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 1/7/26 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 12/15/25 Linda 12/15/25

Pacing a Longer Read Aloud or a Text Set With a Vocabulary Intermission

Bring vocabulary to life with Growing Home by Beth Ferry — a magical, humorous read-aloud that models word consciousness and the power of belonging. This Grades 3–5 lesson plan offers ready-to-use vocabulary lists, pacing guides, and discussion prompts to help students fall in love with language while exploring what it means to call a place “home.” Download the full lesson plan and discover how to turn every word into an opportunity for JOYful learning.

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 10/28/25 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 10/26/25 Linda 10/26/25

Stir Up Some Magic With Powerful Words

Discover creative ways to celebrate words with a Halloween twist! “Magic Words” go beyond manners — they help students of all ages express empathy, describe characters, and connect with deeper themes. Try these classroom activities to turn your vocabulary lessons into something truly magical.

Amanda 10/16/25 Amanda 10/16/25

Falling for Words: 8 Interactive Lesson Plans for Autumn

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.

Amanda 8/25/25 Amanda 8/25/25

8 Interactive Lesson Plans to Launch Back to School with JOY

Amanda 4/29/25 Amanda 4/29/25

7 Steps to Planning a Literacy Fair

Bring families and classrooms together to celebrate the joy of reading with a school-wide Literacy Fair! In this month’s caregiver tip, Amanda shares 7 easy steps for planning a Family Literacy Night that strengthens home-school connections and builds lifelong reading habits. From choosing a theme and recruiting volunteers to organizing book giveaways and ending with a memorable finale, this guide walks educators and parent groups through every stage of hosting a successful event. Whether you’re part of a PTA, literacy committee, or teaching team, you’ll find practical, ready-to-use ideas to make your next Literacy Fair inspiring, inclusive, and fun for all ages.