Insights for Educators

Discover tips, strategies, and inspiration to enhance your teaching and reclaim your time.

Understanding and Teaching Soft C Sounds

Understanding and Teaching Soft C Sounds

Mastering phonics is a crucial step in developing strong literacy skills, and one of the trickier concepts for young learners is distinguishing between hard and soft sounds - particularly the soft C sound. Teaching the soft C sound not only enhances vocabulary but also helps students build a solid foundation in reading and pronunciation. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies, hands-on activities, and useful resources to make teaching soft C words an enjoyable experience for both yo

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Alliteration Poems

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Alliteration Poems

Are you looking for exciting alliteration poems to bring into your classroom? Whether you are introducing young learners to poetry or guiding middle school students through the wonders of figurative language, alliteration is a fantastic tool to make learning fun and memorable.  By exploring real poems filled with playful repetition, students can sharpen their reading skills, strengthen their creativity, and gain confidence in writing their own poetry. In this guide, we will dive into engaging a

Comprehensive Guide to Long Vowel Sounds

Comprehensive Guide to Long Vowel Sounds

Teaching long vowel sounds is a key step in helping students develop strong reading and pronunciation skills. Unlike short vowels, long vowels say their name - think of the "a" in cake or the "o" in home. Understanding these sounds can make spelling and word recognition much easier for young learners. In this guide, we will explore a comprehensive list of long vowel sounds, along with helpful tips and fun activities to make learning engaging and effective. If you are a teacher looking for ways

Understanding Mirror Writing in the Classroom

Understanding Mirror Writing in the Classroom

Have you ever come across a student whose writing appears flipped, almost as if it were a reflection in a mirror? While it might seem puzzling at first, mirror writing is more common than you think, especially in young learners. But what causes it, and should teachers be concerned? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what mirror writing is, why some students do it, and, most importantly, how you can support them in the classroom. Whether you are encountering this for the first time or

Enhancing Student Writing with Time Order Words: A Teaching Guide

Enhancing Student Writing with Time Order Words: A Teaching Guide

Ever had a student tell a story that jumps from start to finish with no clear path in between? One moment, they are talking about waking up, and the next, they are already eating dinner—no transitions, no flow, just chaos! That is where time-order words come to the rescue. Time-order words are the secret sauce to making writing smooth, clear, and easy to follow. They help students connect their thoughts logically, whether they are writing stories, explaining a process, or sequencing events in h

Designing Peaceful Spaces with Creative Calming Corners Ideas

Designing Peaceful Spaces with Creative Calming Corners Ideas

Creating a supportive environment in the classroom is essential for students' social and emotional well-being. As a teacher, you can provide tools and spaces that help students process their emotions, manage stress, and find calm during challenging moments. One effective way to do this is by setting up a calming corner in your classroom - a safe, designated space where students can take a breather, use sensory tools, and regain focus. Let’s explore 10 creative calming corner ideas to enhance stu

Hosting Interactive Library Activities for Students

Hosting Interactive Library Activities for Students

School libraries are truly magical spaces in any school, sparking curiosity and excitement among students. For many of us, some of our fondest school memories involve walking into the library and eagerly picking out books.  Whether you have a dedicated librarian or are a teacher managing the library, planning library activities for students can make this space even more special. In this blog, we will explore the top engaging activities and tips for organizing them. Top 12 Creative and Engagin

Effective Strategies for Teaching Persuasive Devices

Effective Strategies for Teaching Persuasive Devices

Teaching students to use persuasive devices effectively is important for building strong literacy skills in the classroom. By mastering these techniques, students gain the confidence to express their opinions and craft compelling arguments that can influence their readers. But what is the best way to introduce persuasive devices to your students? There are countless ways to make teaching persuasive devices an engaging experience. To help you simplify this process, we have put together a compreh

Teaching Double Consonant Words: Tips & Examples

Teaching Double Consonant Words: Tips & Examples

Teaching double consonant sounds is a fundamental part of helping students build strong reading and writing skills. These words not only enhance a student’s understanding of phonics but also play a vital role in shaping their comprehension of word meanings. However, learning double consonants can sometimes be tricky, especially for young learners who are just getting familiar with the rules of language. In this blog, we will break down the basics of double consonant sounds - what they are, how

Creating Effective Anchor Charts for the Classroom

Creating Effective Anchor Charts for the Classroom

Keeping students on track during a lesson can feel like a task, especially if your classroom quickly shifts from focused to chaotic. This is where anchor charts can come to the rescue and help teachers maintain the students’ focus. Anchor charts are superheroes for grabbing attention and guiding everyone in the classroom to purposeful learning.  Whether you are a new teacher looking for ways to engage your students or someone looking to refresh your approach, anchor charts offer endless possibi