Write a simple word like sip, map, cot, wet, hug. Take turns creating a new word from it by only changing one letter. Pass the paper back and forth adding words until one player can not think of a new word. Example: Start with sip Swap out any one letter to make a new word. sip, sin, tin, tip, tap, sap, map, mat, etc.

Here's an intervention for spellers who are frustrated with words that don't follow the rules. I usually add one or two of these to each week's spelling list as "bonus words" or "challenge words". Explain to the student that irregular, or exception words have a part that doesn’t follow the usual sound-symbol correspondence rules. Many common words like said, are, and was, are examples. Draw attention to the irregular part of a word by writing the letters larger and/or using a different color. For example, in the word said, print the ai larger or in a different color.

Echo reading is a structured literacy strategy where a skilled reader (teacher/parent/tutor) reads a short chunk of text aloud with great pacing, expression, and accuracy—then the student immediately echoes the exact same words back. Why it works - Builds fluency (smooth, accurate reading) - Improves prosody (expression + phrasing) - Boosts confidence for emerging or struggling readers - Supports comprehension because the brain isn’t working overtime decoding every word How to do it (simple) - You read one sentence or phrase with strong expression. - Student reads the same segment right after you. - Repeat, keeping chunks short and successful. Try it with a short paragraph. Thirty seconds at a time beats a 30-minute struggle!

👋 Hey everyone! We’ve added quite a few new members in the last week. Welcome @14274493 @christine-eichenauer-4420 @jaylynnda-girardot-5443 @chris-logan-6396 @shelby-evans-8176 Our community supports literacy for children. Please share a read-aloud that is your go-to for reluctant readers. Mine is in the comments.

For me, Reading Reflex by Carmen and Geoffrey McGuinness had the most impact on me as a teacher.