Let's ditch these 6 early literacy trends and merge research-backed instruction with play!

New Reseach on Reading Struggles Might Have You Thinking Differently About Preschool

Is it appropriate to teach sight words in preschool? Find out!

Learn a simple process for reflecting on your mindset and making positive changes as a preschool leader.

It is time to embrace repetition! Check out our three-step framework to reading aloud with a purpose!

Nation's Report Card Scores Prove That Preschool Matters—Now More Than Ever   When I taught kindergarten in Greenville, SC, at a high-needs Title 1 school, I saw something incredible. This school had a public preschool program, a lottery-based system that prioritized children from low-income families and those with special needs.   And let me tell you—it changed everything.   These preschoolers entered my kindergarten classroom ready. They understood routines, they had exposu

As 2024 has come to a close, I find myself reflecting on the preschool lessons I’ve learned this year about early literacy. One topic that truly stood out to me was the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of preschool ( check out my blog post here ). Is preschool effective? Honestly, I’m baffled that this is even a question.   Preschool offers so much more than just academics—children learn to share, explore new toys, sing, dance, tell stories, and, yes, begin their journe

What is a Student Centered Learning Environment? It is the beginning of the year. The time of year as a preschool teacher that is both exciting and sometimes stressful. A new class of sweet littles ones brings a new sense of joy, but also comes with a period of adjustment . Teaching the rules and routines of the classroom takes time, dedication and consistency. New children bring new personalities, interests, and strengths and needs. This period of adjustment is our time as t

Are you ready to commit to early literacy in your classroom but don't know where to start? We've got your covered with this literacy-focused preschool teacher checklist! Here we are again, ready to embark on another amazing year as preschool teachers! The beginning of the school year is always a blend of excitement and anticipation . I love the feeling of a fresh start, but I know the prospect of a new group of students can bring a mix of excitement and stress. As you set u

As a former kindergarten teacher, I share a heavy heart with many educators. The statistic is alarming: 66% of fourth graders in the US aren't reading proficiently. There are a lot of factors that lead to this alarmingly high number, but one sticks out above the rest...teachers in the past were not taught the proper way to teach children to read. And...I was one of them!   Just like countless other teachers across the nation, I wasn't equipped with the research and best pract

Pres Assessment . As a teacher, when you hear this word, you often cringe. Assessment takes brain power, people power, and a significant amount of time! There is no doubt that some schools go overboard with assessment. Over assessment is an ineffective use of time and resources. However, when used strategically, it offers incredible benefits. Preschool assessment helps you understand your students on a deeper level, uncovering their strengths, weaknesses, and learning style

Is there a “right” time to teach a child to read?  As I hit that time of year in the preschool classroom where many of those reading readiness skills are truly starting to “click” for many of our four-year-old students, I have been pondering this question.  When do kids learn to read? I have searched the internet for research related to the “right” time to learn to read and have come up empty handed.   Similar to potty training opinions, the opinions on when it is development

Learn about the latest research related to preschool and its' effectiveness.

It's time to stop cringing when we hear the word "teach in preschool. America is facing a pressing literacy crisis, with a staggering 68% of fourth graders not reading proficiently, (The Nation's Report Card, 2022). The struggle with reading proficiency isn't limited to low-income or minority students; it affects all children. The fact that families invest substantial sums in private schools and tutors highlights the systemic issue at hand. While strides are being made to