Just-Right Reading A New Perspective

A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON JUST-RIGHT READING

"I can't help it," she cried, flinging out her arms. "These books are so interesting! I just love them."

COLLECTING MULTISYLLABIC WORDS

The Word Collector, by Peter H. Reynolds, is a joyous introduction to the charms of discovering, savoring and sharing new words.

Advanced Phonics - Beyond Simple Sound-Symbol Correspondence

Beyond Simple Sound-Symbol Correspondence

Some struggling intermediate-grade readers have difficulty believing us when we try to teach them advanced phonics rules.

MAKING SENSE OF COMPLEX SENTENCE STRUCTURES and UNUSUAL USES OF EVERYDAY VOCABULARY

“Sailing Through Sentences”

A crucial area of reading skill - one that trips up many intermediate readers - is the complex sentence structures that they begin to encounter in fourth, fifth and sixth-grade level books.  

COMPREHENSION STRUGGLES: USING PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

"Whirligigs in the Back Yard"

Some students struggle to utilize their own prior knowledge.

SETTING GOALS: KEEPING EYES ON THE PRIZE

When teaching struggling upper grade readers, having grade-level goals in mind at all times helps keep progress on track. 

THE SECRET IN THE STRUGGLING READER

I always wanted to be Trixie Belden or Nancy Drew.  When I was a kid, my best friend Cheri and I spent hours reading detective stories.  Our favorites were Trixie Belden by Julie Campbell and Katheryn Kenny and Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene. We scoured our suburban backyards and the nearby woods for mysteries.  

JOINING THE CLUB: THE POWER OF READING

When I was a little girl, my parents and grandparents spelled things over our heads. 

DOES EVERYONE NEED TO READ?

“…I believe that books can save lives.  It’s as simple as that.”

-Michael Cart, “Books Make Life Easier” 

A teacher friend once asked me if I believe everyone needs to read. 

READING STRATEGY - DECODING MULTISYLLABIC WORDS

I want to introduce you to I Can Read Gigantic Words! - an advanced decoding strategy that really works!

HELP FOR STRUGGLING READERS

Welcome to Reading by Heart! 

Together, we'll explore how to teach your struggling readers to decode gigantic words, locate evidence in nonfiction, strengthen their reading stamina, and love reading! 

I’m Laura Hurley, a reading specialist with decades of experience helping older readers from second graders to adult learners.

There is good news. We can turn struggling readers into successful readers!