Blog

Build a Strong Literacy Foundation Rooted in the Science of Reading.

Amie Burkholder Amie Burkholder

Three High-Impact Activities to Make Letter Sounds Stick

Discover three high-impact, brain-aligned activities that help students master letter sounds with confidence. These simple yet powerful routines—teaching name, sound, articulation, and formation together; using sound sorts; and integrating daily review with sound mats—build the consistency and clarity young learners need to make letter sounds stick for good.

Read More
Amie Burkholder Amie Burkholder

From Letters to Sentences: Teaching Young Writers to Build Confidence and Skill

Writing is one of the most critical literacy skills young students develop, but the transition from forming letters to writing complete sentences can feel overwhelming. Without explicit instruction, many students struggle to move beyond copying words or forming incomplete thoughts. In this post, we’ll walk through a structured, step-by-step approach to help young writers gain confidence—from handwriting fluency to sentence construction. With research-backed strategies and engaging activities, you’ll be equipped to support your students in becoming independent, skilled writers.

Read More
Amie Burkholder Amie Burkholder

Why Handwriting Instruction Matters: Research-Backed Strategies for Early Literacy

Handwriting instruction is more than just teaching neat letter formation—it’s a critical skill that supports reading, spelling, and writing fluency. When students struggle with handwriting, they expend so much mental energy on forming letters that they have little left for higher-level writing tasks. Research shows that explicit, systematic handwriting instruction enhances literacy development by improving letter recognition, spelling, and reading comprehension. In this post, explore research-backed strategies to build handwriting fluency and set students up for writing success.

Read More