Blog Hero Image

Our Top Posts from 2023

As the year winds to a close, let’s pause and reflect on the wealth of learning and collaboration that has enriched our Center in 2023. Join us in revisiting standout blogs, filled with invaluable strategies to empower young readers and writers – with the hope of infusing joy into the learning process.

  • Make Room for Meaning: How Decoding and Meaning Go Hand-in-hand
    Is it harmful to ask an emergent reader, “Does that make sense?” Associate Director Wendy Vaulton, highlights a few takeaways from one article that reviewed evidence related to using meaning-based (context) and code-based strategies (phonics) for early readers.
  • Getting to Know Your Readers
    Literacy trainer Nikki Drury talks about how observational assessment can be used as an opportunity to gain valuable information about your readers.
  • We Are Writers: A Kindergarten Journey
    Literacy trainer Heather Rodman reflects on her conversations with a literacy coach in Ardsley Union Free School District, NY. Find out what contributed to these kindergarteners’ identity, agency, and independence as writers.
  • A Word of Songs, Poems, and Nursery Rhymes
    Have you considered the many benefits of using songs, nursery rhymes, and poetry in your classroom? Literacy trainer Gen Arcovio shares how to get started with analyzing your books, texts, and poems.

What other topics would you like us to cover in 2024? Or would you like to contribute to our blog?

We’d love to hear from you! Email us to send along your ideas.

Invest in continuous learning! We offer professional learning opportunities designed to support literacy instruction for PreK-8 educators.

PinLinkedIn

You might also be interested in

April 15, 2025 Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer

The Joys and Benefits of Interactive Writing in Early Literacy

Interactive writing is a powerful and engaging literacy practice for young learners. It is a collaborative approach where you and the children share the pen to compose text together. This process not only supports early writing development but also strengthens foundational literacy skills in an authentic and meaningful way.

March 28, 2025 Heather Rodman, Literacy Trainer

Celebrating the Small Wins

Creating learning environments requires strength-based observations, time to celebrate, and facilitative language that guides, encourages, and energizes learners. Time pressures in schools often interfere with educators’ ability to observe for and celebrate learning. However, securing time to create and sustain learning environments that appreciate, acknowledge, and celebrate learning journeys is possible.

February 18, 2025 Wendy Vaulton, Associate Director for Reading Recovery & Early Interventions

Bridging Languages and Building Literacy: Helping Multilingual Learners Thrive

Multilingual learners are taking on the dual challenge of learning a new language while also acquiring literacy. By taking small, intentional steps, teachers can effectively bridge the gap between students’ current knowledge and the new skills they are developing, creating a solid foundation for their literacy growth.