Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

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.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/episode164

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. 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/episode163

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.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/episode162

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.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/episode161

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. 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/episode160

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. 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/episode159

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.Download my Syllable Types: Lesson Plans document 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/episode158

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.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/episode157

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. 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/episode156

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/membershipSign 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

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/membershipSign 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

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/membershipGrab 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

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

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

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/membershipTo check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode127Connect with Brittany on Instagram @teachingmindbodyandsoul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode117

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!Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode116

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!Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode115