Introducing... Up & Away Literacy!

There's something majestic and peaceful about hot air balloons. Although I love to watch them, I’m not sure I’d like to be in one! Hot air balloons also remind me of so many analogies when it comes to teaching. One of my favorites is that we, as teachers, help our students to reach new heights. We see the potential in each of our students and then help them see it in themselves so they can soar!

When choosing a theme for my reading intervention classroom this year, I settled on hot air balloons. In my next post, I’ll share some pictures of my cozy little room.

Of course, when I decided to create a blog, hot air balloons had to be incorporated into my blog’s name. Up & Away Literacy was born! I’ve been debating starting a new blog (I used to have one as a classroom teacher named “The Open Door Classroom”) and figured now was the time.

My main goal in starting this blog is to help share the science of reading and best practices when it comes to teaching reading to our students. Now, more than ever, it’s important to help our kids make up for time lost due to Covid.

A little bit about me- This is my fourth year as a reading specialist and 16th year teaching total. Supporting students in reading, especially struggling students, is something I’m passionate about. 

Four years ago, I went through the Orton Gillingham training and practicum and am now a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP). I use the Orton Gillingham method every day with my reading intervention students and see great success with this explicit and systematic approach!

I have learned so much from other educators over the years, and hope to share my own ideas and strategies with you through this blog. 

Lets help our students to take off with their reading skills! Up and away is our goal!