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I have a little secret for you … sight words suck! You might be thinking, hey hang on, my children get sight words from school and they work! Why do they suck? Should I stop doing the homework? What do you mean they don’t work? Woah … let me explain … Yes, my opinion might be a little bit controversial but read on to the end and you will see what I mean, why sight words aren’t the most effective teaching tool, and what to do instead! Are sight words bad? I wouldn’t go as far

How to Use FREE Easter Decodable Readers in Your Classroom Easter is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some egg-cellent (sorry, had to) FREE Easter-themed decodable readers! 🐣 These readers are perfect for 1:1 teaching, small group lessons, and whole class instruction. Let’s dive into some simple ways you can use them in your classroom - without adding extra work to your already overflowing to-do list. 1:1 Teaching – Tailored Support for Struggli

Trigger warning this article briefly mentions sexual abuse and self-harm. If you spend any time on social media, you’ve probably seen it: influencers and parents proudly declaring themselves as That Mum or That Parent, you know, the ones who fire off angry emails, challenge every school policy, and make life difficult for teachers.  It’s framed as advocacy, but from a teacher’s perspective, it often feels more like intimidation. As an educator with over 15 years of experience

The Lawsuit Shaking Up Classrooms Across The Globe Imagine discovering that the very program designed to help your child learn to read might actually be holding them back! That’s the claim at the heart of a class-action lawsuit against Fountas and Pinnell, two of the most recognized names in literacy education. This legal battle is sending shockwaves through schools, homes, and classrooms everywhere. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for you

What is the Science of Reading? Have you heard about the "Science of Reading" lately? If you're a parent or teacher, you've probably heard of this term, especially if you work with young children. Let's take a deep dive into what the Science of Reading is and why it's revolutionizing how we teach reading. Definition: The science of reading is the evidence-based understanding of how reading skills develop and how best to teach them. What Is the Science of Reading? Simply put,

What is Dyslexia and Does My Child Have it? What is Dyslexia? "Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell. It is a neurological condition unrelated to intelligence, vision, or laziness. Dyslexia impacts phonological processing, making it difficult to identify and decode words." Dyslexia is a language-based learning difficulty that can present in different ways. Like some other learning difficulties, it is a spectrum, meaning s

If you're a parent or teacher supporting a young reader, you've likely come across the term "decodable readers." But what exactly are they, and why are they such a powerful tool in early literacy education? This post will break down what decodable readers are, how they work, and why they are vital for children learning to read, especially those who struggle with literacy. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of decodable readers and how to integrate t

It’s not long until the summer holidays are here.  As the sun starts to flex its rays and the familiar sounds of school bells fade into the background, we're diving headfirst into the season of sun-soaked adventures, poolside splashes, and... the notorious "summer learning loss."  Ever heard of the summer learning loss, or the summer slide? Probably not (unless you work in education), but you have probably noticed how by the end of the summer holidays the kids have forgotten

Hey there, amazing parents! One of the things I get asked about all the time is - "how do I help my kid learn to read? Reading is one of the core skills our kids need to learn and there are lots of ways to help. It's important to remember that reading is a complex task and it takes years to master! Let's embark on a fantastic reading adventure with our little ones and discover five essential things that can make their journey to becoming rockstar readers even more awesome! Se

Winter school holidays are just around the corner, and we've got an incredible list of activities to make it a memorable break for you and your family. Whether you're in the mood for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or creative projects, we've got you covered. And the best part? We've even included some free activities you can enjoy right at home. No matter the weather or your budget, we've got something for everyone. No need to fear those rainy July days. ,At Wis