Stellar Teacher Podcast: Recent Episodes

Sara Marye, Elementary School Teacher

Welcome to the Stellar Teacher Podcast! We believe teaching literacy is a skill. It takes a lot of time, practice, and effort to be good at it. This podcast will show you how to level up your literacy instruction and make a massive impact with your students, all while having a little fun!

Your host, Sara Marye, is a literacy specialist passionate about helping elementary teachers around the world pass on their love of reading to their students. She has over a decade of experience working as a classroom teacher and school administrator. Sara has made it her mission to create high quality no-fluff resources and lesson ideas that are both meaningful and engaging for young readers.

Each week, Sara and her guests will share their knowledge, tips, and tricks so that you can feel confident in your ability to transform your students into life-long readers.

For printable and digital resources, head to stellarteacher.com. Connect with Sara on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany

Episode 318: What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be This Year?

As a new school year begins, it's natural to think about goals. But instead of creating a long list of everything you want to accomplish this year, we want to challenge you to start with one simple question: What kind of teacher do you want to be?

What kind of teacher do you want to be this year?

In this episode, Emily is joined by Stellar Teacher teammate and fifth-grade teacher Megan to have an honest conversation about setting meaningful goals that actually stick. Rather than trying to improve everything at once, they discuss how choosing one area of growth, creating small daily habits, and giving yourself grace can help you become the teacher you want to be.

Whether your goal is building stronger relationships with students, improving your literacy instruction, or creating a healthier work-life balance, this episode will help you create a realistic plan for growth throughout the school year.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why focusing on who you want to become is more powerful than creating a long list of goals
How to choose one meaningful area of growth instead of trying to improve everything at once
Practical ways to turn your goals into daily and weekly habits
Simple ideas for building stronger relationships with students and families from the very beginning of the year
Why giving yourself grace is an essential part of personal and professional growth
How an accountability partner can help you stay committed to your goals all year long

If you're looking for encouragement and a practical mindset shift before the school year begins, this episode will help you start with purpose—and remind you that meaningful growth happens one small step at a time.

Resources Mentioned:

⭐ The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join

In this replay episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of our most exciting new resources—the Stellar Teacher Reading Intervention Kit! I’m joined by my teammate Emily, one of our amazing curriculum writers and the mastermind behind this new intervention resource designed specifically for upper elementary students who struggle with decoding. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to approach reading intervention or wondered how to fit it into your already packed schedule, this episode is for you.

Emily and I talk candidly about the biggest challenges teachers face when it comes to reading intervention—limited time, lack of confidence, and keeping older students engaged—and how each of those challenges shaped the design of this kit. You’ll hear about our goals, the research that guided us, the beta testing process, and the thoughtful routines we built to make intervention practical, effective, and doable in just 15 minutes a day.

Whether you’re looking for tools to support struggling readers, or you just want to feel more confident about teaching phonics in the upper grades, I hope this episode gives you inspiration and clarity. I truly believe this resource is going to make a huge difference in classrooms—and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode261.

Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves for just about every teacher. Whether it's your first year in the classroom or your fifteenth, those "back-to-school scaries" are completely normal.

In this episode, Stellar Team members Emily and Meghan have an honest conversation about back-to-school anxiety and share simple mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you start the school year with more confidence and less stress.

Instead of chasing perfection, they'll encourage you to focus on what matters most: building relationships with students, prioritizing the tasks that truly move the needle, and remembering that your students don't need a perfect teacher—they need you.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

✔ Why back-to-school nerves are normal (even for veteran teachers)

✔ How to shift your mindset from anxiety to excitement

✔ Why trading perfection for priorities can reduce stress and help you feel more prepared

✔ Practical tips for managing your to-do list and avoiding burnout before school even starts

✔ The importance of being present with your students instead of comparing yourself to social media or Pinterest classrooms

If you're feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done before students arrive, this episode is the reminder you need. Take a deep breath, focus on what matters most, and head into the new school year knowing that you are exactly the teacher your students need.

Tune in for an encouraging conversation that will help you quiet the back-to-school anxiety and begin the year with confidence. 🎧📚🍎

Part 4: New Teacher Blueprint Series

The first day of school comes with a lot of pressure. Teachers often feel like they need the perfect lesson plans, the perfect activities, and a perfectly organized schedule to make the day successful.

But what if the goal isn't perfection?

In this episode, Meghan, Stellar Team member AND 5th Grade teacher, is sharing a different approach to planning your first day of school... one that focuses on what matters most!

You'll learn how to prioritize relationships and routines, build meaningful connections throughout the day, teach procedures in a way that feels natural, and plan transitions that keep your classroom running smoothly. We'll also share why a successful first day has less to do with checking every box and more to do with creating an environment where students feel safe, supported, and excited to return.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

✔ Why relationships and routines should be your two main priorities on the first day

✔ Simple ways to build connections with students throughout the day

✔ How to avoid common first-day pitfalls that create unnecessary stress

✔ Tips for ending the day on a positive and organized note

Whether you're a brand-new teacher or heading into another school year with experience under your belt, this episode will help you simplify your first-day plans and focus on what truly matters.

Tune in and discover why your first day of school doesn't need to be perfect—and why that's actually the goal. 🎧📚🍎

Part 3: New Teacher Blueprint Series

The first few weeks of school can make or break the rest of your year—and one of the biggest factors in creating a smooth, productive classroom is teaching procedures effectively.

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're continuing our New Teacher Blueprint series by walking through a simple framework for teaching classroom procedures that actually stick. If you've ever explained a routine, watched your students nod along, and then completely forget what to do moments later, you're not alone. The reality is that procedures need to be taught the same way we teach any other skill: through explicit instruction, modeling, practice, feedback, and repetition.

Resources & Links:📌 Join The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join

📌 Browse literacy resources and free teaching tools: stellarteacher.com

You'll learn how to move beyond simply telling students what to do and instead create routines that become automatic habits. From modeling expectations and using visual reminders to leveraging narration and providing effective feedback, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

In this replay episode, literacy experts Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez share research-backed insights and practical strategies for supporting multilingual learners in upper elementary classrooms.

You'll learn why the term multilingual learner matters, the difference between conversational and academic language, and how teachers can provide grade-level instruction while supporting language development. Our guests also share actionable ways to integrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing into everyday lessons so multilingual learners can thrive.

If you're looking for simple, effective ways to better support multilingual learners, this conversation is full of valuable takeaways you can use right away. 🎧

Part 2: New Teacher Blueprint Series

The beginning of the school year comes with a long list of classroom procedures to teach... but here's the good news: you don't have to teach all of them at once.

In this episode of The New Teacher Blueprint series, Tami is breaking down the classroom procedures that matter most during the first days of school. Instead of trying to tackle an overwhelming checklist, you'll learn how to prioritize the routines students need right away so you can create a calm, organized, and successful classroom environment.

We'll discuss:

✔ Why you don't need to teach every procedure during the first week of school

✔ The first classroom routines to teach when students arrive

✔ How to make transitions smoother throughout the day

✔ Important expectations for restroom breaks, hallway behavior, and lunch

✔ What students should do when they finish their work

Whether you're a new teacher setting up your classroom for the first time or a veteran teacher looking to refresh your routines, this episode will help you focus on the procedures that have the biggest impact.

Tune in next week as we share how to teach procedures so they actually stick all year long.

If you're working to align your literacy instruction with the science of reading, this listener favorite interview is for you!

In this conversation, literacy expert and author Lindsay Kemeny shares the 7 research-backed strategies from her book Seven Mighty Moves that help teachers strengthen reading instruction and support all learners. Lindsay discusses how her experience supporting her son with dyslexia transformed her teaching and led her to embrace structured literacy practices.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✔️ The 7 "mighty moves" that improve reading outcomes

✔️ How to bridge the gap between research and classroom practice

✔️ Common mistakes teachers make when implementing the science of reading

✔️ Practical ways to support struggling readers and build strong literacy foundations

✔️ Where to start without feeling overwhelmed

Whether you teach primary or upper elementary students, you'll leave with actionable ideas you can implement right away.

Part 1: New Teacher Blueprint

Getting your classroom ready for a new school year can feel overwhelming. Between Pinterest-perfect classrooms, endless classroom décor ideas, and a growing back-to-school to-do list, it's easy to spend time focusing on things that won't actually make your year easier.

In this first episode of our New Teacher Blueprint series, Tami and Meghan are sharing practical classroom setup tips that will help you create a space that works for both you and your students.

You'll hear why function should come before decoration, how to think through your classroom layout, and which classroom areas are most important to prioritize before students arrive.

In this episode, we'll discuss:✔ Why your classroom should function like a workspace, not a showroom

✔ How to avoid overspending on classroom décor and supplies

✔ The classroom areas every teacher should prioritize

✔ Tips for organizing classroom materials and supplies

✔ Why it's okay to change your classroom setup throughout the year

Tune in next Monday as we continue the New Teacher Blueprint series and discuss the most important classroom procedures to teach first.

Part 6: Your Literacy Block Series

Learn how to make small group instruction purposeful and effective. Tami breaks down the five key questions about small groups: what they are, what they look like, how they differ from whole group, how much time to spend, and real examples using Stellar Literacy Collective resources. Perfect for upper elementary teachers looking to differentiate literacy instruction and meet student needs.

Topics Covered:

Defining small group instruction vs. whole group
Forming fluid groups based on student data
Time management for small groups
Word study & morphology lessons
Addressing foundational reading gaps

Resources Mentioned:

⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join

Part 5: Your Literacy Block Series

In this episode of our Your Literacy Block series, Emily is talking all about writing— and why it deserves a place in every upper elementary literacy block.

Many teachers think of writing as essays, state testing, and lengthy writing projects.... but writing can be so much more than that. When students write about what they read, they deepen comprehension, organize their thinking, and make their learning visible.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why writing and reading are so closely connected

• The importance of sentence-level writing instruction

• How writing can strengthen comprehension without adding another subject block to your day

• Three simple writing routines you can start using immediately:

Writing About Reading
Expand with Details
Combining Sentences

If you've ever wondered how to fit writing into your literacy block, this episode will give you practical ideas that build stronger readers, writers, and thinkers —all within the instructional time you already have.

Tune in next week as we wrap up the series with small group instruction!

Resources Mentioned:

⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join

Think fluency instruction is only for primary grades? Think again.

In this episode, we're unpacking why reading fluency remains one of the most important—and often overlooked—components of literacy instruction in upper elementary. You'll learn how fluency impacts comprehension, the common signs students are struggling, and simple ways to build meaningful fluency practice into your literacy block.

Plus, we’ll share an easy-to-implement 5 day fluency routine that can help students become more confident, expressive, and successful readers.

Fluency isn't just about reading faster, it’s the bridge between decoding and comprehension.

Resources & Links:

The Stellar Literacy Collective stellarteacher.com/join

Tier 1 Instruction That Works Workshop stellarteacher.com/workshop

Your Literacy Block: Part 4

Fluency is more than reading fast — it's the bridge between word recognition and comprehension. In this episode of the Your Literacy Block series, Emily breaks down what reading fluency really means, why upper elementary students still need explicit fluency instruction, and three simple, research-backed activities you can start using this week.

You'll learn:

the 3 components of fluency: accuracy, automaticity, and prosody
How fluency connects to Scarborough's Reading Rope
Why upper elementary teachers often overlook fluency instruction
3 quick fluency activities: repeated reading (with the "One Glow, One Grow" partner routine), echo reading, and silly voices

Mark your calendars! The Stellar Teacher Collective Kickoff is coming up — a live virtual training just for our Collective members. Join us July 5th - 10th as we explore the new Collective website and plan and prep for the school year. This is your chance to learn live, ask questions in real time, and connect with fellow upper elementary teachers in the community.

Not a Collective member yet? stellarteacher.com/join

Catch up on the series:

Part 1 (Comprehension)

Part 2 (Word Study with Kori),

Part 3 (Phonics & Phonemic Awareness).

Supporting struggling readers is one of the most important—and often most challenging—parts of literacy instruction. When intervention time is limited and student needs vary widely, it can be difficult to know where to focus your efforts.

In this episode, literacy specialist Shannon Moore joins us to discuss the key components of effective reading intervention and how teachers can create systems that lead to meaningful student growth.

Whether you're responsible for intervention groups, supporting students during your literacy block, or looking for ways to strengthen your school's intervention practices, this conversation will provide clear, actionable ideas you can put into practice right away.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

• The four essential components of effective literacy intervention

• How to use assessment data to make informed instructional decisions

• Tips for creating flexible, skill-based intervention groups

If you're looking for a more structured approach to supporting struggling readers, this episode is full of practical advice and encouragement.

Resources & Links:

The Stellar Literacy Collective stellarteacher.com/join

The Stellar Reading Intervention Toolkit stellarteacher.com/intervention

Your Literacy Block: Part 3

If you've ever wondered whether phonemic awareness and phonics still matter in upper elementary, this episode is for you!

While these foundational skills are often associated with primary grades, many students in third, fourth, and fifth grade continue to struggle because of gaps in their word recognition skills. In this episode, we're unpacking the difference between phonemic awareness and phonics, why both are essential for reading success, and how teachers can provide targeted support without overhauling their entire literacy block.

In this episode, we'll discuss:* The difference between phonemic awareness and phonics * Why foundational reading skills still matter in grades 3–5 * How gaps in word recognition impact fluency and comprehension * Scarborough’s Reading Rope and the role of word recognition * Practical phonemic awareness activities for upper elementary students * Effective phonics routines and instructional strategies * Ways to provide targeted support without adding more to your plate

Resources Mentioned:

⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/slc

We replayed an interview with Dr. Molly Ness last week... and we just could not help airing this one too! We love our interview episodes.

What helps a word move from something students have to sound out to something they instantly recognize?

In this episode, literacy researcher and educator Dr. Molly Ness joins us to explore orthographic mapping—the process that allows readers to permanently store words in memory for quick and effortless retrieval.

If you've ever worked with students who can decode a word one day but seem to forget it the next, this conversation will help explain why. Dr. Ness breaks down the science behind how the brain learns words and shares a practical four-step routine teachers can use to support word learning, fluency, and reading comprehension.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, interventionist, or literacy coach, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how skilled reading develops—and simple instructional moves you can implement right away.

In this episode, you'll learn:* What orthographic mapping is and how it supports fluent reading * Why automatic word recognition is critical for comprehension * The connection between phonemic awareness, phonics, and word memory * Common misconceptions about how students learn words * A simple four-step routine that helps words "stick"

If you love what Dr. Molly Ness has to say in this episode, you will love what is happening in our Summer Learning Series. We are reading her book Making Words Stick.

There is still time to join in - visit stellarteacher.com/summerpd.

Your Literacy Block Series: Part 2

If your students freeze when they come across long, unfamiliar words while reading, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re talking about how morphology instruction can completely change reading confidence for upper elementary students. You’ll learn how teaching prefixes, suffixes, roots, and base words helps students decode unfamiliar vocabulary, improve spelling, and strengthen comprehension.

We also break down what explicit morphology instruction actually looks like during whole group, small group, and independent reading—without adding another complicated routine to your literacy block.

Inside this episode:

What morphology is and why it matters
Simple questions students can ask when decoding big words
Examples using words like “unexplainable” and “transportation”
Easy word study routines you can use in 5–10 minutes a day
How morphology supports both decoding and comprehension

If you teach grades 3–5, this episode will give you practical strategies you can start using right away.

Resources Mentioned:

⭐ FREE Reading Big Words Poster stellarteacher.com/bigwords

⭐ Whole Group Lessons with built-in morphology instruction only available in the Stellar Literacy Collective ⤵︎

⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/slc

Are read-alouds still worth making time for in an upper elementary classroom? According to literacy researcher and author Dr. Molly Ness—they absolutely are.

In this episode, we dive into the research-backed benefits of read-alouds and why they still play an essential role in a Science of Reading-aligned literacy block. From building vocabulary and background knowledge to increasing engagement and comprehension, Dr. Ness shares practical insights teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms.

If you’ve ever questioned whether read-alouds are “enough” academically, this conversation will remind you just how powerful they can be.

Your Literacy Block Series: Part 1

If you’ve ever wondered:

“How do I actually help my students comprehend what they read?” …this episode is for you.

Reading comprehension is the goal of reading instruction—but it’s not just one strategy or skill. In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re kicking off a brand-new series all about building an effective upper elementary literacy block.

We’re sharing:

What reading comprehension actually is
Why comprehension should be woven throughout your literacy block
The key components that support comprehension
A simple research-backed 3-2-1 framework you can use with ANY text

You’ll walk away with practical ideas for building background knowledge, teaching vocabulary, supporting sentence-level understanding, asking meaningful questions, and using writing about reading to deepen comprehension.

If you’ve ever wondered how to actually help students better understand what they read, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

⭐ Whole Group Lessons with built-in 3-2-1 comprehension support only available in the Stellar Literacy Collective ⤵︎

⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/slc

The school year is almost over, but before you fully switch into summer mode, there are a few things your future teacher self will be so thankful you did. In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara and Emily share 7 end-of-year reflection and reset strategies that can help make next school year feel more organized, intentional, and less overwhelming.

Episode Takeaways:

Reflect on your favorite moments, lessons, and routines from the school year
Identify what brought you and your students the most joy and engagement
Make a plan to intentionally repeat those successful moments next year
Reflect on areas where you wish you had spent more instructional time
Audit and organize your resources—keep what worked and let go of what didn’t
Clean up and reset your classroom now so you start next year with a clean slate
Be intentional about planning a summer that actually helps you rest and recharge

Stay connected with us this summer! Visit stellarteacher.com/summer to sign up for our free learning experience starting June 1!

In this episode, Emily shares 3 simple, low-prep literacy moves that still make a big impact at the end of the year (hello increased engagement!). You’ll hear practical ideas for:

Student-led book talks that build excitement around reading
Fluency performances that combine comprehension, rereading, and engagement
Bringing back your favorite read-alouds using a simple 3-2-1 comprehension structure

These ideas are designed to help you add structure back into your literacy block while still enjoying the final weeks with your students.

Want a freebie to get started? Grab 5 Book Talk Anchor Charts at stellarteacher.com/freebie

Grab our Book Talk Templates + Guide on under $5 at stellarteacher.com/booktalk

Ready to keep the momentum going this summer? Be sure to sign up for our Summer Learning Series for book study, bonus trainings, and practical literacy support. stellarteacher.com/summer

May can feel exhausting, emotional, and chaotic but it can also be one of the most meaningful months of the school year. In this episode, Tami and Sara are reminder teachers not to miss the magic of May.

Sara and Tami talk about the unique opportunities this final stretch of the year brings: stronger student relationships, visible growth, classroom confidence, and the chance to finish with purpose instead of just surviving until summer.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why May can be a powerful month for teachers and students
How to stay present during the final weeks of school
Recognizing the growth your students have made

Ready to keep the momentum going this summer? Be sure to sign up for our Summer Learning Series for book study, bonus trainings, and practical literacy support. stellarteacher.com/summer

As the school year comes to a close, it’s easy to feel pressure to squeeze in one more lesson, finish one more project, or check off every remaining standard. But what if finishing strong didn’t mean doing more?

In this episode, Tami shares three powerful reminders to help you navigate the final weeks of the school year with more clarity, intention, and less overwhelm. From letting go of the pressure to “cover everything” to prioritizing meaningful connections with your students, this conversation will help you shift your focus to what truly matters.

In this episode, you’ll hear: Why “coverage” doesn’t = learning * Permission to not* finish every project, book, or standard * How to decide what actually matters in the final weeks

Want to connect with Tami and other members of the Stellar Team this summer? Don't miss out on The Stellar Teacher Summer Learning series!

Register for updates at stellarteacher.com/summer

If teaching feels harder than usual right now, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.

In this special 🎉300th episode🎉, Emily and Tami share 3 simple ways to make teaching feel easier and more manageable right now (so you can lean into loving it!). They talk about why doing more isn’t the solution, how routines and systems can lighten your load, and what to focus on so you can finish the year strong.

P.S. The Stellar Literacy Collective is currently closed for enrollment. But not for long!

Join our email list to be the first to know when doors reopen in June 2026—we’ll send updates, early access details, and helpful resources straight to your inbox.

stellarteacher.com/newsletter

Feeling the pressure to try something new before testing season?

In this episode, Emily and 5th grade teacher Meghan share why that instinct might be doing more harm than good. Instead of adding new strategies, they encourage teachers to lean into the routines that are already working. Listen in and walk away with simple ways to strengthen what’s already in place (or super easy to implement) — like a sentence writing routine and the 3-2-1 comprehension framework. This episode is your reminder to stay consistent, trust your teaching, and finish the year strong.

Still prepping for those BIG tests? Check out our free Test Prep email series! Sign up at stellarteacher.com/testprep and get 3 free lessons straight to your inbox!

Sign up for our FREE test prep email series: stellarteacher.com/testprep! Get 3 free lessons straight to your inbox.

If you’ve ever reached April and wondered why some students still seem to struggle with reading, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, we explore a reality many teachers experience during the final months of the school year: student progress in literacy isn’t always smooth or predictable.

As academic expectations increase in the spring, gaps in decoding, fluency, and foundational reading skills often become more visible. Passages get longer, questions become more complex, and students are expected to apply multiple literacy skills at once.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode* Why literacy growth often feels messy and unpredictable * How increased reading demands expose hidden skill gaps * The role of decoding and fluency in reading success * Why targeted instruction is more effective than wide review * How to identify the biggest barrier to student progress

P.S. The Stellar Literacy Collective is currently closed for enrollment. But not for long!

Join our email list to be the first to know when doors reopen in June 2026. We’ll send updates, early access details, and helpful resources straight to your inbox.

stellarteacher.com/newsletter

In this episode, Sara and Kori discuss the difference between helpful feedback and noise in teaching. With so many opinions and suggestions coming from evaluations, colleagues, professional development, and social media, it can be difficult for teachers to know which feedback to take seriously and which advice to let go.

Sara and Kori share personal experiences with receiving feedback throughout their careers and talk about how teachers can learn to filter input, prioritize what matters most, and focus on feedback that supports meaningful professional growth.

In this episode, we discuss:

The difference between constructive feedback and noise
How to identify trustworthy sources of feedback
Strategies for filtering and prioritizing feedback
Why professional growth is a long-term process

Prepping for testing season? The Stellar Teacher Co. is here to help! Visit stellarteacher.com/testprep for 3 free test prep lessons.

What do calm classrooms actually look like? Contrary to what many people think, calm classrooms aren’t always silent or perfectly still. Instead, they are spaces where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily is joined by Stellar Teacher team member Tami to explore what calm classrooms truly have in common. Drawing on her years of experience teaching elementary students in both Department of Defense schools and public schools, Tami shares practical insights into how teachers can create a classroom environment that feels peaceful, organized, and productive.

Together, Emily and Tami discuss the foundational elements that help build calm classrooms, including confident leadership, intentional classroom environments, predictable routines, and strong connections with students. They also share simple strategies teachers can use to reduce chaos and create more consistency throughout the school day.

Stay connected with us!

Follow us on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany

Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Kori shares an encouraging reminder that many educators need to hear — teaching is a long game. When the pressure of testing season, pacing guides, and student progress starts to feel overwhelming, it can be easy to believe that every lesson needs to produce immediate results. But the reality is that meaningful learning rarely happens overnight.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged because progress seems slow, this conversation will remind you that the work you are doing truly matters.

In this episode, you’ll hear:1. Why teaching is a long game and why meaningful learning takes time 2. How invisible progress builds student understanding over time 3. Why exposure to concepts is valuable even when mastery doesn’t happen immediately 4. Encouragement for teachers navigating testing season pressure

Teaching may not always show instant results — but the impact you are making in your students’ lives is lasting and meaningful.

Stay connected with us!

Follow us on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany

Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!

As much as we prepare students with practice passages and strategy review, many performance struggles happen before students even answer a question.

When test anxiety sets in, students may skim or skip directions entirely, misread what’s being asked, or overlook key details like “not,” “compare,” or “from least to greatest.” In this episode, Sara and Emily discuss why this happens and how teachers can intentionally build direction-reading habits long before test day. They share practical tips and insights to make test season less stressful for both teachers and students.

Key Takeaways:

Importance of reading test directions carefully (and activity ideas for practice)
Strategies to teach students to interpret instructions
Building student confidence and reducing anxiety during tests

Resources Connected to this Episode:

Free Test Prep Email Series at www.stellarteacher.com/testprep
Test Taking Strategies Bundle on TPT

Stay connected with us!

Follow us on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany

Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!

Standardized testing season is coming — and if you’re already feeling the pressure of long testing days, restless students, and review overload, you’re not alone.

In this Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Sara and Emily share realistic, classroom-tested strategies to help you approach testing season with clarity, confidence, and calm. Instead of cramming more practice into your schedule, this conversation focuses on what actually moves the needle: building stamina, protecting routines, and keeping students regulated and motivated.

If you’re looking for ways to support your students without overwhelming them (or yourself), this episode will help you rethink what testing season can look like in an upper elementary classroom.

Tune into this episode, for takeaways like... how to:

Build test stamina gradually to prevent burnout.
Treat standardized tests as a genre study to reduce pressure.
Make review engaging with themes and rotations.
Balance test prep with regular instruction to avoid burnout.
Model calmness and positivity to set the tone for students.

Resources:

Sign up for our free Test Prep Email Series to get 3 classroom-ready lessons that help students slow down, read carefully, and avoid the preventable mistakes that cost them points before they even begin. www.stellarteacher.com/testprep

Summary

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, host Sara Marye discusses the challenges and strategies for teachers dealing with mandated curriculums. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing gaps in the curriculum, enhancing instruction with supplemental resources, focusing on effective teaching methods, and using assessment data to justify changes. The episode provides practical tips for teachers to navigate the constraints of mandated curriculums while still meeting the diverse needs of their students.

Takeaways

Every class has unique needs that may not be met by a standard curriculum.
Identifying gaps in the curriculum can provide opportunities for creative teaching.
Enhancing instruction with supplemental resources can improve student engagement.
Focusing on the 'how' of teaching can be more impactful than the 'what'.
Teachers can control how students process their learning even within a rigid curriculum.
Using assessment data can help justify changes to the curriculum.
It's important to advocate for what works best for students.
Teachers should feel empowered to supplement their mandated curriculum.
Professional judgment is key in navigating curriculum requirements.

Resources:1. Join The Stellar Literacy Collective 2. Get the Stellar Intervention Toolkit 3. Sign up for my Private Podcast: Confident Writer Systems Series 4. Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series 5. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, hosts Sara Marye and Emily discuss the common struggle of second-guessing oneself in teaching. They explore the impact of self-reflection, perfectionism, and the importance of data in decision-making. The conversation emphasizes strategies to overcome self-doubt, celebrate successes, and the value of team support in the teaching profession.

Takeaways:

Second-guessing is a common issue among teachers.
Self-reflection can lead to healthier decision-making processes.
Teachers often struggle with perfectionism and the need to get it right.
Failing fast can be beneficial in overcoming self-doubt.
Speaking the truth to oneself can help combat negative thoughts.
Setting time limits can prevent overthinking in lesson planning.
Data can provide evidence of student growth and success.
It's important to celebrate successes, no matter how small.
Teaching is a collaborative effort and should be treated as a team sport.
Bringing others into your decision-making process can alleviate pressure.

Resources:1. Join The Stellar Literacy Collective 2. Get the Stellar Intervention Toolkit 3. Sign up for my Private Podcast: Confident Writer Systems Series 4. Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series 5. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara is joined by a member of the Stellar Teacher Team and they discuss the importance of trusting professional judgment in teaching. They share personal experiences and challenges faced in the classroom, emphasizing the need for teachers to have confidence in their decisions and to advocate for their students' needs. The conversation highlights the significance of reflection, questioning, and sharing experiences among educators to foster a supportive teaching environment.

Takeaways:

Teachers are allowed to trust their professional judgment.
It's common for teachers to feel hesitant to voice their opinions.
Every classroom is unique, and teachers know their students best.
Teachers should feel empowered to modify curriculum as needed.
Sharing both successes and failures can build trust among colleagues.
Asking questions can be a safe way to provide pushback.
Confidence in teaching comes from taking action and making decisions.
Teachers should remind themselves that they are experts in their field.

Resources:

Join The Stellar Literacy Collective
Get the Stellar Intervention Toolkit
Sign up for my Private Podcast: Confident Writer Systems Series
Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily and Tami discuss the pressures teachers face to make every lesson extraordinary.

They explore the impact of social media on teacher expectations, the importance of setting realistic reading goals, and the value of establishing routines in the classroom.

The conversation emphasizes that not every lesson needs to be perfect, and that building relationships with students is more important than delivering flawless lessons.

Key Takeaways:

Not every lesson needs to be amazing.
Social media creates unrealistic expectations for teachers.
Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint.
Focus on one key element in lesson planning.
Routines help free up mental space for both teachers and students.
Learning is cumulative; students will revisit concepts.
It's about how you make students feel in the classroom.
Set a timer to combat perfectionism in planning.
Games can be integrated into routines for engagement.
Teachers are doing an amazing job despite challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and

03:38 Setting Reading Goals

04:39 The Pressure of Perfection in Teaching

06:47 Advice for Moving Away from Perfectionism

09:34 The Importance of Routines

12:39 Engagement Strategies in the Classroom

14:02 Lesson Delivery and Student Learning

16:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Teachers

Resources:1. Join The Stellar Literacy Collective 2. Get the Stellar Intervention Toolkit 3. Sign up for my Private Podcast: Confident Writer Systems Series 4. Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series 5. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode, I’m sharing why I’ve moved away from setting traditional New Year’s resolutions and what has actually helped me create meaningful, sustainable change. Over the years, I realized that rigid goals built around doing more or being more often led to frustration and burnout. What made the biggest difference for me wasn’t changing my habits first, but changing how I think and talk to myself. That’s when I started choosing a word of the year as a way to anchor my mindset.

This year, my word is abundance. Instead of constantly telling myself I don’t have enough time, energy, or capacity, I’m intentionally shifting toward believing that I do. That small mindset change has already helped me feel calmer, less reactive, and more present in my work and my life. Abundance isn’t about doing more or being busier. It’s about viewing my circumstances differently so I can make better, more intentional choices throughout the day.

I also invited the Stellar Teacher team to share their words for the year and the mindset shifts they’re hoping to create. Words like active, downshift, enough, restore, ease, and unoffendable reflect a shared desire to work and live with more clarity, sustainability, and self-trust. As you head into this year, I invite you to choose one word that grounds you, supports you, and reminds you how you want to feel both in and out of the classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode288.

In this episode, I’m diving into small group instruction and addressing five common myths that I hear all the time in the teacher space. Small groups often feel like a requirement for being an effective reading teacher, and that belief alone can create a lot of unnecessary pressure. I want to be very clear in this conversation: small group instruction can be incredibly beneficial, but it is not the only way to support student growth. You can still be an effective, thoughtful, and impactful teacher even if small groups don’t look the way you think they’re “supposed” to look—or if they don’t happen at all in certain seasons.

Throughout the episode, I break down myths around literacy centers, reading levels, and how often you “should” be meeting with students. I talk about why literacy centers are just one option—not a requirement—and share alternative ways to keep students meaningfully engaged while you work with small groups. I also explain why guided reading is only one type of small group instruction and explore other effective formats like strategy groups, book clubs, and phonics-focused groups that don’t require knowing every student’s reading level. Most importantly, I emphasize that small groups don’t have to happen every day to be worthwhile—even meeting once a week can make a difference.

I wrap up the episode by tackling the idea that small group instruction does not have to be overwhelming or time-consuming to plan. I share practical strategies for simplifying your planning, including using a consistent lesson framework, setting limits on prep time, and building routines for student independent work. My goal with this episode is to help you let go of the guilt and pressure surrounding small groups and replace it with clarity and confidence. Small group instruction is a tool—not a mandate—and when you use it intentionally and realistically, it can actually feel manageable and effective.

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In this first Dear Stellar Teacher episode of 2026, Emily and I are kicking off the new year by talking about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in education: joy. A new year can bring excitement and fresh goals, but it can also feel heavy when you’re returning to the same classroom challenges, schedules, and demands. In this episode, we slow things down and reflect on what it really looks like to bring more joy into the second semester in ways that feel sustainable, meaningful, and realistic for teachers.

Throughout our conversation, we share small but powerful mindset shifts and practical ideas that can help teachers rediscover joy in their classrooms and in the profession. We talk about the calming power of classroom routines, the importance of professional satisfaction, and why setting boundaries between work and life matters more than we sometimes realize. We also reflect on joyful classroom moments—like book talks, read alouds, playful routines, and recess connections—and why these experiences often stay with us long after the lesson plans are forgotten.

We wrap up the episode by zooming out and talking about joy beyond the classroom. Finding joy at school is deeply connected to how we care for ourselves outside of work, whether that’s through hobbies, time outdoors, creative outlets, or meaningful connection. Our hope is that this conversation reminds you that joy doesn’t have to be big or complicated—it can come from small, intentional choices that help you reconnect with your students, your work, and yourself. As you head into the second semester, we hope you’ll find ways to make space for more joy—for you and for the kids you teach.

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In this episode, I’m talking all about implementing classroom routines as we head into the second semester. This time of year can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once, especially when we realize we’re already halfway through the school year with our students. I share why routines matter so much—particularly in upper elementary—and how they create predictability, calm, and valuable “white space” that allows students to focus their energy on learning instead of figuring out what to do.

I walk through a clear, five-step process for teaching routines in a way that actually sticks. We start by getting clear on the routine and its purpose, then explicitly teaching it, modeling it (both the right and wrong way), practicing with feedback, and finally reinforcing and resetting as needed. I explain why slowing down during the implementation phase is so important, even when it feels tedious, and how that upfront investment pays off later with smoother days and a more focused literacy block.

I also share encouragement for those moments when routines inevitably break down. Resetting a routine doesn’t mean you failed—it means your students need a reminder, more practice, or clearer expectations. With consistency, clarity, and intentional practice, routines will eventually become second nature, helping your classroom run more smoothly and giving you more energy for the parts of teaching you love most. As you head back into your classroom, remember that strong routines aren’t built in a day—but they are worth the time it takes to build them well.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode285.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to bring more purpose, connection, and deeper learning into your literacy block: thematic planning. This approach—sometimes called cross-curricular instruction—was a huge shift for me when I first transitioned to an IB school. Instead of treating reading, writing, science, and social studies as separate silos, I learned how to plan around big ideas and guiding questions that tied all of our learning together. While it took time to adjust, it completely transformed the way my students engaged with content and how meaningful our classroom learning felt.

Throughout the episode, I walk you through what thematic planning is, why it’s so powerful, and how you can start using it even if your school doesn’t require it. I share my personal experience with moving away from isolated, checklist-style instruction and embracing a more integrated, inquiry-driven approach. I also break down the five simple steps to designing your own thematic unit—everything from choosing a strong guiding question, to selecting connected texts, to building background knowledge, to weaving reading and writing standards into meaningful science or social studies learning. My goal is to show you that thematic planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or reserved for specialized programs. It’s absolutely doable in any upper elementary classroom.

You’ll also hear practical examples of what this looks like day to day, ideas for connecting literacy skills to real-world reading and writing, and a reminder that thematic planning is one of the best ways to build students’ content knowledge—something we simply don’t get enough time for in traditional schedules. Whether you create a week-long mini unit or a full multi-week study, thematic planning opens the door to richer discussions, more engaged readers and writers, and learning that sticks. If you decide to give thematic planning a try, I’d love to hear what topic you choose and how it impacts your students’ learning.

***This episode is a replay of Episode 119, and it’s one worth revisiting as you think about planning for the months ahead.

Check out my Nonfiction Science Reading Passages: Focus on Ecosystems, Focus on Biomes, Focus on Heredity.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode284.

In today’s episode, I’m unpacking a skill that often gets overlooked in upper elementary but has a huge impact on whether students can read big words with confidence. So many of our students see a long word and immediately freeze or give up, not because they don’t want to try, but because they don’t have the tools to break the word apart. That’s where syllabication comes in. When we intentionally teach students about syllable types and syllable division, we give them the confidence and know-how to tackle long words with accuracy and independence.

Throughout the episode, I unpack why syllabication is such an essential part of reading instruction in grades 3–5. I talk through the six syllable types, the foundational vowel sounds students need to understand, and why prompts like “slow down” or “break apart the word” aren’t effective unless students actually know how to do those things. I also share several reasons students struggle with multisyllabic words—gaps in early instruction, difficulty applying known rules to longer words, and the increased complexity of upper elementary texts. Most importantly, I focus on how teaching syllabication directly supports fluency, comprehension, and word recognition, and how it complements the work we’re already doing with prefixes, suffixes, and roots.

Finally, I break down what effective syllable instruction looks like in the classroom: explicit, systematic teaching paired with ongoing practice. I walk you through how to introduce each syllable type, why to start with simple examples, the importance of teaching exceptions, and ways to build in meaningful practice through warmups, small groups, independent reading, and vocabulary routines. My goal in this episode is to help you feel confident bringing syllabication into your classroom—because when students understand how syllables work, they gain a powerful tool for reading big words. And if you’re looking for ready-to-use lessons and visuals to support your teaching, be sure to check out the syllable types resource I mentioned at stellarteacher.com/syllables.

***This episode is a replay of Episode 121, a listener favorite that continues to help teachers support students with multisyllabic words.

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In this episode, I’m kicking off December with a little real talk about this wild stretch between Thanksgiving and winter break—and how we can make it feel a bit lighter. These weeks can be LONG, so I’m sharing encouragement to protect your energy, give yourself permission to slow down a bit, and be more present with the people you love.

From there, I dive into the fun stuff: practical ways to incorporate movement into your literacy block so you can keep students engaged, focused, and still learning—even when they’re a little squirrely. I walk you through four easy movement routines you can start using right away: “Find Someone Who,” gallery walks, whip arounds, and snowball fights. I explain how each routine works, when to use it, and why taking just a few minutes to get kids up and moving can actually boost attention and comprehension rather than derail your lesson.

I also share tips for explicitly teaching and practicing these routines so they feel structured rather than chaotic—think modeling expectations, practicing the movement without content first, and using visual reminders like slides or anchor charts. Whether you’re looking for simple ways to review content, build in brain breaks that are still connected to instruction, or just survive these last few weeks with a little more joy, this episode will give you low-prep, high-engagement ideas you can use between now and winter break (and then again when you’re back in January!).

***This episode is a replay of Episode 111. While a few details may have shifted or changed since it first aired, the ideas and movement routines are still just as relevant and ready for you to use in your classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode282.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into a small but mighty part of literacy instruction that has a huge impact on your students’ reading and writing success—the sentence. For years in my own classroom, I didn’t give sentence-level work nearly enough attention, even though sentences are at the heart of everything students read and write. If you’ve ever wondered how to strengthen your students’ writing, boost their comprehension, or make your literacy instruction more effective, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on why focusing on sentences matters so much.

I’m sharing five key reasons why sentence-level work is an essential part of upper elementary literacy instruction. Strong sentences are the foundation of all writing—whether students are crafting paragraphs, essays, summaries, or responses to reading, their success depends on their ability to write clear, complete, and detailed sentences. At the same time, understanding sentence structure is crucial for comprehension. When students understand how phrases and clauses work together, they are better equipped to make meaning from the increasingly complex texts they encounter. Plus, sentence-level work is manageable for students and teachers, it’s one of the most effective ways to teach grammar, and it benefits all learners—those who struggle and those who are already confident writers.

My hope is that this episode inspires you to slow down and give sentence-level writing the time and intention it deserves. Prioritizing sentences can transform your writing instruction, strengthen your students’ reading comprehension, and make your overall literacy block more effective and more manageable. Whether you’re looking for a place to start or simply need a reminder that small shifts can lead to big growth, this episode will give you practical insight into why every upper elementary teacher should be spending more time on sentences.

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As we head into Thanksgiving week, I know things can start to feel a little chaotic. Schedules are disjointed, students are distracted, and you’re probably juggling classroom responsibilities with holiday prep, travel plans, or hosting duties. It’s a lot—and it’s easy to feel the pressure to keep pushing through. But this week’s episode is your gentle reminder that it’s okay to pause, slow down, and give yourself permission to do less.

In this short and heartfelt episode, I’m encouraging you to shift your focus from productivity to connection. Instead of cramming in one more lesson or assessment, think about what it might look like to create a calm and cozy classroom space. Read a picture book just for fun, play a simple vocabulary game, have your students free write about something joyful, or do a quick classroom reset together. These activities may look different from your usual plans, but they’re still deeply valuable—they help your students feel grounded, connected, and ready to return after Thanksgiving break with a clear mind.

So if you needed a little permission slip this week, this is it. Doing less doesn’t mean you’re falling behind—it means you’re protecting your energy and caring for your students in a meaningful way. You’re already doing enough, and the best thing you can give yourself (and your class) this Thanksgiving week is a moment to rest and recharge. Tune in for a little encouragement and a reminder that slowing down is sometimes the most productive thing you can do.

Purchase our Thanksgiving Themed Literacy Resource, or our Seasonal Literacy Bundle.

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There are so many times as teachers when we realize we’re the ones doing all the heavy lifting during our lessons—talking, thinking, and writing—while our students sit back and watch. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Student engagement isn’t something that happens automatically, even with a great lesson plan. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it really means to plan for engagement and why it’s essential to build intentional opportunities for students to think, respond, and connect throughout every lesson.

I share a handful of simple engagement routines that can transform the way your students interact with your lessons. These routines—like the classic think-pair-share, agree/disagree statements, two-sentence responses, and three-two-one reflections—don’t require fancy materials or major prep. Instead, they’re flexible structures that you can use in any subject to spark thinking, encourage participation, and give every student a voice in your classroom.

By the end of this episode, you’ll see how easy it can be to plan for engagement and keep your students actively involved all lesson long. My challenge for you this week is to choose one engagement routine and try it out. Start small, stay intentional, and watch how your students’ focus, confidence, and comprehension grow. Click play to discover how small, intentional changes can make a big difference in how your students show up and engage during lessons.

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If you’ve ever wrapped up what felt like a perfectly modeled lesson only to see blank stares when your students try it on their own, you’re not alone. You know the moment: you’ve explained, demonstrated, and thought aloud, but when it’s their turn, they freeze. The problem often isn’t the modeling itself—it’s that students need more support between watching and doing. That’s where effective scaffolding comes in.

In this episode, I break down the four key steps of scaffolding—modeling, approximating, fading away, and independent learning—and share why each one matters. You’ll learn how these steps help students internalize new skills rather than just imitate what they see, and how skipping a single phase can lead to confusion or frustration. When we add in those middle scaffolds, we create the structure students need to build true confidence and independence.

Ultimately, scaffolding is about slowing down the learning process just enough so that all students have the chance to succeed. When we give them the right amount of support—and remove it at the right time—we set them up for meaningful growth and long-term learning. This episode will help you reflect on your own scaffolding practices and feel confident making small, intentional shifts that lead to big results.

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In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I’m diving into one of the most important and challenging comprehension skills we can teach our students—summarizing. If you’ve ever had students freeze when asked to write a summary or retell every single detail of a story, you’re not alone. Summarizing requires students to synthesize, prioritize, and organize information while expressing it in their own words. It’s a higher-level skill that takes time to develop, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to boost reading comprehension.

I’ll walk you through three simple and effective summarizing frames you can introduce in your classroom this week. We’ll look at how the Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then (SWBST) frame helps students capture the plot of a fiction text, how the TAMKO frame guides nonfiction summaries, and why the 10-Word Summary is a flexible, engaging way to help students identify what matters most. Each of these frames provides the structure students need to confidently summarize without getting overwhelmed—and over time, they’ll learn to do it independently.

If your students struggle to write clear, concise summaries, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to model and scaffold each of these frames so students can see what an effective summary looks like. Plus, I share tips for deciding which frame to use, how to help students transition beyond them, and ways to make summarizing an engaging, low-stress part of your literacy routine.

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In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing a simple, effective five-day routine to help upper elementary students who are struggling with reading. I know how overwhelming it can feel to support students who are behind while still teaching grade-level content, so my goal is to give you a strategy that’s easy to implement and takes just 15 minutes a day. I walk through why intervention is so challenging in upper elementary, and why many traditional resources don’t meet the needs of third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students who still need phonics, decoding, and phonemic awareness support.

I break down each day of the five-day routine, showing you exactly what to do: from introducing a weekly sound-spelling pattern, practicing phonics with activities like “tap it, map it, graph it,” building fluency through reading words, phrases, and sentences, to applying skills in decodable texts and finishing with spelling and fun games. This routine is structured yet flexible, allowing you to pull small groups, work with your whole class, or adapt it to your schedule. I also share how to make these lessons engaging for upper elementary students so they stay motivated and build confidence with big words and tricky spelling patterns.

Finally, I talk about resources and tools that make this routine even easier, including the Stellar Reading Intervention Toolkit. This ready-to-use toolkit follows the five-day framework and includes everything you need—word lists, activities, decodable texts, comprehension questions, and follow-ups—so you can start teaching right away without the stress of planning from scratch. I challenge you to pick one sound-spelling pattern this week and give the routine a try. Even small steps can make a huge difference in helping your students catch up, gain confidence, and become successful readers.

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In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I share a simple but powerful strategy to help students activate background knowledge before reading: agree or disagree statements. This quick, low-prep approach gets students thinking critically, talking about the topic, and reflecting on their own understanding. By engaging students in this way, you can boost comprehension and spark curiosity before they even open the text.

I walk through why activating background knowledge is essential for comprehension and how the ABC model from The Reading Comprehension Blueprint can guide your instruction. You’ll learn how to craft statements that are tied to your text, spark discussion, and reveal what your students already know—or what they might need to learn. I also provide examples from lessons I’ve used in the classroom, showing how even a short discussion can uncover misconceptions and build a foundation for understanding.

Finally, I give practical tips for creating your own agree or disagree prompts, including how to make them clear, thought-provoking, and connected to the core ideas of your text. We talk about follow-up discussion strategies and how to help students revisit their responses after reading to reinforce learning. This episode is packed with ideas that are easy to implement right away and can make a big impact on student engagement and comprehension.

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In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I share a practical, step-by-step strategy to help upper elementary students tackle multi-syllabic words with confidence. I talk about the challenges students face when they see long, unfamiliar words, why simple prompts like “sound it out” often don’t work, and how we can give students the tools they need to break words into manageable parts. This episode is for teachers who want actionable strategies they can introduce in their classroom right away.

I walk listeners through the Big Words Strategy, a five-step approach that helps students identify prefixes, suffixes, roots, vowels, and syllables before putting the word together and pronouncing it. I explain how this strategy builds decoding skills while also supporting comprehension and vocabulary development. I also share tips for modeling the strategy effectively, providing guided practice, and supporting students who might not have a strong background in phonics or word study.

We also cover common roadblocks you might encounter when teaching this strategy and practical solutions to keep students on track, including slowing down the pace, using color-coded tools, and pairing students for peer feedback. I emphasize the importance of repeated practice, approximation, and consistent reinforcement to help students feel confident with complex words. This episode gives you a research-backed, easy-to-implement strategy that strengthens reading skills, supports fluency, and empowers your students to tackle big words independently.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I dive into the world of novel studies for upper elementary classrooms. We share some of our favorite books and highlight strategies that make reading engaging while supporting comprehension and skill development.

We cover how to plan and structure your novel study, including pre-reading activities, targeted vocabulary instruction, and highlighting important syntax. We also discuss the benefits of building related text sets and incorporating multiple genres into your novel study. Plus, we explain how the 3-2-1 reading routine and writing about reading can help students retain and reflect on what they read.

Finally, we provide practical tips for keeping novel studies manageable without getting bogged down in every detail of the text. From assessing in smaller sections to integrating reflection and projects, this episode offers a framework for designing a novel study that fosters a love of reading, strengthens comprehension, and supports writing growth in your classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode273.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I dive into a critical topic for upper elementary classrooms: supporting multilingual learners (MLLs). With the help of experts Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez, we explore why the term “multilingual learner” is replacing “English language learner,” how to challenge common misconceptions, and why it’s so important to recognize the linguistic assets students bring to our classrooms. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the difference between everyday language and academic language, and why focusing on both is essential for our students’ success.

We also tackle the myth that students need to fully master English before they can access grade-level content. I talk with Jana and Jeanette about research showing that, with intentional support and meaningful instruction, MLLs can engage with the same literacy and content skills as their peers. From understanding the role of academic language as a “gate opener” to strategies for integrating language objectives into everyday lessons, this episode is full of practical ideas you can bring right into your classroom.

Finally, the conversation turns to actionable strategies teachers can implement immediately. From leveraging students’ background experiences to integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing into content lessons, Jana and Jeanette highlight simple yet powerful ways to support language development across disciplines. This episode is packed with guidance to help you feel confident, intentional, and empowered to meet the needs of multilingual learners—reminding us all that these students are learners just like everyone else.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode272.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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Being an elementary teacher, you know how important read-alouds are in your classroom. They offer many benefits, from fostering a love of literacy to connecting students with real-life events and situations. However, getting the most out of them can be challenging. Here are three tips you can use to maximize your read-alouds this school year.

If you’re anything like me, you may have been incorporating read-alouds into your daily routine without feeling confident in their full impact. That’s when I started using specific strategies to make my read-alouds more intentional. Each of these three tips helps students see that literacy goes beyond the classroom, exposes them to new interests, and shows how reading can be truly enjoyable.

Reading is essential, and reading aloud to your students is even more powerful. Read-alouds help build a community of readers and learners while offering countless other benefits. Instead of going through the motions, use these three tips to make your read-alouds more intentional and impactful this year.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode271.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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Writing is one of the most complex skills our students will ever learn—and one that is often overlooked. In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, I’m joined by two of the leading experts in writing instruction: Dr. Steven Graham and Dr. Karen Harris. Steven has spent more than 40 years studying how students learn to write, while Karen developed the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model, one of the most widely used and researched approaches to teaching writing. Together, they share valuable insights into what makes writing instruction so challenging and how teachers can provide explicit, systematic writing instruction that really works.

During our conversation, we dig into the many complexities of writing—everything from idea generation and sentence construction to transcription skills, motivation, and self-regulation. Steven and Karen also unpack what it means to use evidence-based practices in writing instruction and help us distinguish between strategies that truly make a difference and those that fall short. Their insights are especially helpful for teachers in upper elementary who often face limited time for writing and wonder how to make the most of the minutes they do have.

You’ll walk away from this episode with practical guidance you can apply right away, whether it’s structuring short but consistent writing blocks, integrating writing into reading and content areas, or helping students set goals and monitor their own progress. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by teaching writing, this conversation will give you clarity, encouragement, and research-backed strategies to strengthen your writing instruction.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode270.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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As we wrap up our Science of Reading Summer Series, it’s time to start thinking about next year and how to make your literacy block both effective and manageable. We know fitting everything into a literacy block can be challenging, so here are some key components to include: word study, reading comprehension, whole group lessons, writing, small group lessons, independent practice, and transitions.

The secret? These elements don’t need to happen in isolation. I encourage you to be creative and find ways to teach multiple concepts at once. Integrating different elements can make your literacy block more engaging and efficient, allowing you to cover more ground without overwhelming your students.

Remember that while it’s important to establish routines and structure in your literacy block, you want to also maintain flexibility to adjust as needed throughout the year. This adaptability ensures we can meet our students’ needs and help them become successful readers and writers. Tune in for practical strategies to plan a literacy block that works for your classroom and your sanity.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode269.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I talk about how using AI can actually make teaching easier and why it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We break down practical ways to use AI for things like organizing student groups, creating seating charts, planning parent-teacher conferences, and streamlining your day—without losing the human touch that makes teaching meaningful.

We share the lessons we’ve learned from experimenting with AI, including how to give it context, assign roles, and get back useful results that actually save time. We also discuss common pitfalls and how to make sure AI works for you. Whether you’re just curious about AI or ready to start using it in your classroom tomorrow, this episode is full of tips and ideas you can put into action immediately.

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear picture of how AI can be a powerful helper in your teaching toolkit, without replacing the things that only a teacher can do. Tune in for a friendly, informative conversation that’s packed with strategies to save time, reduce stress, and help your classroom run smoother than ever.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode268.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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I remember back-to-school time being both exciting and exhausting. It's a new school year filled with fresh possibilities. It's also extremely busy with classroom setup, planning, organizing, and meeting students, parents, and new teachers. To lighten your load, I'm sharing 3 important literacy lessons to teach at the beginning of the year to set your students up for literacy success.

As literacy teachers, we strive to build skilled readers who develop a love for reading. I've come up with 3 literacy lessons that are great to teach at the beginning of the year, and I've included various ideas for fun, engaging activities for students to participate in during each lesson. Plus I share picture books you can use to go along with each lesson.

Focusing on literacy from the start emphasizes its importance. Therefore, implementing these 3 essential literacy lessons towards the beginning of the year will lead to more skilled readers in your classroom this school year!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode267.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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What if I told you that 90% of students can be on grade level with the right instruction? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, a leading researcher, author, and consultant in the field of literacy. Dr. Hasbrouck has dedicated her career to helping educators better understand the complexities of reading fluency and effective interventions, and today she’s sharing her valuable insights with us. Whether you’re an upper elementary teacher working with students who are still developing foundational skills or someone looking to dive deeper into the science of reading, you’re in the right place.

In this conversation, Dr. Hasbrouck breaks down the importance of understanding reading fluency and how to identify the true root causes of reading struggles. We also dive into the impact of language development and decoding fluency on comprehension, as well as how to support struggling readers. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of supporting students who are behind in reading, Dr. Hasbrouck offers a fresh perspective and encourages a collaborative, community-based approach to overcoming these challenges.

This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for educators who want to better support their students’ reading development. From understanding the research behind effective interventions to practical strategies for identifying and addressing gaps in fluency, you’ll leave this episode feeling empowered and ready to tackle the new school year with confidence.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode266.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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Welcome back to The Stellar Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we're diving into the importance of word study in upper elementary classrooms. If you're looking to bring more intentionality and depth to your word study instruction this school year, you’re in the right place. After reflecting on my own teaching experiences, I’m excited to share some insights on how we can make word study more effective and meaningful for our students.

Whether you’re just starting to explore word study or are already using it in your classroom, this episode will help you lay the groundwork for an impactful word study block. I’ll break down the three key components to successful word study instruction, including how to teach students to recognize and understand words in a way that supports their fluency and comprehension.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of what word study truly is, why it's critical for upper elementary students, and how to provide more intentional, engaging instruction that helps students become confident, skilled readers and writers. Let’s get started!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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Welcome back to The Stellar Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re kicking off the back-to-school season with a Dear Stellar Teacher conversation that’s all about getting ready for the new year. Whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, we’re here to cheer you on and help you find your balance as you dive into the chaos of back-to-school preparations. Emily and I chat through the pressures that come with this time of year—like trying to make everything perfect before the first day—and share our best advice for navigating the madness without burning yourself out.

This episode is packed with tips on managing your time, setting priorities, and most importantly, taking care of yourself as you prepare for the year ahead. We’ll talk about how it’s okay if you’re not 100% ready when your students walk through the door, and why finding joy in what you do—whether it's sticking to old routines or trying something new—is key to staying energized throughout the year.

We also get into some fun topics like our latest book recommendations (because every teacher deserves a good read!) and a little reminder to not compare yourself to others, whether it’s your colleagues or Instagram classroom influencers. The most important thing is that you do what works best for you and your students. So grab your coffee (or whatever keeps you going), and tune in for this back-to-school pep talk. You’ve got this!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode264.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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What is orthographic mapping—and why does it matter so much for your upper elementary readers? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Molly Ness, educator, researcher, and co-author of Making Words Stick, to unpack the science behind how students store and retrieve words. We break down what orthographic mapping actually is, how it develops, and why it’s a missing piece for so many students who struggle with fluency and comprehension.

You’ll learn about a simple, four-step instructional routine that supports orthographic mapping in a way that’s practical, flexible, and effective across all grade levels. From segmenting sounds to exploring word meaning and usage, Dr. Ness shares how you can make this invisible cognitive process visible in your classroom instruction—even without a fancy program or curriculum.

If you teach reading in grades 3–5, this episode is packed with insights and tools to help you feel more confident supporting students who struggle to decode and read automatically. Click play and discover how focusing on orthographic mapping can transform your reading instruction—one word at a time.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode263.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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This week’s episode is extra special—we’re celebrating a decade of Stellar Teacher magic! In honor of The Stellar Teacher Company’s 10th birthday, the podcast gets a fun twist as team member Emily steps in as guest host to interview Sara Marye, our founder and CEO. From her unexpected start in education to becoming a literacy leader and entrepreneur, Sara shares the full journey that led to the creation of a company that now supports teachers around the world.

You’ll hear the real, unfiltered story—complete with career pivots, big dreams, and moments of doubt. Sara opens up about the highs and lows of building a business from scratch, what inspired her to focus solely on literacy, and how one not-so-nice podcast review ended up being a turning point in her career. This conversation is full of honesty, growth, and the kind of encouragement teachers need when they’re dreaming up big things of their own.

If you’ve ever wondered how Stellar Teacher came to be, or what’s next on the horizon, you’re in for a treat. From upcoming resources to Sara’s dream of making the membership accessible to schools everywhere, this episode gives a glimpse into the heart, hustle, and hope that has defined the last 10 years—and sets the stage for what’s ahead. Tune in, celebrate 10 years with us, and don’t stop believin’!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode262.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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In this special episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of our most exciting new resources—the Stellar Teacher Reading Intervention Kit! I’m joined by my teammate Emily, one of our amazing curriculum writers and the mastermind behind this new intervention resource designed specifically for upper elementary students who struggle with decoding. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to approach reading intervention or wondered how to fit it into your already packed schedule, this episode is for you.

Emily and I talk candidly about the biggest challenges teachers face when it comes to reading intervention—limited time, lack of confidence, and keeping older students engaged—and how each of those challenges shaped the design of this kit. You’ll hear about our goals, the research that guided us, the beta testing process, and the thoughtful routines we built to make intervention practical, effective, and doable in just 15 minutes a day.

Whether you’re looking for tools to support struggling readers, or you just want to feel more confident about teaching phonics in the upper grades, I hope this episode gives you inspiration and clarity. I truly believe this resource is going to make a huge difference in classrooms—and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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Are you feeling a little lost when it comes to teaching phonics and supporting struggling readers in upper elementary? You’re in good company! In this month’s Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Emily and I are baring it all with our phonics confessions—sharing the biggest mistakes we made in the classroom and how we’ve learned (the hard way!) what really works when it comes to intervention and decoding support.

We get honest about why we didn’t prioritize systematic phonics instruction, how we let intervention become someone else’s responsibility, and why we regret not weaving in more phonemic awareness activities in our upper elementary classrooms. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t because we didn’t care—it was because we didn’t have the knowledge or confidence to know where to start.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the science of reading or unsure how to support your older students with foundational skills, this episode is for you. We’re here to help you avoid the same mistakes and give you permission to learn right alongside your students. And don’t miss next week’s episode, where Emily will share all about our brand new Reading Intervention Kit—created to make intervention easier, more effective, and way less stressful!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode260.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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In this final episode of our summer writing series, I’m unpacking one of the biggest challenges upper elementary teachers face: helping students write multi-paragraph essays. If your state test expects students to write an essay by the end of the year, the pressure to start early is real—but I’m here to tell you why that might actually hold your students back. Instead of jumping straight into essays, we’ll talk about how building a strong foundation in sentence and paragraph writing can lead to much greater success down the road.

I’ll share why starting the year with essays can be overwhelming for students, how to know when they’re truly ready for multi-paragraph writing, and what scaffolds to put in place in the meantime. From sentence-level work to outlining and targeted revision, this episode walks through the writing sequence that actually supports long-term growth—not just short-term test prep.

Whether you're a third-grade teacher wondering if essays are developmentally appropriate, or a fifth-grade teacher looking for a better way to build student confidence, I hope this episode gives you clarity and encouragement as you plan your writing instruction. Essay writing doesn’t need to happen right away—in fact, holding off might be exactly what your students need to grow into confident, capable writers.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode259.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re diving into all things writing—with a special guest! Sara is joined by Kori, the head curriculum creator at The Stellar Teacher Company, to talk about how her experiences as both a student and a teacher, along with research, have shaped the writing resources she’s helped develop. From classroom strategies to behind-the-scenes insights on how our writing routines and resources came to life, you’ll get a candid look at what it takes to build confidence in student writers.

This conversation explores why paragraph writing needs to be broken down into manageable, scaffolded steps—and how imitation, modeling, and sentence-level support are essential to helping students grow as writers. Kori shares some “aha” moments she had throughout the curriculum creation, and the powerful mindset shift that writing doesn’t need to start at the finish line.

Whether you’re already using our resources or just starting to think about how to teach paragraph writing more effectively, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to support struggling writers, challenge advanced students, and create writing routines that help everyone feel like a successful writer.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode258.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension Workshop

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If your students struggle to write solid paragraphs or essays, the solution might be simpler than you think. In this episode, we’re zeroing in on the often-overlooked foundation of all good student writing: the sentence. When students can write strong, clear, and varied sentences, everything else—from organizing paragraphs to crafting essays—becomes easier and more effective.

You’ll hear why sentence-level instruction deserves a front-row seat in your upper elementary writing block and learn easy-to-implement strategies like fixing fragments, unscrambling sentences, and using the “because, but, so” routine. These quick activities not only boost sentence skills but also lead to noticeable improvements in overall student writing.

Whether you're short on time or unsure where to begin, this episode will show you how to make sentence writing a natural part of your daily instruction—without overhauling your schedule. These quick activities take just minutes a day, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to building your students' writing confidence and skill. Tune in to discover how focusing on the building blocks of student writing can lead to big wins in your classroom all year long.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode257.

Writing instruction in upper elementary can often feel overwhelming, especially when your students are expected to produce multi-paragraph essays—but struggle to write a clear sentence. In this episode, we’re taking a step back to reflect on what effective writing instruction really looks like. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your writing block or questioned whether your current approach is helping students grow, you’re not alone.

We’re breaking down five common signs that it might be time to rethink your writing instruction. From assigning writing instead of explicitly teaching it, to skipping sentence-level work and fast-forwarding to essays, we’ll unpack the most frequent challenges teachers face—and offer simple, actionable shifts you can make to see real progress in your classroom.

Whether you're looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just some encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. Tune in to learn how you can make small but meaningful changes that will transform your students' writing outcomes all year long.

Whether you’re looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just a little encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. It’s never too late to rethink your writing instruction and make changes that will transform your students’ writing outcomes all year long.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode256.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

If you’re changing grade levels, schools, or positions next year, this episode is for you! In our monthly Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily and I are sharing our own experiences with making big transitions in our careers and offering encouragement and advice to help you feel more confident and supported through the changes ahead.

From rethinking your mindset to giving yourself grace, we offer the kind of teacher-to-teacher advice that will help you navigate your transition with a little less stress and a lot more support. We also talk about how to lean into your strengths, make meaningful connections with your new team, and avoid putting pressure on yourself to have it all figured out on day one. We’re also sharing our personal stories—yes, even the mid-year surprise moves—and how we’ve learned to embrace the unknown with confidence (and a little humor).

If you’re entering a season of change, tune in for some real talk, encouragement, and practical tips to help you feel ready for whatever next year has in store. This episode will remind you that you're not alone—and that every teacher brings something valuable to the table, no matter where you land next year.

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Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode255.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Multilingual learners are a growing and vital part of today’s classrooms—but many teachers feel like they’re navigating this responsibility without enough support. In this episode, I’m joined by Maya Valencia Goodall and Kristie Shelley, two educators and advocates who are helping schools bridge the gap between structured literacy and language acquisition. Whether you're new to working with multilingual learners or looking to refine your approach, this episode is filled with tips, tools, and encouragement to help you create a truly inclusive classroom.

We explore how teachers can better understand the process of language acquisition, why oral language is essential for reading success, and how teachers can build in meaningful support for multilingual learners without adding more to their to-do list. Maya and Kristie also share how small shifts—like increasing student talk time or using language frames—can lead to big gains for all learners.

Whether you're new to supporting multilingual learners or looking to fine-tune your literacy instruction, this conversation will give you fresh ideas and renewed confidence. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how structured literacy and language acquisition go hand in hand—and how to make sure all students, especially multilingual ones, feel seen, supported, and empowered in your classroom.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode254.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

If you’ve ever ended the school day completely drained—wondering how long you can keep this up or feeling guilty for needing a break—this episode is for you. I'm joined by trauma-informed consultant and former Teacher of the Year Jenn Borovy, founder of Ten10Coaching. Jenn is passionate about helping educators protect their energy, set clear boundaries, and build a teaching life that feels balanced and sustainable.

In our conversation, Jenn shares her personal story of hitting a breaking point and how it led her to completely rethink her approach to teaching and leadership. We talk about the emotional dual burden teachers often carry, how to be trauma-aware without stepping into the role of a therapist, and simple boundary-setting strategies that can help you keep doing the work you love—without losing yourself in the process.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply trying to avoid burnout, Jenn offers a grounded, compassionate perspective that reminds us: you can be a great teacher and still have a life outside of school. This conversation is a powerful reminder that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential for longevity in this work. You’ll walk away with practical steps and a renewed sense of permission to protect your energy and your joy.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode253.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

As the final weeks of school approach, it can be tempting to hit cruise control—but the end of the year is actually the perfect time to bring some fresh energy into your literacy block. In this episode, I’m sharing seven fun, low-prep literacy ideas that will help you keep students engaged and learning all the way to the last day of school. Whether you’re running on caffeine, countdown chains, or sheer willpower, I’ve got you covered.

These literacy ideas are practical, meaningful, and designed to support the skills your students have been building all year long—without adding more stress to your plate. From word ladders and genre studies to book clubs and research projects, you’ll find easy-to-implement activities that blend fun with academic purpose. These strategies aren’t just engaging—they’re also flexible, so you can adapt them to fit whatever time or energy you have left as the year winds down.

So if you're wondering how to make the most of May, this episode is your game plan. These end-of-year literacy ideas will help you maintain momentum, create lasting memories with your students, and finish the year feeling confident and proud of the learning still happening in your classroom.

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Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode252.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to teach writing, you’re going to love today’s episode. In this Dear Stellar Teacher conversation, I’m joined by my teammate Emily, and we’re opening up and sharing our biggest writing confessions—the mistakes we made in the classroom and the lessons we’ve learned since. Spoiler alert: if you’ve ever felt like you were just assigning writing instead of actually teaching it, you are definitely not alone!

We’re reflecting on why writing used to feel so overwhelming, how we misunderstood the writing process, and what we would do differently now after everything we’ve learned from resources like The Writing Revolution 2.0. I hope our honest conversation encourages you and reminds you that it’s never too late to strengthen your writing instruction and support your students in becoming more confident writers.

I’m also sharing all the details about our upcoming summer book study on The Writing Revolution 2.0—and how you can join us for a summer full of learning, collaboration, and encouragement. Whether you’re ready to change your writing instruction or just want to hear some relatable writing confessions, this episode is for you!

Sign up for our 2025 Summer Book Study: stellarteacher.com/bookstudy

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode251.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Have you ever had a student declare, “I’m bored!”—and then look to you to fix it? In this fun and thought-provoking episode, I’m joined by returning guest Mike Bender, author of The End Is Just the Beginning, The Most Serious Fart, and The Bravest Booger, along with Chuck Dillon, the brilliant illustrator behind Mike’s newest picture book Bored Panda. Together, we dive into why boredom might be exactly what our students—and we—need.

We explore the inspiration behind Bored Panda and talk about how boredom can be a gateway to creativity, imagination, and unexpected adventures. Mike and Chuck also give us a behind-the-scenes look at their author-illustrator collaboration, share hilarious stories from the making of the book, and reflect on the role of screen time, mindfulness, and finding joy in slowing down.

Whether you're looking for a meaningful read-aloud to spark classroom discussions or simply want a reminder that it's okay to let your mind wander, this episode will leave you inspired. Get ready to rethink boredom—and maybe even celebrate it.

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Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode250.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Supporting students with learning gaps can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift, host of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations and Director of Professional Learning and Academic Partnerships at Learning Without Tears. Cheryl brings both heart and expertise to our conversation as we talk about how to meet students where they are—especially those who are missing foundational literacy skills.

We dive into the impact of the pandemic on student learning, how to assess literacy skills in meaningful ways, and practical strategies for differentiation that benefit every student in the classroom. Cheryl shares how multisensory tools, student choice, and oral language can all be leveraged to support growth in reading and writing. Whether your students are working below, on, or above grade level, this episode is filled with actionable ideas you can start using right away.

If you’re looking for ways to help struggling readers, foster a love of literacy, or simply breathe new life into your instruction, this episode is full of encouragement and practical wisdom. Take a deep breath, grab a notebook, and let’s rethink how we can close learning gaps—one student at a time.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode249.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Personal narratives have long been a staple in elementary writing instruction—but what if this traditional approach is actually holding our students back? In this episode, we’re rethinking the role of personal narrative writing and exploring why it can be such a challenging task for students. From memory recall struggles to a lack of structured storytelling practice, we’re unpacking the reasons personal narratives often fall flat in the classroom.

Instead of having students write about personal experiences they can’t quite remember or don’t feel confident sharing, what if we shifted our focus toward content-based expository and narrative writing? When students write about what they’ve learned—whether it’s a science topic, a social studies figure, or a story they’ve read—they’re better equipped with the background knowledge and vocabulary to write with clarity, detail, and structure.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through why content-rich writing tasks can lead to better writing outcomes, how to redefine narrative writing beyond personal stories, and what it looks like to create a knowledge-driven writing block. If you’ve been frustrated with vague student writing or looking for ways to make your writing instruction more meaningful, this episode is a must-listen!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode248.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Standardized testing season is just around the corner, and if the thought of long testing days, endless review packets, and restless students already has you stressed, you’re not alone. In this episode of our Dear Stellar Teacher series, Sara and Emily are sharing realistic and encouraging strategies to help you navigate test prep season with more joy, confidence, and intention—without overwhelming your students (or yourself!).

From building test-taking stamina to rethinking how we review and prep, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas to help you maintain a positive classroom environment and keep students motivated and supported during testing season. Plus, you’ll hear some of our favorite ways to create balance and avoid burnout, so your students can show up on test day feeling confident and calm.

We also share a few common mistakes to avoid during the final weeks of test prep, along with our go-to ways to maintain your normal literacy routines while still meeting test prep goals. Whether you're a test-season veteran or heading into your first round of state assessments, this episode will help you finish the year strong—with a little more fun and a lot less stress.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode247.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Managing student behavior can be one of the most challenging parts of teaching, and it’s easy to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even like you’re doing something wrong. But what if there was a way to navigate classroom behavior with more confidence and compassion—without shame for teachers or students? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Allie Szczecinski, is here to talk about. Allie is the creator behind Miss Behavior and the author of the upcoming book Their Best Behavior, and she’s sharing practical, teacher-friendly strategies to support students while creating a positive and structured learning environment.

In this conversation, Allie and I discuss the intersection of social-emotional learning (SEL) and literacy instruction, simple ways to integrate SEL into your daily lessons, and how a proactive approach to behavior management can transform the classroom experience. We also tackle some of the most common behavior challenges teachers face and what to do when you feel stuck without a clear plan for support. Whether you’ve struggled with student back talk, disengagement, or inconsistent classroom routines, you’ll walk away from this episode with actionable strategies to try right away.

If you've ever taken student behavior challenges personally or wished for more effective ways to support struggling students, this episode is for you. Allie’s approach removes shame from the conversation and replaces it with understanding, structure, and clear next steps. Let’s dive in!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode246.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Comprehension instruction is about more than just teaching individual strategies—it’s about creating the right conditions for students to deeply understand what they read. In this episode, we’re continuing our two-part series on comprehension by exploring exactly how to move beyond the strategy-of-the-week approach. If you haven’t already listened to episode 244, be sure to go back and check it out first!

Today, I’m sharing two simple but powerful shifts that can make a big impact on your students’ reading comprehension. First, we’ll explore the 3-2-1 framework—an easy way to build background knowledge, introduce key vocabulary, analyze sentence structure, and engage students in meaningful discussions about texts. Then, we’ll dive into how to be more intentional with text selection so that students engage with content-rich, purposeful texts that expand their knowledge and strengthen their comprehension.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make comprehension instruction more effective, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away. Plus, if you want even more guidance, our Unlocking Comprehension workshop is still available throughout March—visit stellarteacher.com/workshop to sign up!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode245.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

If you’ve ever wondered why your students can master comprehension skills one week but struggle the next, you’re not alone. Many upper elementary teachers follow a standards-based approach, teaching comprehension skills in isolation. But what if that’s the very thing preventing students from building lasting comprehension? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the biggest mistake teachers make when teaching comprehension—and why shifting your approach can lead to better results.

Too often, comprehension instruction in upper elementary classrooms is structured around a checklist of isolated skills—one week on main idea, another on summarizing, then moving on to character analysis. But is this approach truly helping students become strong, independent readers? The reality is that comprehension isn’t just about mastering individual skills—it’s an outcome that depends on multiple factors, including background knowledge, vocabulary, and fluency. When we focus too heavily on isolated comprehension strategies, we miss the bigger picture of what truly helps students understand and retain what they read.

We’ll break down why teaching comprehension skills in isolation doesn’t lead to lasting comprehension and discuss the key factors that truly impact students’ ability to understand a text. By the end of this episode, you’ll start to see comprehension not as a checklist of strategies but as an outcome—one that requires the right instructional conditions to happen. And if you want to take an even deeper dive into this topic, be sure to join us for our upcoming Unlocking Comprehension workshop this March at stellarteacher.com/workshop.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode244.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Supporting struggling readers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start or how to make the most of your intervention time. That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Shannon Moore from Moore Literacy Leaps to the podcast today! As a certified reading specialist, Shannon has helped countless teachers and schools implement effective literacy intervention programs, and she’s here to break it all down for us.

In this episode, we’re tackling the four essential components of literacy intervention—data analysis, skill-based grouping, progress monitoring, and planning. Shannon shares practical strategies for making intervention both manageable and effective, so you can confidently support your students without feeling like you’re drowning in extra work. Whether your school has a structured intervention program or you’re navigating this on your own, you’ll walk away with clear steps to ensure struggling readers get the help they need.

If you’ve ever wished for a more structured approach to intervention or wondered how to better track student progress, this episode is for you! Shannon’s expertise will give you the tools to implement research-based strategies that lead to real growth for your students. Let’s get started!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode243.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Taking personal days as a teacher can feel complicated. Between the guilt, the prep work, and the fear of falling behind, many educators avoid taking time off even when they need it. But here’s the thing—your personal days are part of your compensation, and you deserve to use them without feeling guilt. In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I are breaking down why teachers struggle to take time off and how you can shift your mindset to confidently use your personal days when you need them.

We know that planning for a sub can sometimes feel like more work than it’s worth, but we’re sharing simple strategies to make it easier—from creating emergency sub plans to building routines that keep your classroom running smoothly. We’re also talking about how teachers can help shift school culture so that taking time off is normalized instead of frowned upon.

If you’ve ever second-guessed taking personal days or worried about what others might think, this episode is for you. We’re here to remind you that rest is necessary, and you shouldn’t have to feel guilty for taking time off. Tune in for an honest conversation about setting boundaries, making sub planning easier, and finally letting go of the guilt!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode242.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

If you’re looking for a more effective way to help your students expand their vocabulary—without relying on endless word lists—this episode is for you! Today, we’re diving into morphology instruction and how a simple five-step routine can transform the way your students learn new words. By teaching morphemes explicitly, you can give your students the tools to decode unfamiliar words, make meaning independently, and support them in expanding vocabulary in a meaningful, lasting way.

Teaching morphemes is one of the most powerful strategies for helping students recognize word patterns, determine word meanings, and build a stronger understanding of language. But if you’ve ever felt like you didn’t have enough time in the day to fit in meaningful word study, or if you’ve relied on worksheets and memorization without seeing long-term retention, this episode will show you a more effective approach to expanding vocabulary in your classroom.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through a structured, step-by-step approach to teaching morphemes that will help students recognize word patterns, build connections, and focus on expanding vocabulary across all subject areas. This strategy works for all students but is especially powerful for upper elementary learners tackling complex texts.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple and effective plan for incorporating morphology into your literacy block—without adding more memorization or worksheets! Whether you're new to morphology instruction or looking for ways to refine your approach, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to support your students in expanding vocabulary in a way that truly sticks.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode240.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

If you’ve ever wondered whether fluency instruction still matters in upper elementary, this episode is for you! Many teachers assume fluency is something students master in the early grades, but the truth is, fluency plays a critical role in reading success at every stage. In this episode, we’re diving into why fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehension—and why it deserves just as much attention in third, fourth, and fifth grade as it does in K–2.

Fluency is more than just reading fast. It’s about reading with accuracy, appropriate pacing, and expression—all of which help students fully understand what they read. Without strong fluency skills, students often struggle with comprehension, and those gaps can persist well into middle and high school. That’s why today’s conversation is all about making fluency a priority in upper elementary and finding simple, effective ways to incorporate fluency practice into your literacy block to set students up for reading success.

If you’ve noticed that some of your students read too slowly, skip words, or sound robotic when reading aloud, this episode will give you the tools to help them improve. We’ll discuss why fluency is essential, common fluency challenges in upper elementary, and a structured five-day fluency routine that you can easily implement in just a few minutes a day. With these strategies, you can boost your students’ confidence, comprehension, and overall reading success. Let’s jump in and make fluency a key part of your reading instruction!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode240.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

If you’re on a journey to align your instruction with the science of reading, this episode is a must-listen! Today, I’m sitting down with educator, literacy advocate, and author Lindsay Kemeny to talk about how research-backed strategies can transform the way we teach reading. Whether you’re in early elementary or upper elementary, these strategies will help you strengthen foundational literacy skills and support all students—especially those who struggle with decoding and comprehension.

Lindsay’s book, Seven Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-3 Reading Success, is packed with strategies that help teachers bridge the gap between research and classroom practice in a way that truly benefits students. In this conversation, Lindsay shares how her personal journey supporting her son through dyslexia led her to completely transform her teaching. She walks us through the seven powerful strategies for reading instruction that have made a huge impact in her classroom and can help all students—whether they’re just beginning to read or still struggling in upper elementary. These strategies are not only backed by research but have been tested in real classrooms, making them practical and easy to implement.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by gaps in reading instruction or unsure of how to support students who need more explicit, structured literacy practices, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take action. Lindsay breaks down each of the seven mighty moves and offers advice on where to start, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make meaningful progress without feeling like you have to overhaul everything at once. Get ready to walk away with practical, effective strategies for reading that you can start using in your classroom right away!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode237.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Teaching is full of big goals, high expectations, and never-ending to-do lists—but what if you could make meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed? In this Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Emily and I are breaking down simple, actionable strategies to help you stay on track, build momentum, and reach your goals without burnout.

We know that so many teachers feel like they’re constantly behind, no matter how much they accomplish. But here’s the truth: you’re not behind—you’re right on time. Today, we’re sharing mindset shifts and practical steps that will help you prioritize, focus on what really matters, and confidently move forward without the pressure of perfection.

If you’ve been feeling like there’s too much to do and not enough time, this episode will help you reset and refocus. Whether you're looking to improve your literacy instruction, streamline your routines, or simply feel more in control of your workload, we’ve got encouragement and strategies to help. Let’s dive in!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode237.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

If you’re looking for a structured, research-backed approach to improving your students’ reading comprehension, this episode is for you. We’re diving into reciprocal teaching, a highly effective strategy that helps students become active, engaged readers by focusing on four key comprehension skills: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing. This approach encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and independent learning—giving students the tools they need to deeply understand any text.

Reciprocal teaching isn’t just another comprehension strategy—it’s a powerful, interactive routine that fosters student-led discussions and enhances metacognitive awareness. Research has consistently shown that students who engage in reciprocal teaching make significant gains in comprehension. And the best part? It’s easy to implement with any text and across all subject areas. In this episode, I’ll break down how to introduce reciprocal teaching in your classroom, step by step, so your students can start benefiting from it right away.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for setting up reciprocal teaching in your classroom, from modeling and guided practice to full student-led implementation. Whether you teach third, fourth, or fifth grade, this strategy can make a meaningful impact on your students' ability to process and engage with complex texts. So, if you’re ready to boost comprehension and empower your students as confident, independent readers, let’s dive in!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode237.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Have you ever wondered if read-alouds still belong in a Science of Reading-aligned classroom? As we dive deeper into research-based literacy practices, it’s easy to question whether cherished routines like reading aloud still have a place. The good news? They absolutely do! In this episode, we explore how read-alouds can be a powerful tool to build language comprehension, foster engagement, and enrich your students’ reading experiences.

Joining me today is Dr. Molly Ness, a researcher, author, and expert on read-alouds. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for literacy, Dr. Ness shares fascinating insights into the academic, linguistic, and even physiological benefits of read-alouds. Together, we’ll discuss how read-alouds go beyond enjoyment to support vocabulary acquisition, background knowledge, and critical thinking skills.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your current read-aloud practices or seeking fresh ideas to make them more impactful, this episode is packed with practical tips and research-based strategies. Tune in to discover why read-alouds remain a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction—and how you can use them to inspire and empower your students.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode236.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Are your students struggling to fully understand what they read? Teaching reading comprehension can be one of the most challenging parts of literacy instruction, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you see your students grow as confident, capable readers. In today’s episode, we’re diving into three powerful routines that can help you strengthen your students’ reading comprehension and transform how they engage with texts.

These routines focus on three key areas: explicit vocabulary instruction, writing about reading, and fluency practice. Grounded in research and designed to be practical for busy classrooms, each strategy provides a clear path to building the skills students need to deepen their understanding of what they read. When implemented consistently, these routines can make a meaningful difference in your students’ reading success.

Reading comprehension isn’t something that happens by chance—it’s the result of intentional instruction and consistent routines. In this episode, I’ll walk you through actionable steps for each routine, making it easy to incorporate them into your literacy block. Whether you’re supporting struggling readers or refining your teaching practices, these strategies will empower your students to thrive in literacy this semester and beyond.

If you’re participating in our Comprehension Reset Challenge, this episode aligns with what you’ve been learning. Haven’t joined yet? There’s still time! Sign up at stellarteacher.com/reset to access daily videos packed with evidence-based strategies. Let’s kick off the semester by resetting your approach to comprehension instruction.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode235.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Wondering how to teach comprehension effectively? You’re not alone. In this month's Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily joins me to answer a listener question about whether to teach comprehension strategies, like finding the main idea, before diving into a text. This question opens the door to an insightful conversation about shifting from traditional methods to evidence-based practices that truly help students comprehend what they read.

In this episode, we explore why the classic "strategy of the week" approach may not be the best way to teach comprehension. Instead, we highlight the importance of creating the right conditions for comprehension, including building background knowledge, focusing on syntax, and selecting text-dependent practices. By understanding how comprehension works as an outcome of multiple factors, you’ll feel empowered to teach comprehension in a way that truly benefits your students.

If you’re ready to refine your approach and discover better ways to teach comprehension, don’t miss our FREE Comprehension Reset Challenge. Starting January 11th, 2025, this week-long virtual event will transform how you approach comprehension instruction. Sign up at stellarteacher.com/reset. Let’s kick off the new year with strategies that lead to lasting success!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode234.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Struggling with teaching comprehension? You’re not alone. Many students find comprehension challenging, and as teachers, it’s easy to feel stuck when strategies don’t seem to stick. In this episode, we’ll explore five common misconceptions about comprehension and how addressing them can transform your literacy instruction. If you’ve ever wondered why your students aren’t mastering comprehension strategies or why their understanding seems inconsistent, this episode is a must-listen.

Comprehension is more complex than it seems, and traditional methods often miss the mark. By viewing comprehension as an outcome rather than a single skill, and by focusing on elements like background knowledge, vocabulary, and syntax, you can unlock significant progress in your students’ reading abilities. I’ll also share actionable strategies to help you assess comprehension authentically and build the foundational skills students need for success.

Whether you want to refine your strategies or start fresh this semester, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your students succeed. Plus, join us for our FREE Comprehension Reset Challenge starting January 11 to dive deeper into evidence-based strategies. Head to stellarteacher.com/reset to sign up today!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode233.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

As you head into your well-deserved winter break, it’s the perfect time to contemplate a plan for a smooth return to the classroom. In this episode, we’re bringing back one of our most-loved episodes from the archives: 5 Creative Ways to Reteach Classroom Routines in January. Whether your students need reminders on how to line up, transition between activities, or engage during independent reading, these fun and effective strategies will help you reset your classroom expectations without stress.

Returning from winter break can be a challenging transition for both teachers and students. After two weeks away, routines can feel like a distant memory, and classroom behavior might get a little “spicy.” That’s why taking time to reteach and reinforce your expectations is so important—and these strategies make it engaging, lighthearted, and manageable. You’ll hear how to involve your students in the process, make routines fun, and ensure the second half of the school year starts off strong.

So, whether you’re tuning in during the first days of break (I hope you’re relaxing!) or saving this episode to help you prep before heading back to school, this episode will give you a simple game plan for tackling routines and behaviors in January. Let’s jump into five creative and student-centered ways to refresh your classroom routines so you can head into the new year with confidence and calm.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode232.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Winter break is almost here, and you’re probably balancing excitement for the holidays with the pressure to assess student learning before the semester wraps up. But assessments don’t have to mean stressful, time-consuming tests. This week on The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes from the archives: Creative Ways to Assess Student Learning. These quick and engaging strategies will help you gather valuable insights without overwhelming your students—or yourself!

In this episode, I’ll share 10 creative ways to assess student learning without relying on traditional tests. From quick brain dumps to hashtag challenges, these ideas are versatile, low-prep, and effective across all subjects. They’re designed to give you meaningful insights into your students’ thinking and understanding while keeping them engaged and motivated during the final days before winter break.

If you’re looking for fresh ideas to assess student learning, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use right away. And if you’re looking for even more ideas, check out the templates available in my TPT store to make implementing these strategies even easier. Let’s finish the semester strong with fun, meaningful ways to celebrate all the learning your students have done so far!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode231.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Dyslexia is a complex challenge—but with the right support, students can thrive. In this episode, Sara is joined by dyslexia specialist Heather O’Donnell to explore how teachers can build strong, collaborative relationships with parents to support students with dyslexia. Together, they break down the essential steps teachers can take to identify potential signs of dyslexia and how to communicate effectively with families to ensure students get the interventions they need to succeed.

Heather unpacks the common signs of dyslexia that teachers may observe, including challenges with reading, writing, spelling, and executive function tasks. She highlights the importance of early identification and structured literacy interventions, while also addressing misconceptions about dyslexia, like the myth that it’s simply “reversing letters.” With her practical advice, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to approach this learning difference with empathy and expertise.

Whether you’ve worked with students with dyslexia before or are supporting a student for the first time, this episode offers valuable insights to help you build a team approach. Discover how to empower both students and parents with the tools they need to overcome obstacles and celebrate progress along the way. Don’t miss Heather’s expert tips for fostering confidence and collaboration in every step of the journey!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode230.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Have you ever felt a little possessive over a favorite classroom activity or picture book? You’re not alone! In this month’s Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Sara and Emily dive into a question many teachers can relate to: What do you do when a beloved book or activity has already been used by another grade level? Together, they explore how to shift your mindset from competition to collaboration, unlocking new opportunities for your students.

Throughout this episode, Sara and Emily share practical strategies to make familiar books and routines feel fresh and engaging, even for students who’ve seen them before. From creating collaborative campus traditions to tailoring activities for different grade levels, they highlight how to maximize the learning potential of shared resources. Plus, they discuss the unexpected benefits of rereading books and repeating routines across multiple years.

Whether you’ve encountered this scenario or are simply curious about fostering a collaborative teaching culture, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Don’t miss the chance to transform how you approach shared classroom materials and build a stronger sense of community on your campus. Let’s make teaching a true team sport!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode229.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Do your students struggle to turn their ideas into cohesive, organized writing? If so, you’re not alone. Outlining is an essential step in the writing process, yet it’s often rushed or overlooked in classrooms. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the art of teaching outlining—a skill that makes writing easier and more effective for students. By helping students create a roadmap for their writing, you’ll set them up for success and reduce the frustration of staring at a blank page.

Drawing inspiration from The Writing Rope by Joan Sedita and The Writing Revolution by Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler, we’ll explore why spending more time in the “think and plan” stage can transform your students’ writing. We’ll discuss how outlines reduce the cognitive load of drafting and make the writing process more efficient. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, organizing details, or structuring a paragraph, outlining is the key to unlocking confident and skilled student writers.

In this episode, I’m sharing three strategies to help your students master outlining. From teaching them to identify the task, audience, and purpose (TAP) to practicing paragraph deconstruction, you’ll walk away with practical tips to implement immediately. Plus, you’ll discover how to seamlessly integrate outlining into your literacy block and beyond, empowering your students to write with clarity and confidence.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode228.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

If teaching topic sentences has ever felt like a struggle, you’re not alone. Many students find it challenging to start their paragraphs with a clear, engaging main idea, often jumping into details or relying on repetitive phrases. In today’s episode, we’re tackling this foundational writing skill with six practical strategies to help students craft topic sentences that truly enhance their paragraphs.

Reflecting on my own classroom experiences, I remember how often students would freeze at the beginning of a paragraph or produce overly generic topic sentences. Now, with proven strategies in hand, I’m here to share exactly how you can guide your students to create topic sentences that set the right tone and direction for their writing. From structuring their ideas to experimenting with sentence frames, these approaches will make a noticeable difference.

Join me as we explore hands-on activities and techniques, like identifying topic sentences in reading materials and practicing with prompts, that are sure to build your students’ confidence and skill. With a bit of guidance, you’ll see them move from hesitation to mastery in no time! Plus, these strategies will not only strengthen their topic sentences but also enhance their overall paragraph writing, helping them create clearer, more cohesive paragraphs with ease.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode227.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stellar Teacher Summer Book Study: The Writing Revolution 2.0

Learn more about our summer book study, and sign up here: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/stc-book-study

Sentence-level writing can be a skill that is often overlooked but absolutely essential for literacy success. Many teachers feel the pressure to focus on end-of-year essay skills, but without strong sentence foundations, even the best essay instruction can falter. I’ll be sharing why it’s crucial to prioritize sentence writing with your students and how this focus will strengthen all areas of their literacy—from writing coherence to reading comprehension.

Why is sentence work so powerful? It all starts with structure. When students learn to craft clear, varied, and purposeful sentences, they unlock the ability to communicate their ideas effectively. This skill also boosts comprehension, as students who understand sentence structure can better interpret complex texts. By building sentence-level skills, we’re helping students develop clarity in both their writing and their reading—setting them up for academic success across subjects.

You’ll leave this episode with practical strategies to bring sentence-level work into your classroom, even if you’re short on time. Whether through sentence deconstruction in small groups or fluency-building exercises, these approaches will transform how your students approach writing and understanding texts. Ready to make sentence writing a priority? Tune in to discover how focusing on sentences can be one of the most impactful shifts you make in your teaching practice.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

Welcome to this month’s episode of Dear Stellar Teacher! We’re kicking things off with a heartwarming story straight from our Stellar Literacy Collective Facebook community, where fifth and sixth-grade teacher Rebecca shares an inspiring classroom win. At her new school, Rebecca has been using our whole group lessons, including a powerful poetry lesson on The Invisible Backpack, a lesson designed to help students understand that everyone carries unseen challenges or struggles. She had her students reflect on it through a thoughtful writing prompt—a moment that brought both empathy and comprehension to the forefront of learning and allowed her to make personal connections with her students.

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking one of teaching’s biggest balancing acts: grading. Teachers often wonder how many grades to take, what to grade, and the type of feedback to offer. We’ll talk about balancing grading requirements with meaningful assessments, helping you reduce pressure while still providing valuable insights for your students. Our goal? To streamline your grading process so it’s not just about checking boxes but rather about fostering growth and understanding. One tip we discuss is how to use in-class grading for instant feedback—an approach that saves time and boosts student engagement.

It's important to keep in mind that grades are more than just numbers in a grade book; they’re a way to communicate progress and provide feedback that supports student growth. By staying intentional about what and when we grade, we can shift our focus from merely fulfilling requirements to fostering a more meaningful learning experience. Instead of letting grading become a burdensome task, let’s remember that it’s an opportunity to guide, encourage, and celebrate each student’s journey.

If you have ideas or topics you’d like us to cover in a future Dear Stellar Teacher episode, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to bring you the best insights and takeaways from the incredible Reading League Conference, where a few teammates and I learned from some of the brightest minds in literacy education. If you’re unfamiliar, the Reading League is a powerful organization dedicated to helping teachers implement effective literacy practices rooted in the science of reading. I absolutely love their mission: “We believe all children deserve to learn to read, and all teachers can learn to teach them.” That vision aligns so well with what we strive for here on the podcast—empowering teachers to provide the best instruction possible.

Throughout the Reading League Conference, I attended several incredible sessions, each offering valuable insights into literacy instruction and how we can better support our students. From understanding the importance of balancing word recognition with comprehension skills, to grasping how the science of reading and the science of learning intersect, I walked away with a renewed sense of purpose. One major takeaway was the reminder that while research provides clear direction, the real challenge lies in effectively implementing these best practices in a way that supports each student's unique learning journey.

I also left the Reading League Conference feeling energized by the discussions around how emotions, cognitive load, and productive struggle play a role in literacy learning. It’s not just about the programs or strategies we use, but how we create environments where students are challenged yet supported, and how we recognize their progress along the way. These insights have sparked new ideas for future podcast episodes and Stellar Teacher resources, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into these topics with you all!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

Have you ever spent time teaching new vocabulary—defining words, providing examples, and guiding your students through practice—only to see them struggle to use those words in their own sentences? Frustrating, right? In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're here to change that! We’re sharing four simple yet powerful strategies that will help your students not only grasp new words but actually use them in meaningful ways, building a robust vocabulary that sticks. If you want to supercharge your vocabulary instruction, this episode is a must-listen!

Why is building a robust vocabulary so crucial? Research shows that students need to understand 90-95% of the words in a text to truly comprehend it. Vocabulary mastery can account for up to 80% of reading comprehension scores! But teaching vocabulary is about more than just definitions—it’s about giving students repeated, meaningful practice using those words in context, creating a robust vocabulary that supports their reading comprehension and overall academic success.

In this episode, you'll learn four actionable strategies designed to help your students build a more robust vocabulary, including "repeat after me", yes/no questions, partner discussions, and sentence stems. These methods give students the support they need to use new words confidently and correctly. Tune in to discover how you can make vocabulary instruction more engaging and effective, ensuring your students don’t just learn new words—they truly understand and use them!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

In this episode, we’re exploring the benefits of writing about reading. Research shows that engaging students in writing about what they read can significantly improve their understanding and retention of the material. We’ll unpack what this research means for your classroom, why it’s particularly impactful for struggling readers and writers, and how you can make "writing stuff" a regular part of your literacy block.

So why is writing about reading so powerful? It not only helps students clarify their thoughts and focus on the most important information from a text, but also encourages them to make connections and reflect on their reading. The process of transforming their ideas into their own words, whether by summarizing, sharing personal opinions, or writing reviews, pushes students to think critically and engage actively with the content. Throughout this episode, we’ll explore how you can incorporate these writing activities into your teaching practice, making it a seamless and effective way to boost student comprehension.

Ready to get started? We’ll be sharing three simple and practical strategies for bringing more writing about reading into your literacy block. You’ll learn how to help students summarize texts, respond with personal reactions, and write reviews—all of which can be done with minimal prep work. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a range of ideas to implement immediately, so you can begin to see the benefits of this powerful practice in your classroom today. Tune in, take notes, and think about which of these writing tasks you can introduce to your students this week!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new podcast segment, Dear Stellar Teacher! We are so excited to launch this monthly segment, where we’ll be diving into listener questions, sharing stories from teachers, and having real, candid conversations about the joys and challenges of teaching. You can expect these episodes to hit your feed on the first Monday of every month, giving you that extra dose of inspiration and encouragement to kick off your month. For these episodes I will be joined by my amazing teammate, Emily Caudill, who is one of our curriculum creators at The Stellar Teacher Company, and a former elementary teacher.

In today's episode, we tackle a question that so many teachers struggle with – how to fit everything into your literacy block when your time feels stretched and your schedule is chaotic. We’ll share tips for maximizing your literacy time, making transitions more efficient, and even doing a time audit to pinpoint where you can make small, impactful changes. We'll discuss how to get creative with your time by “double-dipping” parts of your literacy block and why routines can be the secret to maximizing both your instructional time and your planning efficiency.

We also reflect on the importance of mindset, and the importance of focusing on what you can control, while letting go of what you can't. While it’s natural to want to fit everything in, remember that progress beats perfection. It’s perfectly fine to slow down or revisit a concept to ensure your students truly understand before moving on. We share an inspiring story from a teacher inside the Stellar Literacy Collective who did that, and how her students benefited. So, if you’re feeling pressed for time or just want to make your schedule work better for you, tune in for tips, mindset shifts, and solutions to help you take back control of your day!

Do you have a burning question you want us to explore on the podcast? Or maybe you have an amazing story that deserves a shout-out? We’d be thrilled to feature your question or stellar story on the show! Just shoot us an email at sara@stellarteacher.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that many upper elementary teachers grapple with—how to help students with decoding multisyllabic words. I’m excited to be joined by Marnie Ginsberg, the founder of Reading Simplified, a research-based program that gives educators practical tools to support struggling readers. Marnie is here to share some incredibly simple yet powerful strategies that you can start implementing right away. Whether your students are stumbling over three-syllable words or longer, these tips will help them gain the skills they need to become confident readers.

Decoding single-syllable words is tough enough, but when students are introduced to multisyllabic words, the challenge escalates. As Marnie explains, multisyllabic words build upon the decoding skills students develop early on, but with extra complexities. We’ll talk about how these multi-step processes can overwhelm students who haven’t mastered automaticity with one-syllable words and why addressing this gap is critical for their reading fluency and comprehension. Many teachers focus heavily on comprehension, but Marnie reminds us that if students struggle to decode, that’s where we need to begin.

During our conversation, Marnie also introduces specific activities like "Switch It", "Read It,", and "Write It" which help refine students’ letter-sound knowledge and build the automaticity needed for decoding longer words. You’ll hear how you can incorporate these strategies into your classroom, even if you're not a phonics expert. Marnie’s practical tips will give you the tools to support students who are falling behind, empowering them to become fluent, confident readers capable of tackling multisyllabic words with ease.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into five key strategies to help you build a more effective literacy block in your classroom. As teachers, it can be tempting to compartmentalize every aspect of literacy instruction into separate chunks, but that often leads to time constraints and missed opportunities for students to apply their skills holistically. We’ll explore why it's crucial to avoid teaching everything in isolation and how we, at the Stellar Literacy Collective, have designed resources to make it easier for you to integrate different literacy components seamlessly into your schedule.

Flexibility is key when planning your literacy block. While routines and schedules provide structure, being adaptable to your students' needs is just as important. Today, we’ll discuss how to balance the consistency of your literacy routines with the flexibility to adjust your pacing based on student responses. Remember, the goal isn’t to rigidly follow the schedule but to focus on the content and let your students' progress guide your instruction.

We’ll also talk about setting realistic expectations for what you can accomplish in your literacy block. By auditing your time and building in buffer moments, you’ll become better at predicting how long activities will actually take. Along the way, we’ll touch on why focusing on mastery over mere completion leads to meaningful progress, and why the traditional five-day school week shouldn’t be the sole dictator of your schedule. So don’t be afraid to introduce new lessons or assessments on any day of the week!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

In upper elementary, students are exposed to more multisyllabic words in the texts they are reading. Coming across big words can feel intimidating and overwhelming. To help, I've created a simple strategy and visual that you can start using with your students immediately that will help them decode and understand multisyllabic words.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through a 5-step process for decoding multisyllabic words, explaining the key foundational concepts students need beforehand. I’ll also show you how to implement this routine in your classroom and how to use it as a diagnostic tool to identify where students need extra support, leading to better reading success.

Supporting students who struggle to read big words can be tough. My hope is that with this 5-step process, you’ll equip them with a tool that scaffolds learning until decoding multisyllabic words becomes automatic!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode218.

Writing instruction is crucial in every 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade classroom. But with limited time in an already packed literacy block, how do we cover everything students need to know? The solution is simple: integrate writing instruction into all content areas.

In this episode, my goal is to inspire every teacher to see themselves as a writing teacher, no matter the subject they teach. Writing skills and an understanding of sentence structure are vital for student success across all subjects. By the time students reach upper elementary, they are doing more content writing, and with just a little bit of intention and a little extra time, you can seamlessly incorporate writing instruction into science, social studies, math, and more.

After you listen to this episode, I have two challenges for you. The first is to pick one of the five ideas shared in this episode and implement it this week. The second challenge is to share this episode with a fellow educator. Embedding writing instruction throughout the day is essential, so spread the word to help increase student writing in every content area!

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I remember back-to-school time being both exciting and exhausting. It's a new school year filled with fresh possibilities. It's also extremely busy with classroom setup, planning, organizing, and meeting students, parents, and new teachers. To lighten your load, I'm sharing 3 important literacy lessons to teach at the beginning of the year to set your students up for literacy success.

As literacy teachers, we strive to build skilled readers who develop a love for reading. I've come up with 3 literacy lessons that are great to teach at the beginning of the year, and I've included various ideas for fun, engaging activities for students to participate in during each lesson. Plus I share picture books you can use to go along with each lesson.

Focusing on literacy from the start emphasizes its importance. Therefore, implementing these 3 essential literacy lessons towards the beginning of the year will lead to more skilled readers in your classroom this school year!

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We've discussed how challenging it is to fit all the necessary skills into your literacy block with limited time. But what if I told you that focusing on fluency doesn't have to take extra time? It can be seamlessly integrated throughout your day. Game changer, right? In today's episode, my special guest, Aylin Claahsen, shares practical reading fluency activities you can incorporate into your classroom today.

Many believe that upper elementary students are already fluent readers, but that's not always true. Fluency involves five key aspects: accuracy, expression, pace, smoothness, and reading for meaning. While this may seem like a lot, Aylin offers five strategies to help you support fluency development in your students.

Fluency is the thread that ties reading and comprehension together. Aylin's tips are easy to implement and require no extra time or prep. You can start using these reading fluency activities today to enhance students comprehension, fluency, and their love for reading.

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I loved teaching genre when I was in the classroom, and now I love talking about it. I view teaching genre as the cornerstone of a literacy block. Genre is something that you can talk about in both reading and writing, so anytime you talk about genre, it can have an impact on all areas of your literacy block.

Genre categorizes books and texts by specific attributes. When students understand genre, it gives them a roadmap to help them navigate the texts they read. By learning genre, students gain tools and clues to comprehend different types of texts.

Teaching genre boosts academic performance, student engagement, and community building. It's a great topic to introduce at the start of the year. In this episode, I share three fun activities to introduce genre to your students.

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Today, we're focusing on social and emotional learning (SEL) with Abby from Mrs. Mo's Modifications. Abby, a behavior specialist and former special education teacher, is passionate about helping teachers incorporate social and emotional learning into their classrooms. In our conversation, she explains what SEL is and its importance, emphasizing the need to explicitly teach and practice these skills with students.

As the new school year approaches, I challenge you to embed social and emotional learning practices in your classroom. Consider incorporating welcoming activities to build rapport, engaging lessons that encourage participation, and teaching topics such as friendship, goal setting, dealing with failure, and coping skills. Model these practices and give students time to practice them.

Teaching social and emotional learning is crucial for whole child development. When we are teaching academics, we are teaching human beings. We need to make sure that we're addressing the whole child and giving them support in all areas, not just our content specialist area. Tune in to learn how to make SEL a reality in your classroom this year.

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As a new school year approaches and you prepare your literacy lessons and schedule, I want to share some advice on teaching word study. In this episode, I'll discuss 5 things to do and 5 things to avoid in word study instruction.

Expanding students' vocabularies is crucial in upper elementary, so incorporate a daily word study activity. This should be a shared goal across all subjects, not just ELA. Make your lessons fun and engaging for all students, and always connect word study instruction to students' reading and writing.

Teaching word study can be intimidating, but you don't need to be an expert to start. You can do it! Reuse routines and activities throughout the year with new words. Keep instruction bite-sized, and teach word study concepts as generalizations, not rigid rules. The goal is not mastery but helping students apply what they learn to their reading and writing.

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I’ve shared on the podcast before that it’s impossible to teach every single unknown word to your students. So, with that in mind, what can you do as a literacy teacher to help your students learn and understand the meaning of new words? You need to provide them with the tools to figure out word meanings, and one way to do that is through teaching morphology. In today’s episode, I’m explaining what morphology is and how you can teach it.

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As elementary teachers plan their small groups, they think about the lessons they’ll be teaching, activities for students to engage in, and the number of students in each group. And while those are important components of a successful small group, there’s one major aspect teachers don’t often think about: the rest of their class! This is such a challenge for teachers that the number one question I get asked pertaining to small groups is What do I do with the rest of my class so I can pull small groups? So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five ways to plan your small group time that also engages the rest of your class.

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As we conclude our Science of Reading Summer Series, I want to share some tips for planning your literacy block for next year. We know fitting everything into a literacy block can be challenging, so here are some key components to include: word study, reading comprehension, whole group lessons, writing, small group lessons, independent practice, and transitions.

The good news is that these components don't have to be done in isolation. I encourage you to be creative and find ways to teach multiple concepts at once. Integrating different elements can make your literacy block more engaging and efficient, allowing you to cover more ground without overwhelming your students.

Remember that while it's important to establish routines and structure in your literacy block, you want to also maintain flexibility to adjust as needed throughout the year. This adaptability ensures we can meet our students' needs and help them become successful readers and writers.

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Being an upper elementary teacher means that we put a bigger focus on getting students to write a five-paragraph essay by the end of the year. And as we’ve talked about recently on the podcast, students need to have a foundation of good sentence writing first. Once students have that solid foundation, they then learn how to write strong paragraphs. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five tips that will help students write better paragraphs in upper elementary.

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The Simple View of Reading highlights that reading comprehension requires proficiency in both decoding and language comprehension. If a student struggles with decoding, effective comprehension instruction won't help them understand the text because decoding is a crucial part of reading. In this episode, I share a straightforward process to help your students read and decode multisyllabic words.

To decode multisyllabic words, students should circle any prefixes, put a box around any suffixes, look at the remaining part of the word, underline the vowels, and break the word into syllables. Then, they should say the word parts slowly, and then say the word, and see if it sounds like any words they already know. As a bonus step, they can read the word again more quickly and then read it in a sentence.

To help students master decoding multisyllabic words, it's crucial to practice this routine until it becomes automatic. When students can read big words effortlessly, they can focus their mental energy on comprehension. In this episode, I share strategies to make this routine more second nature for your students.

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A common misconception upper elementary teachers often make with sentence writing is that students don’t need to practice or develop this skill. Since teachers are so focused on the end result of a five-paragraph essay, sentence writing is often ignored or not prioritized. However, that’s not benefiting students and their academic success at all. Instead, this foundational skill needs to be incorporated daily into their literacy block. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 ways to improve student sentence writing and why it directly impacts academic success.

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In this episode, we shift our focus from instructional strategies to an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of literacy instruction: the classroom environment, specifically the classroom library. While effective teaching practices are essential, how we organize our learning spaces can significantly impact our students' reading experiences and development. As the new school year approaches, I want to share ideas for organizing your classroom library in ways that align with the science of reading.

I used to organize my library by reading levels, but now I understand that this limits students' reading choices and does not support their growth or love for reading. Instead of doing this in your classroom this year, try organizing it by genre, or topic/theme, or author/series, or a mix of these. These approaches not only help foster a love for reading but also align with how books are organized in real-world settings.

No single organizational method fits all classrooms. However, avoiding reading levels and using a mix of genre, topic, and author organization can create a more engaging and effective classroom library. Tune in to learn the benefits and limitations of each method.

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One of the ways for students to be successful readers and have excellent reading comprehension is if they have a good understanding of words and their meanings. This is why vocabulary instruction is an important aspect of your literacy block, or really during any content area. However, vocabulary instruction is more than just introducing new words to your students. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing four ways to enhance vocabulary instruction and why you should focus on a variety of vocabulary concepts.

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One major goal in upper elementary education is to help students become fluent readers. But what does that really mean? Fluency goes beyond speed; it encompasses the ability to read words, phrases, and entire sections of text quickly, accurately, and with understanding.

Reading fluency serves as the bridge between decoding and comprehension. Strong fluency skills improve both decoding and comprehension because they introduce a level of automaticity. Fluent readers don't need to think about how to read or sound out individual words; they read smoothly and quickly, allowing them to focus more mental energy on comprehension, meaning, purpose, and building knowledge.

So, how can we incorporate this knowledge into our classrooms? In this episode, I will share five strategies to build reading fluency with your students. These strategies are practical, fun, and easy to implement. I hope you'll choose one or two of them to implement in your classroom next year.

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When tackling a new approach to your instruction, it takes a lot of research, dedication, and implementation to find success with your students. After hearing about the science of reading, my guest, Meghan Hein, dove head first into learning all she could about it and has since made small changes to her literacy block to align with its practices just this past school year. So, in this episode, Meghan’s here to talk about her work with the science of reading practices, how she worked to align them with her curriculum, and the impacts they’ve had.

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Scarborough's Reading Rope highlights the necessity of both word recognition and language comprehension for developing skilled readers. In this episode, I focus on effective vocabulary instruction, a crucial component of language comprehension. I will discuss both implicit and explicit vocabulary instruction methods and their role in enhancing students' vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Explicit vocabulary instruction involves directly teaching new words to students, allowing teachers to be intentional about the vocabulary they introduce. In contrast, implicit vocabulary instruction occurs spontaneously during teachable moments and is less structured but natural. However, teaching vocabulary effectively goes beyond knowing word definitions; it requires a deep understanding of instructional strategies. Listen to this episode for ways to effectively teach both implicit and explicit vocabulary in your classroom.

The importance of vocabulary instruction is underscored by the Matthew Effect, which suggests that students with a strong vocabulary foundation can accelerate their learning more quickly than their peers with limited vocabulary. A rich vocabulary makes it easier for students to comprehend complex texts, leading to further vocabulary acquisition and improved reading skills. Conversely, students with poor vocabulary face challenges in progressing and understanding new words from complex texts. Therefore, intentional teaching of both explicit and implicit vocabulary is essential to boost students' reading comprehension and overall literacy skills.

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Happy 200th episode, my friends! While I love reminiscing on milestone episodes, which I do at the beginning of this episode, I thought the best way to celebrate was to do what I started this podcast for. And that is to continue to support teachers in areas of struggle. After recently sending out a survey to my Stellar Teacher community, I once again saw the need for more support in the area of teaching writing. Struggling with this when I was a classroom teacher, I knew I needed to provide more support. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing how to make teaching writing easier and less stressful for you this next school year.

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I often describe text structure as a roadmap for reading. Understanding how texts are organized is crucial for enhancing language comprehension, which plays a significant role in reading. Deciphering text structure aids in identifying key concepts and understanding the relationships among ideas, people, and events in a text. It also prepares students for what to expect and how information will unfold as they read.

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I’ve talked on this podcast before about the science of reading, the major components of it, and why it’s such a major topic in the field of education right now. And while I’ve researched and surrounded myself with all the information I can on it, there’s still so much to unpack and learn. Thankfully, my guest on today’s episode, Katie Egan Cunningham, is an expert on the topic. So, in this episode, Katie is sharing insights into the science of reading, the importance of evidence-based instruction, the idea of the science of happiness, and her new book, Shifting the Balance.

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I'm thrilled to launch our Science of Reading Summer Series by discussing how activating prior knowledge and building background knowledge enhances reading comprehension. Effective comprehension extends beyond decoding words to deeply understanding text through language comprehension. Our aim is not to teach a long list of standards, but to empower students to deeply understand the topic of the texts that they are reading.

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I’ve always been fascinated with how students learn to read, so when I first heard about the science of reading, I couldn’t get enough. I read all the books and did countless hours of research, all to learn this knowledge and share it with my listeners. Starting this Thursday, we’re kicking off our Stellar Teacher Science of Reading Summer Series, where I address one aspect of the science of reading with practical tips and strategies. So, in order to prepare for this upcoming series, in this episode, I’m sharing a brief overview and explaining what the science of reading is and insight into the science of reading in upper elementary.

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I’ll be honest: when I was teaching in the classroom, I knew very little about the work Speech Language Pathologists, or SLPs, did in schools. I knew they pulled students to work on speech services, but not much beyond that. After my conversation with today’s guest, Hallie Sherman, I gained a deeper understanding of the role of an SLP and how they help students with their language, which affects their reading comprehension. In today’s episode with Hallie, you’ll learn how to effectively collaborate with SLPS, ways they support students, and practical strategies you can use in your own classroom.

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After talking with teachers and sending out surveys to the Stellar Teacher community, it’s clear that everyone is struggling with the same thing: how to teach writing. If I’m being honest, this was definitely a struggle for me when I was in the classroom. I wasn’t confident in my skills, therefore I didn’t know how to teach my students. But I don’t want that for you! So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing the essential writing skills for the start of school that will set your students up for writing success.

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Being a first year teacher, there are so many things on your mind and your to-do list before entering your classroom in the fall. But like most first year teachers, they don’t want to wait to get started on all things teaching and are so eager to get started now. Well, if you’re a first-year teacher, you’re in luck! In today’s episode, I have guest Dr. Lori Friesen, who is sharing five things teachers can do now before their first year of teaching.

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If I’m being honest, there were a lot of things that I struggled with during my first few years of teaching, but nothing compared to knowing how to teach vocabulary effectively. In my first few years, I implemented several programs, but neither of them seemed to be the key to having my students know the word and use it correctly. Eventually, I figured out what I needed to do for vocabulary to finally stick for my students. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing my five easy steps for effective vocabulary instruction.

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Join us for our FREE Summer Book Study in June to bring the science of reading into the upper elementary classroom at https://stellarteacher.com/bookstudy.

You all know how much I love bringing on other literacy experts to share their knowledge with you, but today, you’re getting double the knowledge! In my first-ever double-guest episode, I have Melissa and Lori on, and we are talking about all things literacy. They recently wrote a book, answering 50 literacy questions that keep them, and others, up at night. So, in today’s episode, we’re previewing a few of their literacy questions from the book, answering them, and providing you with practical tips to implement in your classroom.

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One of the reasons I love doing this podcast is because I get to share resources, information, and knowledge I’ve learned with you all. I know when I was a classroom teacher, I didn’t have the time to research and really dive into topics like I wanted to. But I get to do that now, and one of the topics I’ve learned so much about, and really one of my favorite topics, is syntax. So, in today’s episode, I’m giving you information for understanding syntax, why it’s important, and ideas to implement in your classroom.

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When working with kids, part of the job is dealing with their behaviors. Just like adults, kids have good and bad days, experience emotions, get excited, and would rather partake in activities that interest them than do their school work. Learning to understand their behaviors and how to manage them in a productive way is the key to supporting them. To help with this, in today’s episode, I have guest Sara Cottrill-Carlo on to discuss understanding student behaviors and proactive intervention strategies to put in place.

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Class discussions are a major part of our classrooms. We want our students engaged, talking, sharing, and interacting with their peers. In an ideal world, all of our students would willingly participate, they’d know exactly what they want to say, and conversations would be flowing throughout the day. However, we know that’s not the case. Many students are reluctant to share, are worried they’re going to have the wrong answer, and so many other worries. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five quick and easy ways for you to enhance class discussions and create more meaningful and productive conversations.

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If you’ve been teaching literacy for a while, you know all about the balanced literacy approach to teaching reading. However, you also know that the approach is outdated and not effective in teaching students how to read. And no one knows this more than my guest, Anna Geiger. A former balanced literacy teacher herself, Anna eventually found her way to the science of reading. In today’s episode, she is sharing her journey and why she believes in a structured literacy approach to reading.

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I’m always reminded how much teachers struggle with this certain writing concept every time I do a workshop or talk with teachers about the struggles they’re facing in their classrooms. I shouldn’t be surprised, for I, too, never felt confident in my ability to teach this concept and, after doing my own research, realized I didn’t teach this to my students in the most effective way. If you haven’t caught on by now, I’m talking about grammar instruction.

I used to spend way too much time teaching grammar in all the wrong ways, but thinking if students knew grammar knowledge, it was going to create strong independent writers. Instead, it did the exact opposite. I finally learned the most effective ways to teach grammar and want to share them with you. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing a few grammar mindset shifts and a simple strategy to help you embed more intentional grammar instruction into your writing block.

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We’ve made it to that time of year again when we begin to trickle in test prep throughout our instructional day in order to prepare our students for the end-of-year standardized test. Even though this test is inevitable, it doesn't mean the way we structure preparing for it has to be boring or monotonous. Instead, we want to provide our students with high energy and excitement revolving around test prep. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing four ways you can make test prep more engaging and fun for your students.

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Being literacy teachers, we know the importance of having good literacy skills and how they can positively impact our student’s learning and communication. And those teachers who don’t teach literacy tend not to make writing a focus in their classroom. However, according to my guest, Katie Novak, that’s the wrong attitude to have. In today’s episode, she shares her philosophy on literacy and how incorporating a Universal Design for Learning approach in your classroom helps create authentic writing experiences for your students.

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Even though you’re almost three-quarters of the way done with school, it doesn't mean you can’t teach your students new skills or try new things in your classroom. One thing you’ve probably been doing all year is pulling small groups. And even though you’ve done this all year, it’s still important to implement new strategies or have your students work on new skills. I get a lot of questions involving small groups, and an underrated skill students need is independence. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing four steps in helping your students become independent when pulling small groups.

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Well, my friends, we’ve made it to the last pillar of reading, which is reading comprehension. While most would argue that reading comprehension is the most important pillar in a student’s success in reading, it’s actually the last one you should focus on. This is because students need a solid foundation in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and vocabulary in order to focus on comprehension. To finish out the series, I’m sharing eight reading comprehension strategies to help students become successful readers.

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Everything that a literacy teacher does is to try and help their students be successful readers and writers, which is why, over the last month, we've been focusing on the five pillars of reading. And one of the big factors that contributes to reading is a strong vocabulary. It's no surprise that the way most of us were taught vocabulary when we were younger is not the most effective vocabulary instruction anymore. Instead, there is a new way. So, in today's episode, my guest, Michelle Sullivan, is sharing some evidence-based strategies for building student vocabulary.

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We’ve really taken a deep dive into the five pillars of reading over the last few weeks. My goal is to provide you with accurate information and practical tips that you can apply in your classroom to improve your students’ reading. With each pillar, I’ve brought in guests who are experts in their field, and today is no different. Aylin Claahsen not only is a fluency expert, but she is also a close friend of mine. So in today’s episode, Aylin is sharing ways to improve accuracy in fluency that you can use this week in your classroom.

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We are continuing our series on the 5 pillars of reading instruction with effective phonics instruction. If you teach upper elementary, you might be wondering how phonics fits into your literacy instruction, but I’m here to tell you it does. I love bringing on experts in the field to share their knowledge, which is exactly what I’m doing today. My guest on today’s episode, Savannah Campbell, is sharing how phonics instruction can help all students be successful in reading.

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Last week, I gave an overview of the 5 pillars of reading, which gives us the foundation of reading. But today I’m doing my first deep dive into one of the pillars, which is phonemic awareness. Whether you’re like me, who learned about it in college, or someone who this is a new concept, I’ve got an expert today who’s going to share her wealth of knowledge on this topic. So, in today’s episode, guest Christina Winter is debunking common myths around phonemic awareness and sharing research for best instructional practices.

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I recently hosted a workshop on how to create a literacy block that fits everything you need in it because that’s a common challenge for most literacy teachers. But the one recurring question throughout the workshop was, what does effective literacy look like? Effective literacy is directly related to the 5 pillars of reading instruction, which is what this upcoming series is all about.

Over the next month, I am going to focus on each of the 5 pillars of reading instruction, including experts in certain areas, practical strategies, and ideas on how to incorporate them in your literacy upper elementary classroom. Before we can dive deep into each pillar, it’s important to have a general understanding. Therefore, in today’s episode, I’m providing an overview of the 5 pillars of reading instruction in order to provide you with some confidence in your instruction and how to help your students.

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As we start the new year, I want to focus on ways that I can help you with anything your students might be struggling with and provide you with support, resources, and strategies. And today’s topic is something that I think all literacy elementary teachers will resonate with, which is how to help struggling readers in your classroom. While this can be an overwhelming idea because there are so many elements to it, I’m going to make it more manageable for you. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 7 things you need to consider when trying to figure out how to help struggling readers.

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January can be the perfect opportunity to refocus and remind yourself to create a balance between your teacher life and your personal life. But as we all know, that's easier said than done! My first international guest on the podcast, Ashleigh Smith, is one half of the Aussie duo dedicated to helping teachers with the ups and downs of teacher life. In today's episode, she's sharing five secrets to success that will help both new and veteran teachers experience success in the classroom.

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Happy New Year, everyone! As we start the beginning of a new year, I want to help you feel successful in areas that you have identified as challenging or struggling concepts to teach. In a teacher survey, there was an overwhelming response to grammar and the many questions surrounding this concept. So, I wanted to start the year by giving you three grammar swaps that change your grammar instruction for the better.

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When coming back from break, we always prepare our lessons and activities and set goals for the semester ahead. However, something we don’t anticipate happens when students return to school: they often forget how to do school. This means they struggle with executing procedures and routines they once mastered before the break. So, instead of letting these misbehaviors slide, there’s something you can do about it. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to do a classroom routine reset with five creative tips.

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I’ve stressed many times on this podcast the importance of fostering a love of reading in your students. And while you may incorporate more read alouds and independent reading time, the effort might not result in positive change if you’re always reading from the same genre. This was a mistake I made early in my teaching career, so I want to make that correction for you right now. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing why it’s so important to teach reading genres and five ways to be more intentional throughout your day.

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While the weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break can be full of fun holiday-themed activities, this can also be a great time to review and assess student learning of the content you covered in the first semester of school. As you gear up with the state assessments to come in the next few months, finding creative and fun ways to assess your students gets them in the mindset while also helping you gauge where they’re at. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 creative student assessment ideas you can easily use in your classroom this week!

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The weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break can be long and exhausting for both students and teachers. But if you can begin incorporating some fun reading activities, your students will be engaged and motivated during independent reading time up until winter break. To get your students interested and engaged in reading until winter break, I’m sharing five ideas that you can use in your classroom starting today.

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As teachers, we look for ways to support all of our students and their academic needs through resources and strategies. And we all have students who are diagnosed, or most likely flying under the radar, who have dyslexia. If you’re anything like I was, I was unsure as to what I could do to support them. So, in today’s episode, I have guest Heather O’Donnell, who is sharing best practices to support students with dyslexia in your elementary classroom.

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We all know incorporating reading and making it a priority in the classroom is important, but it takes more than that to really change how a student feels about reading. In order for a student to identify as a reader, they need to be immersed in a culture of reading in which they find personal connections to the text. My guest on today’s episode, Ciera Harris, is sharing how to build a culture of reading in your classroom with practical tips and ideas.

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Providing you with strategies, tips, and routines you can easily implement in your classrooms that help improve your students’ writing skills has been a priority of mine over the last month. I’ve given you specific tools to use during your literacy block and beyond, but one way to elevate a student’s writing is already embedded in the writing process: revising. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 revision strategies that help students improve their overall writing skills.

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In upper elementary, the goal of all literacy teachers is for their students to be able to write a well-developed and constructed essay. But as you all know, that task is a lot harder and takes a lot of work and practice to happen. Nevertheless, with the help of building foundational skills, such as sentence writing and support, that end-of-year goal will be achieved. In today’s episode, I’m sharing ways you can help your students become stronger paragraph writers.

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Schools are full of engaging activities, creative lesson plans, procedures and routines, and assessments to assess mastery. And while all of those items are important, there’s one thing that’s missing in classrooms, and that is being silly. While teachers want students to have fun, being silly tends to be overlooked. But we’re here to change that. One of my favorite children’s authors, Mike Bender, stopped by to share how his new book, The Most Serious Fart, helps bring silliness into the classroom.

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We’ve spent the last three weeks discussing why sentences are important to a student’s reading and writing skills and activities to implement. So, even if you’re ready to focus on sentences more, where are you finding the time? I’ve got the answer for you! I’m sharing 7 ways that you can incorporate more sentence level work into your instructional day without changing up your schedule.

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Sometimes, in order to understand something, you have to break it down to its core. The same is true when reading texts. In order to understand the meaning of a sentence, you need to practice sentence deconstruction. But what is this, and how does it help your students? In the third episode of this four-part series, I’m sharing how sentence deconstruction improves student literacy skills, how to fit it into your schedule, and more!

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Our role as literacy teachers is to grow our students as skilled readers and writers, and one of the most powerful ways to achieve this is through sentence writing. This is the second week in our four-part series on sentence writing, so be sure to check out last week’s episode, Episode 161, to get a more foundational outlook on developing sentences.

But now, students need to build on their foundation with more detailed writing. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 simple strategies that help students write detailed sentences that expand their writing.

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When students are in upper elementary, we often assume that they’re ready for more complex literacy skills, and therefore, we have higher expectations of them. However, that theory is completely false. I know when I was in the classroom, I thought that having my students write 5 paragraph essays was a sign they were excelling in writing.

But what my students really needed was more foundational work. Today’s episode is the first of a four-week series on sentences, where I’m sharing 5 reasons why spending more time on sentence-level instruction benefits your students.

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The school day can feel long for kids, especially being expected to focus and pay attention while sitting at their desks. One way to get students refocused while also incorporating learning is through movement. Getting students engaged and moving amongst your classroom benefits students in so many ways while also providing an aspect of fun. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 specific movement routines for you to incorporate in your upper elementary classrooms.

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When I was in the classroom, grammar was not something that I particularly enjoyed teaching, or even thought I taught well for that matter. Then, after a few years, I realized I was making some major mistakes with my grammar instruction, student practice, and application. Once I made a few key changes, it not only improved my students’ grammar skills, but their writing as well. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what you need to avoid doing and what to do instead regarding grammar with student writing.

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In elementary school, having a solid foundation of word knowledge skills is essential as students move throughout the grades. But one word study topic that’s on a lot of lower elementary teachers’ minds, but not so much for upper elementary teachers, is syllabication. With what seems like a simple concept, it actually correlates to bigger literacy skills. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 reasons why you should prioritize teaching syllabication in elementary classrooms this school year.

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In elementary school, having a solid foundation of word knowledge skills is essential as students move throughout the grades. But one word study topic that’s on a lot of lower elementary teachers’ minds, but not so much for upper elementary teachers, is syllabication. With what seems like a simple concept, it actually correlates to bigger literacy skills. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 reasons why you should prioritize teaching syllabication in elementary classrooms this school year.

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At the beginning of each new school year, we set up our classrooms for a successful year which includes routines, procedures, and centers. All of those elements help make engaging activities and lessons possible. As literacy teachers, we also strive to build skilled readers who have a love for reading. In order for those things to become possible, I’m sharing the 3 essential literacy lessons to focus on at the beginning of the school year.

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Being an elementary teacher, you know the importance that is put on read alouds in your classroom. Read alouds have so many benefits, such as fostering a love of literacy and a connection to real-life events and situations. However, getting the most out of them can be difficult. So before you jump into them this school year, I’m sharing 3 tips you can use to maximize your read alouds.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode156

One of my goals this year was to incorporate more writing content into the podcast and available resources in The Stellar Literacy Collective because teaching writing can be challenging for upper elementary teachers and overwhelming for students. However, I want to ditch the negative stigma surrounding writing and provide you with a new mindset. I’m sharing 3 things you can do that will help you successfully teach writing to your students this school year!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode155

Talking about literacy is a passion of mine and is what the content of this podcast is based on. However, in today's episode, I'm talking about something different but directly related to how your students learn and improve their literacy skills.

There's a phrase that says, "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." I've found this quote to be incredibly true, and it all starts with a strong classroom community and culture. In order to develop your classroom community, I'm sharing why establishing core values helps you accomplish that in your classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode154

As you prepare for back to school and the beginning of the year, it’s possible that you might have some ELL (English Language Learners) students in your classroom. Having multiple different groups of students in your class can be overwhelming and stressful to prepare for. However, my guest on today’s episode, Beth Vaucher, is here to tell you how to simplify it. Beth is discussing how to strengthen the language domains for your ELL students with simple and effective strategies.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode153

The one thing teachers wish they could have more of is time. Time to plan, time to teach, time to make copies, and time to have fun with their students. The day goes by so quickly that it’s hard to fit everything in, but one thing that helps with that is time management. In order to help you gain some time back in your classroom, I’m sharing 3 tips that are effective and help free up brain space.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode152

The task of implementing small groups can be daunting and overwhelming, especially with all the misconceptions surrounding it. However, I’m here to tell you that small group instruction can be manageable and effective no matter what type of strategy or instruction you choose to use. To help convince you of that, I’m sharing 5 myths about small group instruction and the truths to believe instead.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode151

The number one question I get asked the most is How do I fit everything I need to in my literacy block? And while I wish I could grant you all the time you need, I can’t. However, being in the classroom myself, I made some mistakes that I hope to share with you that you can learn from going forward. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing the 3 mistakes teachers make when creating their literacy block schedule.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode150

Our goal as literacy teachers is to have confident and skilled readers and a way to achieve that is aligning your instruction to the science of reading. Throughout this series, I’ve emphasized Scarborough’s reading rope and different strategies and tips that improve a students’ word recognition and language comprehension skill set. The last component of the series, I’m sharing how providing a simple framework helps students with inferential thinking.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode149

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We know that writing can be difficult for our students, but on the flip side, teaching writing can also be difficult for teachers. This can be particularly prominent if your school doesn’t have a writing curriculum or if the curriculum provided doesn’t meet the needs of your students. But don’t worry! I’m sharing 4 things for you to do that improves your writing curriculum, or lack thereof.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode148

Mentioned in this episode:

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Over the last six weeks, I’ve discussed in every episode about Scarborough’s Reading Rope and its importance to the science of reading. In order for a student to be a skilled reader, they need both language comprehension and word recognition skills. I’ve often focused my attention on language comprehension, but in today’s episode, I’m shedding some light on a skill that’s needed to gain word recognition skills, which is teaching syllabication.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for my FREE workshop, The Time Crunch Cure: Create a Literacy Block That Fits it All In and Achieves More: https://www.stellarteacher.com/workshop

This summer I’m doing my best to answer your questions on your biggest challenges as teachers. While I could do four individual episodes on these four questions, each of them can actually be answered with the same common response: creating a strong whole group lesson routine. In this episode, I’m sharing a sample routine you can use in your classroom and 7 reasons why routines should be a significant part of your school day.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode146

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for my FREE workshop, The Time Crunch Cure: Create a Literacy Block That Fits it All In and Achieves More: https://www.stellarteacher.com/workshop

We've talked before about how as upper elementary teachers, we sometimes think the foundational aspects of the science of reading aren’t as pertinent to us. However, by now you have learned that explicitly teaching word recognition and language comprehension skills helps your struggling readers. That's why incorporating phonological awareness activities into your instruction is a small step toward the science of reading.

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Sign up for my FREE workshop, The Time Crunch Cure: Create a Literacy Block That Fits it All In and Achieves More: https://www.stellarteacher.com/workshop

During your first year of teaching, or really any year of teaching, you learn many lessons, but also know it’s important to celebrate your wins. And a win for any teacher is gaining back your time and energy and fostering a love of books in your students. That’s exactly what my guest, Kelsey Moody, accomplished after her first year of teaching. In today’s episode, she’s sharing how implementing a system gave her back time and the impact book talks had on her classroom community.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode144

Since we’re in the fourth week of the small steps to S.O.R. series, you know by now that reading comprehension is the result of having strong word recognition skills and language comprehension skills. Additionally, an important element of the language comprehension strand is vocabulary. But what’s the best way to teach and have students learn new words? Today’s small step is going to show you how to use a semantic map when introducing new words in isolation.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode143

A while back I vowed to include more writing content in my episodes because I tend to focus more on reading strategies, but I’m a lover of all things literacy. Writing is a big area where teachers need support and have a lot of questions when it comes to supporting their students. And one of the biggest areas of concern is how to get students to write a “meaty” paragraph. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing what a “meaty” paragraph includes and engaging ways to get students writing.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode142

By now you know that the science of reading relates heavily to Scarborough’s reading rope and its two strands are word recognition and language comprehension. Well, this week’s step aligns with both strands in creating a skilled and confident reader, which is teaching common prefixes and suffixes. In the third episode of this series, I’m going to share why explicitly teaching common prefixes and suffixes helps your students with their reading skills.

Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.

Download my Word Lists for Common Prefixes and Suffixes here.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode141

The topic that I get asked about the most is in regards to small group instruction. The questions range from how do I structure small groups, to what activities should I focus on, to how often should I switch the groups up? And even though it’s summer and you probably won’t even start your small groups until a few months into the school year, it’s always a good idea to think about what you can do now to prepare. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 aspects of small group instruction to start thinking about now so you’re ready when school begins.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode140

Aligning your instruction to the science of reading can be easier than you think. With these small steps I’m sharing with you each week, you’ll have strategies and activities to use when you return to school in the fall. This week’s step is usually associated from a writing standpoint, but is so important from a reading standpoint, which is practicing sentence deconstruction.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode139

An important aspect of being a literacy teacher is cultivating a classroom full of students who love reading. And one way to do that is by having engaging books for your students to read. While that sounds simple, having a robust classroom library, especially as a beginning teacher, can be overwhelming and can cost a lot. To help you build your classroom library without breaking the bank, my guest, Dr. Lori Friesen, is sharing tips and resources for you.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode138

I’m excited to start my summer bonus episodes that happen every Thursday where I’m sharing one small step you can take to align your instruction to the science of reading. My goal is to help you feel confident in your instruction and have the tools and knowledge to provide effective lessons for your students. The first step towards the science of reading I’m sharing is how to build and activate background knowledge.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode137

While I love everything related to literacy, the topic on today’s episode is one of my favorites, which is the science of reading. Not only do I enjoy this topic, but it’s extra special because you, my listeners, shared that you’d like to learn more about it, specifically as it pertains to upper elementary teachers. Well I’ve heard you and I’m answering your questions! I’m sharing 4 key things to know about the science of reading in upper elementary.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode136

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, The Confident Writer System Series: https://www.stellarteacher.com/writingpodcast

I’ve always said that there’s more than one way to be an effective literacy teacher, especially as new initiatives, programs, and models are emerging as the newest trend. Dena Dornfield, a member of my Stellar Literacy Collective membership, is a 3rd grade teacher who is moving away from the traditional reading workshop model and moving toward structured student partnerships. She’s on today’s episode and sharing how this type of reading model has impacted her students.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode135

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The end of the year is an exciting time for students and there’s a lot planned for celebrating a successful school year. But with all that excitement can come chaos for teachers and students. One way to calm the chaos is by keeping students engaged. So in the last episode of my mini series about student engagement, I’m sharing the benefits of using end of year routines.

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If you’re anything like me, you have a countdown to the end of the school year. And while the end is in sight, it’s also far enough away that it can be a challenge keeping your students engaged in reading. Luckily, there are ways to make the end of year purposeful, yet fun for all students. In the second episode of our engagement series, I’m sharing 7 tips for keeping students engaged in reading until the last day of school.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode133

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, The Confident Writer System Series: https://www.stellarteacher.com/writingpodcast

As you’re approaching the end of the school year, it can be an exciting time, as the pressure of tackling major content is gone. However, there’s still topics to be taught, which requires engagement. And let’s be honest, engagement from students any time of the school year can be challenging, nevertheless at the end of the school year.

To help increase engagement in your classroom, I’m doing a three part mini series on effective tools towards better engagement. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing two simple ways to boost engagement during whole group lessons any time of the school year.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode132

Mentioned in this episode:

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If you’re a longtime listener of the podcast, you know that the majority of my episodes revolve around reading content. But being a literacy expert is more than just reading; it also involves writing content. I get asked a lot of writing questions, so I’ve decided to dedicate more episodes and resources to feature information regarding writing. That starts with today’s episode, in which I share the #1 writing mistake upper elementary teachers make.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode131

Mentioned in this episode:

Help us celebrate 200k downloads of the Stellar Teacher Podcast! Download your challenge board at https://www.stellarteacher.com/challenge for your chance to win a TPT gift card or an annual membership of The Stellar Literacy Collective!

If you’re a classroom teacher, you probably have students with disabilities in your class, whether they're there full time or for just parts of the day. Either way, teachers sometimes struggle knowing how to support them with their academic and social needs.

Since I’m not an expert on the topic, I brought in an export in the field, Chris Reeve, who is a behavior analyst and who has worked with special education programs for 25 years. In today’s episode, she’s sharing practical tips for supporting special education students during your literacy block and in education in general.

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Grab Chris' Free Classroom Rules Resource & more free resources here!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode130

With so much being thrown at teachers these days, it’s no wonder your days are filled with stress, overwhelm, fear, and thoughts of burnout. The joy that you once had when starting your teaching career may be depleting, but there’s a way to get it back! My guest on today’s episode, Jamie Sears, wrote a book, How to Love Teaching Again, that will help you implement strategies and systems to break the cycle of burnout.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode129

We often think of poetry as something we just teach during April for National Poetry Month or in preparation for the state test at the end of the year. But in reality, poetry can be taught all year long, for poetry has all of the literary elements we teach our kids through other reading genres. In order to help you connect the two, I’m sharing how to teach the Big 5 reading skills using poetry.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode128

The topic of teacher burnout has been front and center in conversations for the last several years. And while you’ve probably heard other podcast episodes or read articles on the topic, I can guarantee you, this conversation is different. My guest Brittany Blackwell, who is a burnout and resilience coach, shares a new perspective on teacher burnout.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode127

Connect with Brittany on Instagram @teachingmindbodyandsoul

If you’ve been with us these last few weeks, I’ve been diving into ways to make students confident on testing day, particularly with the constructed response portion of the test. However, we know that there’s more to the test than writing an essay, so students should feel empowered about the whole test when the day comes. In the last episode of the series, I’m sharing 5 strategies that will make your students confident on testing day.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode126

Welcome back to another episode of the podcast! We’re in the middle of a three part series about test prep and ways to make students feel more confident, particularly when writing a constructed response paragraph. We know that this portion of the test can be challenging for students, which is why I’ve come up with a 5-step process that will increase their confidence when writing a constructed response paragraph on test day.

Check out my Constructed Response Framework Checklist here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode125

We’re getting closer to the part of the school year that all teachers dread: standardized test season. Since giving the test is inevitable, test prep becomes part of our lessons and activities that prepare our students for success.

Recently, state tests have added a written portion, which adds another stressful element for students. In this first episode of the three part series, I’m sharing how to master a constructed response, which boosts students’ confidence.

Check out my Sentence Writing Routine Free Sample here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode124

We’re over halfway through the school year, and the procedures and routines you established at the beginning of the year might look a little different. Students might not be pushing in their chairs, putting the art supplies away, or turning in their homework in the correct location. If this sounds like your classroom, it’s time for a revamp.

Heidi and Emily from Second Story Window specialize in research based and teacher approved strategies that are guaranteed to help you be a more efficient and effective teacher. We’re taking a break from literacy and they’re here to talk about how to troubleshoot your classroom management with 5 guiding questions.

Check out Heidi and Emily's Procedures & Routines Planning Guide Freebie here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode123

As students move up into upper elementary, reading can sometimes turn into a struggle with the exposure to more multisyllabic words in texts that they’re reading. Coming across big words can be intimidating for students and overwhelming to try and decode. That's why I’ve come up with a simple strategy that you can start using with your students immediately. In today’s episode, I’m sharing this strategy, my 5-step process for decoding big words.

Check out my Reading Big Words Poster Freebie here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode122

Let’s start off with a big question: how many of your students struggle to read big words? If students lack the foundational skills of syllables, they’re more than likely going to struggle with multisyllabic words. And the majority of these foundational skills were taught in lower elementary, but we know it may not be mastered by the time they get to upper elementary.

Therefore, by intentionally teaching syllabication, it provides students with the confidence to become proficient readers and writers. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my guide to teaching syllabication in upper elementary with a focus on why and how it should be taught.

Check out my Syllable Types: Lesson Plans & Activities Bundle here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode121

Struggling readers. Unfortunately, this is a reality that all teachers face, yet many don’t know how to fix. Whether teachers weren’t taught how to teach the proper foundational skills, their district doesn’t have a reading program, or a combination of both, helping struggling readers can be a tall task.

Although I enjoy talking about all things literacy, I love bringing on experts in the field to help fill your teaching toolbox. So in today’s episode, I’m talking with literacy expert Dr. Marnie Ginsberg on her reading program Reading Simplified, to help struggling readers get back on track.

Download your FREE Reading Simplified Switch It game here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode120

As elementary teachers, it’s customary to teach all of the core subject areas. But have you ever thought about teaching them in a way that connects them all together? This style of teaching is called thematic planning or cross-curricular instruction. For most, teaching in this particular style is uncommon, but it provides impactful meaning for your students. To help you get started, I’m sharing what thematic planning is and my 5 simple step process to teaching with thematic units.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode119

No. How hard is it for you to say to someone when asked to complete a task, volunteer for a committee, make copies for a colleague, or anything else in your life? For most people, it is extremely difficult. And if they do, there seems to be a wave of guilt that follows the word ‘no’, even when you shouldn’t feel guilty at all.

If you’re wanting to say no and focus on yourself this year, today’s podcast is for you. I have guest Rachel Lenhart, who is a teacher life coach and host of the Chalk Full of Life podcast. Rachel joins us today to share how to say ‘no’ without the guilt.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode118

I value teaching nonfiction text structure so much that I couldn’t fit all of the information in just one episode. Last week, in Episode 116, I explained that there are five things to consider when teaching nonfiction text structure.

But since it was part 1, I only shared two of the five elements, which were the use of exemplar or mentor texts and how to use graphic organizations or visualizations. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my final three elements when it comes to explicitly teaching nonfiction text structure.

Check out my text structure resources on TPT here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode117

We are starting off the new year with one of my favorite reading topics: nonfiction text structure. As literacy teachers, we put a lot of focus on students’ reading comprehension, but we don’t always think about how understanding text structure is beneficial for that skill as well. When teaching nonfiction text structure, there are five things you should consider during your instruction.

Since there’s so much to unpack with this topic, I’m breaking this up into two episodes so we can fully dive into all the different aspects. We’re starting this series off with the use of exemplar or mentor texts and graphic organizers or visual representations.

Check out my text structure resources on TPT here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode116

Happy 2023, friends! As this podcast celebrates 2 years, I like to reflect on the journey of this milestone, while also thinking about the goals and plans for the upcoming year. I have to admit that I’m not into making resolutions, for I tend to make them specific, which then ultimately, I end up not following through. Instead, I make a ‘more and less list’. So in the spirit of resolutions, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my ‘more and less list’ for literacy teachers.

Download my Free Word of the Day: Context Clue Routine here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode115

After a long break, there’s bound to be some challenges that arise when students return. Before break, your students were in a routine and had good stamina for independent reading. But now, it’s almost like starting from the beginning all over again. To help your students regain their momentum towards independent reading, I’m sharing 5 tips to implement during your reading block.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode114

It’s our job to provide instruction to students on a variety of skills and strategies to use outside of the classroom. But it’s something special when we can do something inside the classroom that translates to an authentic experience in real life. One way to do that is through the implementation of book clubs. I’m known as a “serial book club starter”, which explains why I’m sharing tips on how to establish student independence with book clubs.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode113

You’ve hit the halfway mark in the school year, so it’s a great time to reevaluate your literacy routines and take this opportunity to revamp your ideas. One way to do that is through your reading response activities. While students read independently, the goal is for them to think about what they’re reading, which is exactly what reading response activities do. So if you’re looking for fresh and new reading response ideas that will energize independent reading time, today’s episode will do just that!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode112

The weeks between now and winter break can be long for both teachers and students, and a time when students tend to lose focus and need more engagement. One way to regain their attention is to incorporate movement into your instructional day. In Episode 53, I shared 4 ways to incorporate movement into your literacy block, so in a way, this is part 2 of that episode. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 additional ways to incorporate movement into any part of your instructional day!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode111

With the new year just around the corner, we often think of this time as a fresh start and a new beginning to something that is ending. But what if we applied that same logic to every ending that occurred in our lives? After reading the children’s book The End Is Just The Beginning, you will start doing just that. Giving us more insight, I have the author of that book, Mike Bender, to help discuss how to create a positive perspective on any ending.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode110

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and being grateful and thankful, I first, am so grateful for each of my listeners on this podcast. Y’all are amazing and the reason why I get to do what I’m doing. And secondly, this time of year provides a great opportunity to reflect and evaluate your professional and personal happiness. So we’re going to take a short break from our regular literacy discussions, and focus on how to take control of your professional and personal happiness during stressful seasons of life.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode109

We’ve talked about this idea of trying to fit all these different skills into your literacy block, but with what time? It’s so difficult to designate time specifically for certain skills when you have so much to cover. So what if I told you focusing on the skill of fluency doesn’t have to take up extra time and it can be organically streamlined throughout all parts of your day? Game changer! In today’s episode, my special guest, Aylin Claahsen, is sharing powerful and practical tips to increase student reading fluency.

Check out Aylin's Fluency Course here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode108

I don’t know about you, but one of the things that was difficult for me to teach to my students was writing. The act of writing causes many challenges for students, but unfortunately, it’s a skill that’s necessary in academics. And why most people just associate writing during literacy or ELA class, in reality, writing is transferable to all subject areas. Since we know writing isn’t used when just talking about literacy concepts, having students practice and develop their writing skills needs to be incorporated in other content areas throughout the day. While this might be difficult for some to grasp and put into action, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 different ideas on how you can incorporate high impact writing activities into any content area. Download our Sentence Writing Routine Resource https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/sentence-writing-routine/ (here)! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://www.stellarteacher.com/membership (stellarteacher.com/membership) To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode107 (https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode107)

In the spirit of Halloween, I’ve got a treat for you today! If you’re like me, you think the same thing at the beginning of every single school year: I’m going to rock my classroom management this year! And while you might start with good intentions, it never seems to go the way you thought it would. Not to mention, holidays and other exciting events are starting to take place, which can disrupt the flow and management of your classroom. If this sounds like you, or you just need to tweak a few management techniques in your classroom, this episode is for you! On today’s episode, Dr. Lori Friesen is sharing her top smart and simple classroom management hacks for these ever changing seasons. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://www.stellarteacher.com/membership (stellarteacher.com/membership) Don't forget to download Dr. Lori's Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist Freebie https://www.drlorifriesen.com/checklist (here)! To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode106 (https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode106)

I know I’ve said it many times before, but one of the things I love is connecting and interacting with my listeners, community at Stellar Teacher, and anyone on social media. I strive to bring you relevant content that will help you become a more effective literacy teacher. One of those ways is through the questions I get asked, which is how this three-week series started. This is our last episode in our series about writing about reading, which focuses on how to incorporate writing about reading during small groups. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://www.stellarteacher.com/membership (stellarteacher.com/membership) To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode105 (https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode105)

Getting started is always the hardest part of any task. However, that task is so much easier to begin if we’re motivated and have a tool to get us started. This same concept applies to students and writing. As literacy teachers, you know that students struggle getting their ideas on paper formatting it in the correct way. Today’s episode is going to help with just that! In our second episode in our writing about reading mini series, I’m going to share 4 response frames that you can use when assigning a written response. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://www.stellarteacher.com/membership (stellarteacher.com/membership) To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode104 (https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode104)

One of the things I love most about what I do is interacting with the listeners within the Stellar Teacher community and helping teachers. Therefore, both of those things sparked this next mini series on the podcast. Throughout the summer and especially as school has begun, I’ve received a lot of questions in the area of writing about reading. With so much demand on this topic, we are kicking off a three week mini series on this topic in hopes to tackle your questions and provide you with information and resources you can implement in your classroom. We are starting the series off with today’s episode, which discusses 5 tips that help students improve in the area of writing about reading. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://www.stellarteacher.com/membership (stellarteacher.com/membership) To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode103 (https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode103)

"I’m a failure." Unfortunately, this is a common saying amongst ourselves as teachers and adults, along with our students. But is anyone really a failure? Absolutely not! YOU are not a failure, but you might be experiencing failure, which is a part of the human experience. So how do we change the way we view failure and share that with our students? In today’s episode, I have guest Andrea Burns who discusses ways to reframe a students’ thinking of failure using her new book Failure Friday. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://www.stellarteacher.com/membership (stellarteacher.com/membership) To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode102 (https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode102)

If you know me well, you know I love a good literacy routine! Mostly because they’re quick, purposeful, and greatly improve students’ literacy skills over time. What’s not to like?! I’m super excited because I’ve spent the better part of a year developing my new literacy routine, which I know you’re going to love. So in today’s episode, I’m going to share my high impact literacy routine on sentence structure and how it improves students’ reading and writing skills. Download our Sentence Writing Routine Resource https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/sentence-writing-routine/ (here)! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://www.stellarteacher.com/membership (stellarteacher.com/membership) To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode101 (https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode101)

Now, we are continuing our two part mini series about lesson planning. Last week, I discussed the mindset shift that needs to take place in order to tackle writing lessons, which is the first step before moving on to practical tips regarding your lesson planning system. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 tips for creating a personalized lesson planning system. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://www.stellarteacher.com/membership (stellarteacher.com/membership)

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode100 (https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode100)

Here’s a question for you. Do you know how much time it takes for you to do all of your lesson planning for the week? And then, if you know how much time you’re spending, how do you feel about that number? For most of us, we’re either spending too much time or more time than we’d like to be spending. Therefore, I’m doing a two part mini series all about lesson planning. Particularly in this episode, I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts teachers should make regarding lesson planning. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode99

How many times have you woken up sick or wanted to take a day off work, but thought it’s easier to go in than make sub plans. I’m raising my hand really high! Unfortunately, this is a common thought and action amongst teachers that needs to be changed. Here to help me give you solutions and better opportunities to take a day off is Kelsey Sorenson. On today’s episode, we’re discussing how to feel empowered and prepared when taking a sick day.

Download Kelsey's Sub Planning Starter Kit Freebie here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode98

I’m very excited about today’s episode because it’s about one of my all-time favorite reading topics - genre! Some might be wondering, Hmm, that’s an odd topic to get excited about. But I truly believe that learning about genres helps students have a love of reading and become lifelong readers, which is our ultimate goal as a literacy teacher. So in today’s episode, I’m going to share 3 ways to introduce genre to your students at the beginning of the year.

For all of your genre resources, click here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode97

In education, there are a lot of buzzwords that float around, and one that’s important during this time is "21st century learning". But what exactly is it and how do we as educators utilize it in a way that’s impactful for your students? To give you all those answers and more, I have guest Rachael Parlett on the show today. We’re discussing the best ways to provide your students with 21st century learning!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode96

This is the third and final episode in our series on word study instruction. I’ve enjoyed learning and getting to talk with you each week on this subject, and I know many of you are excited to implement this in your classroom when school starts. For our final episode, I’m sharing 5 do’s and don’ts of word study instruction.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode95

This is the second episode in our series about word study instruction. If you missed out on last week’s episode, make sure you take a listen so you understand the background information on word study before moving forward. Our next step is the application piece and how to implement it in our classrooms. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 word study concepts every upper elementary teacher should teach.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode94

Welcome to August, my friends! Well this summer was all about the mini series, and this month is no different. In order to get you prepared for the upcoming school year, our mini series in August is going to focus on word study instruction. So in today’s episode, I’m providing a foundation of word study and the 3 things you need to consider to have effective word study instruction this school year.

Head to https://stellarteacher.com/tpt to shop the sitewide Back to School sale! Use code BTS22 at checkout to get 25% off!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode93

If I had one wish, it would be the gift of time and having more hours in the day. I feel like I’m constantly thinking, I wish I had more time or if only I had more time I could get this task completed. We’re all wanting more time, especially as teachers. Although I can’t grant you more time, I can give you strategies that will help. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 tips that will save you time and mental energy.

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Check out our examples of teacher slides here!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode92

This is the third and final episode in this mini series about small group instruction. We’ve covered how to structure and support your students during small groups, but please know that there’s still so much to cover and many of you have more questions on this topic. So in today’s episode, I’m answering more of your questions about small group instruction.

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Download my FREE 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode91

Last week we talked about how to structure your small groups and what to do with the rest of your students not in small groups, which was our number one question asked. Today, I’ll be answering the second most popular question, which is how do I support struggling readers during small group lessons?

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Download my FREE 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode90

Today marks the first episode in our new series of the month that’s all about small group instruction. Throughout this month, I’m going to provide you ways to help you be more successful during small group lessons, ranging from the structure to activities. Let’s start the series with today’s episode on setting up your classroom for small group success.

Grab your 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode89

This is the fourth and final episode in our mini series about the science of reading. We’ve covered and learned a lot this past month about the science of reading that you can now utilize in your classroom. Since there’s a lot of information to take in, today’s episode I’m answering any questions you still have about the science of reading.

Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode88

All this month I’ve been talking about the science of reading, and this is the third episode of this mini series. We’ve discussed an overview of the science of reading, along with effective implementation activities for your classroom that correlate with the science of reading. On today’s episode, I’m breaking down the elements of language comprehension and practical implementation ideas.

Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode87

Last week I provided an overview of the science of reading and why it’s important. On today’s episode, I have my good friend Michelle from the Colorful Classroom here to talk about all things phonological awareness and what that looks like in upper elementary classrooms.

Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

Other free resources from the episode:

Key Phonics Terms + Basic Scope + Sequence
Phonemic Awareness Practice Drills
Small Group Phonics Lesson Plan Template
David Kilpatrick's FREE Phonological Awareness Screening Test (PAST)

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode86

This is the first episode in our series that’s all about the science of reading. After surveying my listeners and members, this was a trending topic that y’all were curious about and wanted more information. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing with you the foundation of what the science of reading is and why it’s so important.

Grab your FREE Sciecne of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode85

I’ve received a lot of questions regarding scheduling and how to fit everything in and make it work. So in today’s episode, I’m going to replay a previous episode, Episode 27 Create a Schedule for Your Reading Block - Even with Limited Time! This is definitely a listener favorite and all the tips are still relevant today.

Grab your FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode84

With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start checking in with yourself and paying close attention to your health and wellness. On today’s episode, I have guest Alexis Shepard from The AfroEducator who is sharing 5 mindset shifts every teacher should make when it comes to self care.

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Take Alexis's quiz, Discover Your Teacher Type.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode83

The end of the year is just about over, you’ve finished state assessments, and have covered all of the academic content you needed for this school year. So what do you do next? In today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 ideas for you to incorporate regarding writing and literacy skills that are quick, fun, and engaging!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode82

While there are many challenging aspects to teaching, having an effective schedule is definitely a struggle for most. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 steps to take toward a more efficient schedule.

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Grab your FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/literacy-block-sample-schedules/

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode81

Today's topic is something that most teachers struggle with, whether you’re a beginner or veteran, which is classroom management. We have one of my favorite guests today, Dr. Lori Friesen, whose mission is to support new teachers. On today’s episode, Dr. Lori is sharing 7 classroom management hacks that are so simple!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode80

I don’t know about you, but when I was in the classroom, there was never enough time in the day to get everything accomplished, whether that was teaching, planning, or grading. I never had a good work-life balance and always felt so busy! I wish I had known today’s guest, Stephanie Palovchik. On today’s episode, we’re discussing two simple routines that every elementary teacher needs to know.

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Grab your FREE Productivity Guide for Elementary Teachers: www.teachinglittleleaders.com/freeguide

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode79

The end of the year can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for both students and teachers, so try incorporating classroom routines that replace the chaos with productivity. In today’s episode, I'm discussing literacy routines for an engaging end of the year.

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Grab your FREE Word of the Day Routine: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/context-clues-word-of-the-day/

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode78

There are so many benefits to using picture books with your students and I find them to be such an asset in the classroom. Today on the episode, I have guest Courtney Hinshaw and we’re talking about the importance of picture books in elementary classrooms.

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Check out this freebie from Courtney here.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode77

For some, especially novice teachers, talking with parents about difficult topics can be a struggle. So in today’s episode, I’m providing strategies on how to navigate difficult parent teacher conferences with ease.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode76

Let’s face it, standardized tests can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for our students. Therefore, in this episode, I’ll be covering 7 test prep strategies that will give your students success!

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Check out this Test Prep Strategy Freebie!

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode75

I’m so happy you’ve joined me for the second episode in our two-part series that’s all about poetry. Last week’s episode was an introduction of my poem of the week routine with an emphasis in comprehension, so in today’s episode, I’ll be discussing how to use that same routine with the literacy skill of fluency.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode74

As most of you know, April is National Poetry Month, so this is the first of a two-part series that’s all about poetry! Each episode I’ll be breaking down how I incorporate a poem of the week routine into my literacy block and how the skills associated with literacy have a connection to poetry.

In this episode, I provide a layout of my daily poem of the week routine with an emphasis on comprehension.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode73

As I’ve talked about many times before, my journey to get to my current job came with a lot of twists and turns, so I thought I’d share some advice and my experiences about when it’s time to make that career change.

Making a career change isn’t a simple, straightforward decision. In fact, it takes a lot of thought, planning, and work. In today’s episode I’m sharing 4 things to consider if you’re thinking about making a career change!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode72

There are so many benefits from working on a team, so in today’s episode I’m teaming up with my good friend Megan Polk! We’re having a collaborative conversation talking about all things teams: team dynamics, team planning, and how to get the most out of working with your teacher team.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode71

A big reason being a reading teacher is so challenging is because you’re responsible for effectively teaching a variety of students who all have different reading skills they struggle with!

However, by incorporating small group instruction during your literacy block allows you to focus on fewer students, while providing guidance and support in their targeted reading objectives. Today I'm sharing 6 easy steps to make your small group reading instruction a success!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode70

Look no further for your sweet indulgence this Valentine's Day, because we have a treat for you! I sat down with Andrea Burns to discuss how to bring more focus to SEL (social emotional learning) during your literacy block. We discuss practical and easy-to-implement ideas that don't require finding extra time throughout the day!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode69

On today’s episode I will be talking about something that is often overlooked, which is the importance of teaching Greek and Latin roots. This may feel like it should be at the bottom of your to-do list, but it is truly something that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Once you factor in how many words in the English language are derived from the Greek and Latin languages, you’ll agree with me that it needs more time and attention in the classroom.

Today I’m sharing 4 tips on how to make Greek and Latin roots more loved in the classroom.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode68

Today’s topic is one that I think will resonate with every reading teacher, and that is what to do when a student is struggling with reading. There are so many reasons for students to struggle with reading, whether it is their vocabulary, background knowledge, or blatant boredom. No matter what the reason is for your student’s challenges, I am going to help you help them with these tips I’m giving you today!

During this episode I want you to really think about one of those struggling readers that are currently in your class or a student that you’ve taught in the past. In order for you to determine what aspect of reading they are struggling with, I am going to give you seven questions to identify those roadblocks that are preventing your student from becoming a successful reader. It is so important to figure out what that specific hurdle is so that you can provide the appropriate interventions accordingly. By asking these questions you can narrow down the area that they need more support and close that gap.

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Grab your FREE Successful Reader Checklist: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/successful-reader-checklist/

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode67

If you’ve been listening to my podcast in the month of January, you know I have had multiple guests join me for my Best Year Ever series. This is the fourth and final episode and you are in for a real treat! With this final episode, I interviewed Amber Harper from The Burned In Teacher and we discussed all things related to teacher burnout. We had such an open and honest conversation about the challenges and pressures that teachers are facing and how the pandemic has affected education.

Amber Harper is a long-time educator, author, speaker, podcaster and the founder of The Burned In Teacher. She is also the author of Hacking Teacher Burnout, which gives struggling teachers a path to follow as they navigate their way out of burnout.

To check out the other resources from this episode, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/episode66

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For today’s episode, I will be talking about teaching nonfiction text features. You’re probably thinking that this is a topic you’ve already taught in the beginning of the year, but stick with me for this episode and hear me out.

Now that you’re halfway through the school year and starting to think about test prep, you’re probably reflecting on which areas you may need to go back to and reteach. Your students likely know how to articulate the different text features, but we’re going to take it one step further. The tips I’m referring to will actually help students use their knowledge of text features to improve their understanding of nonfiction texts.

By using my four-step process, students will learn how to utilize those text features as tools for comprehension. Reading comprehension is so important for all subjects, and these strategies I speak about in this episode will be beneficial no matter what subject you are teaching. An added bonus to this process is that it will also help your students understand what parts of the text are helpful or not helpful for them. Like all my recommendations before, these tips are easy to implement as soon as today! I can’t wait to hear if you’ve put this process into practice in your classroom!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode65

Welcome to another episode from my Best Year Ever series! These episodes will ideally help you all create and meet your goals related to self care, because let’s face it you deserve it! Last week we spoke about getting your finances in order, and this week we’re going to talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There is no better expert to have this conversation with than Bre Baildon!

Bre is a Registered Dietician who specializes in helping overwhelmed teachers create simple nutritional plans that fit into their crazy schedules. She discovered quickly in her career that teachers need easy, repeatable habits to achieve their goals. She found great joy in hearing that teachers, including her husband, found more energy and excitement in their day when following her nutritional plans. There is no doubt that her suggestions will help create healthy habits for 2022!

To check out the other resources from this episode, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/episode64

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

It’s a few weeks into the new year and I have to admit I have not always been the best with new year's resolutions. I found that rather than setting specific goals I am much more likely to follow through with a list of habits that I want to do more and habits I want to do less. If this sounds like something that may be attainable for you, then I have a suggestion for you! This year I want you all to try to bring more picture books into your classroom.

If you are in upper elementary I hope you don’t think this advice doesn’t apply to you. In fact, bringing picture books into upper elementary classrooms is so important. I used to be under the impression that picture books were only for the younger grades and once students could read that picture books should be replaced by chapter books. Boy, was I wrong and after listening to this episode you’ll see why!

Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode63

I’m so happy you’ve joined me for the second episode of Our Best Year Ever series airing every Thursday in the month of January. On this guest episode I got to chat with Jeremy Schneider, creator of Personal Finance Club, about personal finance. Jeremy sold his business and retired at the age of 36 and has since dedicated his life to sharing practical money and investing tips to give people financial freedom. He uses simplified language to teach people how to have options in retirement, and that is what I want for all of you!

Those of you that have been around for a while know that this isn’t a typical episode for my show, but once I heard Jeremy’s goals I knew I had to have him on the show to share them with you. His goals are to help people gain financial independence, understand the world of money and investing, and to create wealth for retirement. It may seem impossible to come up with the money to invest on a teacher’s salary, but Jeremy shares some enlightening facts that may change that mindset. I hope this episode guides you towards financial freedom and wealth!

Use coupon code STELLAR for $20 off Jeremy’s course: How to Build Wealth By Investing in Index Funds: stellarteacher.com/investing

To check out the other resources from this episode, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/episode62

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

Hey friends! In this week’s episode I will be diving deeper into one of the tips I shared last week related to effectively teaching all of the literacy elements. I find it so important to maximize instructional time, and one way to do this is by creating high impact literacy routines. This becomes increasingly important when teaching the more complex reading skills. One of my favorite routines that I use for teaching inferencing is called "Picture of the Day".

You know that I try to supply you with tips and tricks that can be easily incorporated into your lessons rather than add work onto your already full plate. That is why I love using the Picture of the Day routine, as it can easily be done in five minutes or less! What’s even better is that it helps students with one of the most complicated reading skills, which is inferencing. I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous formula which is text + background knowledge = inferencing, but in this episode I’m going to tell you all the benefits of utilizing the illustrations as well.

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode61

I am so excited for the very first episode of our Best Year Ever Series, which is going to be airing every Thursday during the month of January. The goal of this series is to connect you with experts in a variety of fields that are not necessarily connected to the instructional side of teaching, because you're more than just a teacher. While I really want you to be successful in the classroom, I also really want you to have a happy and healthy life outside of teaching as well.

So, in our very first episode of this series, I got to speak with Sarah Forst, who is the creator behind The Designer Teacher and founder of The Teacher Care Crate. In this conversation, we dig into all things related to practical teacher self care. Sarah shares how to practice a sustainable balance between work and our personal lives. These are things you can implement that will actually make an impact on your life long-term.

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out the other resources from this episode, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/episode60

Hey friends! I am so excited to start this new year off with you and I am sending all the positive vibes for 2022. I decided to start the year off by answering a question I get all the time from other teachers. That question is, “What is the best way to fit in word study, grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing into your ELA block?” Raise your hand if you have asked this question or thought about this!

No matter how organized you are, there are so many expectations and so little time to get it all done. Everyone focuses on the standards and objectives, but squeezing in the time for other important topics such as grammar and vocabulary doesn’t always happen. The tips I share in this episode will assist those of you who want to make a change to your ELA block and maximize your schedule. I promise you’ll feel more confident once you try these creative ideas that I share.

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership

To check out the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode59

I hope you’re taking my advice and catching up on this episode after you’ve relaxed and unplugged during your holiday break. After two weeks off I want to help ease your transition back to school with ideas for managing behaviors. We all know that kids take a while to get reaccustomed to the routine of school after being out for a while, and I hope these strategies help eliminate any conflicts.

Despite my excitement to return to my classroom after breaks, I was always surprised at the behaviors that emerged from my students. I’m talking about behaviors I had never seen from students before, like sleeping during a read aloud. What I had come to realize was that this is extremely normal and it was my job to adjust my expectations. By creating these ideas to prevent a challenging transition back to school for my students, my students were back to normal in no time!

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

To check out the other resources from this episode, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/stc_podcast/creative-ways-to-reteach-classroom-routines

Congratulations for surviving the first semester of the year! Most of you are either off this whole week or at least part of the week, so I’ve decided to refrain from talking about reading strategies. That means if you are already on vacation, come back and listen to this episode next week! You deserve this time to relax and recharge, and that’s exactly what I’ll be talking about today.

This year in particular seems to be considerably more challenging than years passed. That’s why you need to reflect on your accomplishments rather than using this time to catch up on paperwork. I know it’s not easy to leave your work at school, I can totally relate, I used to do that too. What I realized, though, was that I was doing more harm than good. So unplug, spend time with your family, and do all the things that bring you joy because you deserve it!

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

To check out the other resources from this episode, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/stc_podcast/how-to-recharge-over-the-holidays

My dear friend, Dr. Lori Friesen recently recorded an incredible episode that I knew I needed to share with you, and she generously agreed. Dr. Lori Friesen talks about how easy it is to get caught up in the rush of the day to day. I'm sure you can relate to this. We often feel totally overwhelmed and trapped by our schedule and can even feel like it controls us. The answer lies in making the choice to build more white space into your schedule.

At the end of the day when you look at your to-do list and realize that you didn’t even get through half of what you anticipated doing, it’s a terrible feeling. It often leads to negative self-talk and a wave of overwhelm. Every time you plan something and you don’t follow through with it, you break trust with yourself. If you break trust with yourself everyday, it affects your confidence and makes you question whether or not you can handle all that's being thrown at you.

Thankfully, there are things that we can do when we get caught up in the hustle and overwhelm of teaching. Dr. Friesen is going to share these ideas with you. By the end of the episode, I hope that you will feel inspired to focus on what really matters, rather than making everything on your to-do list of equal importance.

Show Notes: stellarteacher.com/stc_podcast/dr-lori-friesen-white-space

Connect with Dr. Lori Friesen:

Podcast: Beginning Teacher Talk
Instagram: @beginningteachertalk
Website: drlorifriesen.com

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

It’s that crazy time of year again between the holidays when you are so desperately looking forward to those two weeks off! Most of you are probably planning on doing some sort of assessments before break or soon after. This episode will provide you with quick and easy ideas for assessing your students as soon as tomorrow.

The best part of these ideas is that they are fun and creative almost to the point that they don’t even realize they are being evaluated. Little do they know you are assessing their understanding, their grammar, and so much more. No matter which topic you are looking to assess or the subject you are teaching, these activities will help you gain information that will let you know what your students need as learners. I hope these tips help you get through test prep and ready to go in the new year!

In this episode I share:
-10 ideas for exit tickets to assess student learning
-Ways to evaluate your students that requires minimal writing
-Activities that can be used in all subject areas
-How assessments can be informative for future lessons

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

Exit Ticket Sticky Notes: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Exit-Ticket-Templates-For-Any-Subject-Print-and-Digital-4480486

To check out the other resources from this episode, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/stc_podcast/creative-ways-to-assess

Hello my friends! I know the Monday after Thanksgiving can be difficult, so thank you for joining me whether you’re driving to work or winding down afterwards. I hope you all had an opportunity to rest after a school year that has likely already proven to be challenging, a theme I’ve seen over and over again lately. With just about three more weeks until the next holiday, I’m here to help you keep your students on track and engaged!

I always found that the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas were the most difficult to keep students focused, especially during reading. Not to mention the pressure to have projects or activities to send home during the long break. Luckily I have created multiple resources and compiled ideas that will not only keep students interested at school but you’ll also have the option to continue these activities during their time off, without putting extra work on you.

In this episode I share:
-5 Ideas for keeping students engaged during the holiday season
-Activities you can start now that last through the new year
-How to incorporate different topics and genres into the winter season
-Ways to make learning fun with activities you already have in place

Join out the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

Grab your FREE Book Talk Anchor Charts: stellarteacher.com/blog/boost-reading-engagement-with-book-talks/

To check out the other resources from this episode, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/stc_podcast/winter-break

As we approach the holiday season and reflect on what we’re thankful for, one of the first things that comes to my mind is my listeners and the community this podcast has created! You all motivate me to show up each week with your dedication to improving your student’s reading abilities. This week I wanted to talk about a fun topic, which is incorporating movement into your reading block.

The holidays may be an exciting time of the year, but this excitement can often lead to students becoming more distracted and antsy. It’s normal to notice that the behavior management tools that have been working the last few months may not be as effective anymore. In order to keep a positive learning environment, you can incorporate movement activities to improve both attention and collaboration. You may be putting these routines in place to control that holiday excitement, but you’ll be happy you did once test prep comes around!

In this episode I share:
-Reasons to incorporate movement into your reading block
-The impact movement has on the classroom community
-4 movement routines to incorporate into your schedule
-Tips to prepare your students for movement activities

Check out the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

For more resources, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/stc_podcast/incorporating-movement-into-your-literacy-block/

One of my favorite things about hosting this podcast is the conversations I have with my listeners who love literacy as much as I do! I was excited to see that my most popular episode yet was my 47th episode that focused on nonfiction. Whether you really love nonfiction or really need help with it, I decided to tackle one of the most challenging nonfiction reading skills in this episode, which is summarizing.

It is so important to take each student’s reading skills into account while teaching those higher level skills. That’s why I’ve developed strategies that can help build confidence in all students no matter their comprehension abilities. Teaching literacy skills really requires a toolbox of strategies and skills for your students to be able to utilize independently. I’ve been loving the discussions that began following the last nonfiction episode, so let me know which of these nonfiction summarizing strategies were useful to you!

In this episode I share:
-Why summarizing nonfiction is so challenging
-6 important reminders to teach to your students when writing summaries
-3 strategies to make your students more confident
-How to use wh-question stems when summarizing

Download your FREE Nonfiction Summary Checklist!

Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

For more resources, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com

EPISODE 51

I am SO excited to share this episode with you all because my friend, Megan Polk, joined me for a guest interview. Megan is the content creator behind The Literacy Dive Podcast and a fellow lover of reading and writing. She is my go-to resource when it comes to writing and I learned so much from her during this episode focused on keeping students engaged.

One of the most popular questions I get asked is how to keep kids excited during writing activities. I can’t say I was surprised to hear that avoiding daily writing activities is not the way to go! Luckily, Megan shares some simple modifications that can be made as soon as tomorrow. No matter if you enjoy teaching writing or not, this episode will encourage you to prioritize writing and ways to make teaching writing fun!

In this episode we discuss:
-Tips for making writing exciting
-How to use your classroom materials to motivate your students
-Strategies that are easy to implement during writing block
-Advice for teachers who don’t enjoy teaching writing
-Ways to utilize your colleagues to enhance your teaching

Connect with Megan:

-Instagram: @theliteracydive

-Podcast: The Literacy Dive

-Website: theliteracydive.com

Check out Some of Megan's Writing Resources:

-Writing Process Charts and Checklists

-Upper Elementary Writing Office

-Primary Writing Office

-Monthly Writing Prompts & Journal Bundle

SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/episode51

To continue the celebration of my 50th episode airing this week, I have a BONUS episode for you today! This is my all-time favorite episode I've recorded so far, and it's all about inspired action! This one is jam-packed with so much goodness and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a $50 TpT gift card! To enter, simply share your favorite Stellar Teacher Podcast episodes somewhere on Instagram! It can be on your stories or your feed and tag us @stellarteachercompany! The giveaway ends Friday, November 5th.

SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/episode20

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 50

How did we get to episode 50 already?! I just want to say thank you so much to my listener’s that have listened to all my episodes, half my episodes, or even if this is your first! To celebrate this milestone I put a lot of thought into today’s topic in order to make it special, and after a lot of brainstorming I kept coming back to the idea of power questioning.

Let’s be honest, if students aren’t interested in the text they aren’t going to participate in a discussion. If we take a step back and reflect on what we’re prompting our students with after they read, you’ll probably notice that all the questions are directly related to the text. “Who is the main character?” and “Where does the story take place?” are not the types of questions I am going to be sharing with you today, but I promise that you will not be disappointed with your student’s responses!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of five $50 TpT gift cards! To enter, simply share your favorite Stellar Teacher Podcast episodes somewhere on Instagram! It can be on your stories or your feed and tag us @stellarteachercompany! The giveaway ends Friday, November 5th.

In this episode I share:
-Why it’s important to ask your students power questions
-3 power questions that will have a big impact on students' reading
-How power questions can help you assess your students' understanding
-Ways to avoid getting “I don’t know” as an answer

SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/episode50

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-stellarteachercompany.com

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 49

If you have been tuning in each week, you know this is the last episode of the reading comprehension mini series. I have talked about various topics that were requested by my listeners or ones I found challenging when I was in the classroom. To end this month’s series I am excited to talk about my favorite nonfiction topic, which is nonfiction text structure.

It wasn’t until I started teaching fourth grade that I even heard of the term nonfiction text structure. I quickly realized how important it is to teach and how it relates to so many different skills needed for nonfiction texts. I explain this in detail as well as tips for explicitly teaching text structure every chance you get! Now that this mini series is finished, head over to my Instagram or Facebook group to let me know which topic you want to hear about next!

In this episode I share:
-3 reasons why text structure is a critical skill
-How text structure relates to reading comprehension
-5 tips for being more purposeful when teaching nonfiction text structure
-Ways to utilize graphic organizers

Resources:

-Check out the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership

-Nonfiction Text Structure Posters and Anchor Charts

-Nonfiction Text Structure Task Cards

-Nonfiction Text Structure Sort

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 48

Have you ever gone to Google for insight on how to teach a certain topic? You’re not the only one! Although it is convenient, I started to consider why I wasn’t going straight to the source and asking other colleagues how they tackled those topics that are difficult to teach. I hope this reading comprehension mini-series provides quick, actionable steps you can incorporate immediately!

This week’s reading skill that we will be focusing on is identifying the theme of a story. I’ve come to realize that there are many ways that “theme” can be interpreted. Since everyone has different backgrounds, teaching the abstract concept of theme can be increasingly more difficult especially as you get into higher grades. I hope these strategies I share are helpful and that you’ll join me next week for the last episode of the reading comprehension mini-series!

In this episode I share:

-What I consider as the definition of theme
-The difference between topic and theme
-4 strategies to teach theme to your students
-2 ways to define what a strategy is

Related Resources:

-Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership

-Theme Reading Comprehension Task Cards

-Identifying Theme Reading Response Activities

-Identifying Theme - Small Group Plans

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/episode48

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 47

Today’s episode is the second of this month’s Reading Comprehension Skill Series and will be focused on main idea. More specifically, finding the main idea in nonfiction texts. I remember when I used to teach my students by using an elaborate lesson and telling them they needed to do the same. What I realized was that after all the time I spent, I wasn’t showing my students how to find the main idea themselves.

Instead of showing them what I had done, I realized I should have provided them with the strategies to do it themselves. I’m sure I’m not the only one guilty of this! That’s why I’m walking you through the roadmap to use in order to teach your students strategies to find the main idea. Once you have these tools, your students will be able to find the main idea on their own. As the Reading Comprehension Skill Series continues, please head over to my page and let me know if you’re enjoying these mini-series as much as I am!

In this episode I share:

-The difference between comprehension skills and strategies
-Mistakes I made while teaching main idea and what I learned
-7 Strategies to teach students how to find the main idea
-Why it’s important to teach multiple strategies

Resources mentioned:

-Join the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership

-Main Idea Nonfiction Task Cards

-Main Idea Nonfiction Reading Passages with Comprehension Questions

-Nonfiction Main Idea Differentiated Reading Passages

-Nonfiction Main Idea Reading Response Activities and Worksheets

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/episode47

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 46

It feels like the school year just started, and yet it’s October already! I find that this is the time of the year that your routines and procedures are established and you can really dive deep into your content. For that reason, I’ve decided that the month of October I will be focusing on reading comprehension skills!

There are so many reasons I decided to focus on reading comprehension this month, the number one being that these are difficult skills to teach. One of those higher level, more abstract concepts that I get asked about most is making inferences. Although it may seem like there’s a simple equation to mastering this skill, there are so many factors that can influence your student’s success. After you hear my experience teaching inferences, head over to my Instagram and share what you’ve found to be effective!

In this episode I share:
-Why reading comprehension can be difficult to teach
-Reasons making inferences is challenging
-4 Tips for teaching how to make inferences
-Effective reading comprehension supports and tools

Resources Mentioned:

-Picture of the Day Reading Routine Bundle

-The Invisible Boy

-Each Kindness

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/episode46

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards))

The Invisible Boy

EPISODE 45

This episode will be the third and last episode in the mini-lesson mini series, although I’ll definitely be talking about them again soon! At this point you have probably thought about what you are doing during your mini-lessons and have hopefully tried some of my tips and tricks. You may want to try one more after I tell you about the mini lessons you should be teaching that aren’t related to comprehension.

Many of us have heard at length how important it is for students to read at a young age. We eat, sleep, and breathe topics such as main idea, inferences, and sequencing even though these aren’t the skills that will lead to lifelong readers. Once we look beyond what the novels are about and also focus on motivating our students to enjoy reading then we’ve done our job. I’d love to hear which types of mini lessons you are already using or planning on using, so head over to my Instagram @thestellarteachercompany and let me know!

In this episode I share:

-4 different types of reading mini lessons you should be teaching
-Reading topics to teach that aren’t related to comprehension
-Specific objectives related to genre
-How you can use mini lessons can improve student responses

Resources Mentioned:

-Grab your FREE mini-lesson planning pack: stellarteacher.com/minilessons

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode45.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 44

For the second episode in the mini-lesson series, I am going to share with you my five step process to planning an effective mini-lesson. I promise that these five steps are not as hard as you think they are. Even better, they will give you confidence that you can deliver an effective mini-lesson to your students!

If you have never used mini-lessons or feel like you can use a refresher course, you’ve come to the right place. I will walk you through the steps to making your mini-lesson beneficial and structured no matter what your goal is. I’ll even provide examples of some of my favorite texts to use for specific standards. Come back next week for even more tips on how to plan and execute a mini-lesson!

In this episode I share:

-5 steps to planning an effective mini-lesson

-How to tie mini-lessons to the standards

-What makes a book a great mentor text

-Examples of mentor texts based on your goals

Resources Mentioned:

-Grab your FREE mini-lesson planning pack: stellarteacher.com/minilessons

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode44.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 43

I am so excited to share with you that I’ve decided to have a mini-series in September to kick off the fall! The focus is going to be mini-lessons, which is something you may have heard me talk about during my summer series. I know you’re so busy with the beginning of the school year, so I hope these short and sweet episodes are perfect for you!

In my experience, many teachers use the term “mini-lessons” for varying activities within their reading block. This is actually not the case as mini-lessons are structured and follow a specific framework. During this episode I will not only explain what that should look like, but also why it’s so important. I can’t wait to hear how you incorporate mini-lessons into your classroom!

In this episode I share:

-What a mini-lesson really is vs what it isn’t
-The benefits of using mini-lessons
-5 parts of an effective mini-lesson
-How to choose which texts to use

Resources Mentioned:

-Grab your FREE mini-lesson planning pack: stellarteacher.com/minilessons

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode43.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 42

Most teachers that I know fantasized about being teachers from a very young age. I’m sure I’m not the only one who envisioned what my future classroom would look like or the successes my students would have due to my hard work and attention. My guest on today’s episode, Pernille Ripp, was disappointed to find that the current education system made it difficult for her to fulfill her dreams and provide students with authentic reading experiences.

Instead of being complacent, Pernille decided to focus on two important areas of teaching: engagement and empowerment. What started as a blog ended up having an impact not only in her classroom but around the world. Her program started as an idea to increase engagement in reading but it has transformed into something much more, teaching skills such as empathy. The empowerment of Global Read Aloud fosters connectivity amongst people, which has never been more important than it is today.

Pernille Ripp is a seventh grade teacher in Wisconsin and the creator of the Global Read Aloud (www.theglobalreadaloud.com), a literacy initiative that has connected more than 2,000,000 students since 2010 through the use of technology. She speaks internationally and writes regularly on her blog (www.pernillesripp.com). She is also author of several books including Passionate Readers - The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child and Passionate Learners: Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students

In this episode we discuss:

-The background behind Pernille Ripp’s journey as an educator
-How to give students more authentic reading experiences
-What Global Read Aloud is and why it was started
-The impact Global Read Aloud has on student’s perspective outside the classroom

Resources Mentioned:

-The Global Read Aloud
-The Global Read Aloud Facebook Group
-Passionate Readers Book Facebook Group
-Pernille’s Website

For more resources, head to the show notes: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode42

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 41

Today’s episode continues the conversation we’ve been having on a topic related to reading comprehension, which is vocabulary. As I’m sure you know, if a student isn’t understanding what they’re reading they will likely not be motivated or interested in the text. This is why it is so important to teach students how to figure out what unknown words mean, bringing us to today’s topic: context clues.

This means no more explicit teaching of a vocabulary list or those weekly vocabulary tests. Crazy, right? What I found when teaching context clues correctly is that students were able to determine the meaning of words and would be able to use them independently, which is of course the goal! Once you put these strategies in place your students will be fully equipped with the tools to decipher the meaning of unknown words they come across while reading.

In this episode I share:

-Things to avoid when teaching vocabulary
-How to teach vocabulary without using vocabulary lists
-The 5 different types of context clues to teach your students
-The importance of word parts and parts of speech for unknown words

Resources Mentioned:

-Context Clues Activities

-FREEBIE: Context Clue "Word of the Day" Activity

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode41.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

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EPISODE 40

I can’t believe this is the podcast’s 40th episode! I always love to celebrate the podcast milestones so I want to say thank you to all my listeners for tuning in each week! To supplement last week's episode on word walls, I’m going to continue the conversation on vocabulary. More specifically, I will be sharing ten tips for teaching vocabulary in upper elementary.

It is so important to focus on vocabulary in the upper grades as student’s reading skills continue to develop. What I have found, though, is that providing students with a vocabulary list each week is not the most effective way to teach new words. These tips I provide you will result in your students learning and most importantly using the new vocabulary words you’ve exposed them to.

In this episode I share:

-Reasons to say goodbye to weekly vocabulary quizzes
-10 tips for teaching vocabulary in upper elementary
-Ways you can use genres to increase vocabulary
-3 goals to focus on when teaching vocabulary
-How to assess student growth without using tests

Resources Mentioned:

-Vocabulary Routines and Activities Bundle

-Greek and Latin Roots Bundle

-Reading Word Wall Bundle

-Prefixes and Suffixes Posters, Word Wall, and Activities Bundle

-Freebie Greek and Latin Roots Student Reference Sheets

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode40.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-stellarteachercompany.com

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 39

I can’t believe it’s already half-way through August and I'm sure some of you are already back at school getting your classrooms ready or even meeting your students. My teacher brain always considers August as the start of a “new year,” am I the only one that thinks this way? I love the way a new year welcomes new routines and a clean slate and this year I am going to convince you upper elementary teachers to try something new.

You may be surprised to hear this but I want you upper elementary teachers to display a word wall. You may wonder why fourth graders need reminders on how to spell, but that’s actually not the purpose. There are so many advantages to exposing students to new vocabulary words on a daily basis so that they can solidify the meaning of these words and use them during discussions. Once you listen to all the benefits, you’ll have to let me know if you give it a try!

In this episode I share:

-The different purposes of a word wall

-Benefits of using word walls in upper elementary

-Intentional ways to display word walls in your classroom

-3 necessary components for each vocabulary word

-What you can do to help your students utilize the word wall independently

Resources Mentioned:

-Reading Word Wall Bundle

-Science Poster and Word Wall Bundle

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode39.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-stellarteachercompany.com

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 38

Alright ya'll, are you ready for my most requested episode to date?! I've received so many messages this summer asking if I can share the specifics of how I launch reading workshop. Your wish has been granted in today's jam-packed episode!

I'm sharing all the details of the first three weeks of reading workshop! During the first 15 days, the goal is to set your students up for success. This means you don't jump straight into content. Instead, focus on introducing, modeling, and practicing the habits and behaviors that you want your students to display all year long. When we take the time to build positive habits and behaviors, we gain an effective reading block (no “fake reading” going on here!).

In this episode I share:

-Examples of habits and behaviors you need to practice with your students

-How to create energy and enthusiasm around independent reading

-Tips to build up student stamina

-Introducing “just right” books

-How to manage your time during the first 15 days of reading workshop

Resources Mentioned:

-Reading Workshop Launch Guide FREEBIE

-Anchor Chart FREEBIE

-Reading Inventory FREEBIE

-Reading Workshop Anchor Charts

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode38.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-stellarteachercompany.com

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 37

It’s back to school time! This time of year always makes me so excited. As fun as it is, I totally know how many tasks are on your to-do list as you plan and prepare for your new group of students. Over the years, one thing I have found to be super helpful is having a solid list of go-to resources that can used over and over again in your reading block.

Today I’m telling you all about my top five favorite resources that should be in every upper elementary reading classroom. These resources will play a crucial role in helping you to create a highly effective AND engaging reading block. What makes them so great? They work in ALL parts of your reading block - during independent practice, small group, assessments, and even homework!

The best part is that by getting your students familiar with the same type of resource, it will become easier for them to truly use them as a valuable tool to practice important skills. This is the solution you need to eliminate the number of resources that you have to go searching for online time and time again.

In this episode I share:

-5 must-have resources for every upper elementary reading teacher

-4 things to consider when selecting effective resources

-Why you need to look for reading response resources that are open ended

-How giving your students multiple opportunities to practice skills will help to grow your confidence as a teacher

Resources Mentioned:

-Premade Anchor Charts

-Strategy Cards

-Digital Graphic Organizers

-Graphic Organizer Sticky Notes

-Graphic Organizers for Genre

-Question Stems

-Task Cards - Growing Bundle

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-SHOW NOTES: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode37.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-stellarteachercompany.com

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 36

I am thrilled for you to listen to today’s episode because it’s geared towards first year teachers, but also a great reminder for veterans. You’ll be hearing from my guest speaker, Dr. Lori Friesen, who has made it her life’s work to support new teachers. I love her mission because I could totally relate to that feeling of knowing my college education was spectacular and yet when I walked into the classroom those first few years, I could have used her help!

Lori really touches upon all the different parts of teaching that may not be addressed during college. One point I wanted to focus on was classroom management. No matter how great your supervisor was during your student teaching, it’s a whole new situation when you are given your roster and students arrive on that first day of school. Once you listen to these tips you’ll definitely feel more prepared for the kids that walk through your door!

In this episode we discuss:

-Reasons why teachers feel unprepared during those first few years of teaching

-4 common mistakes new (and veteran) teachers make when it comes to classroom management

-Tips for creating classroom systems that work

-How to keep classroom management fun

Download the FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist:

https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist

Connect with Dr. Lori:

-Beginning Teacher Talk Facebook Group

-Instagram: @beginningteachertalk

-Drlorifriesen.com

-Beginning Teacher Talk Podcast

More Resources:

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode36.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-stellarteachercompany.com

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 35

If you missed my free workshop on 3 proven steps to get your students to love reading and master the standards, this episode is created especially for you! In this episode, I’m going to go over some of the key points I covered in that training. You’ll hear my most favorite ways to create a reading block that is centered on your students, with an emphasis on independent reading time!

As you are getting ready to go back to school, I want you to take some time to consider what you are going to do to help increase the student involvement in your reading block. If you closed your eyes and envisioned your reading block going as smoothly as possible, what does that look like for you? Does it involve the majority of your block being independent reading time? I believe this is the key to giving our students the time they need to practice and master the skills we teach during our mini-lessons! Tune in to hear how you can work your student’s up to reading independently for 40-45 minutes per day. Yes, it’s possible!

The doors to The Stellar Teacher Membership close TONIGHT, July 19, 2021! Head to stellarteacher.com/joinnow to sign up!

In this episode I share:

-3 things to consider when creating a student-centered reading block

-Habits and behaviors that students need to have in order to work independently

-Letting ourselves experience failure with our instruction and using it as a chance to grow

-Repetition and practice is the key to mastery

Resources:

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode35.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-stellarteachercompany.com

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 34

For the last Summer Series Quick Tip Thursday, I will be telling you how to set effective reading goals. This may be an unpopular opinion, but none of my suggestions will include the student's reading level. Sounds scary, right? Believe me when I say there are better and more motivating ways to measure your student’s growth in reading.

I know this won’t be a surprise to you, but I’m going to recommend that you allow your students to set their goals. If you’ve been listening for a while you know how important it is for our students to maintain ownership of their reading. Once you guide them with these tips, they’re bound to be inspired to become better readers!

In this episode I share:

-Different purposes of setting reading goals

-The 3 levels of goals students should be setting

-Ways to keep students motivated to reach their goals

Sign up for my FREE webinar, 3 Proven Steps to Create a Class Community That LOVES Reading: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/freeworkshop

The doors to The Stellar Teacher Membership are now open! Head to stellarteacher.com/joinnow to sign up!

Resources:

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode34.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-stellarteachercompany.com

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 33

I can’t believe this is the final week of the Stellar Teach Summer Series! I’ve decided to end the series with one of the hot topics in education, which is reading engagement. Contrary to what many people think, you don’t have to jump through hoops to increase engagement. You must, however, make sure that you are intentional with how you’re keeping your students motivated.

At the end of the day, it is our job to make sure our students are engaged as much as possible. We must inspire them so that they will be the ones doing the work. After all, that is what engagement really means!

In this episode I share:

-3 secrets to creating a highly engaging reading block

-Strategies to ramp up your read alouds

-How giving students choices increases their engagement

-Different ways to record reading responses

Sign up for my FREE webinar, 3 Proven Steps to Create a Class Community That LOVES Reading: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/freeworkshop

The doors to The Stellar Teacher Membership are now open! Head to stellarteacher.com/joinnow to sign up!

Resources:

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode33.

Connect with me:

-Join my newsletter

-My TPT store

-stellarteachercompany.com

-Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany

-Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 32

For today’s Quick Tip Thursday I am going to continue talking about the topic of genre! I’m sure most of you are thinking of your book collection and which books you want to add to your library. It is SO important to be aware of the types of books being read in the classroom both independently and aloud.

That’s why I am going to help you focus on students on an individual level. There are so many books out there that your students will like, however, if they don’t know which genres interest them they may not be able to find them. Once you listen to this episode your student’s will be able to identify which genres interest them all by themselves!

In this episode I share:

-How to organize genres in your classroom library

-Ways to help students identify their preferred reading experience

-Tips to give students independence for book selection

Sign up for my FREE webinar, 3 Proven Steps to Create a Class Community That LOVES Reading: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/freeworkshop

Resources mentioned:

-Join the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

-Student Interest Survey FREEBIE: https://stellarteacher.lpages.co/opt-in-reading-interest-inventory-genre/

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-Download the Stellar Teacher Summer Series Calendar

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode32.

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 31

Sign up for my FREE webinar, 3 Proven Steps to Create a Class Community That LOVES Reading: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/freeworkshop

I have been having a blast during the last few weeks talking about reading in my summer series! In this week's episode I talk about genres and it’s truly one of my favorite topics. If you’re like me, you spend a lot of time reading out loud to your students. You may also notice that during these read alouds you’re reading various books that are within the same genre.

This is what happened to me at least, and I realized that most likely not all of my student’s enjoy realistic fiction as much as I do. Whether it’s informational text or historical fiction, it is our responsibility as teachers to nurture our student’s love for reading. That is why during this episode I discuss how to motivate students to read by exposing them to different genres.

In this episode I share:

-Ways genre encourages students to identify their reading preferences

-Reasons genres can help with reading comprehension

-5 tips for being more intentional about teaching genre

-Why it’s important to expose students to different genres

Resources mentioned:

-Join the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-Download the Stellar Teacher Summer Series Calendar

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode31.

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 30

In episode 29, I talked all about the solutions to the various challenges that come up when you use reading centers in your classroom. If you didn't catch that episode, go check it out!

Once you have solid routines and expectations in place, there are many SIMPLE ways you can use reading centers in upper elementary. Today I'm sharing my 9 favorite reading centers that you can use all year long and involve very little to no prep!

After listening, send me a message on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany and let me know which center you plan to try out first!

Resources mentioned:

-Join the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-Download the Stellar Teacher Summer Series Calendar

-Reading Response Sticky Note Bundle

-Reading Response Graphic Organizers for Genre

-Task Cards Growing Bundle

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode30.

Connect with me:

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stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 29

When I think about reading centers, I remember how difficult they were for me during my first few years of teaching. It was hard to find the time to fit them in and I spent so much time prepping and searching for ways to keep them engaging for my students. Since then, I’ve learned a lot and want to share all of my suggestions with you!

If you want to use reading centers, there is a way to use them with the workshop model. Better yet, I have simple solutions for you so that you create a reading block that truly works for you and your class. While I still believe that independent reading should take up a big chunk of your reading block, there IS a place for centers in upper elementary classrooms!

In this episode I share:

-3 main challenges that exist with the traditional reading center model

-An easy way to make reading centers work for you and your students

-A reminder that there is no ONE way to teach reading

-How to give students choice in the content and pace of their centers

Resources mentioned:

-Join the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/join

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-Download the Stellar Teacher Summer Series Calendar

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode29.

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 28

On episode 27, I talked all about how to create an effective literacy block even if you are limited on time. Today is a continuation of that conversation as I discuss how to get creative in finding pockets of time throughout your day to squeeze in more read alouds!

If you are even slightly as obsessed with picture books as I am, then you probably are dying to get to as many as possible throughout the year. We have to find ways to read to our kids just for fun, not because it’s in the standards or because we need to practice a skill for an upcoming test, but actually for pure enjoyment. While it’s true that you can’t actually create more time in the day, as the teacher you CAN control how you use the time in your classroom. Ready to learn how you can make read alouds happen more often?

In this episode I share:

-Six possible pockets of time for read alouds
-Why finding extra time to read aloud to your students will pay off

-The best advice I received from a college professor

Resources mentioned:

-Head to stellarteacher.com/waitlist to get on the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership!

-FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules + Planning Guide

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-Download the Stellar Teacher Summer Series Calendar

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode28.

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 27

My literacy block is too short. I don’t have enough time to cram everything in! Are these thoughts that run through your head? Depending on the length of your literacy block, you may feel like you are constantly rushing and hustling to get from one thing to the next. Here’s the thing though - more time isn’t the answer! You CAN create an effective literacy block, no matter how much time you have to teach it.

It may sound strange, but you cannot stress about how much time you have for reading and writing. For most teachers, that’s not something that you have any control over. What you can control is how you spend that time. I’m here to help you come up with the perfect literacy schedule…even if your time is limited!

In this episode I share:

-7 tips to help you create an effective literacy block

-Why you must set daily non-negotiables and stick to them

-One question to ask yourself to determine if you’re using time wisely

-Which routines and independent skills to prioritize at the beginning of the year to save time later

Resources mentioned:

-Head to stellarteacher.com/waitlist to get on the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership!

-FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules + Planning Guide

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-Download the Stellar Teacher Summer Series Calendar

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode27.

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 26

Welcome to our very first Quick Tip Thursday episode! In episode 25, I talked all about reading workshop and why you should consider implementing it into your literacy block.

Whenever I discuss reading workshop, I often get asked the question, “my school is required to use a basal reading program, but I am really interested in using the reading workshop framework. Can I use this model even if I HAVE to use the basal?” Guess what? YES, you absolutely can! Tune in to hear my top tips on how you can incorporate reading workshop even with a basal reader.

Resources mentioned:

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-Download the Stellar Teacher Summer Series Calendar

-Head to stellarteacher.com/waitlist to get on the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership!

-Episode 25, How Reading Workshop Can Transform Your Reading Instruction: stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode25

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode26.

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Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
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EPISODE 25

During my first few years of teaching, I was handed a basal reading program. I was told this was the way to teach reading. Well, it didn’t take me too long to realize that it was extremely repetitive and NOT engaging for me or my students. I found myself constantly trying to supplement with other resources. I finally came across the reading workshop model and never looked back. Today I’m filling you in on why I love this model so much!

In this episode I share:

-What reading workshop is and why it’s so effective

-Details on each part of reading workshop

-How to be intentional about providing closure to your lesson

-Why teachers sometimes over-teach during mini-lessons

Resources mentioned:

-Come join us in my NEW Facebook group, Upper Elementary Reading Teachers

-Download the Stellar Teacher Summer Series Calendar

-Head to stellarteacher.com/waitlist to get on the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership!

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode25.

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
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stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

EPISODE 24

Head to stellarteacher.com/waitlist to get on the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership!

On today’s episode I am so excited to have Jamie Sears, from Not So Wimpy Teacher, join me! If you know Jamie you know that she is a writing guru and she will be sharing easy ways to make writing easier for teachers that is also exciting for students. Even the most reluctant students will want to participate once you incorporate these ideas!

Writing is often one of the most dreaded subjects for teachers to teach. With all the emphasis on reading levels and math scores, it’s no wonder we don’t feel as prepared to teach writing. It wasn’t until I was out of the classroom and came across these resources that it didn’t seem so overwhelming. After you make these shifts in your classroom, I know you’ll feel the same way!

In this episode we discuss:

-Small changes that cause a big impact in student growth
-3 Reasons students can be reluctant writers
-Where to start when teaching writing
-Easy ways to make writing FUN!
-The best way to measure growth

Resources mentioned:

-Get on the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership at stellarteacher.com/waitlist!

-Free Writing Pacing Guide for Grades 2-5

-Jamie's Instagram: @notsowimpyteacher

-notsowimpyteacher.com

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
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stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode24.

EPISODE 23

Head to stellarteacher.com/waitlist to get on the waitlist for the Stellar Teacher Membership<<

It’s that time of the year again! You’re probably doing a lot of sorting, packing, and disposing, but it is also the time of year to also reflect on what needs to be changed. This applies not only to lesson plans, but also to the classroom environment. Today’s episode will focus specifically on the classroom library and how to maximize your time now so that you’ll save time later.

As always, my main goal is to provide you with organizational tips that will provide students with independence when it comes to book selection. There is so much variety when it comes to classroom libraries and the way books are displayed plays a huge role in how students choose their next novel. That’s why if you incorporate these ideas into your library, the accessibility will allow even the most timid reader the opportunity to find a book they enjoy.

In this episode I share:

-Two factors to consider when setting up your classroom library
-Tips for making your library student-friendly
-Ways to create an inventory for your book collection
-Dos and don’ts of a featured book section
-How to introduce your library to your students

Resources mentioned:

-Sign up for the Stellar Teacher Membership Waitlist at stellarteacher.com/waitlist!

-Genre labels for your classroom library FREEBIE

-Genre word wall cards

-Episode 9, Getting Started with Author Studies

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode23.

EPISODE 22

This may be a shock to hear, but in my opinion the best time to set up your class library is at the end of the year. Hear me out. As you’re putting your books in boxes and taking inventory at the end of the year, why not get your students involved? Not to mention, if you organize your library the way you want it and categorize it now just imagine how much easier it will be in the fall!

So let’s talk about what drives your organization system. Well that’s simple, your students! The main goal of your classroom library is to make it accessible to your students. That’s why you want to encourage your students to be more independent and engaged in reading by creating a system that makes sense not only to you but to them as well!

In this episode I share:

3 different ways you can set up your classroom library
Benefits and limitations to consider for your categorization system
1 organizational method you should avoid

Resources Mentioned:

Genre labels for your classroom library - FREEBIE!

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode22.

EPISODE 21

How many of you are counting down the days until summer? I love having something to look forward to and celebrating the passing of time. With that being said, it is probably the hardest part of the year to maintain student engagement. That’s why this episode is about keeping students engaged in reading until the very last day of school.

Keeping students engaged in the last month of school is definitely a challenge. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the year and revisit texts you have read throughout the year. The goal at this time of the year is to maintain structure and purpose while having more flexibility. Of course, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy those last few experiences of reading with your students!

In this episode I share:

7 ways to keep students engaged in reading
Strategies to challenge your students at the end of the year
How to keep students reading while crossing items off your to-do list

Resources Mentioned:

Reading Challenge FREEBIE
Episode 9- Getting Started with Author Studies
Episode 20- Inspired Action: My Favorite Way to Bring Texts to Life

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode21.

EPISODE 20

Today is episode 20 of Stellar Teacher Podcast and I am so excited to share this milestone with all of you! Yay! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to talk to you about how to create a highly engaged reading block. More specifically, I will be talking about Inspired Action. Never heard of it? You’re not alone!

Inspired Action is a term I’ve created that, in short, helps your students learn how to change the world. Inspired Action starts by reading a book, but can lead to changes from within the classroom to throughout the community. Let’s be honest, we do not become teachers to teach standards. You are listening to this episode because you are an educator who wants to teach children that they can make a positive impact on those around them and I’m going to tell you how to do just that!

In this episode I share:

How to motivate students at the end of the year
What Inspired Action looks like in practice
How to implement Inspired Action into your classroom
The 3 powerful questions that you need to be asking your students after a read aloud

Resources Mentioned:

Each Kindness
Favorite wordless picture book authors: Bill Thompson and David Weisner

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode20.

Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards))

EPISODE 19

This week is a continuation of last week’s episode all about reading conferences! I just love reading conferences for so many reasons. It’s the perfect time to give our students that one-on-one time that they desperately crave.

When I first started implementing reading conferences, I noticed something interesting. Some of my students would get anxiety when we had a conference. I realized that they were having trouble distinguishing between a reading conference and an assessment. Today I’m sharing my tips on how to avoid this confusion by taking the time to explain and model conferences. Then, I’m answering the most common questions I receive about reading conferences.

In this episode I answer:

How often should I hold reading conferences?
What is the best time to do a reading conference?
How do I confer with students if I’ve never read the book they’re reading?
What are the rest of my students doing while I’m in a reading conference?
How do reading conferences fit into the other elements of readers workshop?

Resources Mentioned:

Reading Conference Teacher Guide FREEBIE
Reading Comprehension Strategy Cards
Reading Strategies Anchor Charts & Posters
Episode 18, Getting Started With Reading Conferences

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode19.

EPISODE 18

This one is a listener request! Thank you for your suggestion Emily!

If you’re an elementary school teacher, you’ve likely experienced having a class with students who are on all different reading levels. This makes it really challenging to create a guided reading scheduling. Have you ever tried incorporating reading conferences to fill the gaps?

I first discovered the magic of reading conferences while teaching second grade and never looked back. With short and effective reading conferences, you can get to the objective of a lesson way quicker than in a traditional reading group. The best part is that it’s a great time to get to know your students on a more personal level.

In this episode I share:

What a reading conference is and why they are so beneficial
A simple reading conference framework that you can use for all of your students
How to know when you no longer need to listen to your students read aloud and what to work on instead
The appropriate length of a reading conference

Resources Mentioned:

Reading Conference Teacher Guide FREEBIE
Reading Comprehension Strategy Cards
Reading Strategies Anchor Charts & Posters

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stellarteachercompany.com
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For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode18.

EPISODE 17

What was your opinion of studying poetry in elementary school? How about in college? Some of our experiences with our own education shapes how we feel about topics that we teach our own students. For the longest time, I thought that because I had a difficult time with poetry in college that I would never be a good poetry teacher.

As the years went by, I learned several ways to make poetry fun, and I finally found my love for it again. While April is poetry month, we really should be teaching poetry all year long! There are so many simple and creative ways that we can build poetry into our days within reading, writing, and even behavior management!

In this episode I share:

My memories of experiencing poetry as a child
Ways to create an experience around poetry that leaves your students feeling empowered and excited about writing
The benefits of reading and writing different types of poetry often
Connecting poetry to art

Resources:

Poetry Writing Bundle
Poetry Posters and Anchor Charts
Poetry Word Wall Cards
The Best Part of Me

Connect with me:

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stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
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For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode17.

The Best Part of Me: Children Talk About their Bodies in Pictures and Words

EPISODE 16

I think it’s safe to say we all agree that standardized testing is not an accurate measure of our students (or our) abilities. There, I said it! Now that that disclaimer is out of the way, I’m here to support you all in any way that I can. Since over 96% of you said your state is requiring standardized testing we’re going to make the best of it together!

As many of you know, I have experience as a teacher and also an assistant principal which allows me to understand testing from both standpoints. I am all too familiar with the stress of test prep and pressure of those above me waiting to analyze my teaching skills based on the outcome. These experiences have provided me with tips and tricks for you to seamlessly incorporate test prep into your lessons.

In this episode I share:

5 tips to prepare for standardized testing
Ways to minimize pressure from standardized testing
Strategies for incorporating test prep into your normal routine
Involving peers and movement into your test prep

Resources mentioned:

Reading Comprehension Task Cards Bundle
Main Idea Task Cards
Nonfiction Task Cards
Episode 5, How to Use Strategy Groups to Boost Comprehension

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
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stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
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For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode16.

EPISODE 15

It often feels like we are teaching strategy after strategy in hopes that students are able to comprehend what they've read. But what happens once they start putting those strategies to use? With an overwhelming amount of post-its and reading responses piling on your desk, the thought of next steps may be daunting.

I have to admit that I’ve been guilty of holding reading notebooks hostage at my house and put off tackling each of them all at once. I later realized this was not at all effective, especially for my second graders who couldn’t independently read my critiques. That’s why getting students involved and providing feedback more regularly is a must! After all, the purpose of writing tasks are for us to see evidence of their thinking and what better way than to hold them accountable?

In this episode I share:

5 manageable systems to review reading responses and provide feedback
Ways to get students involved in providing feedback
When and how to incorporate feedback into your day

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Sticky note templates for student feedback FREEBIE
Reading Response Activity Bundle
Episode 14: Reading Response Ideas to Reenergize Independent Reading Time

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
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stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode15.

EPISODE 14

As we approach the home stretch to the end of the school year, students may begin to grow bored with all kinds of normal routines throughout the school day. One of the blocks of time where you might see this most is during independent reading time. I firmly believe that independent reading is one of the best ways to help our students become stronger, more independent readers. However, there’s only one of you, so it can be difficult to find the time to monitor independent reading daily.

Switching things up during your reading block is a great way to stay on track and keep engagement levels up. Providing fresh new opportunities for reading responses will help to increase accountability among your kids while also boosting their excitement. Today I’m sharing my favorite ways to use reading responses in your classroom, and the last one just may surprise you!

In this episode I share:

10 ideas on how you can have your students respond to their reading
Compelling reasons why you should provide your students with reading response tasks
The importance of taking the time to teach a task before you require it to be completed
Why you should regularly switch up your reading response routine
How to involve your class in the process of creating reading response choices
Ways to make reading response tasks accessible for students all of ability levels

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Reading Response Sticky Note Bundle
Reading Response Graphic Organizers
Reading Response Question Stems
Reading Response Activity Bundle
Episode 8, The Reading Process
Episode 12, Build Literacy Buzz with Book Talks

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode14.

EPISODE 13

One thing you should know about me is that my friends refer to me as a "serial book club starter". I've left a book club legacy behind in the different states I've lived in and now I'm excited to share how you can add one to your classroom. Let me just tell you though, my excitement pales in comparison to how your students will feel.

I'm not exaggerating when I say my students used to BEG me to be in a book club. I think we can all agree that any method that will increase student engagement and motivation towards reading is worth a shot! After all, the more authentic reading experiences the kids have, the more confident they will become.

In this episode I share:

How book clubs help your students
The mistakes I made when I first stared book clubs with my students
5 tips to start student-led book clubs
When to incorporate book clubs

Resources:

Book Club and Literature Circle Posters and Response Templates
Book Talks Planning Templates and Teacher Guide
Episode 12 on Building Literacy Buzz with Book Talks

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode13

EPISODE 12

I recently received a request asking if I could do an episode about book talks. I'm always so thrilled to hear from my listeners, so this one is for you Grace! Book talks are such a fun and simple way to create excitement around books in your classroom.

Today I'm diving into my explanation of what a book talk is, and why all teachers should be using them in their classroom daily. They only take a few minutes of your day! Imagine if you have one student share a book each day. Your class could be exposed to up to 180 new book titles by the end of the school year!

In this episode I share:

The benefits that come from making time for a book talk in your classroom
4 ways to make book talks more engaging
Ideas on how you can have your students add a visual element to their book talk
Why you must model what a good book talk looks like
How talking about books can empower students to engage in independent reading

I'd love to know what YOU want to hear next on the Stellar Teacher Podcast! Share your ideas with me at sara@stellarteacher.com or send me a DM on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany!

Resources:

Book Talk Anchor Charts FREEBIE
Book Talk Planning Templates and Teacher Guide
Print and Digital Reading Challenges

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
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For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode12

EPISODE 11

No matter where you are located, it's likely that you have students who are not native English speakers. Only about 1% of homeroom teachers have training in supporting the ELL population, even though these students are in their homeroom the majority of the day without an ELL specialist. So if you're wondering how to provide support to your English Language Learners, our guest today is sharing her favorite tips!

We're joined by ESL teacher and creator behind Inspiring Young Learners, Beth Vaucher. She is passionate about supporting and empowering teachers to equip their English Language Learners. Beth tells us why your reading block is one of the best times that you can support ELL students. Her strategies don't require a ton of extra work and preparation and they will help you learn to maximize your time so that your students get what they need while feeling more confident and successful.

In this episode, we discuss:

5 strategies on how to tweak your reading block to keep language and cultural differences in mind
Why building background knowledge and using visuals is crucial for ELL students
How planning intentionally with your ELL students in mind benefits all the children in your class
The importance of giving ELLs the opportunity for collaborative work and independent work

Grab Beth's FREE Closed Reading Passages at inspiringyounglearners.com/stellar

Beth's Resources:

inspiringyounglearners.com
Instagram: @inspiringyounglearners
Facebook: Inspiring Young Learners
TPT Store
Equipping ELLs Membership: equippingells.com

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode11

EPISODE 10

In true Stellar Teacher fashion, I'm going to share how to maximize the effectiveness of a tool you probably already have: task cards. It is my goal to provide tips that are practical and set up students up to be independent readers. If you're like me, the cookie cutter methods don't cut it.

I believe that it is not the framework of the teaching but how teachers use their resources and tools to reach each individual child. That's why I appreciate the amount of responsiveness that this strategy creates. Say goodbye to multiple choice questions and be ready for authentic reading experiences.

In this episode I share:

3 benefits of using task cards
5 tips for using task cards to boost comprehension
Reading strategies that will save time and money

Resources:

Reading Comprehension Task Cards - Growing Bundle
Digital Reading Comprehension Graphic Organizers
Reading Comprehension Skills Graphic Organizers

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode10

EPISODE 9

One of my favorite books, Deeper Reading, states that teachers directly influence their student's motivation and interest in reading. This, in turn, influences their reading comprehension. We may not have the power to choose the literature in the curriculum, but the way you frame their reading experiences should excite and inspire them!

One way to tap into your student's interest and motivation is through author studies. Before you assume that it will take lots of time and planning, I'm here to tell you that is not the case! I actually stumbled across this method accidently and the excitement was real among my students. It didn't feel like practice, rather it resulted in my student's requesting free reading time. Really, is there anything more rewarding than that?

In this episode I share:

How teachers influence student reading interest
Ways to disguise our reading lessons to increase motivation
3 simple steps for using author studies
Resources for building your classroom library to support author studies
Tips on how to get the maximum benefits from an author study

Resources:

Patricia Palacco Author Study
Reading Genre Posters and Anchor Charts
Digital Reading Comprehension Graphic Organizers
Deeper Reading, by Kelly Gallagher
Donorschoose.org

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
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stellarteachercompany.com
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For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode9

Deeper Reading: Comprehending Challenging Texts, 4-12

EPISODE 8

I'll bet that you, and your students, can name the five steps of the writing process. Brainstorm, draft, revise, edit, and publish! This is a process that our students are taught in school year after year after year. This constant exposure and step by step guide is one of the tools used to help students become successful writers.

Here's my big question: why don't we have a similar process for reading? Yes, we teach strategies for reading, but can our students name an explicit step by step process that they follow when they sit down to read? Probably not! The good news is that there are specific steps we can teach our students, it's just a matter of naming them in order and associating these steps with everyday reading.

In this episode I share:

The 5 step reading process and the "why" behind each step
Why performing a detailed preview of a text helps students get the most out of their reading experience
Ways to gently push our students to maximize their growth
What to do when your students answer reading questions with "I don't know"

I truly believe that if each student were exposed to this process year after year, it would help them become stronger readers who are more engaged in their texts. This 5 step reading process will make for a rich and meaningful reading experience!

Download your FREE Reading Process Checklist here: https://stellarteacher.lpages.co/opt-in-reading-process-checklist/

Resources:

Digital Reading Graphic Organizers Bundle - Distance Learning
Reading Response Stop-N-Jot
Reading Response Graphic Organizers

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode8

EPISODE 7

I’m pretty sure it’s in every teacher’s DNA to research best teaching practices to enhance literacy skills. I also think we often forget to research what we should NOT be doing during guided reading. I’m curious if you’ve ever done this? There are so many ineffective strategies that I see other teachers using and that I am absolutely guilty of having used as well!

I’m going to help you identify the strategies to avoid because, to be honest, they’re incorporated into many classroom routines. We think we’re helping the student’s and in the end we are actually hindering their independence. If you embrace the strategies I’ve provided, your students will take ownership of critical reading skills on their own. After all, if we’re doing all the talking, we’re doing all the work.

In this episode I share:

5 things you should STOP doing during guided reading
How to replace those ineffective strategies
Ways to empower our students to feel confident in their reading
An important bonus tip for incorporating writing into your guided reading lessons

Wherever you are in your teacher journey, remind yourself that you don't have to make all these changes right away. Start with one or two and go from there!

Resources:

Reading Poster Bundle for Distance Learning
Reading Response Graphic Organizer
Reading Comprehension Passages

Connect with me:

Join my newsletter
My TPT store
stellarteachercompany.com
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

For full show notes and more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode7

EPISODE 6

Guided reading groups are so important for lower and upper elementary grades. That's why I'm especially excited to announce my first podcast guest, Aylin Claahsen. Aylin is a certified reading specialist, literacy consultant, and curriculum designer who loves sharing literacy tips. Specializing in Kindergarten-5th grade, she can be found sharing literacy tips on her blog or social media at Learning to the Core.

In this episode, Aylin and I discuss what guided reading is and why it's so important, how to create leveled reading groups, and steps to maximize the effectiveness of guided reading groups. Aylin also shares tips for teaching guided reading virtually.

Connect with Aylin:

membership site: https://www.engagingallreaders.com/
blog: https://dailylearningtothecore.com/
TPT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Aylin-Claahsen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningtothecore/

For more resources and full show notes, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode6.

EPISODE 5

One of the most important and underutilized instructional practices for reading comprehension is strategy groups. The target practice can be used with all students to give them confidence and independence for applying strategies while reading. That's the point right?

I actually accidentally stumbled upon using this method while teaching fourth grade and it soon became an intentional part of my reading block. In fact, I was conducting strategy groups whenever I had the chance! If you're finding that there are gaps to fill following your whole group reading lessons, I suggest you try incorporating strategy groups into your day.

In this episode I share:

How to fit strategy groups into your reading block
Steps to begin using strategy groups
Tips for determining which students need strategy groups
The 4 T's of strategy groups

Join me for a live training on January 18th, 2021 all about how to teach comprehension in a way that is actually going to stick with your students! Sign up HERE.

For more resources, head to stellarteacher.com/episode5.

EPISODE 4

Comprehension is one of the most important parts of reading instruction. It can also be one of the most challenging to teach, wouldn't you agree? A student's background, knowledge, and life experiences may cause them to comprehend a text differently than their same aged peers, let alone their teacher!

Put twenty or thirty students in a room and there are countless numbers of personal experiences that will influence the way they interpret text. I remember the challenges I faced while in the classroom with varied learning style. Luckily, I learned ways to help students feel confident in utilizing their comprehension strategies. Now I'm going to share those ideas with you to help make your reading instruction that much more effective!

In this episode I share:

Challenges faced when teaching reading comprehension
5 tips to effectively teach comprehension skills
Ways to get student buy-in
Strategies to build student confidence
The overall purpose of teaching comprehension strategies

Sign up for my FREE reading comprehension training for 3rd-5th grade teachers here!

GIVEAWAY! To celebrate the launch of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, we are giving away three $75 gift cards to my TPT store! Entering is simple.

Subscribe to the podcast
Rate and leave a positive review
Take a screenshot of your review and send it to me in a DM on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.
For a bonus entry, share a screenshot of one of the episodes you listened to in your stories and tag me @thestellarteachercompany.
Giveaway closes Friday, January 15th.

For full show notes and episode resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode4.

EPISODE 3

Returning to the classroom after winter break can bring some challenges when it comes to your reading block. Students are out of their normal routine, and may or may not have been reading during their time off of school. As I like to say, it's possible that your kids have "forgotten how to do school".

It’s frustrating to feel like all your hard work of nailing down important routines has gone out the window. The good news is that there are several things you can focus on in order to reset your independent reading time so you can quickly gain back momentum! This can also be the perfect opportunity to refine parts of your reading block that weren't going so well before you left for break.

In this episode I share:

5 ways to successfully jump back into independent reading
why slowing down to reteach habits and behaviors is crucial
how to add excitement to your classroom library
the power of praising independent reading efforts

GIVEAWAY! To celebrate the launch of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, we are giving away three $75 gift cards to my TPT store! Entering is simple.

Subscribe to the podcast
Rate and leave a positive review
Take a screenshot of your review and send it to me in a DM on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.
For a bonus entry, share a screenshot of one of the episodes you listened to in your stories and tag me @thestellarteachercompany.
Giveaway closes Friday, January 15th.

For full show notes and episode resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode3

EPISODE 2

There are so many important aspects of teaching literacy. There’s the different reading strategies, management, how to set up your reading workshop, launching book clubs, how to keep your kids engaged while reading, and the list goes on. At the end of the day, what we really want is for our kids to develop a true life-long love of reading.

The pressures of things like state testing and boxed curriculum can make it difficult to create authentic reading experiences. But friends, it absolutely can be done! There are several strategies we can use to have more authentic and fun experiences in our classroom without worksheets, textbooks, and activities that take forever to prep. It all starts with adjusting our pacing and selecting texts that reflect our student’s interests and needs.

In this episode I share:

My first memories of reading
4 purposeful ways that you can create a love of reading in your classroom
Examples of how you can ensure your students are the ones doing the work, rather than you
How to make your reading block student centered

GIVEAWAY! To celebrate the launch of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, we are giving away three $75 gift cards to my TPT store! Entering is simple.

Subscribe to the podcast
Rate and leave a positive review
Take a screenshot of your review and send it to me in a DM on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.
For a bonus entry, share a screenshot of one of the episodes you listened to in your stories and tag me @thestellarteachercompany.
Giveaway closes Friday, January 15th.

For full show notes and episode resources, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/episode2

EPISODE 1

Y'all I am SO excited that the Stellar Teacher Podcast is finally here! This has been a dream of mine for the past two years, and now here we are. 2020 has seriously changed my perspective on life and teaching. It was just the push I needed to take action on my ideas. If this year has shown us anything, it’s how hard teachers are working. You have shown up in BIG ways for your students, and you are the reason I’m here.

Why did you first become a teacher anyway? For me, it was because I wanted to make an impact! Throughout my teaching career, I was always looking for new opportunities because I wanted to extend my impact. My teacher and school administrator journey eventually led me to begin my own business, The Stellar Teacher Company. Now I create fun and engaging resources so that teachers like you don’t have to!

In our first episode I share:

Why I finally decided to follow through with starting a podcast
What you can expect to gain from listening to the Stellar Teacher Podcast
The evolution of The Stellar Teacher Company
Common challenges that teachers face

Tune in every Monday for practical tips, teaching strategies, and resources to strengthen your skills as an elementary school literacy teacher.

GIVEAWAY! To celebrate the launch of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, we are giving away three $75 gift cards to my TPT store! Entering is simple.

Subscribe to the podcast
Rate and leave a positive review
Take a screenshot of your review and send it to me in a DM on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.
For a bonus entry, share a screenshot of one of the episodes you listened to in your stories and tag me @thestellarteachercompany.
Giveaway closes Friday, January 15th.

For full show notes, head to stellarteacher.com/podcast/ep1.