Blog Posts

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 3/10/26 Linda 3/10/26

March Book Pairing: Two Stories That Show Children the Power of Words

This month’s JOYcabulary book pairing uses two engaging picture books to teach children both the joy of discovering new vocabulary and the responsibility that comes with using words well. Students explore rich Tier-2 vocabulary, participate in accountable talk, and build word collections while learning that words can inspire creativity, express ideas precisely, and strengthen relationships.

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 11/12/25 Linda 11/12/25

Lift the Level of a K-2 Lesson Plan to Grades 3-5

This post shows Grades 3-5 teachers how to elevate a K-2 vocabulary lesson by choosing more precise, descriptive words about a text rather than simply lifting words from it. A simple shift in word selection leads to stronger character analysis and more meaningful conversations.

Linda 10/30/25 Linda 10/30/25

Vocabulary Notebooks: A Workbench for Word Learning

Vocabulary Notebooks are more than a list of words — they’re a playground for language. In this post, we’ll explore how students in Grades 3 and up can use these notebooks to organize, analyze, and play with words. From exploring shades of meaning to building word networks, Vocabulary Notebooks encourage curiosity, creativity, and ownership of vocabulary learning.

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 9/15/25 Linda 9/15/25

Vocabulary Word Walls

Turn static word walls into powerful tools for vocabulary and writing with these easy, interactive classroom ideas.