There have been many recent articles of late regarding the push for using decodable texts for reading instruction. Many districts are requiring a shift away from leveled readers toward decodable books. But what makes a book “decodable”? Many books that are labeled “decodable” follow a scope and sequence for introducing letters and sounds. Commonly, the […]
Every year, Pioneer Valley Books offers valentines as free downloads to teachers and parents. This year our eight adorable designs feature Bella and Rosie, Sally the Cow, Rusty the Robot, and more! Click here to visit the Pioneer Valley Books website and download your free valentines!
Please join Jan Richardson and I next Tuesday, January 14, at 4:00pm EST, when we’ll be holding our free Office Hours webinar. Our topic will be Guiding Writers: Teaching with Intention and Intensity. Including guided writing as part of your guided reading lesson extends comprehension and improves students’ writing skills. We will begin January’s Office Hours by […]
Utilize the Assess-Decide-Guide Framework to Ensure Effective Word Study Instruction: Meet Jacob! As a nationwide staff developer focused on the implementation of customized guided reading, I am frequently asked how to best engage learners in effective word study. Jan Richardson and Michèle Dufresne have authored a timely publication intended to help us design and deliver developmentally appropriate […]
Every month, we create two free, printable books and make them downloadable via our BookBuilder Online. For August, we’ve got two awesome new stories for you! Because August means back to school season, our first story is called “Back to School.” (Level 2/B) Our second story this month is perfect for fall weather. It’s called “Delicious […]
Last week, the principal of our local school asked me what I thought about the district’s mandate that kindergartners learn a list of 100 words. Did I think it was appropriate? The short answer? No! I see how confused educators are about how to reach that goal. Many teachers try to divide the word list […]
Wow, June is already breezing past us! It seems like it just began. How is it already the 13th? If you’re as shocked to hear about today’s date as I am, then maybe you need this free calendar we’ve made for you! Every month, our talented production team creates free, downloadable Bella & Rosie calendars. […]
Every month, we create two free, printable books and make them downloadable via our BookBuilder Online. For June, both of our stories are about summer fun! Our first story is “I Love the Beach.” (Level 5/D) Kids can insert their own names into these stories to personalize them. In this story, a boy and a […]
I recently read this interesting study, and thought I’d share my thoughts here. In the study, University of Kansas researchers Betty Hart and Todd Risley got to know 42 families from various socio-economic backgrounds. After four years, Hart and Risley were able to assess the ways in which daily exchanges and conversations between parents and children shape […]
Have a great holiday, from all of us here at the Dufresne house! PS If you haven’t downloaded our free June Bella & Rosie calendar, you can get it here!