The Joy of Teaching

Sharing creative ideas and lessons to help children learn

September 15, 2023
by Heather Foudy
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A Guide to Reading Fluency: How Many Words Per Minute Should Children Read?

Reading fluency refers to the ability to read text with speed, accuracy, and prosody (expression and phrasing). Fluent readers can decode words quickly and automatically, enabling them to comprehend the meaning of the text more efficiently. Fluency involves smooth and … Continue reading

August 31, 2023
by Heather Foudy
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Helping Children Learn to Read with Phonics, Sight Words, Reading Comprehension and More!

Reading is an essential skill that lays the foundation for a child’s academic success and lifelong learning. As parents and teachers, we have the remarkable opportunity to empower children with the tools they need to become confident and fluent readers. … Continue reading

August 23, 2023
by Heather Foudy
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Sight Words: Unlocking Reading Success

Sight words play an important role in building a strong reading foundation for beginning readers. These frequently used words, similar to high-frequency words, cannot be easily decoded using phonics rules alone. Sight words are words that appear frequently in written … Continue reading

July 31, 2023
by Evan-Moor
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Culturally Responsive Teaching and SEL: Your Roadmap to a Positive School Year

In the world of education, creating an optimal learning experience for students extends far beyond textbooks and lesson plans. It begins with building the foundation for a positive classroom environment that nurtures students’ growth, enhances their engagement, and allows them … Continue reading

May 26, 2023
by Heather Foudy
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Best Phonics Printables to Help Children Learn to Read

Phonics instruction plays a key role in teaching students to understand the sounds of letters and that certain letter combinations make specific sounds. Practicing phonemic awareness helps students decode words and increases their word recognition, which ultimately increases their reading … Continue reading

May 18, 2023
by Evan-Moor
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Handmade Father’s Day Gifts and Cards: Free Printables

Homemade Father’s Day Card Ideas for Kids These creative Father’s Day cards make the perfect and unique Father’s Day gift! Create a picture card or a thoughtful gift box and poem with these free templates. Download these free DIY Father’s … Continue reading

May 4, 2023
by Evan-Moor
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Mother’s Day Free Activities for Kids

Celebrate mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers with thoughtful, homemade Mother’s Day gifts this year. From flowerpot art to creative writing, these memorable crafts will create thoughtful and treasured Mother’s Day gifts that are easy for kids to make. Explore these Mother’s … Continue reading

May 4, 2023
by Evan-Moor
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Celebrate Korea’s Harvest Moon Festival, Chuseok

Chuseok is a three-day Korean festival that celebrates the harvest. This holiday is typically celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. During Chuseok, people eat special foods, play fun games, exchange gifts, sing and dance. … Continue reading

April 28, 2023
by Evan-Moor
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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Your Classroom and Home

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the Mexican armies’ triumph over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Also known as the Battle of Puebla Day, this holiday has evolved … Continue reading

April 12, 2023
by Evan-Moor
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Free Culturally Responsive Lessons and Activities for the Classroom

Build a sense of community in your classroom with culturally responsive teaching units. This teaching approach helps to connect students’ cultures and life experiences with what they are learning in school. Some studies have shown that students’ ability to learn … Continue reading

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