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literacy curriculums apps phonemic awareness phonics reading instruction methodologies reviews struggling readers synthetic phonics

Funnix App Review: Is This Reading App Like Having Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons on the Computer?

Today, we’re exploring a surprisingly little-known reading app called Funnix. Now, that might not ring a bell yet… but what if I told you that it was created by Siegfried Engelmann, one of the authors of the classic Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons? Yes… that book! The one so many families […]

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early reading learn the letters letter sounds synthetic phonics

Should I Teach Letter Names or Letter Sounds First? The Big Debate in Early Reading

If you’ve ever taught a child to read (or you’re in the middle of doing so) you’ve probably wondered: Should I teach letter names or letter sounds first? It’s a common question, and one that has sparked a lot of debate. Let’s look at what research has to say about this, what makes sense developmentally, […]

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phonics early reading reviews

Best Books for 2 to 5 years old: Alphabet, Rhyming, Alliteration, and Picture Books that Help Toddlers Develop Pre-reading Skills

Looking for the best books for two to five years old to help them develop pre-reading skills? Reading aloud is a super powerful tool for early literacy. Sharing stories together helps children learn new vocabulary, familiarize with the sounds in words and language patterns, and develop a love for books. To make it easier for […]

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early reading phonemic awareness phonics reading enjoyment synthetic phonics

Introducing the book “The ABC Sound Book: Playful Phonics Stories for Every Letter”

*Affiliate Disclosure: Some links lead to Amazon marketplace. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you). This helps keep the information on the blog free and available to everyone. I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: my new book, “The ABC Sound Book: Playful Phonics Stories for Every […]

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writing early reading reading crisis reading instruction methodologies

The Forgotten Key to Better Reading: Does Handwriting Still Matter? Is Handwriting Still Relevant?

Today, we’re going to talk about one very common mistake I see all the time when it comes to teaching reading. And no, it’s not phonics vs. whole language vs. the balanced approach to teaching reading—also a very important conversation, by the way, and I’ve covered this topic several times in previous articles, like this […]

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reading crisis reading enjoyment reading instruction methodologies struggling readers

The Literacy Crisis 101: Why Children Can’t Read? How Misguided Reading Methods Created a Reading Crisis

Although there’s been growing awareness in recent years about the literacy crisis we’re facing, the truth is that, for decades, reading was taught the wrong way. Yes, things are slowly improving, and some positive changes have taken place—but we’re far from where we need to be! And stats speak for themselves: according to the 2024 […]

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early reading games phonemic awareness phonics

5 Fun Easy Reading Games to Set Your Toddler Up for Reading Success! – Phonemic Awareness Games for Young Kids

Do you want to set your toddler or young child up for success in reading? Today, we’re sharing five fun and simple games that help develop a crucial foundational skill—one that comes before your child officially learns to read. The best part? Your child won’t even realize they’re building an essential skill! These games feel […]

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phonics apps reviews struggling readers synthetic phonics

Read With Ello App Review: Can This AI Reading App Really Help Your Child Learn to Read?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the board, and education is no exception. A new wave of educational apps is harnessing artificial intelligence to make learning more accessible, personalized, and engaging. One such app is Ello, which uses AI and voice recognition to assist children while they read—offering feedback and corrections in real time, […]

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early reading handwriting reading instruction methodologies

How to Fix b/d Reversal: Complete Guide for Parents and Teachers for B and D confusion!

Does your child mix up “b” and “d” when reading or writing? You’re not alone. This common phenomenon, known as b and d reversal, is extremely common among many young learners when learning to read and write. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explore why it happens and share five proven strategies to help your child […]

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phonics struggling readers synthetic phonics

How to Teach Consonant Blends? The Evidence-Based Approach That Actually Works

Is your child or student ready to move beyond simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words but struggling with tricky blends like sp, sl, or gr? I know how challenging this transition can be—and how hard it is to find high-quality resources that provide ample practice while keeping things fun and engaging! That’s why in my today’s article, […]

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