thereadingforum

2/2https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-might-matter-more-than-phonics-in-early-literacy/2026/05?M=18105069&UUID=1c5683568eabae3bf010ab2ebe655416&T=23559984

1/2 Kay Stahl and I have a piece coming out in RRQ on reconsidering what should be focused on when. Until we realize we need to think in terms of what is needed across the board and what is needed at various points in varying amounts, we will keep having these swings.

My son was given flash cards for the 50 most common words in Pre-K. Insane.

This Simple Procedural Change Can Improve Outcomes for English Learners edweek.org/teaching-learn…

This week's must-read: In EdWeek, @Elizheubeck covers important studies on the limits of phonics instruction and the relative importance of oral language and vocabulary development. 'Students performed better on standardized assessments when teachers routinely taught new vocabulary and encouraged more than one-word responses during comprehension lessons. “Certainly, there are teachers who are letting the other pieces of the literacy block crowd out the comprehension instruction,” Troyer said. That doesn’t bode well for students, according to the researchers. More time spent on phonics was associated with lower DIBELS scores, whereas more time spent on comprehension was linked with higher scores on the standardized tests designed to evaluate literacy skills in K-8 students.'

Play still matters in elementary school. This article shows how play-based learning can support both engagement and deeper understanding. A refreshing perspective on classroom practice. bit.ly/3Qp5Iyk #kappanmag

WORD LADDER WEDNESDAY! Friday May 15 is National Pizza Party Day! Below is a special Word Ladder to celebrate! Learn more about National Pizza Party Day at nationaldaycalendar.com/.../national-p…

nytimes.com/2026/05/13/ups… via @NYTimes

Kids of All Ages Need Regular Recess, Pediatricians Group Says in New Guidance edweek.org/leadership/kid…

Introversion isn’t a weakness in schools — it’s an untapped strength. Are we designing for it? bit.ly/4sPnhoX #kappanmag

MORPHOLOGY MONDAY! May is “National Inventors Month”. Thus, the word root for this week is VEN/VENT = COME. Please see the resource below and feel free to share it with your own colleagues. Thank you for all you do to instill a love of words and word study in your students.

On May 10, 1773, the British Parliament passed the Tea Act. Dive into this resource and take students inside the night 60 men dumped 46 tons of tea into Boston Harbor and how one act of defiance united the colonies and helped spark a revolution. bit.ly/4us9tBQ

Creating art is only half the story — how it’s shared matters too! Help your class learn how to select and present their work so audiences can fully experience it, whether for a portfolio or a performance. (Grades K-5) bit.ly/4tQ7abJ

AI and Reading Comprehension shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/ai-and-re…

@TimRasinski1 that is really disturbing

YIKES! Not Good!

FLUENCY FRIDAY! Mother's Day! Here's a lighthearted poem by the great Kenn Nesbitt to help celebrate Mother’s Day with your students. Find more poetry for Mother’s Day written by kids at familyfriendpoems.com/.../mothers-da… Thank you for all you do & Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms & Mums !

It's Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎 Whether you're a parent, student, or fellow educator, showing gratitude doesn't have to be complicated. We've rounded up a few simple, meaningful ways to celebrate the teachers who make a difference every day. @PBS @PBSKIDS @PBSFood @PBSDS

1/2 WORD LADDER WEDNESDAY May 4 is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you) and May 5 is Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May)! Here, & on p.2 are 2 Word Ladders I developed for these special days. Best wishes and “May the Fourth be with You!” & “Happy Cinco, Amigo!”😊

How Would You Schedule Reading Instruction? shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/how-would…