Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I share a practical, step-by-step strategy to help upper elementary students tackle multi-syllabic words with confidence. I talk about the challenges students face when they see long, unfamiliar words, why simple prompts like “sound it out” often don’t work, and how we can give students the tools they need to break words into manageable parts. This episode is for teachers who want actionable strategies they can introduce in their classroom right away.I walk listeners through the Big Words Strategy, a five-step approach that helps students identify prefixes, suffixes, roots, vowels, and syllables before putting the word together and pronouncing it. I explain how this strategy builds decoding skills while also supporting comprehension and vocabulary development. I also share tips for modeling the strategy effectively, providing guided practice, and supporting students who might not have a strong background in phonics or word study.We also cover common roadblocks you might encounter when teaching this strategy and practical solutions to keep students on track, including slowing down the pace, using color-coded tools, and pairing students for peer feedback. I emphasize the importance of repeated practice, approximation, and consistent reinforcement to help students feel confident with complex words. This episode gives you a research-backed, easy-to-implement strategy that strengthens reading skills, supports fluency, and empowers your students to tackle big words independently.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/episode274.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I dive into the world of novel studies for upper elementary classrooms. We share some of our favorite books and highlight strategies that make reading engaging while supporting comprehension and skill development.We cover how to plan and structure your novel study, including pre-reading activities, targeted vocabulary instruction, and highlighting important syntax. We also discuss the benefits of building related text sets and incorporating multiple genres into your novel study. Plus, we explain how the 3-2-1 reading routine and writing about reading can help students retain and reflect on what they read.Finally, we provide practical tips for keeping novel studies manageable without getting bogged down in every detail of the text. From assessing in smaller sections to integrating reflection and projects, this episode offers a framework for designing a novel study that fosters a love of reading, strengthens comprehension, and supports writing growth in your classroom.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.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/episode273.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I dive into a critical topic for upper elementary classrooms: supporting multilingual learners (MLLs). With the help of experts Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez, we explore why the term “multilingual learner” is replacing “English language learner,” how to challenge common misconceptions, and why it’s so important to recognize the linguistic assets students bring to our classrooms. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the difference between everyday language and academic language, and why focusing on both is essential for our students’ success.We also tackle the myth that students need to fully master English before they can access grade-level content. I talk with Jana and Jeanette about research showing that, with intentional support and meaningful instruction, MLLs can engage with the same literacy and content skills as their peers. From understanding the role of academic language as a “gate opener” to strategies for integrating language objectives into everyday lessons, this episode is full of practical ideas you can bring right into your classroom.Finally, the conversation turns to actionable strategies teachers can implement immediately. From leveraging students’ background experiences to integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing into content lessons, Jana and Jeanette highlight simple yet powerful ways to support language development across disciplines. This episode is packed with guidance to help you feel confident, intentional, and empowered to meet the needs of multilingual learners—reminding us all that these students are learners just like everyone else.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/episode272.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

Being an elementary teacher, you know how important read-alouds are in your classroom. They offer many benefits, from fostering a love of literacy to connecting students with real-life events and situations. However, getting the most out of them can be challenging. Here are three tips you can use to maximize your read-alouds this school year.If you’re anything like me, you may have been incorporating read-alouds into your daily routine without feeling confident in their full impact. That’s when I started using specific strategies to make my read-alouds more intentional. Each of these three tips helps students see that literacy goes beyond the classroom, exposes them to new interests, and shows how reading can be truly enjoyable.Reading is essential, and reading aloud to your students is even more powerful. Read-alouds help build a community of readers and learners while offering countless other benefits. Instead of going through the motions, use these three tips to make your read-alouds more intentional and impactful this year.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/episode271.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

Writing is one of the most complex skills our students will ever learn—and one that is often overlooked. In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, I’m joined by two of the leading experts in writing instruction: Dr. Steven Graham and Dr. Karen Harris. Steven has spent more than 40 years studying how students learn to write, while Karen developed the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model, one of the most widely used and researched approaches to teaching writing. Together, they share valuable insights into what makes writing instruction so challenging and how teachers can provide explicit, systematic writing instruction that really works.During our conversation, we dig into the many complexities of writing—everything from idea generation and sentence construction to transcription skills, motivation, and self-regulation. Steven and Karen also unpack what it means to use evidence-based practices in writing instruction and help us distinguish between strategies that truly make a difference and those that fall short. Their insights are especially helpful for teachers in upper elementary who often face limited time for writing and wonder how to make the most of the minutes they do have.You’ll walk away from this episode with practical guidance you can apply right away, whether it’s structuring short but consistent writing blocks, integrating writing into reading and content areas, or helping students set goals and monitor their own progress. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by teaching writing, this conversation will give you clarity, encouragement, and research-backed strategies to strengthen your writing instruction.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/episode270.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

As we wrap up our Science of Reading Summer Series, it’s time to start thinking about next year and how to make your literacy block both effective and manageable. We know fitting everything into a literacy block can be challenging, so here are some key components to include: word study, reading comprehension, whole group lessons, writing, small group lessons, independent practice, and transitions.The secret? These elements don’t need to happen in isolation. I encourage you to be creative and find ways to teach multiple concepts at once. Integrating different elements can make your literacy block more engaging and efficient, allowing you to cover more ground without overwhelming your students.Remember that while it’s important to establish routines and structure in your literacy block, you want to also maintain flexibility to adjust as needed throughout the year. This adaptability ensures we can meet our students’ needs and help them become successful readers and writers. Tune in for practical strategies to plan a literacy block that works for your classroom and your sanity.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/episode269.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I talk about how using AI can actually make teaching easier and why it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We break down practical ways to use AI for things like organizing student groups, creating seating charts, planning parent-teacher conferences, and streamlining your day—without losing the human touch that makes teaching meaningful.We share the lessons we’ve learned from experimenting with AI, including how to give it context, assign roles, and get back useful results that actually save time. We also discuss common pitfalls and how to make sure AI works for you. Whether you’re just curious about AI or ready to start using it in your classroom tomorrow, this episode is full of tips and ideas you can put into action immediately.By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear picture of how AI can be a powerful helper in your teaching toolkit, without replacing the things that only a teacher can do. Tune in for a friendly, informative conversation that’s packed with strategies to save time, reduce stress, and help your classroom run smoother than ever.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.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/episode268.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

I remember back-to-school time being both exciting and exhausting. It's a new school year filled with fresh possibilities. It's also extremely busy with classroom setup, planning, organizing, and meeting students, parents, and new teachers. To lighten your load, I'm sharing 3 important literacy lessons to teach at the beginning of the year to set your students up for literacy success.As literacy teachers, we strive to build skilled readers who develop a love for reading. I've come up with 3 literacy lessons that are great to teach at the beginning of the year, and I've included various ideas for fun, engaging activities for students to participate in during each lesson. Plus I share picture books you can use to go along with each lesson.Focusing on literacy from the start emphasizes its importance. Therefore, implementing these 3 essential literacy lessons towards the beginning of the year will lead to more skilled readers in your classroom this school year!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/episode267.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

What if I told you that 90% of students can be on grade level with the right instruction? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, a leading researcher, author, and consultant in the field of literacy. Dr. Hasbrouck has dedicated her career to helping educators better understand the complexities of reading fluency and effective interventions, and today she’s sharing her valuable insights with us. Whether you’re an upper elementary teacher working with students who are still developing foundational skills or someone looking to dive deeper into the science of reading, you’re in the right place.In this conversation, Dr. Hasbrouck breaks down the importance of understanding reading fluency and how to identify the true root causes of reading struggles. We also dive into the impact of language development and decoding fluency on comprehension, as well as how to support struggling readers. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of supporting students who are behind in reading, Dr. Hasbrouck offers a fresh perspective and encourages a collaborative, community-based approach to overcoming these challenges.This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for educators who want to better support their students’ reading development. From understanding the research behind effective interventions to practical strategies for identifying and addressing gaps in fluency, you’ll leave this episode feeling empowered and ready to tackle the new school year with confidence.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/episode266.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

Welcome back to The Stellar Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we're diving into the importance of word study in upper elementary classrooms. If you're looking to bring more intentionality and depth to your word study instruction this school year, you’re in the right place. After reflecting on my own teaching experiences, I’m excited to share some insights on how we can make word study more effective and meaningful for our students.Whether you’re just starting to explore word study or are already using it in your classroom, this episode will help you lay the groundwork for an impactful word study block. I’ll break down the three key components to successful word study instruction, including how to teach students to recognize and understand words in a way that supports their fluency and comprehension.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of what word study truly is, why it's critical for upper elementary students, and how to provide more intentional, engaging instruction that helps students become confident, skilled readers and writers. Let’s get started!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/episode265.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

Welcome back to The Stellar Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re kicking off the back-to-school season with a Dear Stellar Teacher conversation that’s all about getting ready for the new year. Whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, we’re here to cheer you on and help you find your balance as you dive into the chaos of back-to-school preparations. Emily and I chat through the pressures that come with this time of year—like trying to make everything perfect before the first day—and share our best advice for navigating the madness without burning yourself out.This episode is packed with tips on managing your time, setting priorities, and most importantly, taking care of yourself as you prepare for the year ahead. We’ll talk about how it’s okay if you’re not 100% ready when your students walk through the door, and why finding joy in what you do—whether it's sticking to old routines or trying something new—is key to staying energized throughout the year.We also get into some fun topics like our latest book recommendations (because every teacher deserves a good read!) and a little reminder to not compare yourself to others, whether it’s your colleagues or Instagram classroom influencers. The most important thing is that you do what works best for you and your students. So grab your coffee (or whatever keeps you going), and tune in for this back-to-school pep talk. You’ve got this!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.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/episode264.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

What is orthographic mapping—and why does it matter so much for your upper elementary readers? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Molly Ness, educator, researcher, and co-author of Making Words Stick, to unpack the science behind how students store and retrieve words. We break down what orthographic mapping actually is, how it develops, and why it’s a missing piece for so many students who struggle with fluency and comprehension.You’ll learn about a simple, four-step instructional routine that supports orthographic mapping in a way that’s practical, flexible, and effective across all grade levels. From segmenting sounds to exploring word meaning and usage, Dr. Ness shares how you can make this invisible cognitive process visible in your classroom instruction—even without a fancy program or curriculum.If you teach reading in grades 3–5, this episode is packed with insights and tools to help you feel more confident supporting students who struggle to decode and read automatically. Click play and discover how focusing on orthographic mapping can transform your reading instruction—one word at a time.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/episode263.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

This week’s episode is extra special—we’re celebrating a decade of Stellar Teacher magic! In honor of The Stellar Teacher Company’s 10th birthday, the podcast gets a fun twist as team member Emily steps in as guest host to interview Sara Marye, our founder and CEO. From her unexpected start in education to becoming a literacy leader and entrepreneur, Sara shares the full journey that led to the creation of a company that now supports teachers around the world.You’ll hear the real, unfiltered story—complete with career pivots, big dreams, and moments of doubt. Sara opens up about the highs and lows of building a business from scratch, what inspired her to focus solely on literacy, and how one not-so-nice podcast review ended up being a turning point in her career. This conversation is full of honesty, growth, and the kind of encouragement teachers need when they’re dreaming up big things of their own.If you’ve ever wondered how Stellar Teacher came to be, or what’s next on the horizon, you’re in for a treat. From upcoming resources to Sara’s dream of making the membership accessible to schools everywhere, this episode gives a glimpse into the heart, hustle, and hope that has defined the last 10 years—and sets the stage for what’s ahead. Tune in, celebrate 10 years with us, and don’t stop believin’!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/episode262.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

In this special episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of our most exciting new resources—the Stellar Teacher Reading Intervention Kit! I’m joined by my teammate Emily, one of our amazing curriculum writers and the mastermind behind this new intervention resource designed specifically for upper elementary students who struggle with decoding. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to approach reading intervention or wondered how to fit it into your already packed schedule, this episode is for you.Emily and I talk candidly about the biggest challenges teachers face when it comes to reading intervention—limited time, lack of confidence, and keeping older students engaged—and how each of those challenges shaped the design of this kit. You’ll hear about our goals, the research that guided us, the beta testing process, and the thoughtful routines we built to make intervention practical, effective, and doable in just 15 minutes a day.Whether you’re looking for tools to support struggling readers, or you just want to feel more confident about teaching phonics in the upper grades, I hope this episode gives you inspiration and clarity. I truly believe this resource is going to make a huge difference in classrooms—and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.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/episode261.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

Are you feeling a little lost when it comes to teaching phonics and supporting struggling readers in upper elementary? You’re in good company! In this month’s Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Emily and I are baring it all with our phonics confessions—sharing the biggest mistakes we made in the classroom and how we’ve learned (the hard way!) what really works when it comes to intervention and decoding support.We get honest about why we didn’t prioritize systematic phonics instruction, how we let intervention become someone else’s responsibility, and why we regret not weaving in more phonemic awareness activities in our upper elementary classrooms. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t because we didn’t care—it was because we didn’t have the knowledge or confidence to know where to start.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the science of reading or unsure how to support your older students with foundational skills, this episode is for you. We’re here to help you avoid the same mistakes and give you permission to learn right alongside your students. And don’t miss next week’s episode, where Emily will share all about our brand new Reading Intervention Kit—created to make intervention easier, more effective, and way less stressful!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/episode260.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

In this final episode of our summer writing series, I’m unpacking one of the biggest challenges upper elementary teachers face: helping students write multi-paragraph essays. If your state test expects students to write an essay by the end of the year, the pressure to start early is real—but I’m here to tell you why that might actually hold your students back. Instead of jumping straight into essays, we’ll talk about how building a strong foundation in sentence and paragraph writing can lead to much greater success down the road.I’ll share why starting the year with essays can be overwhelming for students, how to know when they’re truly ready for multi-paragraph writing, and what scaffolds to put in place in the meantime. From sentence-level work to outlining and targeted revision, this episode walks through the writing sequence that actually supports long-term growth—not just short-term test prep.Whether you're a third-grade teacher wondering if essays are developmentally appropriate, or a fifth-grade teacher looking for a better way to build student confidence, I hope this episode gives you clarity and encouragement as you plan your writing instruction. Essay writing doesn’t need to happen right away—in fact, holding off might be exactly what your students need to grow into confident, capable writers.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/episode259.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re diving into all things writing—with a special guest! Sara is joined by Kori, the head curriculum creator at The Stellar Teacher Company, to talk about how her experiences as both a student and a teacher, along with research, have shaped the writing resources she’s helped develop. From classroom strategies to behind-the-scenes insights on how our writing routines and resources came to life, you’ll get a candid look at what it takes to build confidence in student writers.This conversation explores why paragraph writing needs to be broken down into manageable, scaffolded steps—and how imitation, modeling, and sentence-level support are essential to helping students grow as writers. Kori shares some “aha” moments she had throughout the curriculum creation, and the powerful mindset shift that writing doesn’t need to start at the finish line.Whether you’re already using our resources or just starting to think about how to teach paragraph writing more effectively, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to support struggling writers, challenge advanced students, and create writing routines that help everyone feel like a successful writer.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/episode258.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

If your students struggle to write solid paragraphs or essays, the solution might be simpler than you think. In this episode, we’re zeroing in on the often-overlooked foundation of all good student writing: the sentence. When students can write strong, clear, and varied sentences, everything else—from organizing paragraphs to crafting essays—becomes easier and more effective.You’ll hear why sentence-level instruction deserves a front-row seat in your upper elementary writing block and learn easy-to-implement strategies like fixing fragments, unscrambling sentences, and using the “because, but, so” routine. These quick activities not only boost sentence skills but also lead to noticeable improvements in overall student writing. Whether you're short on time or unsure where to begin, this episode will show you how to make sentence writing a natural part of your daily instruction—without overhauling your schedule. These quick activities take just minutes a day, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to building your students' writing confidence and skill. Tune in to discover how focusing on the building blocks of student writing can lead to big wins in your classroom all year long.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/episode257.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

Writing instruction in upper elementary can often feel overwhelming, especially when your students are expected to produce multi-paragraph essays—but struggle to write a clear sentence. In this episode, we’re taking a step back to reflect on what effective writing instruction really looks like. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your writing block or questioned whether your current approach is helping students grow, you’re not alone.We’re breaking down five common signs that it might be time to rethink your writing instruction. From assigning writing instead of explicitly teaching it, to skipping sentence-level work and fast-forwarding to essays, we’ll unpack the most frequent challenges teachers face—and offer simple, actionable shifts you can make to see real progress in your classroom.Whether you're looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just some encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. Tune in to learn how you can make small but meaningful changes that will transform your students' writing outcomes all year long.Whether you’re looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just a little encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. It’s never too late to rethink your writing instruction and make changes that will transform your students’ writing outcomes all year long.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/episode256.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)

If you’re changing grade levels, schools, or positions next year, this episode is for you! In our monthly Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily and I are sharing our own experiences with making big transitions in our careers and offering encouragement and advice to help you feel more confident and supported through the changes ahead.From rethinking your mindset to giving yourself grace, we offer the kind of teacher-to-teacher advice that will help you navigate your transition with a little less stress and a lot more support. We also talk about how to lean into your strengths, make meaningful connections with your new team, and avoid putting pressure on yourself to have it all figured out on day one. We’re also sharing our personal stories—yes, even the mid-year surprise moves—and how we’ve learned to embrace the unknown with confidence (and a little humor).If you’re entering a season of change, tune in for some real talk, encouragement, and practical tips to help you feel ready for whatever next year has in store. This episode will remind you that you're not alone—and that every teacher brings something valuable to the table, no matter where you land next year.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.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/episode255.Mentioned in this episode:Unlocking Comprehension WorkshopRegister to attend our Unlocking Comprehension Workshop: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/comprehension-webinar (Or go to stellarteacher.com/workshop)