Newsletter: Syntax

Syntax, a linguist’s word for sentence structures, is the rule system that governs how words and phrases are arranged into clauses and sentences. Grammar, though related, is not the same as syntax. It has to do with the function (i.e., role) of words and phrases in a...

Newsletter: Fluency

This month, our newsletter will explore Fluency. We view fluency as essential to all aspects of literacy development. Fluent (i.e., automatic) performances in both discrete and complex literacy tasks are the mark of proficient readers and writers. Read Newsletter...

Newsletter: Spelling

Last month’s newsletter focused on Phonics and this month we will dive more deeply into Spelling. Spelling, also referred to as encoding, is reciprocal to decoding. Spelling turns speech into writing (i.e., speech-to-print). In order to spell, we must first hear...

Newsletter: Phonics

Our newsletter this month covers Phonics. Phonics is the study and use of sound/spelling correspondences and syllable patterns to help students read (decode) and spell (encode). Phonics is the ability to link spoken sounds to the letter or letter combinations that...