Not all spelling generalizations are as neat and tidy as you might like them to be. Just as the spelling generalizations for the floss rule, … [Read More...]
Spelling With Long A Vowel Teams: Is it AI or AY?
Is it AI or AY? Decisions…..Decisions As students expand their knowledge of vowel teams, the number of spelling choices increases and students need some tools for determining which spelling to use. In reading, we generally teach the possible sounds that a letter or combination of letters can make and teach students about the frequency with […]
Spelling Words With /CH/: Is it CH or TCH?
CH or TCH? It isn’t about hearing the /t/. The third of the short vowel spelling generalizations has to do with whether to use -ch or -tch at the end of a word. This generalization states that when you hear the /ch/ sound at the end of a syllable AND it is immediately preceded by a […]
Explicit Instruction of Comprehension Strategies for Struggling Readers
There are a variety of reasons why students struggle to develop reading and writing skills, and many of these students need explicit instruction in foundational skills such as phonics for decoding and spelling, automatic fluent reading skills, and basic text structures. However, the ultimate goal of reading is to comprehend, which is why teachers can’t […]
The K or CK Rule In Spelling
K or CK? Is there a rhyme or reason? After introducing the FLOSS rule, the next spelling generalization that is usually taught is the K/CK spelling generalization. This is an incredibly useful and freeing spelling generalization that allows students to spell many words using standard spelling. This generalization applies to the END of words and […]
Multisensory Spelling Strategies for Teaching The Floss Rule
Tips for Teaching the FLOSS Spelling Generalization Some of the most powerful tools we teach our Orton Gillingham students are spelling generalizations to help them choose the correct spelling option. Most adults are not even aware of these “rules”, as with increased familiarity with the orthography of English, one develops an awareness of what “looks […]
Top Ten Tips for Teaching Consonant Blends
Decoding and encoding consonant blends is among the most important concepts you teach your beginning readers. This is a skill they will use across multiple syllable types, in both single syllable and multi-syllabic words and even in reading and writing Latin roots and Greek combining forms. Your students may come to you already confident with […]
Multisensory Math Activities That Really Work
Many children and adults struggle with math. Teaching multisensory math techniques as well as incorporating multisensory math activities into lesson plans is not only best practice for students with dyscalculia, but can be helpful for all learners. I’m thrilled to welcome a guest blogger today who can explain what multisensory math […]
Effective Decoding Strategies To Improve Reading
Many teachers are familiar with decoding strategies that may emphasize the use of picture clues, meaning and self-monitoring. Sometimes these decoding activities are even given cute nicknames to help students remember. While we want students to monitor our students and their reading for accuracy to make sure it makes sense, often these kinds […]
