Blog Posts

Linda 4/9/26 Linda 4/9/26

Wet World: A Rainy Day Text Set for Vocabulary & Writing

This rainy day text set blends poetry, picture books, and science to build vocabulary and deepen student writing. Designed for grades K–3, it includes book pairings, interactive read-alouds, word collection systems, and writing extensions—all centered around the theme of rain. Perfect for National Poetry Month or weather units.

Linda 4/8/26 Linda 4/8/26

Word Joy: The Hidden Key to Understanding Test Questions

Spring testing season is here—and while students may understand reading skills like theme or structure, many struggle with the vocabulary used in test questions themselves. Words like convey, contribute, and reveal can become hidden barriers to success. In this Word Joy post, we explore how strengthening academic vocabulary helps students better understand what questions are asking, leading to stronger, more accurate responses on ELA assessments.

Linda 3/22/26 Linda 3/22/26

Savvy Suffixes: A Simple Guide to Teaching Morphology with Confidence

This March Tip of the Month introduces teachers to the foundations of morphology with a focus on suffix instruction. It clarifies key concepts like morphemes, roots, and bases while breaking down the difference between inflectional and derivational suffixes. Educators will learn why suffixes are critical for building vocabulary, how spelling rules connect to suffix use, and how to teach them through explicit, systematic routines. The post also provides practical classroom activities and games to make suffix learning engaging and meaningful for students.

Linda 3/12/26 Linda 3/12/26

Get Lucky with Words: Teaching Shades of Meaning

This month’s vocabulary tip helps students move beyond simple emotion words and discover the power of shades of meaning. By exploring subtle differences between similar words—such as nervous, anxious, and terrified—students learn to choose language that is more precise, expressive, and engaging. Using fun seasonal activities like St. Patrick’s Day shamrocks, paint strips, thermometers, or number lines, teachers can help students visualize how words vary in intensity. These tools build word consciousness and strengthen both writing and discussion in the classroom.

Linda 2/8/26 Linda 2/8/26

Broken Hearts Suffix Game

The Broken Hearts Suffix Game is a low-prep, hands-on literacy activity perfect for word work stations. Students sort puzzle pieces, identify base words, and build new words by matching suffixes—then read and write the completed words for added reinforcement. Built-in challenges and easy variations allow teachers to differentiate for phonics, morphology, syllables, prefixes, or contractions, making this activity flexible, engaging, and highly effective for any early reader.

Linda 1/15/26 Linda 1/15/26

Your Word Is Your Wand: Reigniting Word Magic in Older Readers

As students grow older, their curiosity about words often fades—taking comprehension, clarity, and confidence with it. In this January 2026 reflection, Linda explores how precise language (“le mot juste”) can rekindle word consciousness in grades 3–8. Through a meaningful classroom moment, the Jenkins Curve, and a playful new routine featuring student “Word Wizards,” this post offers a joyful, low-pressure way to bring the magic of words back into learning—without relying on ineffective Word of the Day practices.

Linda 1/7/26 Linda 1/7/26

Ring in the New Year with Words: Reclaiming the Power of Read Alouds in 2026

A new year invites reflection, intention, and renewal—even in the middle of a busy school year. As educators and caregivers navigate the Science of Reading, it’s time to pause and ask: what might we be leaving behind? In this January Tip of the Month, Linda reminds us of the unmatched power of daily interactive read alouds to strengthen vocabulary, background knowledge, language comprehension, and joy. With just 15–20 minutes a day, we can reweave the full rope of literacy and bring warmth, meaning, and connection into the winter months.

Linda 10/28/25 Linda 10/28/25

Building Knowledge with Topical Text Sets

Topical text sets are powerful tools for boosting comprehension and vocabulary in nonfiction reading and writing. By curating related texts around one topic, teachers can build background knowledge, increase engagement, and help students tackle complex informational texts with confidence. This post explores what topical text sets are, why they work, and how to use them effectively in your classroom.

Linda 9/21/25 Linda 9/21/25

Book Pairing: Bringing Home’s Love to School

Welcome the new school year with a focus on home and love. This post highlights three thought-provoking picture books—Home and Love by Matt de la Peña and When Love is More Than Words by Jocelyn Chung—that remind educators and families how comfort, safety, and empathy help children transition back to school. Discover ways to weave care and belonging into classroom routines and spark meaningful conversations about resilience, community, and the many forms of love.