Crayons and Conversations: Hearing Syllables in Words

In earlier posts of this series, we’ve explored the foundations of phonological awareness: hearing rhyme and rhythm, and hearing words in sentences. Each of these skills builds upon the last, much like a child’s evolving set of crayons—from large, chunky ones for first marks, to triangular crayons that support a more refined grip. Now, we …

Boundaries, Trust, and Self-Coaching: Turning Resistance, Reflection, and Resilience into Self-Guided Growth

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: In this bonus reflection, you’ll find a shift from the usual “coaching moves” of the 100 Positive Experiences series to a pause for self-care and empathy. Leading—whether as a teacher, coach, or administrator—can sometimes feel lonely or depleting because of how much you give to others. This post …

Positive Coaching Experience #14: Start With Their Goals, Not Yours

👀 What You’ll Find in This Post This post explores how starting with teacher goals transforms coaching from “fixing” into a true partnership. Here’s what you’ll discover: Why centering teacher goals builds trust and strengthens collaborative coaching conversations. Practical instructional coaching strategies to ask goal-centered questions before, during, and after observations. Sample prompts you can …

Safer Conversations, Stronger Comprehension: Alternatives to Cold Calling for Literacy Growth

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: A clear explanation of what cold calling is and why it’s often promoted as a classroom engagement strategy. A closer look at the research behind cold calling, including its limitations in K–12 literacy settings. Evidence-based alternatives—like Think-Pair-Share, sticky notes, multimodal responses, and turn-and-talks—that lower anxiety while raising participation. …

Positive Coaching Experience #13: Bend the Structure, Build the Relationship

The 100 Positive Experiences Leadership Series is built on one simple truth: trust is the foundation of all meaningful coaching and leadership. Each post introduces a practical, research-informed practice that strengthens relationships, fosters collaboration, and creates conditions where both teachers and students can thrive. These experiences aren’t rigid rules—they’re flexible, positive moves that leaders at …

Positive Coaching Experience #12: Name What You See, Not What You Think

About the Series:The 100 Positive Experiences series explores everyday moments that build trust between educators, coaches, and leaders. Each post offers a practical habit that supports professional growth, centers relationships, and helps educators feel seen, supported, and successful. [Link to complete series at the end of this post.] 👀 What You'll Find in This Post: …

Is There One Scientific Way to Teach? Clarifying what Research Really Says About Explicit and Inquiry-Based Instruction

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: If you’ve ever wondered about the so-called “scientific approach to teaching,” you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll explore what research actually says—and doesn’t say—about instruction. Here’s what you’ll find inside: A closer look at the research often cited (Rosenshine’s principles, Chi’s work on novices and experts, Vygotsky’s …

From Struggle to Strength: A Student Story That Reframes What’s Possible

At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, he stood in front of his teacher and peers, proudly holding a certificate of academic achievement. Not long ago, this same child—let’s call him Liam—would cry at the mention of reading. He’d beg not to go to school. He’d sit in Zoom sessions, defeated, whispering “I can’t.” …

Start the Year Strong: 3 Read Aloud Approaches That Build Community and Literacy

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: Starting the school year with intentional read aloud choices can set the tone for a thriving classroom community. In this post, you’ll discover: Three interactive read aloud strategies that help students connect with texts and each other from the very first days of school. Identity-centered conversation prompts that …

Crayons and Conversations: How Hearing Words in Sentences Builds Early Literacy Skills

This series sets out to explain all of the components that make up phonological awareness and how to help children hear all the sounds of language. Just like the stages of crayon use—from chunky, sturdy ones to thinner crayons that require more control—the sounds of language range from broad (like rhymes) to fine (like individual …

Crayons and Conversations: Hearing the Music of Language Through Rhythm and Rhyme

👀 What You'll Find In this Post: A clear explanation of how children develop rhyme awareness Practical ways to support children as they hear, say, and generate rhymes Ideas for using familiar poems, songs, and chants to teach phonological awareness Examples of playful activities that build rhyme skills through conversation A FREE printable Reflection and …

Constellations of Meaning: How to Teach Early Writing with Modeled Lessons

In our last post, we explored how early writing—like early stargazing—is full of meaning, even if it’s hard to recognize at first. Children’s dots, swirls, and scribbles aren’t random—they’re part of a deeply personal, developmental process. Now that we’ve learned how to notice those early signs of meaning, this post turns to the next question: …

Crayons and Conversations: A Talk About Phonological Awareness

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: In this introductory post to our Crayons and Conversations series, you’ll discover: A playful metaphor that simplifies the stages of phonological awareness development Clear explanations of how each “crayon stage” connects to real literacy learning A reflection on how teachers, caregivers, and specialists can set realistic expectations for …

Constellations of Meaning: Understanding and Supporting Early Writing

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: A fresh way to understand early writing behaviors in toddlers and preschoolers A powerful metaphor that connects children’s marks on a page to constellations in the sky Tips for how to observe and respond to emergent writing with curiosity instead of correction Guidance based on the work of …

Coming Up on the Blog: Early Writing, Phonological Awareness & Coaching That Builds Trust

Hello, Literacy Pages Subscribers, We're So Glad You're Here! As a subscriber, you’re the first to know what’s coming—and, among other projects, we have some powerful new series on the way that we can’t wait to share with you. Here’s what’s launching over the next few weeks on Literacy Pages: Constellations of Meaning: Observing Early …

Running Records for Today’s Classrooms

The Tension is Real Running records aren’t gone—but they’re often misunderstood. Once considered a classroom essential, running records have become controversial in today’s literacy landscape, particularly with the rise of the Science of Reading movement. Originally designed by researcher Marie Clay as a “window” into a reader’s thinking and processing, these records are sometimes dismissed …

Pride Month Story Spotlight: Freedom and Respect

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: Two inclusive picture books that celebrate identity and belonging: Neither and Call Me Max Open-ended conversation starters to help children explore freedom and respect Extension activities that affirm all identities Gentle ways to create safe spaces through story A FREE companion printable! Freedom and Respect Freedom is the …

What Art Teaches Us About Literacy—and the Teachers Who Inspire It

This post has two purposes: to honor the role of art in literacy learning and to offer a heartfelt THANK YOU to educators—especially those who leave lasting marks in ways we often don’t realize until much later. My family was reminded recently about the importance of not waiting to thank those who positively influence your …

Pride Month Story Spotlight: Visibility and Voice

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: A spotlight on When Wilma Rudolph Played Basketball and why it’s a powerful read during Pride Month Insight into how gender stereotypes can affect identity and belonging in childhood Five kid-friendly conversation starters that challenge gender-based expectations A reflection on how inclusive stories build empathy, voice, and classroom …

Positive Coaching Experience #11: Exude Genuine Wonder

Let curiosity—not certainty—guide your conversations. 👀 What You'll Find in This Post: This post explores how instructional coaches, teachers, and school leaders can build trust and foster professional growth by asking reflective questions rooted in genuine curiosity. You’ll learn: What it means to exude genuine wonder in coaching conversations Examples of powerful coaching questions that …

Pride Month Story Spotlight: Identity and Authenticity

👀 What You’ll Find in This Post: A picture book spotlight on Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall, a powerful metaphor for identity, self-expression, and being misunderstood A discussion of book bans and challenges, including how this story supports inclusive and affirming conversations in classrooms and homes Five real-life scenarios where children might feel …

Pride Month Story Spotlight: Family and Belonging

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: A spotlight on two inclusive children's picture books: And Tango Makes Three and Julián Is a Mermaid Why these stories matter for children—and why they've been challenged for early childhood education Sample conversation starters for meaningful classroom or family discussions to support literacy and social-emotional learning (SEL) Examples …

Positive Coaching Experience #10: Start with Strengths

👀What You'll Find in this Post: In this post, we explore how starting with strengths—whether in a classroom, coaching conversation, or team meeting—can build trust, encourage growth, and strengthen relationships. You'll find: A reflection on why strengths-first feedback fosters trust Real-world examples for teachers, coaches, and leaders Tips for offering feedback that invites—not overwhelms A …

Positive Coaching Experience Idea #9: Leveraging Your Language

Coaching with Possibility, Not Pressure Our words shape how others experience feedback. When we suggest instead of direct, we invite curiosity and ownership instead of defensiveness. Leaders in schools take many forms—administrators, coaches, and teachers alike. No matter the type of leader you are, language is one of the most powerful tools a coach or …

Building Trust Through Positive Coaching Experiences

“Leave every place you go, everything you touch, a little better for your having been there.” ~Julie Andrews Andrew's powerful message was part of her speech at the University of Colorado Boulder in Spring 2013. In her speech, Andrews emphasized the importance of making a positive impact wherever you go as she encouraged graduates to lead …

Hands Off: What to do When a Child’s Writing Isn’t Perfect

Imagine writing one sentence that would briefly explain something you did yesterday. Perhaps it would be something like, I went to work or I ate a sandwich. How long would it take you to put it in writing? How much mental and physical effort would it take? As a proficient writer, it probably would take …

Analyzing Student Progress in Reading Recovery: Guiding Questions and Next Steps

I have found that developing a system for looking across multiple running records, as well as lesson records, to be a vital process necessary for consistent progress that leads to acceleration. When I make time to look for patterns of behavior across lessons, rather than only looking day by day, I feel like I know …

Beyond Words: The Impact of Prosody on Comprehension

Most educators acknowledge the significance of fluency, yet it often fails to receive the attention it truly deserves. While fluency is widely recognized for its impact on student comprehension, its evaluation is frequently limited to reading speed alone. However, fluency encompasses numerous other vital aspects that necessitate closer examination. In this post, we will delve …

First Round Reflection: When Learning Letters is Difficult

I wanted to use this post as an opportunity to share about one of my most challenging rounds of Reading Recovery. All four of my students entered with mostly stanines of 1 for each task on the Observation Survey and very low raw scores. My students required various types of support to help with significant …

Working on Phrasing in Earlier Levels

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to see Dr. James Schnug present at the Literacy for All Conference on the topic of phrasing. If you would like to read more about this topic, Schnug wrote about his research in an article called Paying More Attention to Phrasing in Fluent Reading in the Fall …

Research Based…Questions to Ask

As educators, we hear the term "research based" ad nauseam. "This strategy works. It's research based." "We want you to do it like this because that method is research based." "This new curriculum is research based so it's definitely effective." When we constantly hear the term "research based" being used, we become passive and we …

Teaching our Emergent Readers: Guidance From Carolyn Helmers & Susan Vincent

First, I will start out by saying that I had Intentional From the Start: Guiding Emergent Readers in Small Groups on my wish list for a while. After expressing my jealousy to a friend who received a copy from her employer, she generously bought me a copy for my birthday (Thanks, again, Gen!). I have …

The Best Way to Support Literacy Acquisition: Never Stop Learning

As I was perusing through some posts in a literacy Facebook group, I came across a particular post that caught my attention. A literacy teacher asked if a specific program was good to use for students who were struggling with learning how to read. What spurred me to write this post was not a teacher …

2nd Round Action Research: Accelerating the Learning Part 2

At the beginning of my 2nd round of Reading Recovery I wrote a post about participating in a LitCon session, The Quest for Accelerated Gains in Writing, presented by Mary Fried, reflecting on my own practices during the writing part of my Reading Recovery lessons, and my desire to do some action research centered around …

2nd Round Action Research: Accelerating the Learning

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in various sessions through the on-line LitCon 2022 Conference last January-February. One particular session entitled, The Quest for Accelerated Gains in Writing, provided by Mary Fried had me looking at and reflecting on my own practices during the writing part of my Reading Recovery lessons. Mary defined high-impact teachers and discussed …

Book Introductions: Are They Necessary?

Over the past few years, I have heard more and more teachers question the purpose of a book introduction during guiding reading groups. In some cases, teachers have even moved away from providing a book introduction. Teachers are concerned that by providing a book introduction they are "giving away" the book and it appears to …

Running Records Are Not Pass/Fail

Running Records are an essential component of my day-to-day planning for my students. At times, I hear running records talked about in terms of a student "passing" or "failing". When we put too much emphasis on the accuracy rate and think of running records as "pass/fail," we can not make student-centered decisions about our teaching. …

Supporting Agency Through Teacher Language

Agency I recently read the book, Wire for Agency: Four Simple Moves That Transfer Learning, by Jenn Hayhurst and Jill DeRosa. If you are interested in shifting your teaching to increase students' independence, then this is a must-read. This text walks educators through four important moves to support student agency: Watch, Intend, Reflect, and Engage. …

Returning to Reading Recovery

Many of you know that I spent the last school year teaching kindergarten instead of Reading Recovery. While I missed Reading Recovery, I tried to stay positive and use my Reading Recovery knowledge to support my students' learning in the classroom. Leaving Reading Recovery to go back to the classroom was not new to me. …

Lessons Learned: Reflections on a Remarkable Year

When staring into a pool of still, clear water, the reflected image is sharp, almost perfect. When the water is disturbed, the reflection is still there, but it is distorted, no longer a perfect copy. Our water has been disturbed. For some of us, in the most violent way. Our year has resembled past school …

Rethinking Levels 1 & 2

Are we keeping students in levels 1 and 2 for too long? Our Reading Recovery Teacher Leader had us mull over this question during a Reading Recovery professional development session. I am still reflecting on this question. The majority of my incoming Reading Recovery students start in levels 0-1. I know that I need to …

Keeping the Joy in Reading Instruction

"This book delightfully provides ways in which to weave joyful and engaging reading experiences into every aspect of an early childhood classroom, because strengthening fundamental skills and knowledge of reading is easier if children love to do it!"

What We Do, Matters.

Our rewards, even in the form of our verbal praise, shape how our students think about themselves and others.

Raising Remote Readers: Talk About It

Language & Literacy Marie M. Clay (2016) explains that learning to read is making connections with visible print to the invisible knowledge one has of oral language. Many families who have a young readers learning at home this year, or who have spent significant amounts of time learning from home, are worried about sufficient reading …

Experimenting with Action Research in the Classroom

At the beginning of this school year, like many literacy interventionists, I was asked to fulfill a different role. After years out of the classroom, I suddenly found myself teaching "in-person" kindergarten. Despite having been a classroom teacher for years in the past, I'll admit that I was nervous and wondering how I would handle …

Register Soon for the Made for Learning Book Study

EDIT: Our Made for Learning book study is now full! If you are interested in future book studies please fill out this brief form. Join us and colleagues from around the world for an exciting book study opportunity! Space is filling up fast, so make sure you register soon for this free 5-part study and …

You are Invited to a Book Study!

EDIT: Our Made for Learning book study is now full! If you are interested in future book studies please fill out this brief form. literacypages We are pleased to announce an exciting professional development opportunity! Join us for, Literacy Pages: The Book Study. This 5-part series features the text, Made for Learning: How the Conditions …

Learning: A Broader Category Than Education

"...the goal is to strengthen the learning setting by bringing intentionality to decisions that make learning more likely to occur..."

Improving Automaticity When Reading

Proficient readers are able to read effortlessly, devoting the majority of their attention to comprehending what they are reading. Scholarly reading with unfamiliar academic vocabulary would provide some challenge to a proficient reader, but everyday reading would require minimal effort. The goal of freeing up a reader's attention should be kept in mind as we …

Pathways to Permanence, Part 1: Understanding Orthographic Mapping

👀 What You'll Find in This Post: A clear explanation of orthographic mapping and why it matters for readers How researchers Linnea Ehri, David Kilpatrick, and Marie Clay describe this process Examples of how children connect sounds and letters to store words in memory Practical ways to begin teaching for orthographic mapping, including sound, letter, …