences, they unlock the ability to communicate their ideas effectively. This skill also boosts comprehension, as students who understand sentence structure can better interpret complex texts. By building sentence-level skills, we’re helping students develop clarity in both their writing and their reading—setting them up for academic success across subjects.

You’ll leave this episode with practical strategies to bring sentence-level work into your classroom, even if you’re short on time. Whether through sentence deconstruction in small groups or fluency-building exercises, these approaches will transform how your students approach writing and understanding texts. Ready to make sentence writing a priority? Tune in to discover how focusing on sentences can be one of the most impactful shifts you make in your teaching practice.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode226.

225. Dear Stellar Teacher: What Should Grading Look Like in My Classroom? Nov 04, 2024

Welcome to this month’s episode of Dear Stellar Teacher! We’re kicking things off with a heartwarming story straight from our Stellar Literacy Collective Facebook community, where fifth and sixth-grade teacher Rebecca shares an inspiring classroom win. At her new school, Rebecca has been using our whole group lessons, including a powerful poetry lesson on The Invisible Backpack, a lesson designed to help students understand that everyone carries unseen challenges or struggles. She had her students reflect on it through a thoughtful writing prompt—a moment that brought both empathy and comprehension to the forefront of learning and allowed her to make personal connections with her students.

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking one of teaching’s biggest balancing acts: grading. Teachers often wonder how many grades to take, what to grade, and the type of feedback to offer. We’ll talk about balancing grading requirements with meaningful assessments, helping you reduce pressure while still providing valuable insights for your students. Our goal? To streamline your grading process so it’s not just about checking boxes but rather about fostering growth and understanding. One tip we discuss is how to use in-class grading for instant feedback—an approach that saves time and boosts student engagement.

It's important to keep in mind that grades are more than just numbers in a grade book; they’re a way to communicate progress and provide feedback that supports student growth. By staying intentional about what and when we grade, we can shift our focus from merely fulfilling requirements to fostering a more meaningful learning experience. Instead of letting grading become a burdensome task, let’s remember that it’s an opportunity to guide, encourage, and celebrate each student’s journey.

If you have ideas or topics you’d like us to cover in a future Dear Stellar Teacher episode, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode225.

224. The Reading League Review: Key Takeaways and Insights Oct 28, 2024

In this episode, I’m thrilled to bring you the best insights and takeaways from the incredible Reading League Conference, where a few teammates and I learned from some of the brightest minds in literacy education. If you’re unfamiliar, the Reading League is a powerful organization dedicated to helping teachers implement effective literacy practices rooted in the science of reading. I absolutely love their mission: “We believe all children deserve to learn to read, and all teachers can learn to teach them.” That vision aligns so well with what we strive for here on the podcast—empowering teachers to provide the best instruction possible.

Throughout the Reading League Conference, I attended several incredible sessions, each offering valuable insights into literacy instruction and how we can better support our students. From understanding the importance of balancing word recognition with comprehension skills, to grasping how the science of reading and the science of learning intersect, I walked away with a renewed sense of purpose. One major takeaway was the reminder that while research provides clear direction, the real challenge lies in effectively implementing these best practices in a way that supports each student's unique learning journey.

I also left the Reading League Conference feeling energized by the discussions around how emotions, cognitive load, and productive struggle play a role in literacy learning. It’s not just about the programs or strategies we use, but how we create environments where students are challenged yet supported, and how we recognize their progress along the way. These insights have sparked new ideas for future podcast episodes and Stellar Teacher resources, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into these topics with you all!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode224.

223. Help Your Students Develop A Robust Vocabulary With These 4 Engaging Strategies Oct 21, 2024

Have you ever spent time teaching new vocabulary—defining words, providing examples, and guiding your students through practice—only to see them struggle to use those words in their own sentences? Frustrating, right? In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're here to change that! We’re sharing four simple yet powerful strategies that will help your students not only grasp new words but actually use them in meaningful ways, building a robust vocabulary that sticks. If you want to supercharge your vocabulary instruction, this episode is a must-listen!

Why is building a robust vocabulary so crucial? Research shows that students need to understand 90-95% of the words in a text to truly comprehend it. Vocabulary mastery can account for up to 80% of reading comprehension scores! But teaching vocabulary is about more than just definitions—it’s about giving students repeated, meaningful practice using those words in context, creating a robust vocabulary that supports their reading comprehension and overall academic success.

In this episode, you'll learn four actionable strategies designed to help your students build a more robust vocabulary, including "repeat after me", yes/no questions, partner discussions, and sentence stems. These methods give students the support they need to use new words confidently and correctly. Tune in to discover how you can make vocabulary instruction more engaging and effective, ensuring your students don’t just learn new words—they truly understand and use them!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode223.

222. The Write Stuff: How Writing Can Enhance Reading Success Oct 14, 2024

In this episode, we’re exploring the benefits of writing about reading. Research shows that engaging students in writing about what they read can significantly improve their understanding and retention of the material. We’ll unpack what this research means for your classroom, why it’s particularly impactful for struggling readers and writers, and how you can make "writing stuff" a regular part of your literacy block.

So why is writing about reading so powerful? It not only helps students clarify their thoughts and focus on the most important information from a text, but also encourages them to make connections and reflect on their reading. The process of transforming their ideas into their own words, whether by summarizing, sharing personal opinions, or writing reviews, pushes students to think critically and engage actively with the content. Throughout this episode, we’ll explore how you can incorporate these writing activities into your teaching practice, making it a seamless and effective way to boost student comprehension.

Ready to get started? We’ll be sharing three simple and practical strategies for bringing more writing about reading into your literacy block. You’ll learn how to help students summarize texts, respond with personal reactions, and write reviews—all of which can be done with minimal prep work. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a range of ideas to implement immediately, so you can begin to see the benefits of this powerful practice in your classroom today. Tune in, take notes, and think about which of these writing tasks you can introduce to your students this week!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode222.

221. Dear Stellar Teacher: How Do I Fit Everything Into My Literacy Block? Oct 07, 2024

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new podcast segment, Dear Stellar Teacher! We are so excited to launch this monthly segment, where we’ll be diving into listener questions, sharing stories from teachers, and having real, candid conversations about the joys and challenges of teaching. You can expect these episodes to hit your feed on the first Monday of every month, giving you that extra dose of inspiration and encouragement to kick off your month. For these episodes I will be joined by my amazing teammate, Emily Caudill, who is one of our curriculum creators at The Stellar Teacher Company, and a former elementary teacher.

In today's episode, we tackle a question that so many teachers struggle with – how to fit everything into your literacy block when your time feels stretched and your schedule is chaotic. We’ll share tips for maximizing your literacy time, making transitions more efficient, and even doing a time audit to pinpoint where you can make small, impactful changes. We'll discuss how to get creative with your time by “double-dipping” parts of your literacy block and why routines can be the secret to maximizing both your instructional time and your planning efficiency.

We also reflect on the importance of mindset, and the importance of focusing on what you can control, while letting go of what you can't. While it’s natural to want to fit everything in, remember that progress beats perfection. It’s perfectly fine to slow down or revisit a concept to ensure your students truly understand before moving on. We share an inspiring story from a teacher inside the Stellar Literacy Collective who did that, and how her students benefited. So, if you’re feeling pressed for time or just want to make your schedule work better for you, tune in for tips, mindset shifts, and solutions to help you take back control of your day!

Do you have a burning question you want us to explore on the podcast? Or maybe you have an amazing story that deserves a shout-out? We’d be thrilled to feature your question or stellar story on the show! Just shoot us an email at sara@stellarteacher.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode221.

220. How to Help Your Students Become Masters at Decoding Multisyllabic Words With Marnie Ginsberg Sep 30, 2024

In this episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that many upper elementary teachers grapple with—how to help students with decoding multisyllabic words. I’m excited to be joined by Marnie Ginsberg, the founder of Reading Simplified, a research-based program that gives educators practical tools to support struggling readers. Marnie is here to share some incredibly simple yet powerful strategies that you can start implementing right away. Whether your students are stumbling over three-syllable words or longer, these tips will help them gain the skills they need to become confident readers.

Decoding single-syllable words is tough enough, but when students are introduced to multisyllabic words, the challenge escalates. As Marnie explains, multisyllabic words build upon the decoding skills students develop early on, but with extra complexities. We’ll talk about how these multi-step processes can overwhelm students who haven’t mastered automaticity with one-syllable words and why addressing this gap is critical for their reading fluency and comprehension. Many teachers focus heavily on comprehension, but Marnie reminds us that if students struggle to decode, that’s where we need to begin.

During our conversation, Marnie also introduces specific activities like "Switch It", "Read It,", and "Write It" which help refine students’ letter-sound knowledge and build the automaticity needed for decoding longer words. You’ll hear how you can incorporate these strategies into your classroom, even if you're not a phonics expert. Marnie’s practical tips will give you the tools to support students who are falling behind, empowering them to become fluent, confident readers capable of tackling multisyllabic words with ease.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode220.

219. 5 Game-Changing Tips for a Rock-Solid Literacy Year Sep 23, 2024

In today’s episode, we’re diving into five key strategies to help you build a more effective literacy block in your classroom. As teachers, it can be tempting to compartmentalize every aspect of literacy instruction into separate chunks, but that often leads to time constraints and missed opportunities for students to apply their skills holistically. We’ll explore why it's crucial to avoid teaching everything in isolation and how we, at the Stellar Literacy Collective, have designed resources to make it easier for you to integrate different literacy components seamlessly into your schedule.

Flexibility is key when planning your literacy block. While routines and schedules provide structure, being adaptable to your students' needs is just as important. Today, we’ll discuss how to balance the consistency of your literacy routines with the flexibility to adjust your pacing based on student responses. Remember, the goal isn’t to rigidly follow the schedule but to focus on the content and let your students' progress guide your instruction.

We’ll also talk about setting realistic expectations for what you can accomplish in your literacy block. By auditing your time and building in buffer moments, you’ll become better at predicting how long activities will actually take. Along the way, we’ll touch on why focusing on mastery over mere completion leads to meaningful progress, and why the traditional five-day school week shouldn’t be the sole dictator of your schedule. So don’t be afraid to introduce new lessons or assessments on any day of the week!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode219.

218. A 5-Step Process to Help Students Read Multisyllabic Words Sep 16, 2024

In upper elementary, students are exposed to more multisyllabic words in the texts they are reading. Coming across big words can feel intimidating and overwhelming. To help, I've created a simple strategy and visual that you can start using with your students immediately that will help them decode and understand multisyllabic words.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through a 5-step process for decoding multisyllabic words, explaining the key foundational concepts students need beforehand. I’ll also show you how to implement this routine in your classroom and how to use it as a diagnostic tool to identify where students need extra support, leading to better reading success.

Supporting students who struggle to read big words can be tough. My hope is that with this 5-step process, you’ll equip them with a tool that scaffolds learning until decoding multisyllabic words becomes automatic!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

217. How to Integrate Writing Instruction Across All Subjects Sep 09, 2024

Writing instruction is crucial in every 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade classroom. But with limited time in an already packed literacy block, how do we cover everything students need to know? The solution is simple: integrate writing instruction into all content areas.

In this episode, my goal is to inspire every teacher to see themselves as a writing teacher, no matter the subject they teach. Writing skills and an understanding of sentence structure are vital for student success across all subjects. By the time students reach upper elementary, they are doing more content writing, and with just a little bit of intention and a little extra time, you can seamlessly incorporate writing instruction into science, social studies, math, and more.

After you listen to this episode, I have two challenges for you. The first is to pick one of the five ideas shared in this episode and implement it this week. The second challenge is to share this episode with a fellow educator. Embedding writing instruction throughout the day is essential, so spread the word to help increase student writing in every content area!

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216. Back to School: 3 Fun, Engaging, and Important Literacy Lessons to Teach at the Beginning of the Year Sep 02, 2024

I remember back-to-school time being both exciting and exhausting. It's a new school year filled with fresh possibilities. It's also extremely busy with classroom setup, planning, organizing, and meeting students, parents, and new teachers. To lighten your load, I'm sharing 3 important literacy lessons to teach at the beginning of the year to set your students up for literacy success.

As literacy teachers, we strive to build skilled readers who develop a love for reading. I've come up with 3 literacy lessons that are great to teach at the beginning of the year, and I've included various ideas for fun, engaging activities for students to participate in during each lesson. Plus I share picture books you can use to go along with each lesson.

Focusing on literacy from the start emphasizes its importance. Therefore, implementing these 3 essential literacy lessons towards the beginning of the year will lead to more skilled readers in your classroom this school year!

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215. Practical And Easy Ways To Incorporate Reading Fluency Activities In Your Classroom With Aylin Claashen Aug 26, 2024

We've discussed how challenging it is to fit all the necessary skills into your literacy block with limited time. But what if I told you that focusing on fluency doesn't have to take extra time? It can be seamlessly integrated throughout your day. Game changer, right? In today's episode, my special guest, Aylin Claahsen, shares practical reading fluency activities you can incorporate into your classroom today.

Many believe that upper elementary students are already fluent readers, but that's not always true. Fluency involves five key aspects: accuracy, expression, pace, smoothness, and reading for meaning. While this may seem like a lot, Aylin offers five strategies to help you support fluency development in your students.

Fluency is the thread that ties reading and comprehension together. Aylin's tips are easy to implement and require no extra time or prep. You can start using these reading fluency activities today to enhance students comprehension, fluency, and their love for reading.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode215.

214. Teaching Genre: Why It's Important and How To Introduce It To Your Students Aug 19, 2024

I loved teaching genre when I was in the classroom, and now I love talking about it. I view teaching genre as the cornerstone of a literacy block. Genre is something that you can talk about in both reading and writing, so anytime you talk about genre, it can have an impact on all areas of your literacy block.

Genre categorizes books and texts by specific attributes. When students understand genre, it gives them a roadmap to help them navigate the texts they read. By learning genre, students gain tools and clues to comprehend different types of texts.

Teaching genre boosts academic performance, student engagement, and community building. It's a great topic to introduce at the start of the year. In this episode, I share three fun activities to introduce genre to your students.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode212.

213. 3 Easy Strategies to Embed Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into Your Classroom With Abby Moehringer Aug 12, 2024

Today, we're focusing on social and emotional learning (SEL) with Abby from Mrs. Mo's Modifications. Abby, a behavior specialist and former special education teacher, is passionate about helping teachers incorporate social and emotional learning into their classrooms. In our conversation, she explains what SEL is and its importance, emphasizing the need to explicitly teach and practice these skills with students.

As the new school year approaches, I challenge you to embed social and emotional learning practices in your classroom. Consider incorporating welcoming activities to build rapport, engaging lessons that encourage participation, and teaching topics such as friendship, goal setting, dealing with failure, and coping skills. Model these practices and give students time to practice them.

Teaching social and emotional learning is crucial for whole child development. When we are teaching academics, we are teaching human beings. We need to make sure that we're addressing the whole child and giving them support in all areas, not just our content specialist area. Tune in to learn how to make SEL a reality in your classroom this year.

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212. 5 Things To Do and 5 Things To Avoid When Teaching Word Study Aug 05, 2024

As a new school year approaches and you prepare your literacy lessons and schedule, I want to share some advice on teaching word study. In this episode, I'll discuss 5 things to do and 5 things to avoid in word study instruction.

Expanding students' vocabularies is crucial in upper elementary, so incorporate a daily word study activity. This should be a shared goal across all subjects, not just ELA. Make your lessons fun and engaging for all students, and always connect word study instruction to students' reading and writing.

Teaching word study can be intimidating, but you don't need to be an expert to start. You can do it! Reuse routines and activities throughout the year with new words. Keep instruction bite-sized, and teach word study concepts as generalizations, not rigid rules. The goal is not mastery but helping students apply what they learn to their reading and writing.

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211. What Is Morphology and How Do I Teach It? Jul 29, 2024

I’ve shared on the podcast before that it’s impossible to teach every single unknown word to your students. So, with that in mind, what can you do as a literacy teacher to help your students learn and understand the meaning of new words? You need to provide them with the tools to figure out word meanings, and one way to do that is through teaching morphology. In today’s episode, I’m explaining what morphology is and how you can teach it.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode211

210. How to Engage the Rest of Your Class So You Can Pull Small Groups Jul 22, 2024

As elementary teachers plan their small groups, they think about the lessons they’ll be teaching, activities for students to engage in, and the number of students in each group. And while those are important components of a successful small group, there’s one major aspect teachers don’t often think about: the rest of their class! This is such a challenge for teachers that the number one question I get asked pertaining to small groups is What do I do with the rest of my class so I can pull small groups? So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five ways to plan your small group time that also engages the rest of your class.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode210

209. Scheduling Tips for Creating an Effective Literacy Block (SOR Summer Series Part 7) Jul 18, 2024

As we conclude our Science of Reading Summer Series, I want to share some tips for planning your literacy block for next year. We know fitting everything into a literacy block can be challenging, so here are some key components to include: word study, reading comprehension, whole group lessons, writing, small group lessons, independent practice, and transitions.

The good news is that these components don't have to be done in isolation. I encourage you to be creative and find ways to teach multiple concepts at once. Integrating different elements can make your literacy block more engaging and efficient, allowing you to cover more ground without overwhelming your students.

Remember that while it's important to establish routines and structure in your literacy block, you want to also maintain flexibility to adjust as needed throughout the year. This adaptability ensures we can meet our students' needs and help them become successful readers and writers.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode207.

208. 5 Steps to Better Paragraph Writing in Upper Elementary Jul 15, 2024

Being an upper elementary teacher means that we put a bigger focus on getting students to write a five-paragraph essay by the end of the year. And as we’ve talked about recently on the podcast, students need to have a foundation of good sentence writing first. Once students have that solid foundation, they then learn how to write strong paragraphs. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five tips that will help students write better paragraphs in upper elementary.

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207. How to Help Students Read Multisyllabic Words (SOR Summer Series Part 6) Jul 11, 2024

The Simple View of Reading highlights that reading comprehension requires proficiency in both decoding and language comprehension. If a student struggles with decoding, effective comprehension instruction won't help them understand the text because decoding is a crucial part of reading. In this episode, I share a straightforward process to help your students read and decode multisyllabic words.

To decode multisyllabic words, students should circle any prefixes, put a box around any suffixes, look at the remaining part of the word, underline the vowels, and break the word into syllables. Then, they should say the word parts slowly, and then say the word, and see if it sounds like any words they already know. As a bonus step, they can read the word again more quickly and then read it in a sentence.

To help students master decoding multisyllabic words, it's crucial to practice this routine until it becomes automatic. When students can read big words effortlessly, they can focus their mental energy on comprehension. In this episode, I share strategies to make this routine more second nature for your students.

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206. 3 Ways to Improve Students’ Sentence Writing Jul 08, 2024

A common misconception upper elementary teachers often make with sentence writing is that students don’t need to practice or develop this skill. Since teachers are so focused on the end result of a five-paragraph essay, sentence writing is often ignored or not prioritized. However, that’s not benefiting students and their academic success at all. Instead, this foundational skill needs to be incorporated daily into their literacy block. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 ways to improve student sentence writing and why it directly impacts academic success.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode206.

205. 3 Ways You Can Organize Your Classroom Library (SOR Summer Series Part 5) Jul 04, 2024

In this episode, we shift our focus from instructional strategies to an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of literacy instruction: the classroom environment, specifically the classroom library. While effective teaching practices are essential, how we organize our learning spaces can significantly impact our students' reading experiences and development. As the new school year approaches, I want to share ideas for organizing your classroom library in ways that align with the science of reading.

I used to organize my library by reading levels, but now I understand that this limits students' reading choices and does not support their growth or love for reading. Instead of doing this in your classroom this year, try organizing it by genre, or topic/theme, or author/series, or a mix of these. These approaches not only help foster a love for reading but also align with how books are organized in real-world settings.

No single organizational method fits all classrooms. However, avoiding reading levels and using a mix of genre, topic, and author organization can create a more engaging and effective classroom library. Tune in to learn the benefits and limitations of each method.

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204. 4 Ways to Enhance Your Vocabulary Instruction Jul 01, 2024

One of the ways for students to be successful readers and have excellent reading comprehension is if they have a good understanding of words and their meanings. This is why vocabulary instruction is an important aspect of your literacy block, or really during any content area. However, vocabulary instruction is more than just introducing new words to your students. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing four ways to enhance vocabulary instruction and why you should focus on a variety of vocabulary concepts.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode204

203. 5 Strategies for Improving Reading Fluency in your classroom (SOR Summer Series Part 4) Jun 27, 2024

One major goal in upper elementary education is to help students become fluent readers. But what does that really mean? Fluency goes beyond speed; it encompasses the ability to read words, phrases, and entire sections of text quickly, accurately, and with understanding.

Reading fluency serves as the bridge between decoding and comprehension. Strong fluency skills improve both decoding and comprehension because they introduce a level of automaticity. Fluent readers don't need to think about how to read or sound out individual words; they read smoothly and quickly, allowing them to focus more mental energy on comprehension, meaning, purpose, and building knowledge.

So, how can we incorporate this knowledge into our classrooms? In this episode, I will share five strategies to build reading fluency with your students. These strategies are practical, fun, and easy to implement. I hope you'll choose one or two of them to implement in your classroom next year.

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202. Classroom Shifts: Small Changes, Big Impacts With Meghan Hein Jun 24, 2024

When tackling a new approach to your instruction, it takes a lot of research, dedication, and implementation to find success with your students. After hearing about the science of reading, my guest, Meghan Hein, dove head first into learning all she could about it and has since made small changes to her literacy block to align with its practices just this past school year. So, in this episode, Meghan’s here to talk about her work with the science of reading practices, how she worked to align them with her curriculum, and the impacts they’ve had.

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201. Using Implicit and Explicit Vocabulary Instruction to Increase Student Reading Comprehension (SOR Summer Series Part 3) Jun 20, 2024

Scarborough's Reading Rope highlights the necessity of both word recognition and language comprehension for developing skilled readers. In this episode, I focus on effective vocabulary instruction, a crucial component of language comprehension. I will discuss both implicit and explicit vocabulary instruction methods and their role in enhancing students' vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Explicit vocabulary instruction involves directly teaching new words to students, allowing teachers to be intentional about the vocabulary they introduce. In contrast, implicit vocabulary instruction occurs spontaneously during teachable moments and is less structured but natural. However, teaching vocabulary effectively goes beyond knowing word definitions; it requires a deep understanding of instructional strategies. Listen to this episode for ways to effectively teach both implicit and explicit vocabulary in your classroom.

The importance of vocabulary instruction is underscored by the Matthew Effect, which suggests that students with a strong vocabulary foundation can accelerate their learning more quickly than their peers with limited vocabulary. A rich vocabulary makes it easier for students to comprehend complex texts, leading to further vocabulary acquisition and improved reading skills. Conversely, students with poor vocabulary face challenges in progressing and understanding new words from complex texts. Therefore, intentional teaching of both explicit and implicit vocabulary is essential to boost students' reading comprehension and overall literacy skills.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode201

200. How to Make Teaching Writing Easier Jun 17, 2024

Happy 200th episode, my friends! While I love reminiscing on milestone episodes, which I do at the beginning of this episode, I thought the best way to celebrate was to do what I started this podcast for. And that is to continue to support teachers in areas of struggle. After recently sending out a survey to my Stellar Teacher community, I once again saw the need for more support in the area of teaching writing. Struggling with this when I was a classroom teacher, I knew I needed to provide more support. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing how to make teaching writing easier and less stressful for you this next school year.

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199. Text Structure: A Roadmap for Reading (SOR Summer Series #2) Jun 13, 2024

I often describe text structure as a roadmap for reading. Understanding how texts are organized is crucial for enhancing language comprehension, which plays a significant role in reading. Deciphering text structure aids in identifying key concepts and understanding the relationships among ideas, people, and events in a text. It also prepares students for what to expect and how information will unfold as they read.

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198. Shifting the Balance: A Conversation With Katie Egan Cunningham Jun 10, 2024

I’ve talked on this podcast before about the science of reading, the major components of it, and why it’s such a major topic in the field of education right now. And while I’ve researched and surrounded myself with all the information I can on it, there’s still so much to unpack and learn. Thankfully, my guest on today’s episode, Katie Egan Cunningham, is an expert on the topic. So, in this episode, Katie is sharing insights into the science of reading, the importance of evidence-based instruction, the idea of the science of happiness, and her new book, Shifting the Balance.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode198

197. 3 Simple Steps to Develop More Mental Velcro (SOR Summer Series #1) Jun 06, 2024

I'm thrilled to launch our Science of Reading Summer Series by discussing how activating prior knowledge and building background knowledge enhances reading comprehension. Effective comprehension extends beyond decoding words to deeply understanding text through language comprehension. Our aim is not to teach a long list of standards, but to empower students to deeply understand the topic of the texts that they are reading.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode197.

196. Understanding the Science of Reading in Upper Elementary Jun 03, 2024

I’ve always been fascinated with how students learn to read, so when I first heard about the science of reading, I couldn’t get enough. I read all the books and did countless hours of research, all to learn this knowledge and share it with my listeners. Starting this Thursday, we’re kicking off our Stellar Teacher Science of Reading Summer Series, where I address one aspect of the science of reading with practical tips and strategies. So, in order to prepare for this upcoming series, in this episode, I’m sharing a brief overview and explaining what the science of reading is and insight into the science of reading in upper elementary.

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195. How to Effectively Collaborate With SLPs: An Interview With Hallie Sherman May 27, 2024

I’ll be honest: when I was teaching in the classroom, I knew very little about the work Speech Language Pathologists, or SLPs, did in schools. I knew they pulled students to work on speech services, but not much beyond that. After my conversation with today’s guest, Hallie Sherman, I gained a deeper understanding of the role of an SLP and how they help students with their language, which affects their reading comprehension. In today’s episode with Hallie, you’ll learn how to effectively collaborate with SLPS, ways they support students, and practical strategies you can use in your own classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode195

194. Must-Teach Writing Skills for the Start of School May 20, 2024

After talking with teachers and sending out surveys to the Stellar Teacher community, it’s clear that everyone is struggling with the same thing: how to teach writing. If I’m being honest, this was definitely a struggle for me when I was in the classroom. I wasn’t confident in my skills, therefore I didn’t know how to teach my students. But I don’t want that for you! So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing the essential writing skills for the start of school that will set your students up for writing success.

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193. 5 Things Teachers Can (And Should) Do Before Their First Year With Dr. Lori Friesen May 13, 2024

Being a first year teacher, there are so many things on your mind and your to-do list before entering your classroom in the fall. But like most first year teachers, they don’t want to wait to get started on all things teaching and are so eager to get started now. Well, if you’re a first-year teacher, you’re in luck! In today’s episode, I have guest Dr. Lori Friesen, who is sharing five things teachers can do now before their first year of teaching.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode193

192. 5 Easy Steps for Effective Vocabulary Instruction May 06, 2024

If I’m being honest, there were a lot of things that I struggled with during my first few years of teaching, but nothing compared to knowing how to teach vocabulary effectively. In my first few years, I implemented several programs, but neither of them seemed to be the key to having my students know the word and use it correctly. Eventually, I figured out what I needed to do for vocabulary to finally stick for my students. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing my five easy steps for effective vocabulary instruction.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode192

191. Empowering Educators: Practical Wisdom From Melissa and Lori Apr 29, 2024

You all know how much I love bringing on other literacy experts to share their knowledge with you, but today, you’re getting double the knowledge! In my first-ever double-guest episode, I have Melissa and Lori on, and we are talking about all things literacy. They recently wrote a book, answering 50 literacy questions that keep them, and others, up at night. So, in today’s episode, we’re previewing a few of their literacy questions from the book, answering them, and providing you with practical tips to implement in your classroom.

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190. Navigating the Complexities of Sentence Structure Apr 22, 2024

One of the reasons I love doing this podcast is because I get to share resources, information, and knowledge I’ve learned with you all. I know when I was a classroom teacher, I didn’t have the time to research and really dive into topics like I wanted to. But I get to do that now, and one of the topics I’ve learned so much about, and really one of my favorite topics, is syntax. So, in today’s episode, I’m giving you information for understanding syntax, why it’s important, and ideas to implement in your classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode190

189. Understanding and Supporting Sticky Student Behaviors With Sara Cottrill-Carlo From The Responsive Counselor Apr 15, 2024

When working with kids, part of the job is dealing with their behaviors. Just like adults, kids have good and bad days, experience emotions, get excited, and would rather partake in activities that interest them than do their school work. Learning to understand their behaviors and how to manage them in a productive way is the key to supporting them. To help with this, in today’s episode, I have guest Sara Cottrill-Carlo on to discuss understanding student behaviors and proactive intervention strategies to put in place.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode189

188. Beyond the Hand Raise: 5 Ways to Enhance Class Discussions Apr 08, 2024

Class discussions are a major part of our classrooms. We want our students engaged, talking, sharing, and interacting with their peers. In an ideal world, all of our students would willingly participate, they’d know exactly what they want to say, and conversations would be flowing throughout the day. However, we know that’s not the case. Many students are reluctant to share, are worried they’re going to have the wrong answer, and so many other worries. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five quick and easy ways for you to enhance class discussions and create more meaningful and productive conversations.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode188

187. From Balanced Literacy to Structured Literacy With Anna Geiger Apr 01, 2024

If you’ve been teaching literacy for a while, you know all about the balanced literacy approach to teaching reading. However, you also know that the approach is outdated and not effective in teaching students how to read. And no one knows this more than my guest, Anna Geiger. A former balanced literacy teacher herself, Anna eventually found her way to the science of reading. In today’s episode, she is sharing her journey and why she believes in a structured literacy approach to reading.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode187

186. Don’t Let Grammar Be the Star of Your Writing Block! Do This Instead Mar 25, 2024

I’m always reminded how much teachers struggle with this certain writing concept every time I do a workshop or talk with teachers about the struggles they’re facing in their classrooms. I shouldn’t be surprised, for I, too, never felt confident in my ability to teach this concept and, after doing my own research, realized I didn’t teach this to my students in the most effective way. If you haven’t caught on by now, I’m talking about grammar instruction.

I used to spend way too much time teaching grammar in all the wrong ways, but thinking if students knew grammar knowledge, it was going to create strong independent writers. Instead, it did the exact opposite. I finally learned the most effective ways to teach grammar and want to share them with you. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing a few grammar mindset shifts and a simple strategy to help you embed more intentional grammar instruction into your writing block.

Grab my Sentence Writing Reference Sheets here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode186

185. It’s Test Prep Season: Here Are 4 Ways to Make It More FUN! Mar 18, 2024

We’ve made it to that time of year again when we begin to trickle in test prep throughout our instructional day in order to prepare our students for the end-of-year standardized test. Even though this test is inevitable, it doesn't mean the way we structure preparing for it has to be boring or monotonous. Instead, we want to provide our students with high energy and excitement revolving around test prep. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing four ways you can make test prep more engaging and fun for your students.

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Check out my Free Literacy Workshop, The Time Crunch Cure: Create a Literacy Block That Fits it All In and Achieves More

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode185

184. Plan Authentic and Accessible Writing Experiences for Your Students With Katie Novak Mar 11, 2024

Being literacy teachers, we know the importance of having good literacy skills and how they can positively impact our student’s learning and communication. And those teachers who don’t teach literacy tend not to make writing a focus in their classroom. However, according to my guest, Katie Novak, that’s the wrong attitude to have. In today’s episode, she shares her philosophy on literacy and how incorporating a Universal Design for Learning approach in your classroom helps create authentic writing experiences for your students.

Buy Katie's Book, Shift Writing Into the Classroom

Want to learn more about Universal Design for Learning? Enjoy 20% off Katie's course, UDL Now!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode184

183. How Do I Keep My Students Independent & Engaged While I Pull Small Groups? Mar 04, 2024

Even though you’re almost three-quarters of the way done with school, it doesn't mean you can’t teach your students new skills or try new things in your classroom. One thing you’ve probably been doing all year is pulling small groups. And even though you’ve done this all year, it’s still important to implement new strategies or have your students work on new skills. I get a lot of questions involving small groups, and an underrated skill students need is independence. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing four steps in helping your students become independent when pulling small groups.

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Check out my Free Literacy Workshop, The Time Crunch Cure: Create a Literacy Block That Fits it All In and Achieves More

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode183

182. What We Need to Understand About Reading Comprehension (And 8 Instructional Strategies) Feb 26, 2024

Well, my friends, we’ve made it to the last pillar of reading, which is reading comprehension. While most would argue that reading comprehension is the most important pillar in a student’s success in reading, it’s actually the last one you should focus on. This is because students need a solid foundation in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and vocabulary in order to focus on comprehension. To finish out the series, I’m sharing eight reading comprehension strategies to help students become successful readers.

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Check out my Free Literacy Workshop, The Time Crunch Cure: Create a Literacy Block That Fits it All In and Achieves More

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode182

181. Evidence-Based Strategies for Building Student Vocabulary With Michelle Sullivan Feb 19, 2024

Everything that a literacy teacher does is to try and help their students be successful readers and writers, which is why, over the last month, we've been focusing on the five pillars of reading. And one of the big factors that contributes to reading is a strong vocabulary. It's no surprise that the way most of us were taught vocabulary when we were younger is not the most effective vocabulary instruction anymore. Instead, there is a new way. So, in today's episode, my guest, Michelle Sullivan, is sharing some evidence-based strategies for building student vocabulary.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode181

180. Practical Tips for Big Improvements in Student Fluency With Aylin Claahsen Feb 12, 2024

We’ve really taken a deep dive into the five pillars of reading over the last few weeks. My goal is to provide you with accurate information and practical tips that you can apply in your classroom to improve your students’ reading. With each pillar, I’ve brought in guests who are experts in their field, and today is no different. Aylin Claahsen not only is a fluency expert, but she is also a close friend of mine. So in today’s episode, Aylin is sharing ways to improve accuracy in fluency that you can use this week in your classroom.

Download Aylin's Free Fluency Resources here (Phonics Focused Reading Passages) and here (Fluency Passage Samples)!

Grab The Fluency Files here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode180

179. Phonics Instruction That Can Help ALL Students With Savannah Campbell Feb 05, 2024

We are continuing our series on the 5 pillars of reading instruction with effective phonics instruction. If you teach upper elementary, you might be wondering how phonics fits into your literacy instruction, but I’m here to tell you it does. I love bringing on experts in the field to share their knowledge, which is exactly what I’m doing today. My guest on today’s episode, Savannah Campbell, is sharing how phonics instruction can help all students be successful in reading.

Download the Free Sound Decks here (graphemes) and here (morphemes)!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode179

178. Debunking Common Myths Around Phonemic Awareness With Christina Winter Jan 29, 2024

Last week, I gave an overview of the 5 pillars of reading, which gives us the foundation of reading. But today I’m doing my first deep dive into one of the pillars, which is phonemic awareness. Whether you’re like me, who learned about it in college, or someone who this is a new concept, I’ve got an expert today who’s going to share her wealth of knowledge on this topic. So, in today’s episode, guest Christina Winter is debunking common myths around phonemic awareness and sharing research for best instructional practices.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode178

177. A Close Look at the 5 Pillars of Reading Instruction Jan 22, 2024

I recently hosted a workshop on how to create a literacy block that fits everything you need in it because that’s a common challenge for most literacy teachers. But the one recurring question throughout the workshop was, what does effective literacy look like? Effective literacy is directly related to the 5 pillars of reading instruction, which is what this upcoming series is all about.

Over the next month, I am going to focus on each of the 5 pillars of reading instruction, including experts in certain areas, practical strategies, and ideas on how to incorporate them in your literacy upper elementary classroom. Before we can dive deep into each pillar, it’s important to have a general understanding. Therefore, in today’s episode, I’m providing an overview of the 5 pillars of reading instruction in order to provide you with some confidence in your instruction and how to help your students.

Read the National Reading Panel here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode177

176. How Can You Help Your Struggling Readers? 7 Things to Consider Jan 15, 2024

As we start the new year, I want to focus on ways that I can help you with anything your students might be struggling with and provide you with support, resources, and strategies. And today’s topic is something that I think all literacy elementary teachers will resonate with, which is how to help struggling readers in your classroom. While this can be an overwhelming idea because there are so many elements to it, I’m going to make it more manageable for you. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 7 things you need to consider when trying to figure out how to help struggling readers.

Grab the FREE Successful Reader Cheat Sheet here!

Download my FREE Reading Interest Inventory here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode176

175. Secrets to Success for New and Veteran Teachers With Ashleigh Smith Jan 08, 2024

January can be the perfect opportunity to refocus and remind yourself to create a balance between your teacher life and your personal life. But as we all know, that's easier said than done! My first international guest on the podcast, Ashleigh Smith, is one half of the Aussie duo dedicated to helping teachers with the ups and downs of teacher life. In today's episode, she's sharing five secrets to success that will help both new and veteran teachers experience success in the classroom.

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Check out my Free Literacy Workshop, The Time Crunch Cure: Create a Literacy Block That Fits it All In and Achieves More

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode175

174. Grammar Game-Changers: 3 Simple Swaps for Improving Your Instruction Jan 01, 2024

Happy New Year, everyone! As we start the beginning of a new year, I want to help you feel successful in areas that you have identified as challenging or struggling concepts to teach. In a teacher survey, there was an overwhelming response to grammar and the many questions surrounding this concept. So, I wanted to start the year by giving you three grammar swaps that change your grammar instruction for the better.

Join me for my free event Read, Write, & Rejuvenate here!

Get my Weekly Sentence Writing Routine free sample here! And get your Sentence Writing Reference Sheets here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode174

173. Classroom Routines Reset: 5 Ways to Ensure a Smooth Transition Back to School After Winter Break Dec 25, 2023

When coming back from break, we always prepare our lessons and activities and set goals for the semester ahead. However, something we don’t anticipate happens when students return to school: they often forget how to do school. This means they struggle with executing procedures and routines they once mastered before the break. So, instead of letting these misbehaviors slide, there’s something you can do about it. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to do a classroom routine reset with five creative tips.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode173

172. If You Want to Get Your Students Hooked on Reading, Teach This! Dec 18, 2023

I’ve stressed many times on this podcast the importance of fostering a love of reading in your students. And while you may incorporate more read alouds and independent reading time, the effort might not result in positive change if you’re always reading from the same genre. This was a mistake I made early in my teaching career, so I want to make that correction for you right now. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing why it’s so important to teach reading genres and five ways to be more intentional throughout your day.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode172

171. Spice Up Student Assessment: Engaging Ways to Check for Understanding Dec 11, 2023

While the weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break can be full of fun holiday-themed activities, this can also be a great time to review and assess student learning of the content you covered in the first semester of school. As you gear up with the state assessments to come in the next few months, finding creative and fun ways to assess your students gets them in the mindset while also helping you gauge where they’re at. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 creative student assessment ideas you can easily use in your classroom this week!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode171

170. Losing Steam Before Winter Break? Try These Fun Activities to Keep Your Class Excited About Reading Dec 04, 2023

The weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break can be long and exhausting for both students and teachers. But if you can begin incorporating some fun reading activities, your students will be engaged and motivated during independent reading time up until winter break. To get your students interested and engaged in reading until winter break, I’m sharing five ideas that you can use in your classroom starting today.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode170

169. How to Best Support Your Students With Dyslexia With Heather O’Donnell Nov 27, 2023

As teachers, we look for ways to support all of our students and their academic needs through resources and strategies. And we all have students who are diagnosed, or most likely flying under the radar, who have dyslexia. If you’re anything like I was, I was unsure as to what I could do to support them. So, in today’s episode, I have guest Heather O’Donnell, who is sharing best practices to support students with dyslexia in your elementary classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode169

168. Are You Building a Culture of Reading in Your Classroom? With Ciera Harris Nov 20, 2023

We all know incorporating reading and making it a priority in the classroom is important, but it takes more than that to really change how a student feels about reading. In order for a student to identify as a reader, they need to be immersed in a culture of reading in which they find personal connections to the text. My guest on today’s episode, Ciera Harris, is sharing how to build a culture of reading in your classroom with practical tips and ideas.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode168

167. Elevate Student Writing With These 4 Revision Strategies Nov 13, 2023

Providing you with strategies, tips, and routines you can easily implement in your classrooms that help improve your students’ writing skills has been a priority of mine over the last month. I’ve given you specific tools to use during your literacy block and beyond, but one way to elevate a student’s writing is already embedded in the writing process: revising. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 revision strategies that help students improve their overall writing skills.

Get my Weekly Sentence Writing Routine free sample here! And get the paid TPT resource here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode167

166. How Can I Help My Students Become Stronger Paragraph Writers? Nov 06, 2023

In upper elementary, the goal of all literacy teachers is for their students to be able to write a well-developed and constructed essay. But as you all know, that task is a lot harder and takes a lot of work and practice to happen. Nevertheless, with the help of building foundational skills, such as sentence writing and support, that end-of-year goal will be achieved. In today’s episode, I’m sharing ways you can help your students become stronger paragraph writers.

Grab my Paragraph Writing Freebie here!

Get my Weekly Sentence Writing Routine free sample here! And get the paid TPT resource here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode166

165. Making Space for Silliness in Our Schools With Mike Bender Oct 30, 2023

Schools are full of engaging activities, creative lesson plans, procedures and routines, and assessments to assess mastery. And while all of those items are important, there’s one thing that’s missing in classrooms, and that is being silly. While teachers want students to have fun, being silly tends to be overlooked. But we’re here to change that. One of my favorite children’s authors, Mike Bender, stopped by to share how his new book, The Most Serious Fart, helps bring silliness into the classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode165

164. 7 Ways to Incorporate More Sentence Level Work in Your Upper Elementary Classroom Oct 23, 2023

We’ve spent the last three weeks discussing why sentences are important to a student’s reading and writing skills and activities to implement. So, even if you’re ready to focus on sentences more, where are you finding the time? I’ve got the answer for you! I’m sharing 7 ways that you can incorporate more sentence level work into your instructional day without changing up your schedule.

Get my Weekly Sentence Writing Routine free sample here! And get the paid TPT resource here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode164

163. Sentence Deconstruction: What It Is, How It Helps, and Steps to Take To Fit It Into Your Day Oct 16, 2023

Sometimes, in order to understand something, you have to break it down to its core. The same is true when reading texts. In order to understand the meaning of a sentence, you need to practice sentence deconstruction. But what is this, and how does it help your students? In the third episode of this four-part series, I’m sharing how sentence deconstruction improves student literacy skills, how to fit it into your schedule, and more!

Get my Weekly Sentence Writing Routine free sample here! And get the paid TPT resource here.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information, click here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode163

162. Simple Strategies to Help Your Students Expand Their Sentences Oct 09, 2023

Our role as literacy teachers is to grow our students as skilled readers and writers, and one of the most powerful ways to achieve this is through sentence writing. This is the second week in our four-part series on sentence writing, so be sure to check out last week’s episode, Episode 161, to get a more foundational outlook on developing sentences.

But now, students need to build on their foundation with more detailed writing. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 simple strategies that help students write detailed sentences that expand their writing.

Get my Weekly Sentence Writing Routine free sample here! And get the paid TPT resource here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode162

161. 5 Reasons Why You Need to Spend More Time on Sentence Writing in Upper Elementary Oct 02, 2023

When students are in upper elementary, we often assume that they’re ready for more complex literacy skills, and therefore, we have higher expectations of them. However, that theory is completely false. I know when I was in the classroom, I thought that having my students write 5 paragraph essays was a sign they were excelling in writing.

But what my students really needed was more foundational work. Today’s episode is the first of a four-week series on sentences, where I’m sharing 5 reasons why spending more time on sentence-level instruction benefits your students.

Get my Weekly Sentence Writing Routine free sample here! And get the paid TPT resource here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode161

160. 4 Movement Routines to Try in Your Upper Elementary Classroom Sep 25, 2023

The school day can feel long for kids, especially being expected to focus and pay attention while sitting at their desks. One way to get students refocused while also incorporating learning is through movement. Getting students engaged and moving amongst your classroom benefits students in so many ways while also providing an aspect of fun. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 specific movement routines for you to incorporate in your upper elementary classrooms.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode160

159. Avoid These Things During Grammar Instruction & See Students’ Writing Improve! Sep 18, 2023

When I was in the classroom, grammar was not something that I particularly enjoyed teaching, or even thought I taught well for that matter. Then, after a few years, I realized I was making some major mistakes with my grammar instruction, student practice, and application. Once I made a few key changes, it not only improved my students’ grammar skills, but their writing as well. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what you need to avoid doing and what to do instead regarding grammar with student writing.

Get my Weekly Sentence Writing Routine free sample here! And get the paid TPT resource here.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information, click here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode159

158. Syllabication in Elementary Classrooms: What Is It & Why Teach It? Sep 11, 2023

In elementary school, having a solid foundation of word knowledge skills is essential as students move throughout the grades. But one word study topic that’s on a lot of lower elementary teachers’ minds, but not so much for upper elementary teachers, is syllabication. With what seems like a simple concept, it actually correlates to bigger literacy skills. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 reasons why you should prioritize teaching syllabication in elementary classrooms this school year.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode158

157. The Secret to a Stellar School Year: Teach These 3 Essential Literacy Lessons Sep 04, 2023

At the beginning of each new school year, we set up our classrooms for a successful year which includes routines, procedures, and centers. All of those elements help make engaging activities and lessons possible. As literacy teachers, we also strive to build skilled readers who have a love for reading. In order for those things to become possible, I’m sharing the 3 essential literacy lessons to focus on at the beginning of the school year.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode157

156. Maximize Your Read Alouds With These 3 Tips Aug 28, 2023

Being an elementary teacher, you know the importance that is put on read alouds in your classroom. Read alouds have so many benefits, such as fostering a love of literacy and a connection to real-life events and situations. However, getting the most out of them can be difficult. So before you jump into them this school year, I’m sharing 3 tips you can use to maximize your read alouds.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information, click here.

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Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode156

155. Get INSPIRED To Teach Writing This Year! Aug 21, 2023

One of my goals this year was to incorporate more writing content into the podcast and available resources in The Stellar Literacy Collective because teaching writing can be challenging for upper elementary teachers and overwhelming for students. However, I want to ditch the negative stigma surrounding writing and provide you with a new mindset. I’m sharing 3 things you can do that will help you successfully teach writing to your students this school year!

Grab my Sentence Writing Routine Free Sample here!

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information, click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode155

154. My #1 Tip for Creating a Strong Classroom Community and Culture Aug 14, 2023

Talking about literacy is a passion of mine and is what the content of this podcast is based on. However, in today's episode, I'm talking about something different but directly related to how your students learn and improve their literacy skills.

There's a phrase that says, "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." I've found this quote to be incredibly true, and it all starts with a strong classroom community and culture. In order to develop your classroom community, I'm sharing why establishing core values helps you accomplish that in your classroom.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode154

153. Simple Strategies to Strengthen the Language Domains for Your ELL Students with Beth Vaucher Aug 07, 2023

As you prepare for back to school and the beginning of the year, it’s possible that you might have some ELL (English Language Learners) students in your classroom. Having multiple different groups of students in your class can be overwhelming and stressful to prepare for. However, my guest on today’s episode, Beth Vaucher, is here to tell you how to simplify it. Beth is discussing how to strengthen the language domains for your ELL students with simple and effective strategies.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode153

152. The 3 Steps to Take This School Year If You’re Always Saying “I Wish I Had More Time” Jul 31, 2023

The one thing teachers wish they could have more of is time. Time to plan, time to teach, time to make copies, and time to have fun with their students. The day goes by so quickly that it’s hard to fit everything in, but one thing that helps with that is time management. In order to help you gain some time back in your classroom, I’m sharing 3 tips that are effective and help free up brain space.

Download my Free Mini-Lesson Plan and Sample Slides here!

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode152

151. 5 Myths About Small Group Instruction (And What to Believe Instead) Jul 24, 2023

The task of implementing small groups can be daunting and overwhelming, especially with all the misconceptions surrounding it. However, I’m here to tell you that small group instruction can be manageable and effective no matter what type of strategy or instruction you choose to use. To help convince you of that, I’m sharing 5 myths about small group instruction and the truths to believe instead.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode151

150. 3 Mistakes That Teachers Make When Creating a Literacy Block Schedule Jul 17, 2023

The number one question I get asked the most is How do I fit everything I need to in my literacy block? And while I wish I could grant you all the time you need, I can’t. However, being in the classroom myself, I made some mistakes that I hope to share with you that you can learn from going forward. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing the 3 mistakes teachers make when creating their literacy block schedule.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode150

149. Give Students a Framework for Making Inferences [Small Steps to S.O.R. Part 7] Jul 13, 2023

Our goal as literacy teachers is to have confident and skilled readers and a way to achieve that is aligning your instruction to the science of reading. Throughout this series, I’ve emphasized Scarborough’s reading rope and different strategies and tips that improve a students’ word recognition and language comprehension skill set. The last component of the series, I’m sharing how providing a simple framework helps students with inferential thinking.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode149

148. 4 Things to Do If You Don’t Have a Writing Curriculum (or it Doesn’t Meet the Needs of Your Students!) Jul 10, 2023

We know that writing can be difficult for our students, but on the flip side, teaching writing can also be difficult for teachers. This can be particularly prominent if your school doesn’t have a writing curriculum or if the curriculum provided doesn’t meet the needs of your students. But don’t worry! I’m sharing 4 things for you to do that improves your writing curriculum, or lack thereof.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode148

147. Teach Syllabication [Small Steps to S.O.R. Part 6] Jul 06, 2023

Over the last six weeks, I’ve discussed in every episode about Scarborough’s Reading Rope and its importance to the science of reading. In order for a student to be a skilled reader, they need both language comprehension and word recognition skills. I’ve often focused my attention on language comprehension, but in today’s episode, I’m shedding some light on a skill that’s needed to gain word recognition skills, which is teaching syllabication.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode147

146. Get More Out of Your Literacy Block With a Strong Whole Group Lesson Routine Jul 03, 2023

This summer I’m doing my best to answer your questions on your biggest challenges as teachers. While I could do four individual episodes on these four questions, each of them can actually be answered with the same common response: creating a strong whole group lesson routine. In this episode, I’m sharing a sample routine you can use in your classroom and 7 reasons why routines should be a significant part of your school day.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode146

145. Incorporate Phonological Awareness Activities [Small Steps to S.O.R. Part 5] Jun 29, 2023

We've talked before about how as upper elementary teachers, we sometimes think the foundational aspects of the science of reading aren’t as pertinent to us. However, by now you have learned that explicitly teaching word recognition and language comprehension skills helps your struggling readers. That's why incorporating phonological awareness activities into your instruction is a small step toward the science of reading.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode145

144. How Book Talks Can Transform Your Classroom Community with 4th Grade Teacher, Kelsey Moody Jun 26, 2023

During your first year of teaching, or really any year of teaching, you learn many lessons, but also know it’s important to celebrate your wins. And a win for any teacher is gaining back your time and energy and fostering a love of books in your students. That’s exactly what my guest, Kelsey Moody, accomplished after her first year of teaching. In today’s episode, she’s sharing how implementing a system gave her back time and the impact book talks had on her classroom community.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode144

143. Use a Semantic Map [Small Steps to S.O.R. Part 4] Jun 22, 2023

Since we’re in the fourth week of the small steps to S.O.R. series, you know by now that reading comprehension is the result of having strong word recognition skills and language comprehension skills. Additionally, an important element of the language comprehension strand is vocabulary. But what’s the best way to teach and have students learn new words? Today’s small step is going to show you how to use a semantic map when introducing new words in isolation.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode143

142. How to Get Students to Write a “MEATY” Paragraph Jun 19, 2023

A while back I vowed to include more writing content in my episodes because I tend to focus more on reading strategies, but I’m a lover of all things literacy. Writing is a big area where teachers need support and have a lot of questions when it comes to supporting their students. And one of the biggest areas of concern is how to get students to write a “meaty” paragraph. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing what a “meaty” paragraph includes and engaging ways to get students writing.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode142

141. Explicitly Teach the Most Common Prefixes & Suffixes [Small Steps to S.O.R. Part 3] Jun 15, 2023

By now you know that the science of reading relates heavily to Scarborough’s reading rope and its two strands are word recognition and language comprehension. Well, this week’s step aligns with both strands in creating a skilled and confident reader, which is teaching common prefixes and suffixes. In the third episode of this series, I’m going to share why explicitly teaching common prefixes and suffixes helps your students with their reading skills.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Download my Word Lists for Common Prefixes and Suffixes here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode141

140. Top 5 Aspects of Small Group Instruction to Plan for NOW! Jun 12, 2023

The topic that I get asked about the most is in regards to small group instruction. The questions range from how do I structure small groups, to what activities should I focus on, to how often should I switch the groups up? And even though it’s summer and you probably won’t even start your small groups until a few months into the school year, it’s always a good idea to think about what you can do now to prepare. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 aspects of small group instruction to start thinking about now so you’re ready when school begins.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Get my Small Group Teacher Planning Guide here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode140

139. Practice Sentence Deconstruction [Small Steps to S.O.R. Part 2] Jun 08, 2023

Aligning your instruction to the science of reading can be easier than you think. With these small steps I’m sharing with you each week, you’ll have strategies and activities to use when you return to school in the fall. This week’s step is usually associated from a writing standpoint, but is so important from a reading standpoint, which is practicing sentence deconstruction.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Download my Sentence Writing Routine Free Sample here.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode139

138. How to Build Up Your Classroom Library Without Breaking the Bank with Dr. Lori Friesen Jun 05, 2023

An important aspect of being a literacy teacher is cultivating a classroom full of students who love reading. And one way to do that is by having engaging books for your students to read. While that sounds simple, having a robust classroom library, especially as a beginning teacher, can be overwhelming and can cost a lot. To help you build your classroom library without breaking the bank, my guest, Dr. Lori Friesen, is sharing tips and resources for you.

Join Dr. Lori Friesen's Free Masterclass Workshop here!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode138

137. Build and Activate Background Knowledge [Small Steps to S.O.R. Part 1] Jun 01, 2023

I’m excited to start my summer bonus episodes that happen every Thursday where I’m sharing one small step you can take to align your instruction to the science of reading. My goal is to help you feel confident in your instruction and have the tools and knowledge to provide effective lessons for your students. The first step towards the science of reading I’m sharing is how to build and activate background knowledge.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode137

136. What Does the Science of Reading Look Like in Upper Elementary? May 29, 2023

While I love everything related to literacy, the topic on today’s episode is one of my favorites, which is the science of reading. Not only do I enjoy this topic, but it’s extra special because you, my listeners, shared that you’d like to learn more about it, specifically as it pertains to upper elementary teachers. Well I’ve heard you and I’m answering your questions! I’m sharing 4 key things to know about the science of reading in upper elementary.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode136

135. Creating Structured Student Partnerships in Your Literacy Block with 3rd Grade Teacher, Dena Dornfield May 22, 2023

I’ve always said that there’s more than one way to be an effective literacy teacher, especially as new initiatives, programs, and models are emerging as the newest trend. Dena Dornfield, a member of my Stellar Literacy Collective membership, is a 3rd grade teacher who is moving away from the traditional reading workshop model and moving toward structured student partnerships. She’s on today’s episode and sharing how this type of reading model has impacted her students.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode135

134. 3 Ways Literacy Routines Can Help Calm End-of-Year Chaos May 15, 2023

The end of the year is an exciting time for students and there’s a lot planned for celebrating a successful school year. But with all that excitement can come chaos for teachers and students. One way to calm the chaos is by keeping students engaged. So in the last episode of my mini series about student engagement, I’m sharing the benefits of using end of year routines.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/waitlist

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode134

133. Keep Your Students Engaged in Reading Until the Very Last Day of School: 7 Tips for You! May 08, 2023

If you’re anything like me, you have a countdown to the end of the school year. And while the end is in sight, it’s also far enough away that it can be a challenge keeping your students engaged in reading. Luckily, there are ways to make the end of year purposeful, yet fun for all students. In the second episode of our engagement series, I’m sharing 7 tips for keeping students engaged in reading until the last day of school.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Get on the waitlist for my membership, Stellar Literacy Collective here!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode133

132. Two Simple Ways to Boost Engagement During Whole Group Lessons May 01, 2023

As you’re approaching the end of the school year, it can be an exciting time, as the pressure of tackling major content is gone. However, there’s still topics to be taught, which requires engagement. And let’s be honest, engagement from students any time of the school year can be challenging, nevertheless at the end of the school year.

To help increase engagement in your classroom, I’m doing a three part mini series on effective tools towards better engagement. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing two simple ways to boost engagement during whole group lessons any time of the school year.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Get on the waitlist for my new membership, Stellar Literacy Collective here!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode132

131. The #1 Mistake Upper Elementary Writing Teachers Make Apr 24, 2023

If you’re a longtime listener of the podcast, you know that the majority of my episodes revolve around reading content. But being a literacy expert is more than just reading; it also involves writing content. I get asked a lot of writing questions, so I’ve decided to dedicate more episodes and resources to feature information regarding writing. That starts with today’s episode, in which I share the #1 writing mistake upper elementary teachers make.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!

Get on the waitlist for my new membership, Stellar Literacy Collective here!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode131

130. Practical Tips for Supporting Special Education Students During Your Literacy Block with Dr. Chris Reeve Apr 17, 2023

If you’re a classroom teacher, you probably have students with disabilities in your class, whether they're there full time or for just parts of the day. Either way, teachers sometimes struggle knowing how to support them with their academic and social needs.

Since I’m not an expert on the topic, I brought in an export in the field, Chris Reeve, who is a behavior analyst and who has worked with special education programs for 25 years. In today’s episode, she’s sharing practical tips for supporting special education students during your literacy block and in education in general.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Grab Chris' Free Classroom Rules Resource & more free resources here!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode130

129. How to Love Teaching Again: A Conversation with Jamie Sears Apr 10, 2023

With so much being thrown at teachers these days, it’s no wonder your days are filled with stress, overwhelm, fear, and thoughts of burnout. The joy that you once had when starting your teaching career may be depleting, but there’s a way to get it back! My guest on today’s episode, Jamie Sears, wrote a book, How to Love Teaching Again, that will help you implement strategies and systems to break the cycle of burnout.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode129

128. Unleashing the Power of Poetry to Teach the Big 5 Reading Skills Apr 03, 2023

We often think of poetry as something we just teach during April for National Poetry Month or in preparation for the state test at the end of the year. But in reality, poetry can be taught all year long, for poetry has all of the literary elements we teach our kids through other reading genres. In order to help you connect the two, I’m sharing how to teach the Big 5 reading skills using poetry.

Grab my Poem of the Week Routine freebie here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode128

127. Managing Stress and Teacher Burnout with Brittany Blackwell Mar 27, 2023

The topic of teacher burnout has been front and center in conversations for the last several years. And while you’ve probably heard other podcast episodes or read articles on the topic, I can guarantee you, this conversation is different. My guest Brittany Blackwell, who is a burnout and resilience coach, shares a new perspective on teacher burnout.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode127

Connect with Brittany on Instagram @teachingmindbodyandsoul

126. From Stress to Success: Strategies for Empowering Students on Testing Day Mar 20, 2023

If you’ve been with us these last few weeks, I’ve been diving into ways to make students confident on testing day, particularly with the constructed response portion of the test. However, we know that there’s more to the test than writing an essay, so students should feel empowered about the whole test when the day comes. In the last episode of the series, I’m sharing 5 strategies that will make your students confident on testing day.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode126

125. Providing Students a 5-Step Process for Writing a Constructed Response Paragraph Mar 12, 2023

Welcome back to another episode of the podcast! We’re in the middle of a three part series about test prep and ways to make students feel more confident, particularly when writing a constructed response paragraph. We know that this portion of the test can be challenging for students, which is why I’ve come up with a 5-step process that will increase their confidence when writing a constructed response paragraph on test day.

Check out my Constructed Response Framework Checklist here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode125

124. Mastering the Constructed Response: A Teacher's Guide to Boosting Student Confidence Mar 06, 2023

We’re getting closer to the part of the school year that all teachers dread: standardized test season. Since giving the test is inevitable, test prep becomes part of our lessons and activities that prepare our students for success.

Recently, state tests have added a written portion, which adds another stressful element for students. In this first episode of the three part series, I’m sharing how to master a constructed response, which boosts students’ confidence.

Check out my Sentence Writing Routine Free Sample here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode124

123. Troubleshooting Classroom Management with Heidi and Emily of Second Story Window Feb 27, 2023

We’re over halfway through the school year, and the procedures and routines you established at the beginning of the year might look a little different. Students might not be pushing in their chairs, putting the art supplies away, or turning in their homework in the correct location. If this sounds like your classroom, it’s time for a revamp.

Heidi and Emily from Second Story Window specialize in research based and teacher approved strategies that are guaranteed to help you be a more efficient and effective teacher. We’re taking a break from literacy and they’re here to talk about how to troubleshoot your classroom management with 5 guiding questions.

Check out Heidi and Emily's Procedures & Routines Planning Guide Freebie here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode123

122. A 5-Step Process for Decoding Big Words (That You Can Implement TODAY!) Feb 20, 2023

As students move up into upper elementary, reading can sometimes turn into a struggle with the exposure to more multisyllabic words in texts that they’re reading. Coming across big words can be intimidating for students and overwhelming to try and decode. That's why I’ve come up with a simple strategy that you can start using with your students immediately. In today’s episode, I’m sharing this strategy, my 5-step process for decoding big words.

Check out my Reading Big Words Poster Freebie here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode122

121. Your Guide to Teaching Syllabication in Upper Elementary Feb 13, 2023

Let’s start off with a big question: how many of your students struggle to read big words? If students lack the foundational skills of syllables, they’re more than likely going to struggle with multisyllabic words. And the majority of these foundational skills were taught in lower elementary, but we know it may not be mastered by the time they get to upper elementary.

Therefore, by intentionally teaching syllabication, it provides students with the confidence to become proficient readers and writers. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my guide to teaching syllabication in upper elementary with a focus on why and how it should be taught.

Check out my Syllable Types: Lesson Plans & Activities Bundle here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode121

120. Reading Simplified: Help Struggling Readers Crack the Code with Dr. Marnie Ginsberg Feb 06, 2023

Struggling readers. Unfortunately, this is a reality that all teachers face, yet many don’t know how to fix. Whether teachers weren’t taught how to teach the proper foundational skills, their district doesn’t have a reading program, or a combination of both, helping struggling readers can be a tall task.

Although I enjoy talking about all things literacy, I love bringing on experts in the field to help fill your teaching toolbox. So in today’s episode, I’m talking with literacy expert Dr. Marnie Ginsberg on her reading program Reading Simplified, to help struggling readers get back on track.

Download your FREE Reading Simplified Switch It game here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode120

119. 5 Steps to Teaching with Thematic Units Jan 30, 2023

As elementary teachers, it’s customary to teach all of the core subject areas. But have you ever thought about teaching them in a way that connects them all together? This style of teaching is called thematic planning or cross-curricular instruction. For most, teaching in this particular style is uncommon, but it provides impactful meaning for your students. To help you get started, I’m sharing what thematic planning is and my 5 simple step process to teaching with thematic units.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode119

118. How to Say 'No' (Without the Guilt!) ft. Rachel Lenhart Jan 23, 2023

No. How hard is it for you to say to someone when asked to complete a task, volunteer for a committee, make copies for a colleague, or anything else in your life? For most people, it is extremely difficult. And if they do, there seems to be a wave of guilt that follows the word ‘no’, even when you shouldn’t feel guilty at all.

If you’re wanting to say no and focus on yourself this year, today’s podcast is for you. I have guest Rachel Lenhart, who is a teacher life coach and host of the Chalk Full of Life podcast. Rachel joins us today to share how to say ‘no’ without the guilt.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode118

117. 5 Things to Consider When Teaching Nonfiction Text Structure: Part 2 Jan 16, 2023

I value teaching nonfiction text structure so much that I couldn’t fit all of the information in just one episode. Last week, in Episode 116, I explained that there are five things to consider when teaching nonfiction text structure.

But since it was part 1, I only shared two of the five elements, which were the use of exemplar or mentor texts and how to use graphic organizations or visualizations. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my final three elements when it comes to explicitly teaching nonfiction text structure.

Check out my text structure resources on TPT here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode117

116. 5 Things to Consider When Teaching Nonfiction Text Structure: Part 1 Jan 09, 2023

We are starting off the new year with one of my favorite reading topics: nonfiction text structure. As literacy teachers, we put a lot of focus on students’ reading comprehension, but we don’t always think about how understanding text structure is beneficial for that skill as well. When teaching nonfiction text structure, there are five things you should consider during your instruction.

Since there’s so much to unpack with this topic, I’m breaking this up into two episodes so we can fully dive into all the different aspects. We’re starting this series off with the use of exemplar or mentor texts and graphic organizers or visual representations.

Check out my text structure resources on TPT here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode116

115. Kicking Off 2023 with a 'More and Less List’ for Literacy Teachers Jan 01, 2023

Happy 2023, friends! As this podcast celebrates 2 years, I like to reflect on the journey of this milestone, while also thinking about the goals and plans for the upcoming year. I have to admit that I’m not into making resolutions, for I tend to make them specific, which then ultimately, I end up not following through. Instead, I make a ‘more and less list’. So in the spirit of resolutions, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my ‘more and less list’ for literacy teachers.

Download my Free Word of the Day: Context Clue Routine here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode115

114. Seasonal Spotlight: Five Tips for Returning To Independent Reading After Winter Break Dec 26, 2022

After a long break, there’s bound to be some challenges that arise when students return. Before break, your students were in a routine and had good stamina for independent reading. But now, it’s almost like starting from the beginning all over again. To help your students regain their momentum towards independent reading, I’m sharing 5 tips to implement during your reading block.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode114

113. Seasonal Spotlight: Establish Student Independence With Book Clubs Dec 19, 2022

It’s our job to provide instruction to students on a variety of skills and strategies to use outside of the classroom. But it’s something special when we can do something inside the classroom that translates to an authentic experience in real life. One way to do that is through the implementation of book clubs. I’m known as a “serial book club starter”, which explains why I’m sharing tips on how to establish student independence with book clubs.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode113

112. Seasonal Spotlight: Reading Response Ideas to Energize Independent Reading Dec 12, 2022

You’ve hit the halfway mark in the school year, so it’s a great time to reevaluate your literacy routines and take this opportunity to revamp your ideas. One way to do that is through your reading response activities. While students read independently, the goal is for them to think about what they’re reading, which is exactly what reading response activities do. So if you’re looking for fresh and new reading response ideas that will energize independent reading time, today’s episode will do just that!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode112

111. 4 Ways to Easily Incorporate Movement into Your Instructional Day Dec 05, 2022

The weeks between now and winter break can be long for both teachers and students, and a time when students tend to lose focus and need more engagement. One way to regain their attention is to incorporate movement into your instructional day. In Episode 53, I shared 4 ways to incorporate movement into your literacy block, so in a way, this is part 2 of that episode. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 additional ways to incorporate movement into any part of your instructional day!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode111

110. Creating a Positive Perspective using "The End Is Just the Beginning" with Mike Bender Nov 28, 2022

With the new year just around the corner, we often think of this time as a fresh start and a new beginning to something that is ending. But what if we applied that same logic to every ending that occurred in our lives? After reading the children’s book The End Is Just The Beginning, you will start doing just that. Giving us more insight, I have the author of that book, Mike Bender, to help discuss how to create a positive perspective on any ending.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode110

109. Taking Control of Your Professional and Personal Happiness During Stressful Seasons of Life Nov 21, 2022

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and being grateful and thankful, I first, am so grateful for each of my listeners on this podcast. Y’all are amazing and the reason why I get to do what I’m doing. And secondly, this time of year provides a great opportunity to reflect and evaluate your professional and personal happiness. So we’re going to take a short break from our regular literacy discussions, and focus on how to take control of your professional and personal happiness during stressful seasons of life.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode109

108. Powerful and Practical Tips to Boost Your Students’ Reading Fluency with Aylin Claahsen Nov 14, 2022

We’ve talked about this idea of trying to fit all these different skills into your literacy block, but with what time? It’s so difficult to designate time specifically for certain skills when you have so much to cover. So what if I told you focusing on the skill of fluency doesn’t have to take up extra time and it can be organically streamlined throughout all parts of your day? Game changer! In today’s episode, my special guest, Aylin Claahsen, is sharing powerful and practical tips to increase student reading fluency.

Check out Aylin's Fluency Course here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode108

107. 5 Ideas for Using High Impact Writing Activities in Any Content Area Nov 07, 2022

I don’t know about you, but one of the things that was difficult for me to teach to my students was writing. The act of writing causes many challenges for students, but unfortunately, it’s a skill that’s necessary in academics. And why most people just associate writing during literacy or ELA class, in reality, writing is transferable to all subject areas.

Since we know writing isn’t used when just talking about literacy concepts, having students practice and develop their writing skills needs to be incorporated in other content areas throughout the day. While this might be difficult for some to grasp and put into action, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 different ideas on how you can incorporate high impact writing activities into any content area.

Download our Sentence Writing Routine Resource here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode107

106. Simple Classroom Management Hacks for the Seasonal Changes with Dr. Lori Friesen Oct 31, 2022

In the spirit of Halloween, I’ve got a treat for you today! If you’re like me, you think the same thing at the beginning of every single school year: I’m going to rock my classroom management this year! And while you might start with good intentions, it never seems to go the way you thought it would. Not to mention, holidays and other exciting events are starting to take place, which can disrupt the flow and management of your classroom.

If this sounds like you, or you just need to tweak a few management techniques in your classroom, this episode is for you! On today’s episode, Dr. Lori Friesen is sharing her top smart and simple classroom management hacks for these ever changing seasons.

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Don't forget to download Dr. Lori's Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist Freebie here!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode106

105. How to Incorporate Writing About Reading During Small Groups Oct 24, 2022

I know I’ve said it many times before, but one of the things I love is connecting and interacting with my listeners, community at Stellar Teacher, and anyone on social media. I strive to bring you relevant content that will help you become a more effective literacy teacher.

One of those ways is through the questions I get asked, which is how this three-week series started. This is our last episode in our series about writing about reading, which focuses on how to incorporate writing about reading during small groups.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode105

104. 4 Response Frames That You Can Use When Assigning a Written Response Oct 17, 2022

Getting started is always the hardest part of any task. However, that task is so much easier to begin if we’re motivated and have a tool to get us started. This same concept applies to students and writing.

As literacy teachers, you know that students struggle getting their ideas on paper formatting it in the correct way. Today’s episode is going to help with just that! In our second episode in our writing about reading mini series, I’m going to share 4 response frames that you can use when assigning a written response.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode104

103. 5 Tips That Help Students Improve in the Area of Writing About Reading Oct 10, 2022

One of the things I love most about what I do is interacting with the listeners within the Stellar Teacher community and helping teachers. Therefore, both of those things sparked this next mini series on the podcast. Throughout the summer and especially as school has begun, I’ve received a lot of questions in the area of writing about reading.

With so much demand on this topic, we are kicking off a three week mini series on this topic in hopes to tackle your questions and provide you with information and resources you can implement in your classroom. We are starting the series off with today’s episode, which discusses 5 tips that help students improve in the area of writing about reading.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode103

102. Ways to Reframe a Students’ Thinking of Failure using Failure Friday with Andrea Burns Oct 03, 2022

"I’m a failure." Unfortunately, this is a common saying amongst ourselves as teachers and adults, along with our students. But is anyone really a failure? Absolutely not! YOU are not a failure, but you might be experiencing failure, which is a part of the human experience. So how do we change the way we view failure and share that with our students? In today’s episode, I have guest Andrea Burns who discusses ways to reframe a students’ thinking of failure using her new book Failure Friday.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode102

101. A Literacy Routine for Building Students’ Sentence Structure Skills Sep 26, 2022

If you know me well, you know I love a good literacy routine! Mostly because they’re quick, purposeful, and greatly improve students’ literacy skills over time. What’s not to like?! I’m super excited because I’ve spent the better part of a year developing my new literacy routine, which I know you’re going to love. So in today’s episode, I’m going to share my high impact literacy routine on sentence structure and how it improves students’ reading and writing skills.

Download our Sentence Writing Routine Resource here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode101

100. 5 Tips for Creating a Personalized Lesson Planning System Sep 19, 2022

Now, we are continuing our two part mini series about lesson planning. Last week, I discussed the mindset shift that needs to take place in order to tackle writing lessons, which is the first step before moving on to practical tips regarding your lesson planning system. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 tips for creating a personalized lesson planning system.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode100

99. 3 Mindset Shifts Teachers Should Make Regarding Lesson Planning Sep 12, 2022

Here’s a question for you. Do you know how much time it takes for you to do all of your lesson planning for the week? And then, if you know how much time you’re spending, how do you feel about that number? For most of us, we’re either spending too much time or more time than we’d like to be spending. Therefore, I’m doing a two part mini series all about lesson planning. Particularly in this episode, I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts teachers should make regarding lesson planning.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode99

98. How to Feel Empowered and Prepared When Taking a Sick Day with Kelsey Sorenson Sep 05, 2022

How many times have you woken up sick or wanted to take a day off work, but thought it’s easier to go in than make sub plans. I’m raising my hand really high! Unfortunately, this is a common thought and action amongst teachers that needs to be changed. Here to help me give you solutions and better opportunities to take a day off is Kelsey Sorenson. On today’s episode, we’re discussing how to feel empowered and prepared when taking a sick day.

Download Kelsey's Sub Planning Starter Kit Freebie here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode98

97. 3 Ways to Introduce Genre to Your Students at the Beginning of the Year Aug 29, 2022

I’m very excited about today’s episode because it’s about one of my all-time favorite reading topics - genre! Some might be wondering, Hmm, that’s an odd topic to get excited about. But I truly believe that learning about genres helps students have a love of reading and become lifelong readers, which is our ultimate goal as a literacy teacher. So in today’s episode, I’m going to share 3 ways to introduce genre to your students at the beginning of the year.

For all of your genre resources, click here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode97

96. Providing Your Students with 21st Century Learning Experiences with Rachael Parlett Aug 22, 2022

In education, there are a lot of buzzwords that float around, and one that’s important during this time is "21st century learning". But what exactly is it and how do we as educators utilize it in a way that’s impactful for your students? To give you all those answers and more, I have guest Rachael Parlett on the show today. We’re discussing the best ways to provide your students with 21st century learning!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode96

95. Do's and Don'ts of Word Study Instruction Aug 15, 2022

This is the third and final episode in our series on word study instruction. I’ve enjoyed learning and getting to talk with you each week on this subject, and I know many of you are excited to implement this in your classroom when school starts. For our final episode, I’m sharing 5 do’s and don’ts of word study instruction.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode95

94. 4 Word Study Concepts Every Upper Elementary Teacher Should Teach Aug 08, 2022

This is the second episode in our series about word study instruction. If you missed out on last week’s episode, make sure you take a listen so you understand the background information on word study before moving forward. Our next step is the application piece and how to implement it in our classrooms. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 word study concepts every upper elementary teacher should teach.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode94

93. 3 Steps to Having Effective Word Study Instruction This School Year Aug 01, 2022

Welcome to August, my friends! Well this summer was all about the mini series, and this month is no different. In order to get you prepared for the upcoming school year, our mini series in August is going to focus on word study instruction. So in today’s episode, I’m providing a foundation of word study and the 3 things you need to consider to have effective word study instruction this school year.

Head to https://stellarteacher.com/tpt to shop the sitewide Back to School sale! Use code BTS22 at checkout to get 25% off!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode93

92. 3 Tips That Will Save You Time and Mental Energy Jul 25, 2022

If I had one wish, it would be the gift of time and having more hours in the day. I feel like I’m constantly thinking, I wish I had more time or if only I had more time I could get this task completed. We’re all wanting more time, especially as teachers. Although I can’t grant you more time, I can give you strategies that will help. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 tips that will save you time and mental energy.

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Check out our examples of teacher slides here!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode92

91. Answering Your FAQs About Small Group Instruction Jul 18, 2022

This is the third and final episode in this mini series about small group instruction. We’ve covered how to structure and support your students during small groups, but please know that there’s still so much to cover and many of you have more questions on this topic. So in today’s episode, I’m answering more of your questions about small group instruction.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Download my FREE 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode91

90. How Do I Support Struggling Readers During Small Group Lessons? Jul 11, 2022

Last week we talked about how to structure your small groups and what to do with the rest of your students not in small groups, which was our number one question asked. Today, I’ll be answering the second most popular question, which is how do I support struggling readers during small group lessons?

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Download my FREE 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode90

89. Setting Up Your Classroom For Small Group Success Jul 04, 2022

Today marks the first episode in our new series of the month that’s all about small group instruction. Throughout this month, I’m going to provide you ways to help you be more successful during small group lessons, ranging from the structure to activities. Let’s start the series with today’s episode on setting up your classroom for small group success.

Grab your 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode89

88. Science of Reading Q&A Jun 27, 2022

This is the fourth and final episode in our mini series about the science of reading. We’ve covered and learned a lot this past month about the science of reading that you can now utilize in your classroom. Since there’s a lot of information to take in, today’s episode I’m answering any questions you still have about the science of reading.

Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode88

87. Breaking Down the Elements of Language Comprehension (and Practical Implementation Ideas!) Jun 20, 2022

All this month I’ve been talking about the science of reading, and this is the third episode of this mini series. We’ve discussed an overview of the science of reading, along with effective implementation activities for your classroom that correlate with the science of reading. On today’s episode, I’m breaking down the elements of language comprehension and practical implementation ideas.

Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode87

86. Understanding Phonological and Phonemic Awareness with Michelle and the Colorful Classroom Jun 13, 2022

Last week I provided an overview of the science of reading and why it’s important. On today’s episode, I have my good friend Michelle from the Colorful Classroom here to talk about all things phonological awareness and what that looks like in upper elementary classrooms.

Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

Other free resources from the episode:

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode86

85. What is The Science of Reading & Why is it Important? Jun 06, 2022

This is the first episode in our series that’s all about the science of reading. After surveying my listeners and members, this was a trending topic that y’all were curious about and wanted more information. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing with you the foundation of what the science of reading is and why it’s so important.

Grab your FREE Sciecne of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode85

84. LISTENER FAVORITE: Create a Schedule for Your Reading Block – Even with Limited Time! May 30, 2022

I’ve received a lot of questions regarding scheduling and how to fit everything in and make it work. So in today’s episode, I’m going to replay a previous episode, Episode 27 Create a Schedule for Your Reading Block - Even with Limited Time! This is definitely a listener favorite and all the tips are still relevant today.

Grab your FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode84

83. 5 Mindset Shifts Teachers Should Make Regarding Self Care with Alexis Shepard from the Afro Educator May 23, 2022

With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start checking in with yourself and paying close attention to your health and wellness. On today’s episode, I have guest Alexis Shepard from The AfroEducator who is sharing 5 mindset shifts every teacher should make when it comes to self care.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Take Alexis's quiz, Discover Your Teacher Type.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode83

82. 10 Literacy Activities to Incorporate at the End of the Year May 16, 2022

The end of the year is just about over, you’ve finished state assessments, and have covered all of the academic content you needed for this school year. So what do you do next? In today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 ideas for you to incorporate regarding writing and literacy skills that are quick, fun, and engaging!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode82

81. 5 Steps Toward a More Efficient Schedule May 09, 2022

While there are many challenging aspects to teaching, having an effective schedule is definitely a struggle for most. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 steps to take toward a more efficient schedule.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Grab your FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/literacy-block-sample-schedules/

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode81

80. 7 Classroom Management Hacks With Dr. Lori Friesen May 02, 2022

Today's topic is something that most teachers struggle with, whether you’re a beginner or veteran, which is classroom management. We have one of my favorite guests today, Dr. Lori Friesen, whose mission is to support new teachers. On today’s episode, Dr. Lori is sharing 7 classroom management hacks that are so simple!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode80

79. Two Simple Routines That Every Elementary Teacher Needs with Stephanie Palovchik Apr 25, 2022

I don’t know about you, but when I was in the classroom, there was never enough time in the day to get everything accomplished, whether that was teaching, planning, or grading. I never had a good work-life balance and always felt so busy! I wish I had known today’s guest, Stephanie Palovchik. On today’s episode, we’re discussing two simple routines that every elementary teacher needs to know.

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Grab your FREE Productivity Guide for Elementary Teachers: www.teachinglittleleaders.com/freeguide

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode79

78. Literacy Routines for an Engaging End of the Year Apr 18, 2022

The end of the year can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for both students and teachers, so try incorporating classroom routines that replace the chaos with productivity. In today’s episode, I'm discussing literacy routines for an engaging end of the year.

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Grab your FREE Word of the Day Routine: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/context-clues-word-of-the-day/

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode78

77. The Importance of Picture Books with Courtney Hinshaw from Ramona Recommends Apr 11, 2022

There are so many benefits to using picture books with your students and I find them to be such an asset in the classroom. Today on the episode, I have guest Courtney Hinshaw and we’re talking about the importance of picture books in elementary classrooms.

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Check out this freebie from Courtney here.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode77