Hidden Gap #1: Decoding vs. Comprehension

 Hidden Gap #1: Decoding vs. Comprehension

Myth: If a student reads at grade level, they automatically understand what they read.

Reality: Many students can decode words fluently but struggle to truly comprehend, especially as texts grow more complex in upper elementary and middle school.

As reading teachers, we know that fluency is only part of the story. Students may “sound out” the words perfectly, but comprehension—making meaning, connecting ideas, and applying what’s read—is where many learners hit a hidden barrier.

Why This Gap Matters
By grades 4–6, texts shift from learning to read → reading to learn. Students are expected to:

• Pull evidence from text

• Compare and contrast ideas

• Analyze characters and themes

• Interpret figurative language

Without strong comprehension strategies, students may:

• Struggle with multi-step questions and assessments

• Have difficulty summarizing or explaining what they read

• Lose confidence and disengage from reading

This isn’t about intelligence—it’s about strategy.

The Transformation With Targeted Support
With intentional instruction and the right tools, students can bridge decoding and comprehension and become confident, independent readers. Imagine your learners being able to:

✅ Read a text and pause to articulate its meaning
✅ Apply targeted strategies to tackle challenging passages
✅ Approach assignments with confidence instead of frustration
✅ Transfer reading skills across subjects for true academic growth

When decoding and comprehension work together, reading stops being just an assignment—it becomes a powerful tool for learning, critical thinking, and student success.

“What’s the difference between fluency and comprehension—and why both matter”

 As a parent, it can feel confusing when your child is reading words on the page, but something still seems...off. Maybe they breeze through sentences but don’t remember what they just read. Or maybe they sound out every word with effort, even though they understand stories well when someone reads to them.

You’re not imagining it.

Reading is more than just saying the words. Two big pieces need to come together: fluency and comprehension. And when just one of them is missing, your child may start to feel frustrated, stuck, or like they’re “just not a reader.”

Let’s break them down in simple terms—and talk about the real-life changes that happen when each one starts to click.

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🚧 Before Fluency Clicks

Your child can read, but it sounds like hard work. Each word is slow. They pause a lot. You may notice them skipping tricky words or guessing. Reading aloud feels like a chore—for both of you.

They avoid longer books. They lose their place easily. Sometimes, they give up before finishing a page.

💬 “I don’t want to read. It’s boring.”
💬 “I’m not good at this.”

What’s really happening? Their brain is working so hard just to say the words that there’s no energy left to understand or enjoy what they’re reading.

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💡 After Fluency Begins to Grow

Now imagine this:

Your child is reading with a natural rhythm. They glide through sentences, not too fast, not too slow. They pause at commas and raise their voice at question marks. It’s like they’re finally hearing the story while they’re reading it.

Reading starts to feel easier. Less draining. And they begin reaching for books without being asked.

💬 “This book is funny!”
💬 “Can I read this to you?”

👉 Fluency gives your child the freedom to enjoy reading.

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🚧 Before Comprehension Grows

Sometimes kids can read beautifully out loud—but when you ask, “What was that story about?”, they freeze.

They’ll say, “I don’t know,” or give a tiny detail that doesn’t match the story’s big idea. They may remember the character’s name but not what the character did. Or they retell everything like a list of events—with no emotion or connection.

💬 “I read it, but I don’t remember.”
💬 “I don’t get it.”

What’s really happening? They’re reading the words, but the meaning isn’t sticking. Reading feels like checking a box instead of understanding a message.

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💡 After Comprehension Begins to Bloom

Now picture your child reading a story—and pausing to say, “Wait! I think he’s scared because of what happened before.”

They can tell you how a character changes from beginning to end. They start noticing lessons and themes—on their own. And best of all? They connect the story to their life:

💬 “That happened to me at recess!”
💬 “This is like that movie we watched!”

👉 Comprehension gives your child the power to think deeply, feel connected, and truly grow through reading.

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❤️ Why Both Matter

Fluency and comprehension are like two puzzle pieces. When both fit, your child doesn’t just read—they experience books. They laugh at jokes. They ask questions. They relate to characters. They learn about the world.

Most importantly, they feel confident.

And that confidence spills into every part of their learning—because reading shows up in every subject.

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🌱 Final Thought

If your child is struggling with fluency or comprehension, it doesn’t mean they’re behind or broken. It just means we need to meet them where they are and give them the tools that work for them.

Reading is a journey, and every child deserves a guide who sees their potential.

If you’re noticing any of these signs in your reader and want support, I’d love to talk. I help families understand what their child needs and create a plan that builds confidence, step by step.

📩 Send me a message or leave a comment. Let’s help your reader grow—with joy and purpose.

Why Reading Matters: More Than Just a Skill

 As a reading teacher and tutor, I’ve seen firsthand how the right book at the right time can unlock something powerful in a child. Reading is so much more than just decoding words—it’s the foundation for confidence, curiosity, and growth across every subject.

Whether your child is reading well below grade level or just needs a boost to feel more confident, the benefits of building a strong reading life are endless. Here are just a few reasons why reading is worth investing time in—at school and at home.

📚 Reading Builds Background Knowledge

Every book is a window into something new. From informational texts to rich stories, books expose kids to ideas, cultures, and topics they may never experience otherwise. The more they read, the more connections they make across math, science, social studies—and life.

✨ Reading Grows Vocabulary

Want to build your child’s vocabulary? Start with books. Rich, authentic texts introduce new words in context, helping students naturally learn and apply new language. Worksheets have nothing on a well-written read-aloud and a meaningful conversation after.

🧠 Reading Fuels Critical Thinking

Reading is one of the best ways to teach kids how to think—not what to think. As they make predictions, draw inferences, and analyze characters, they’re practicing essential problem-solving and comprehension strategies they’ll use in every subject.

💛 Reading Builds Empathy

Books let kids step into someone else’s shoes. They learn how others live, feel, and grow. That kind of emotional intelligence helps students become better friends, classmates, and future leaders.

💪 Reading Boosts Confidence

There’s nothing like the moment when a student realizes they can read—and enjoy it. That “click” moment is transformational. It spills over into every part of their academic life.

🌿 Reading Reduces Stress

Yes—even for kids! A calm classroom reading nook or quiet bedtime story can become a safe, grounding routine. Reading gives kids a way to slow down and reset in an overstimulated world.

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Bottom Line?
Reading is the bridge to everything else we want for our students—better comprehension, stronger writing, deeper thinking, and most importantly, confidence.

If your child is struggling with reading, don’t wait. The earlier we intervene, the faster we close gaps and reignite the love for learning.

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📌 Want to know how personalized reading support can help your child?

Let’s talk. My 1:1 tutoring is designed to meet readers exactly where they are—and take them where they need to go. [Learn more here ERLC Linktr.ee

Teacher Summer Reading Tips: Your Classroom Library: A Summer Reset to Strengthen Reading Growth

A classroom library is so much more than a cozy corner full of books—it’s a powerful teaching tool that can help you close reading gaps and grow confident, independent readers.

Whether you teach upper elementary, middle school, or beyond, summer is the perfect time to step back, refresh, and rethink how your library will support engagement, differentiation, and data-driven instruction all year long.

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📚 The Classroom Library as an Instructional Asset

A well-organized library isn’t just about having books on the shelf—it’s about creating intentional reading opportunities that build fluency, comprehension, and stamina.

Here’s how your library can work for you:

✅ Access to a Range of Texts
A strong library exposes students to diverse genres, authors, and text levels so they can find books that match their interests and grow their skills.

✅ A Built-in Differentiation Tool
When students have choice and time to read at their level, you create a low-pressure way for them to practice. Keeping an eye on what they’re choosing helps you make sure every student is getting the right book at the right time.

✅ A Data Goldmine
Your library can tell you so much about your readers:

• What they choose (or avoid) shows confidence and interest.

• Checkout patterns highlight stamina and volume.

• Reflections and reviews give you authentic comprehension data.

This information can guide your small groups, conferring, and book recommendations in a targeted, responsive way.

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🎯 The Teacher’s Role

Think of yourself as:
🔹 The Curator – Refreshing your collection, adding diverse voices, and keeping things organized and appealing.
🔹 The Data Collector – Noticing patterns in what kids pick up and where they need more support.
🔹 The Reading Guide – Leading book talks, offering recommendations, and helping students set goals.

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🌟 The Student’s Role

Invite students to:
📖 Explore and Choose – Give them space to find what lights them up as readers.
📚 Help Maintain the Space – Show them how to keep the library organized and respected.
✍ Reflect and Share – Use quick reviews or book talks to build a strong reading community.

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💡 How to Use Your Library All Year

• Independent Reading: Let students build stamina with books they choose.

• Small Groups: Use leveled or strategy-focused texts for targeted lessons.

• Conferring: Have students bring their library books to your conferences to drive deeper conversations.

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✅ Summer Prep Checklist

✔ Refresh and rotate your books—look for engagement, diversity, and relevance.
✔ Create a welcoming space with clear labels and cozy spots.
✔ Set up a checkout system to monitor habits and growth.
✔ Plan ways for students to recommend and review books.

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A well-planned classroom library is intentional, student-centered, and data-informed—and when you use it strategically, it becomes one of your most powerful tools for closing gaps and fostering a love of reading that lasts.

Personally, I love the process of reorganizing my library every summer—cleaning out old titles, restocking favorites, and setting up systems that help kids take ownership of their reading lives.

If you’d like more step-by-step ideas for setting up and managing your library, grab my Classroom Library E-book—it’s packed with tools and strategies to help you start the year feeling organized and confident.

👇 Ready to create a library that works as hard as you do?

Click below to get your copy!

Setting up and Managing the Classroom Library

Teacher Summer Tips for Reading: Implementing Reading Workshop in 2026

Teachers often feel overwhelmed with where to start when implementing a reading workshop model.

Benefits:

• Provides a clear framework for setting up a student-centered reading classroom.

• Equips teachers with strategies to foster independence, engagement, and growth.

• Empowers students by giving them ownership of their reading journey.

 

5 Practical Steps for Teachers to Level Up or Start a Reading Workshop in 2025

1. Organize Your Classroom Library

   • Sort books by genres, topics, or reading levels, ensuring diverse options for all readers.
   • Label bins clearly to make book shopping easy and inviting for students.

2. Establish Clear Routines and Procedures

   • Set up daily schedules for mini-lessons, independent reading, small groups, and conferring.
   • Practice routines with students until they become second nature.

3. Use Data to Drive Instruction

   • Start with baseline assessments to understand student reading levels and needs.
   • Create flexible small groups based on specific skills or strategies identified through data.

4. Build a Culture of Reading

   • Set aside time daily for independent reading and provide opportunities for studnts to share what they’re reading.
   • Celebrate reading milestones and model your own love for reading by sharing favorite books.

5. Start Small and Scale Gradually

   • Begin with one key component of the workshop (e.g., independent reading or conferring) and master it before adding others.
   • Reflect regularly and adjust based on what works for you and your students.
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By taking these simple yet powerful steps, you can create a reading workshop that fosters independence, engagement, and growth while empowering your students to take charge of their reading journeys.

If you like to learn more about Reading workshop and the different components that have been the levers to help me support and move readers academically  click here.

Would you like more reading tips, ideas and resources to use inthe classroom ?

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10 Meaningful Ways to Model, Monitor, and Motivate Independent Reading in the First Few Weeks of School

As students return from summer break, many arrive with mixed feelings about reading. Some have devoured books all summer long; others haven’t picked one up in months. The first 3 weeks of school are your golden window to reset expectations, build routines, and reignite reading joy—without the overwhelm.

Whether you’re teaching 4th grade or middle school, here are 10 ways to gently ease students back into consistent, independent reading while holding them accountable in ways that feel safe, supportive, and exciting.

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1️⃣ Book Tastings: Reignite Curiosity and Choice

Set up your classroom like a book café and let students "taste" different genres and formats. Provide menus or recording sheets where they can jot down what piqued their interest.

📝 Why it matters: Students can’t fall in love with reading if they don’t know what’s out there. A book tasting is a low-pressure way to get eyes on multiple titles—and it creates instant buzz around your library.

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2️⃣ Reading Stamina Charts: Normalize Practice and Progress

Start small and celebrate every minute of sustained reading. Track class-wide stamina with a visual chart or individual trackers. Let students reflect on what helps them stay focused.

📊 Why it matters: Just like physical endurance, reading stamina has to be built gradually. A visible chart shows progress, reinforces the habit, and builds confidence.

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3️⃣ Independent Reading Bingo Boards: Gamify Accountability

Create bingo boards with fun reading tasks like “Read under a table,” “Try a biography,” or “Finish a book with a red cover.” Make it flexible so all readers can succeed at their own pace.

🎯 Why it matters: Bingo boards provide choice, promote volume, and encourage exploration of different genres and formats—all while making reading feel like a game.

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4️⃣ Reading Prompts and Thinking Stems: Build Meaningful Talk

Use anchor charts, sticky notes, or journals to model sentence starters like:

• “This reminds me of…”

• “I wonder why the author…”

• “The character changed when…”

🗣️ Why it matters: Reading is thinking. When we give students tools to express those thoughts, we build comprehension, discussion skills, and deeper engagement.

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5️⃣ Read Alouds with Intentional Debrief

Don’t underestimate the power of read-alouds—even in middle school. Choose short texts with strong themes and model your own metacognition, using thinking stems and partner talk.

📖 Why it matters: Read-alouds create a shared reading experience, model fluency and strategy use, and give every student a foundation for deeper conversations.

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6️⃣ Partner Talks: Make Thinking Visible

After independent reading or read-alouds, give students time to turn and talk using a prompt or a question related to strategy, theme, or character.

👥 Why it matters: Verbalizing thinking solidifies it. Partner talk also builds speaking and listening skills and fosters classroom community around reading.

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7️⃣ Book Recommendation Forms & Boards

Give students a way to share books they love. Use sticky notes, index cards, or digital slides. Set up a “Student Picks” board that stays active all year.

📌 Why it matters: Peer recommendations build a culture of reading and boost credibility—especially for reluctant readers who trust classmates more than adults!

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8️⃣ Genre Display Boards & Classroom Library Set-Up

Organize your library by genre or theme and label everything clearly. Feature rotating displays like “Funny Reads,” “Books That Make You Think,” or “Quick Picks for Busy Readers.”

📚 Why it matters: A well-organized, thoughtfully curated library removes barriers to access and invites students into self-directed reading.

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9️⃣ Favorite Reads Wall

Create a wall where students (and YOU) post their all-time favorite books. Include a short reason why. Rotate it quarterly or as new favorites emerge.

🌟 Why it matters: This fosters identity and ownership. When students see themselves and their peers represented on the wall, it sends the message: Readers live here.

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🔟 Share Your Own Reading Life

Show students your current reads. Keep a “Mrs. Lawson Is Reading…” sign, talk about your reading habits, or reflect aloud about why you abandon or finish a book.

👓 Why it matters: You’re the model. When kids see you struggling, laughing, or staying up late with a good book, they begin to mirror those habits.

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✨ Final Thought

Reading routines don’t have to be rigid or stressful. In fact, the more flexible, choice-based, and reflective they are, the more likely students are to buy in and sustain them. The goal isn’t just to get them reading—it's to help them build a relationship with reading that lasts.

You’re not just launching a classroom routine. You’re launching a reading life.

Easing Back into Reading Routines: 5 Strategies for the First 3 Weeks of School

 The start of the school year is full of excitement, fresh faces, and endless to-do lists. But after a long summer break, many students return with reading habits that need rebuilding.

Instead of jumping straight into heavy reading tasks, what if we eased students back into a consistent, joyful reading routine—without overwhelm?

Here’s the truth:
📊 Students who read just 6 books over the summer can maintain or even improve their reading levels. – Scholastic Summer Reading Report

But what about the ones who didn’t?
That’s where you come in.

Reading isn’t just about test scores—it’s about discovery, confidence, and connection. When students see reading as part of everyday life again, we help them rebuild stamina and engagement one step at a time.

✨ Here Are 5 Things You Can Do in the First 3 Weeks of School to Rebuild Reading Routines

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1. Start with Book Tastings and Read-Alouds

Ease students into reading by offering choice and modeling joy. Host a “book tasting” to help students explore different genres and formats (graphic novels, biographies, poetry, etc.). Pair it with daily read-alouds that model fluency, expression, and thinking aloud.

✅ This creates positive associations with reading and helps rebuild reading stamina gently.

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2. Set Daily Independent Reading Expectations Early

From Day 1, let students know that reading is a part of your classroom culture. Start with 10–15 minutes of independent reading and gradually build up stamina. Use soft starts or end-of-day reading to make it feel routine and low-pressure.

✅ Consistency helps students rebuild their reading muscles without burnout.

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3. Model and Practice “What Readers Do”

Instead of assuming students remember how to engage with a text, explicitly model how to find a comfy spot, stay focused, select “just right” books, and respond to reading. Use anchor charts and student-friendly checklists to make these routines clear.

✅ Clarity leads to confidence—especially for your reluctant readers.

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4. Conference Lightly but Intentionally

Don’t wait to start conferring—but keep it simple. Meet students where they are with brief, relationship-building conversations. Ask questions like:

• What do you love to read about?

• What’s the last book you finished?

• What’s been tricky about reading lately?

✅ These early conferences build trust and give you insight for future instruction.

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5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Track how many minutes students read, not just what they read. Celebrate class-wide milestones: “We read 500 minutes together this week!” Create a visible chart for progress to motivate and unify your readers without focusing only on levels or test scores.

✅ Reading becomes a collective celebration—not a pressure point.

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Final Thought:

Rebuilding reading routines doesn’t require a perfect plan or high-stakes assessments. It requires intentionality, patience, and heart.

When we help students reconnect with reading—at their own pace—we create the conditions for real growth.

✨ "Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary." – Jim Rohn

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📥 RHere are more ways to Jumpstart Reading? 

Here are some ways to model,   monitor and  hold kids accountable:

• Book tastings

• Reading stamina charts

• Independent Reading Bingo Boards

• Reading  prompts

• Read alouds 

• Partner talks

• Thinking Stems

• Recommendation Forms and Boards

• Teacher Favorits Dsplay

• Strategic Library Set up

• Genre displays

• Create a room environment that screams reading 

Let’s make this the year students not only read more—but love it more. 💪📖

Stay tune to part II, where I elaborate on each of these. 

#reading #teachersofreading #readingworkshop  #classroomlibraries  #readalouds #elementaryteachers  #middleschool teachers

With purpose,
Rhonda
Founder, Educating Readers Literacy Academy