Background of medium stained wooden planks with 4 pages of The SWEET Framework scattered across.

How I Structure Small Group Instruction to Skyrocket K-2 Literacy Skills

Do you want to see massive literacy growth and improvement in phonics and reading skills by implementing small group instruction? Look no further! I have a guide designed especially for you as a kindergarten through 2nd grade teacher: The SWEET Framework. In this post: Why I Said “NO THANKS” to a One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Literacy…

Graphic with the alphabet in tables with corresponding spring clipart pictures. Phonics CVC words decoding cards with clipart picture code showing a fox, kite, bunny with kite, bee, umbrella, and snail. There is also a worksheet with CVC word picture codes and writing lines. Clipart picture of a little girl sitting in a flower garden with a shovel in her hand.

Phonics Activity for Kindergarten and 1st Grade: Spring Mystery CVC Words

There is a HUGE push for explicit phonics instruction in lower elementary classrooms these days, and rightfully so! This Spring Mystery CVC Words phonics activity is perfect when paired with direct phonics instruction during the spring months. In this post: Save this post for later on Pinterest! Why are phonics instruction and phonics activities important?…

Image of 2 pages of foundational literacy routines on a table with colored pencils and other school supplies.

Boost Kindergarten Foundational Literacy Skills: Targeted Small Group Routines for Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Fluency

Kindergarten foundational literacy skills are literally the groundwork for successful reading. That’s why Kindergarten Literacy Routines are here for you and your little learners! Teaching reading to kindergarteners is so hard! I’ve been there, and I’m right in the trenches with you now. There are a ton of skills that are taught in kindergarten: concepts…

Photo of a spiral bound planner with pastel geometric shapes. Used for preschool lesson planning.

A Simplified Preschool Lesson Planning Process for Teachers and Parents, Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of the Simplified Preschool Lesson Planning Process! Here we dig into the nitty gritty of lesson planning. If you missed part 1, be sure to check that out here. In this post: Grab the First 5 Days of Preschool Lesson Plans now! Areas of development for preschool lesson planning Preschool is…

Preschool age blonde girl with pigtails and gray dress. She is sitting on a white blanket playing music on a xylophone.

9 Simple and Fun Music Activities for Preschool to Encourage Movement and Musicality

Music activities spark joy and laughter in preschool children. This post is all about incorporating music into your child’s day. In this post: Pin this post for later! Why is music education important in preschool? Besides bringing delight to children everywhere, music has so many benefits to developing preschoolers. Music aids in children’s brain development…

Image of number flashcard game.

Effective, Simple, Low-prep Number Recognition Game for Preschool and Kindergarten

Kids crave learning by having fun! Parents and teachers need quick activities that don’t take long to prepare. This number recognition game for preschool and kindergarten is the best of both worlds! Get the Number ZAP! Game here! In this post: Click here to learn more about number recognition in our comprehensive post. You can…