Providing plenty of practice is vital for all new readers. Decodable text allows you to give targeted practice on the phonetic concepts you are teaching. I love to use pages of sentences in every lesson. I also send them home for extra practice. These are some of my favorite ways to use the pages of… Continue reading Decodable Sentences
Tag: Orton-Gillingham
Tutoring Tote Tour
My tutoring totes are an organizing sanity saver! I tried a number of bags, boxes and other systems before settling on this. I tutor away from the office 90% of the time these day. Some days I see as many as 6-7 students before getting back to the office. These totes help me keep everything… Continue reading Tutoring Tote Tour
Spelling Option Activity
This is a simple activity to use during lessons when working on spelling options. I put down cards with the two or three spelling options ( for example oi/oy, ay/ai, tion/sion ). I often have these cards because I use them as headings for word sorts. You will also need a stack of word cards that contain… Continue reading Spelling Option Activity
Schwa: A Few Favorite Resources
Teaching schwa is always a challenge. The 'lazy" vowel sound is first encountered in two syllable closed syllable words. Most of my students have no problem learning to read words like wagon, salad or melon. Spelling is another story! We practice lots and make it through. The real work with schwa come with open syllables.… Continue reading Schwa: A Few Favorite Resources
Kindergarten Sight Words
My grandson is having trouble learning his kindergarten sight words. I am too far away to spend time working with him in person, but I created a few games for him to use with his mom and dad. He especially loves stories with magic. This card game includes all the Kindergarten sight words he needs… Continue reading Kindergarten Sight Words
Find The Nonsense Word
Fill a Few Extra Minutes I like to use this activity in small groups when I need something to fill a few extra minutes. It requires no extra materials and if the word list is already in my folder, I'm ready to go! I write sets of four words on the whiteboard and invite a… Continue reading Find The Nonsense Word
Syllable Puzzles
Today we are going to look at one of my favorite activities. I love using syllable puzzles. My students enjoy them and they are very effective when teaching two and three syllable words. I will give you lots of ideas on how to use this popular manipulative. I've also included a useful recording sheet for free!… Continue reading Syllable Puzzles
Blue Cottage Tutoring 