If you’ve ever wondered whether fluency instruction still matters in upper elementary, this episode is for you! Many teachers assume fluency is something students master in the early grades, but the truth is, fluency plays a critical role in reading success at every stage. In this episode, we’re diving into why fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehension—and why it deserves just as much attention in third, fourth, and fifth grade as it does in K–2.

Fluency is more than just reading fast. It’s about reading with accuracy, appropriate pacing, and expression—all of which help students fully understand what they read. Without strong fluency skills, students often struggle with comprehension, and those gaps can persist well into middle and high school. That’s why today’s conversation is all about making fluency a priority in upper elementary and finding simple, effective ways to incorporate fluency practice into your literacy block to set students up for reading success.

If you’ve noticed that some of your students read too slowly, skip words, or sound robotic when reading aloud, this episode will give you the tools to help them improve. We’ll discuss why fluency is essential, common fluency challenges in upper elementary, and a structured five-day fluency routine that you can easily implement in just a few minutes a day. With these strategies, you can boost your students’ confidence, comprehension, and overall reading success. Let’s jump in and make fluency a key part of your reading instruction!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode240.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

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If you’re on a journey to align your instruction with the science of reading, this episode is a must-listen! Today, I’m sitting down with educator, literacy advocate, and author Lindsay Kemeny to talk about how research-backed strategies can transform the way we teach reading. Whether you’re in early elementary or upper elementary, these strategies will help you strengthen foundational literacy skills and support all students—especially those who struggle with decoding and comprehension.

Lindsay’s book, Seven Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-3 Reading Success, is packed with strategies that help teachers bridge the gap between research and classroom practice in a way that truly benefits students. In this conversation, Lindsay shares how her personal journey supporting her son through dyslexia led her to completely transform her teaching. She walks us through the seven powerful strategies for reading instruction that have made a huge impact in her classroom and can help all students—whether they’re just beginning to read or still struggling in upper elementary. These strategies are not only backed by research but have been tested in real classrooms, making them practical and easy to implement.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by gaps in reading instruction or unsure of how to support students who need more explicit, structured literacy practices, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take action. Lindsay breaks down each of the seven mighty moves and offers advice on where to start, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make meaningful progress without feeling like you have to overhaul everything at once. Get ready to walk away with practical, effective strategies for reading that you can start using in your classroom right away!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode237.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

Click the link below to sign up for our FREE workshop, Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding.

Teaching is full of big goals, high expectations, and never-ending to-do lists—but what if you could make meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed? In this Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Emily and I are breaking down simple, actionable strategies to help you stay on track, build momentum, and reach your goals without burnout.

We know that so many teachers feel like they’re constantly behind, no matter how much they accomplish. But here’s the truth: you’re not behind—you’re right on time. Today, we’re sharing mindset shifts and practical steps that will help you prioritize, focus on what really matters, and confidently move forward without the pressure of perfection.

If you’ve been feeling like there’s too much to do and not enough time, this episode will help you reset and refocus. Whether you're looking to improve your literacy instruction, streamline your routines, or simply feel more in control of your workload, we’ve got encouragement and strategies to help. Let’s dive in!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode237.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

Click the link below to sign up for our FREE workshop, Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding.

If you’re looking for a structured, research-backed approach to improving your students’ reading comprehension, this episode is for you. We’re diving into reciprocal teaching, a highly effective strategy that helps students become active, engaged readers by focusing on four key comprehension skills: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing. This approach encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and independent learning—giving students the tools they need to deeply understand any text.

Reciprocal teaching isn’t just another comprehension strategy—it’s a powerful, interactive routine that fosters student-led discussions and enhances metacognitive awareness. Research has consistently shown that students who engage in reciprocal teaching make significant gains in comprehension. And the best part? It’s easy to implement with any text and across all subject areas. In this episode, I’ll break down how to introduce reciprocal teaching in your classroom, step by step, so your students can start benefiting from it right away.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap for setting up reciprocal teaching in your classroom, from modeling and guided practice to full student-led implementation. Whether you teach third, fourth, or fifth grade, this strategy can make a meaningful impact on your students' ability to process and engage with complex texts. So, if you’re ready to boost comprehension and empower your students as confident, independent readers, let’s dive in!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode237.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

Click the link below to sign up for our FREE workshop, Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding.

Have you ever wondered if read-alouds still belong in a Science of Reading-aligned classroom? As we dive deeper into research-based literacy practices, it’s easy to question whether cherished routines like reading aloud still have a place. The good news? They absolutely do! In this episode, we explore how read-alouds can be a powerful tool to build language comprehension, foster engagement, and enrich your students’ reading experiences.

Joining me today is Dr. Molly Ness, a researcher, author, and expert on read-alouds. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for literacy, Dr. Ness shares fascinating insights into the academic, linguistic, and even physiological benefits of read-alouds. Together, we’ll discuss how read-alouds go beyond enjoyment to support vocabulary acquisition, background knowledge, and critical thinking skills.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your current read-aloud practices or seeking fresh ideas to make them more impactful, this episode is packed with practical tips and research-based strategies. Tune in to discover why read-alouds remain a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction—and how you can use them to inspire and empower your students.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode236.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

Click the link below to sign up for our FREE workshop, Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding.

Are your students struggling to fully understand what they read? Teaching reading comprehension can be one of the most challenging parts of literacy instruction, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you see your students grow as confident, capable readers. In today’s episode, we’re diving into three powerful routines that can help you strengthen your students’ reading comprehension and transform how they engage with texts.

These routines focus on three key areas: explicit vocabulary instruction, writing about reading, and fluency practice. Grounded in research and designed to be practical for busy classrooms, each strategy provides a clear path to building the skills students need to deepen their understanding of what they read. When implemented consistently, these routines can make a meaningful difference in your students’ reading success.

Reading comprehension isn’t something that happens by chance—it’s the result of intentional instruction and consistent routines. In this episode, I’ll walk you through actionable steps for each routine, making it easy to incorporate them into your literacy block. Whether you’re supporting struggling readers or refining your teaching practices, these strategies will empower your students to thrive in literacy this semester and beyond.

If you’re participating in our Comprehension Reset Challenge, this episode aligns with what you’ve been learning. Haven’t joined yet? There’s still time! Sign up at stellarteacher.com/reset to access daily videos packed with evidence-based strategies. Let’s kick off the semester by resetting your approach to comprehension instruction.

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Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode235.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

Click the link below to sign up for our FREE workshop, Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding.

Wondering how to teach comprehension effectively? You’re not alone. In this month's Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily joins me to answer a listener question about whether to teach comprehension strategies, like finding the main idea, before diving into a text. This question opens the door to an insightful conversation about shifting from traditional methods to evidence-based practices that truly help students comprehend what they read.

In this episode, we explore why the classic "strategy of the week" approach may not be the best way to teach comprehension. Instead, we highlight the importance of creating the right conditions for comprehension, including building background knowledge, focusing on syntax, and selecting text-dependent practices. By understanding how comprehension works as an outcome of multiple factors, you’ll feel empowered to teach comprehension in a way that truly benefits your students.

If you’re ready to refine your approach and discover better ways to teach comprehension, don’t miss our FREE Comprehension Reset Challenge. Starting January 11th, 2025, this week-long virtual event will transform how you approach comprehension instruction. Sign up at stellarteacher.com/reset. Let’s kick off the new year with strategies that lead to lasting success!

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Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode234.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

Click the link below to sign up for our FREE workshop, Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding.

Struggling with teaching comprehension? You’re not alone. Many students find comprehension challenging, and as teachers, it’s easy to feel stuck when strategies don’t seem to stick. In this episode, we’ll explore five common misconceptions about comprehension and how addressing them can transform your literacy instruction. If you’ve ever wondered why your students aren’t mastering comprehension strategies or why their understanding seems inconsistent, this episode is a must-listen.

Comprehension is more complex than it seems, and traditional methods often miss the mark. By viewing comprehension as an outcome rather than a single skill, and by focusing on elements like background knowledge, vocabulary, and syntax, you can unlock significant progress in your students’ reading abilities. I’ll also share actionable strategies to help you assess comprehension authentically and build the foundational skills students need for success.

Whether you want to refine your strategies or start fresh this semester, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your students succeed. Plus, join us for our FREE Comprehension Reset Challenge starting January 11 to dive deeper into evidence-based strategies. Head to stellarteacher.com/reset to sign up today!

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode233.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

Click the link below to sign up for our FREE workshop, Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding.

As you head into your well-deserved winter break, it’s the perfect time to contemplate a plan for a smooth return to the classroom. In this episode, we’re bringing back one of our most-loved episodes from the archives: 5 Creative Ways to Reteach Classroom Routines in January. Whether your students need reminders on how to line up, transition between activities, or engage during independent reading, these fun and effective strategies will help you reset your classroom expectations without stress.

Returning from winter break can be a challenging transition for both teachers and students. After two weeks away, routines can feel like a distant memory, and classroom behavior might get a little “spicy.” That’s why taking time to reteach and reinforce your expectations is so important—and these strategies make it engaging, lighthearted, and manageable. You’ll hear how to involve your students in the process, make routines fun, and ensure the second half of the school year starts off strong.

So, whether you’re tuning in during the first days of break (I hope you’re relaxing!) or saving this episode to help you prep before heading back to school, this episode will give you a simple game plan for tackling routines and behaviors in January. Let’s jump into five creative and student-centered ways to refresh your classroom routines so you can head into the new year with confidence and calm.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

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Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode232.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

Click the link below to sign up for our FREE workshop, Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding.

Winter break is almost here, and you’re probably balancing excitement for the holidays with the pressure to assess student learning before the semester wraps up. But assessments don’t have to mean stressful, time-consuming tests. This week on The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes from the archives: Creative Ways to Assess Student Learning. These quick and engaging strategies will help you gather valuable insights without overwhelming your students—or yourself!

In this episode, I’ll share 10 creative ways to assess student learning without relying on traditional tests. From quick brain dumps to hashtag challenges, these ideas are versatile, low-prep, and effective across all subjects. They’re designed to give you meaningful insights into your students’ thinking and understanding while keeping them engaged and motivated during the final days before winter break.

If you’re looking for fresh ideas to assess student learning, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use right away. And if you’re looking for even more ideas, check out the templates available in my TPT store to make implementing these strategies even easier. Let’s finish the semester strong with fun, meaningful ways to celebrate all the learning your students have done so far!

Purchase the Stellar Teacher Company Exit Ticket Sticky Notes here.

Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!

Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!

Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!

Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.

To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode231.

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding

Click the link below to sign up for our FREE workshop, Unlocking Comprehension: Moving beyond strategies to build deeper understanding.