If you’ve been navigating the Science of Reading, you’ve probably come across the term structured literacy—but knowing what it is and knowing how to actually plan your reading block around it are two very different things.

The good news? You don’t need to throw out everything you’re already doing. A structured literacy approach simply means your reading instruction is explicit, systematic, and intentional, especially when it comes to word recognition and language comprehension.

So what does that actually look like in a 3rd grade classroom?

Let’s break it down.

What Makes a Reading Block “Structured”?

A structured literacy reading block isn’t just about having a reading time—it’s about intentional, research-based instruction that targets the two essential components of skilled reading, as outlined in Scarborough’s Reading Rope (Not familiar with the Science of Reading rope? Check out my blog post here):

1. Word Recognition

• Phonics (sound-spelling patterns)
• Morphology (prefixes, suffixes, roots)
• Decoding strategies
• Fluency through repeated reading

2. Language Comprehension

• Vocabulary instruction
• Building background knowledge
• Understanding sentence structures
• Explicit comprehension strategy instruction

Instead of hoping students “pick up” reading strategies during a read-aloud, you’re explicitly teaching and practicing them—every single day. That means:

• Direct instruction with modeling
• Guided practice with feedback
• Spiral review to build mastery over time

Think of it like this: you’re not just giving students a book and crossing your fingers—they’re being taught how to approach the text with purpose and tools.

3rd Grade Structured Literacy Reading Block (Sample Schedule)

Here’s a simple breakdown you can tweak to fit your students and schedule:

Warm-Up (5–10 minutes)

Kick off with a quick spiral review to reinforce previously taught skills and activate student thinking.

Ideas:

• Phonics warm-up: sound-spelling patterns, blends, or vowel teams
• Oral reading of word lists or phrases
• Quick-write with high-frequency or irregular words
• Morpheme review (prefixes/suffixes)

Tip: Use whiteboards for quick, low-prep engagement during this time.

Explicit Word Study (10–15 minutes)

Teach decoding and morphology explicitly. This is where you introduce or review key patterns and structures students need to read and understand unfamiliar words.

Focus Areas:

• Phonics patterns (e.g., CVCe, r-controlled vowels)
• Morphology (prefixes, suffixes, roots)
• Multisyllabic word decoding strategies

How to Teach It:

• Use an anchor chart to model the skill
• Have students apply it in a notebook or interactive journal

I use my Morphology Notebook here to help students learn and apply prefixes, suffixes, and roots. It builds decoding and vocabulary skills at the same time.

Fluency or Independent Practice (10 minutes)

Reinforce word recognition and comprehension through repeated or meaningful reading.

Options:

• Partner reading with roles (e.g., reader and coach)
• Timed rereading of short texts
• Independent reading with comprehension questions

This is a great spot for my Color-by-Number Reading Passages. Students practice fluency and comprehension while revealing a mystery picture—and it’s completely no-prep.

Comprehension Mini-Lesson (10–15 minutes)

Teach a focused strategy that students will use with texts—this is your direct instruction piece for comprehension.

Examples:

• Questioning, predicting, visualizing, summarizing
• Using context clues
• Determining the main idea or character traits

How to Teach It:

• Use a short read-aloud or shared text
• Model your thinking with a think-aloud
• Create an anchor chart as a reference

Application & Guided Practice (10–15 minutes)

Let students apply the strategy you just taught—independently or in small groups.

Options:

• Practice with a partner or small group
• Respond in notebooks or on graphic organizers
• Use comprehension task cards or center activities
• Pull small groups for targeted instruction based on data

Tip: Keep materials consistent across the week so students build confidence and routines stay tight.

What About Read-Alouds?

You might be wondering—do read-alouds still have a place in a structured literacy reading block? Absolutely.

Even with a clear structure, read-alouds are a powerful tool for building background knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension. The key is to use them intentionally:

• Choose rich, grade-level texts (fiction or nonfiction)
• Model comprehension strategies like questioning or summarizing
• Spark discussions that deepen understanding
• Revisit key vocabulary and sentence structures

Think of read-alouds as an opportunity to model the thinking you want students to internalize. Whether you’re using a mentor text during your mini-lesson or carving out time later in the day, they’re an essential part of the big picture.

Final Thoughts

A structured literacy reading block isn’t rigid—it’s purposeful. With clear routines for decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, you’re supporting every strand students need to become confident, capable readers.

Need an easy way to build fluency and reinforce comprehension?

Check out my Color-by-Number Reading Passages—they’re fun, no-prep, and fit perfectly into your structured routine.

Grab them here and give your students practice they’ll actually enjoy.

The post What Does a Structured Literacy Reading Block Actually Look Like? appeared first on Glitter in Third.

If you’ve ever taught a lesson in the classroom that should have worked—but students still looked confused, distracted, or totally overwhelmed—you’re not alone. There’s a name for what’s going on: Cognitive Load Theory.

It’s not just another buzzword from professional development. It’s actually a practical, research-based way to think about how students process information—and how we can design better lessons that stick.

Let’s break it down in plain English.

What Is Cognitive Load Theory?

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is based on how our brains work when we learn. It says that our working memory—the mental space we use to process new information—is very limited.

When we overload that space with too many directions, distractions, or unfamiliar steps all at once, students struggle to learn. Their brains get “full,” and learning shuts down.

There are three types of cognitive load to be aware of:

• Intrinsic Load – how complex the task itself is
• Extraneous Load – how confusing or cluttered the delivery is
• Germane Load – the mental effort spent making meaningful connections

The goal is to reduce unnecessary load (especially the extraneous kind) so students have the brainpower to focus on what really matters.

Why Does This Matter for Teachers?

Because it explains why students might:

• Get stuck on simple directions
• Seem off-task during a new routine
• Look like they “forgot everything” during independent practice

It’s not always about behavior or motivation—sometimes, it’s just too much at once.

By applying Cognitive Load Theory in the classroom, we can:

• Break lessons into smaller, more manageable chunks
• Simplify our visuals, slides, and anchor charts
• Reduce background noise or clutter
• Reinforce key skills through repetition and review

Real-Life Examples of Cognitive Overload in the Classroom

Here’s what overload can look like in the classroom—and what to do instead:

Many of the strategies backed by Cognitive Load Theory—like explicit instruction and skill-based practice—also align with the Science of Reading. If you’re teaching reading in 3rd grade, this post breaks down how the Science of Reading actually looks in the classroom.

One Simple Shift That Helps: Focused, Skill-Based Practice

If you’re looking for a practical way to reduce cognitive overload during reading time, my Color-by-Number Reading Comprehension Passages are a great place to start.

Each page includes:

• A short, manageable passage (no walls of text)
• Four targeted comprehension questions that focus on just one skill
• A color-by-number mystery picture that reveals as students answer correctly

Because students are only working on one thing at a time, their brains aren’t juggling too much at once. No clutter. No confusion. Just clear, focused practice—and a little fun built in.

Grab the Color-by-Number Reading Passages Here

These are perfect for independent work, centers, homework, or even fast finisher practice. And because they’re printable and easy to prep, they reduce teacher overload too.

Final Thoughts

Cognitive Load Theory in education is a reminder that less is often more. When we reduce distractions and focus on the essentials, students can process information more effectively—and retain what we’re teaching.

The best part? You don’t need a brand-new curriculum. Just a few small shifts can make a big difference in how well your students learn.

The post What Is Cognitive Load Theory—and Why Should Classroom Teachers Care? appeared first on Glitter in Third.

If you’ve ever looked at the 3rd grade Virginia science SOLs and thought, “Wait, they want me to teach all of this in one year?”—same.

Science in 3rd grade is exciting, messy, and a little bit overwhelming. These kids are curious and full of questions (so many questions), but between your pacing guide, test prep, and trying to remember where you put the magnifying glasses… it’s a lot.

Whether you’re new to 3rd grade science or just trying to make sense of the 2018 standards, this post breaks it down in a way that makes sense—with teacher-friendly explanations, kid-friendly language, and practical ways to actually teach it all without losing your mind.

What Are the 3rd Grade Science SOLs in Virginia?

The 2018 Virginia Science Standards for 3rd grade include:

• Scientific and engineering practices (a fancy way of saying kids should think like scientists all year long)
• Six main content areas:
  • Force, Motion, and Energy
  • Matter
  • Living Systems and Processes
  • Earth and Space Systems
  • Earth Resources
  • Conservation and Natural Events

Let’s Be Honest

These standards cover a lot. Some of it’s exciting. Some of it feels like it was written by someone who hasn’t tried to teach 25 third graders the difference between evaporation and condensation while also dealing with a fire drill and indoor recess.

You want your students to understand science, not just memorize definitions—but actually getting there takes time, modeling, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of flexibility.

This post isn’t about making the standards sound magical. It’s about helping real teachers make sense of them, figure out what they’re actually asking, and find ways to teach them without reinventing the wheel.

3rd Grade Science SOLs—Explained Like We’re in a Planning Meeting

Force, Motion & Simple Machines (SOL 3.2)

What it covers:

Pushes and pulls, friction, net force, ramps, pulleys, and more.

How I explain it to kids:

Force means a push or a pull. When we use a ramp or pulley, it helps us move stuff without using as much muscle.

Helpful Classroom Idea:

Set up stations where students test toy cars or balls on different surfaces (tile, sandpaper, felt). Have them measure how far the object rolls and record the results. Then introduce a simple machine like a ramp or lever using classroom supplies. Ask: Which surface has the most friction? How does the ramp help?

Need SOL-aligned resources?

• 3rd Grade Force & Motion for Google Classroom
• 3rd Grade Force & Motion Interactive Notebook

Matter & Water Interactions (SOL 3.3)

What it covers:

What dissolves in water and how temperature changes that.

How I explain it to kids:

You know how sugar disappears in tea? That’s dissolving. Cold tea? Not so much.

Helpful Classroom Idea:

Have students conduct a dissolving test with warm and cold water. Use sugar, salt, oil, and sand. Provide a table where they record what dissolves, what doesn’t, and how temperature makes a difference. This can lead into a discussion about mixtures and solutions.

Need SOL-aligned resources?

• Matter & Water for Google Classroom
• Matter & Water Interactive Notebook
• Matter & Water Jeopardy Game

Adaptations & Fossils (SOL 3.4)

What it covers:

How animals survive and how fossils show what lived long ago.

How I explain it to kids:

Animals have cool traits that help them live in their homes. And fossils are nature’s way of leaving behind clues.

Helpful Classroom Idea:

Use pictures or short videos to introduce physical vs. behavioral adaptations (e.g., hibernation vs. sharp claws). Then, have students create an “adapted animal” for a specific environment (arctic, rainforest, desert) and explain their survival traits. For fossils, press small objects into clay and “excavate” each other’s fossils the next day.

Need SOL-aligned resources?

• Adaptations Color-By-Number Worksheets
• Adaptations & Populations for Google Classroom
• Adaptations Jeopardy Game

Ecosystems (SOL 3.5)

What it covers:

Living vs. nonliving things, food chains, energy, roles like producers and decomposers.

How I explain it to kids:

Everything works together like a team—plants, animals, the sun, the dirt, even the bugs.

Helpful Classroom Idea:

Create food chain cards and have students build their own food chains or webs using string or arrows to connect the parts. Add decomposers like fungi and worms to make it more realistic. Use examples from familiar environments like forests, ponds, or even a backyard.

Need SOL-aligned resources?

• 3rd Grade Ecosystems Interactive Notebook
• Animal Habitats & Ecosystems Color-By-Number Worksheets
• Ecosystems Jeopardy Game

Soil & Plant Growth (SOL 3.6)

What it covers:

Types of soil and how they help plants.

How I explain it to kids:

Soil helps plants grow. Some soil holds water better, and some has more food in it.

Helpful Classroom Idea:

Let students test 3 types of soil (sand, clay, and potting soil) by planting bean seeds in each. Have them water the plants equally and observe which ones sprout first or grow taller. Tie in observations with soil composition and water retention.

Need SOL-aligned resources?

• Soil Color-By-Number Worksheets
• Soil for Google Classroom
• Soil Jeopardy Game

The Water Cycle (SOL 3.7)

What it covers:

Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and water sources on Earth.

How I explain it to kids:

Water is always moving. It goes up, makes clouds, and falls back down again.

Helpful Classroom Idea:

Use a clear plastic cup of warm water, cover it with plastic wrap, and place an ice cube on top. Watch condensation form under the plastic. Use this as a live model to introduce the cycle. Label a water cycle diagram together afterward.

Need SOL-aligned resources?

• Water Cycle Color-By-Number Worksheets
• Water Cycle for Google Classroom
• Water Cycle Jeopardy Game

Conservation & Natural Events (SOL 3.8)

What it covers:

Pollution, natural disasters, and taking care of Earth.

How I explain it to kids:

We need to protect our Earth. That means recycling, saving water, and not tossing trash everywhere.

Helpful Classroom Idea:

Create a simple conservation checklist. Have students record ways they helped the Earth during the week (turning off lights, recycling, picking up trash). For natural events, show pictures of floods, fires, or storms and discuss how people prepare and respond.

Need SOL-aligned resources?

• Conservation Color-By-Number Worksheets
• Conservation for Google Classroom
• Conservation Jeopardy Game

Scientific & Engineering Practices (SOL 3.1)

This one’s woven through the entire year. It’s not a separate unit—it’s how we do science all year long.

Students are expected to:

• Ask questions and make predictions
• Use science tools
• Design and carry out investigations
• Collect and interpret data
• Share what they discovered

It’s about building science habits that go way beyond a test.

Helpful Classroom Idea:

Start a “Wonder Wall” where students can post science questions. Choose one each week to investigate as a class. Use magnifying glasses, rulers, or thermometers as often as possible so students get comfortable using real tools. Even simple activities—like measuring how fast ice melts in different spots around the room—can help build observation and inquiry skills. Keep it low-pressure. The goal is to help students see themselves as scientists, not just science learners.

Need SOL-aligned resources?

• Scientific Method Color-By-Number Worksheets
• Scientific Method for Google Classroom
• Scientific Method Jeopardy Game

Need a Little Help?

You meant to plan science over the summer… and then summer did what summer does. (Same here. I blinked and suddenly it was August and I was out of glue sticks and brain cells.)

If you’re looking for a done-for-you way to tackle the entire 3rd grade science year without piecing together random resources or reinventing the wheel, I’ve got three bundles that might just be your new best friends:

The 3rd Grade Science Interactive Notebook Bundle
Hands-on, engaging, and super kid-friendly. You’ll get flipbooks, vocabulary, diagrams, and meaningful activities for every standard. It’s everything you need to build interactive notebooks that actually work—no fancy supplies or Pinterest stress required.

The 3rd Grade Science Google Classroom Bundle
All the same standards—just digital. Ideal if you’re teaching in Google Classroom, need sub plans that won’t require paper, or just want to stop wrestling with the copy machine.

The 3rd Grade Science Jeopardy Games Bundle
Need a way to review that doesn’t feel like review? These games are the easiest way to sneak in engagement and check for understanding. Your students will beg to play—and you’ll quietly pat yourself on the back.

Grab one, or go all in and get all three. Either way, your future self will thank you. (Possibly with coffee.)

Everything’s aligned to the 2018 Virginia SOLs and designed to feel doable on a Wednesday afternoon with 25 kids and zero energy.

Because let’s be honest—you’ve got enough on your plate already.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a science genius. You just need to be willing to try something hands-on, talk through the vocabulary, and give your students space to think like scientists.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. Your kids will remember the messy experiments, the dirt under their fingernails, and the moment their seed finally sprouted way more than they’ll remember a worksheet.

And if science feels like a lot right now, just wait until you peek at the new social studies SOLs. (Yep, they changed those.) I broke it all down right here so you can see what’s different and how to make it work in your classroom.

You’ve got this.

The post Breaking Down the 2018 Virginia SOLs for 3rd Grade Science appeared first on Glitter in Third.

Teaching 3rd grade social studies under the 2023 Virginia Social Studies SOL feels completely different from what many of us were used to. You knew what worked, how to keep your students engaged, and how to make the SOL work in your classroom.

Then the 2023 Virginia Social Studies SOL came along—and suddenly, everything shifted.

Now it’s not just about knowing facts. Students are expected to think like historians, economists, and active citizens. And while that’s a powerful goal, it’s a big ask for 8- and 9-year-olds—especially when the number of people, places, and concepts we’re supposed to teach has grown significantly.

And the truth is—change is hard. Especially when the expectations go up, but your planning time, curriculum, and support don’t. It’s a lot to carry, even for experienced teachers.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

So many of us are trying to figure out how to teach these new SOL expectations in a way that actually works for our kids—and for us. That’s why I’ve been creating resources that are aligned, practical, and truly classroom-ready. No fluff. No guesswork. Just solid tools to help your students engage with the content and help you feel more in control of your social studies block.

Because we don’t need more stress—we need support that actually makes our jobs easier.

So, What Actually Changed?

The new SOL didn’t move away from memorizing names—they added more. Now, instead of just knowing who someone was, students are expected to explain what they did, why it mattered, and how it connects to other areas like civics, geography, and economics.

In other words, the workload didn’t shrink—it grew.

Students are also expected to:

• Use academic vocabulary in writing and conversation
• Make comparisons and explain ideas clearly
• Think more independently and critically about what they learn

It’s not just a content shift—it’s a mindset shift. We’re not just “covering” topics anymore. We’re guiding kids to understand the bigger picture.

But let’s be honest—without solid, ready-to-use resources, this shift feels heavy. Especially when you’re already stretched thin.

Why This Shift Feels So Heavy

Let’s be honest: when expectations go up, but planning time, prep support, and actual resources stay the same… it’s exhausting.

We were handed new SOL expectations, but not:

• A full curriculum
• Ready-to-use lessons
• Clear pacing or scaffolding

We were expected to make it all work anyway.

You don’t just need another worksheet or article—you need materials that:

• Break down abstract ideas in a way 3rd graders can actually grasp
• Reinforce vocabulary and comprehension without losing engagement
• Integrate reading, writing, and discussion in meaningful, age-appropriate ways
• Work digitally so you can assign, monitor, and support your students with flexibility

Section 3: How Interactive Notebooks Support the New Standards

These 3rd grade interactive notebooks were made with the new standards in mind—because let’s face it, kids need more than a worksheet to really get some of these big ideas.

My 3rd grade interactive notebooks are designed to meet these new expectations by giving students structured, hands-on ways to:

Inside each one, students get hands-on ways to:

• Break down tricky concepts (like rights vs. responsibilities or different types of resources)
• Cut, paste, sort, match, and write to show what they’ve learned in a way that sticks
• Use vocabulary in a way that actually means something—not just copying definitions
• Think and reflect on what they’re learning as they go

And the best part? Every single activity is aligned to a specific SOL, so you don’t have to second-guess if you’re hitting what you need to teach.

Section 4: Going Digital with Google Slides Activities

Need digital options too? The Google Slides versions of these activities are perfect for:

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Drag-and-drop tasks that let students sort, match, and organize key vocabulary and ideas—no scissors or glue required.
• Editable reading passages that are already aligned to the standards, but super easy to tweak if you need to adjust for reading levels or change up the questions.
• Type-in text boxes for short written responses—so students can practice explaining their thinking, and you can quickly see what they know.
• Assign-and-go format that works with Google Classroom and most other platforms. Great for centers, homework, early finishers, or even when you’ve got a sub.

These digital social studies resources aren’t just digital—they’re purposeful. With interactive elements and clear directions, students can complete them independently, giving you one less thing to prep or manage.

Section 5: Final Thoughts

Whether you’re teaching ancient civilizations, local government, or the basics of economics, the 2023 Virginia Social Studies SOL expects students to think—not just memorize.

To meet those expectations, we need resources that actually work in real classrooms. That means tools that are hands-on, age-appropriate, and rigorous in the right ways—without adding more to your already full plate.

When the content is clear and engaging, students connect with it. And when your materials are doing some of the heavy lifting, you get to focus on what matters most—teaching.

Looking for more blog posts on social studies?

• How to Use Google Slides to Teach Social Studies

The post What’s New in the 2023 Virginia Social Studies Standards—and How to Make Them Stick in 3rd Grade appeared first on Glitter in Third.

Let’s face it—teaching reading comprehension isn’t as simple as handing students a book and asking questions. And when you add in digital reading comprehension strategies, things can feel even more overwhelming.

Reading instruction is important—but also kind of overwhelming. Between small groups, centers, test prep, digital expectations, and class discussions, it can feel like there’s never enough time to cover all the strategies your students need.

And there are a lot of them: predicting, summarizing, visualizing, asking questions, identifying main idea and details, understanding author’s purpose, comparing texts… the list just keeps growing.

No wonder it feels like we’re constantly playing catch-up.

Why It Feels So Hard (Because It Is)

Even with the best intentions and a color-coded plan, it’s hard to hit every strategy every week. Some weeks we live in main idea. The next week we remember, “Oops… haven’t touched visualization since September.”

Not because we’re lazy or unorganized—but because we’re juggling 1,000 things at once: behavior, differentiation, pacing guides, tech issues, surprise assemblies… you name it.

And if you’re trying to align everything with the Science of Reading too? That’s a whole other layer. This post on the Science of Reading in 3rd grade breaks down what it actually looks like in a real classroom.

At a certain point, I realized I needed a better system. Not fancier. Not more complicated. Just something that would actually help me get through the reading strategies without losing my mind.

The Digital Shift That Saved My Sanity

When I started using digital reading comprehension activities in Google Classroom, I didn’t expect much. Honestly, I was just trying to cut down on my printing.

But it ended up making a huge difference—not just for prep, but for actual teaching.

Here’s what helped the most:

• One skill at a time. Each activity focuses on just one strategy, like summarizing or predicting. My students weren’t overwhelmed. And neither was I.
• Easy to differentiate. I could assign different skills to different reading groups depending on what they needed.
• No printing. No gluing. No running out of copies. (Bless.) Students worked directly in Google Slides—which also made it easy to check their work and give feedback.
• It reinforced what we were doing in small group. That extra practice helped it stick

What’s Inside the Digital Reading Comprehension Strategies Resource I Use

This is the exact resource I use.

It’s organized by strategy, so you can focus on just what your students need—when they need it. Each activity includes:

• A short, engaging passage
• Targeted comprehension questions
• Scaffolding for different levels
• Visuals and drag-and-drop interactions
• Built-in routines to build confidence and strategy use

It covers all the big ones:

• Asking and answering questions
• Main idea and details
• Making predictions
• Visualizing
• Author’s purpose
• Summarizing
• Comparing and contrasting
• Text features
  …and more!

It’s ready to go—no prep required. You can use it for whole group, small group, centers, early finishers, or even homework. (And yes, it’s Chromebook-friendly.)

What I’ve Noticed Since Going Digital

• My students remember more. They’re using the strategies—not just hearing about them.
• They’re more confident readers. They know how to approach a text and what to look for.
• I’ve got more time for reteaching and small groups.
• I’m not scrambling to find or prep materials every week. (Huge win.)
• And honestly? My reading block runs smoother.

It’s not magic. But it’s a system that works—and that’s everything on a busy day.

Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Enough

If you’ve been beating yourself up for not getting to every strategy every week, hear this:
You’re not failing. You’re just trying to do the impossible without the right support.

Digital comprehension lessons won’t replace you. But they will support you—so you can keep doing what you do best without burning out.

You don’t have to teach everything all at once. You just need a plan that works—and this one made my life a whole lot easier.

Take a look at the Reading Strategies resource here.

The post Too Many Reading Skills, Too Little Time? Try This Digital Approach appeared first on Glitter in Third.

I’ve tried a lot of vocabulary strategies over the years—word walls, sticky note definitions, flashcards, you name it. But nothing has helped my students build long-term word knowledge quite like using a morphology notebook.

It’s simple. It’s consistent. And most importantly, it works.

If you’re looking for a way to build vocabulary through the Science of Reading, a morphology notebook gives students tools they can use every day to break down words, build meaning, and grow their confidence as readers.

Here’s how I use it in my classroom—and why it’s become one of the most effective parts of our word study routine.

Why a Morphology Notebook?

The Science of Reading emphasizes the importance of teaching students how words work—not just what they mean. That’s where morphemes come in. Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning in a word, and they include:

• Prefixes (like un-, pre-, re-)
• Suffixes (like -ful, -less, -ing)
• Roots and base words (like act, move, play)

By focusing on these word parts, students begin to:

• Decode multisyllabic words more effectively
• Understand and retain word meanings
• Recognize patterns across content areas
• Improve both vocabulary and spelling

This type of instruction fits directly into the Meaning Layer of Scarborough’s Reading Rope—an essential model in understanding how skilled reading develops. If you want a quick refresher or a helpful visual to see where morphology fits in, check out this breakdown of the Science of Reading Rope.

A morphology notebook brings all of this together in one consistent, organized place.

What’s Inside the Notebook?

Each week, we focus on a new morpheme. Inside the notebook, students complete structured pages that help them:

• Record the morpheme and its meaning
• Write and define example words
• Create new words using the morpheme
• Use the words in writing or illustrate their meaning
• Review morphemes from previous weeks

It’s predictable, supportive, and easy to manage—even on busy days.

How I Use It Each Week

We spend about 10 minutes a day using our morphology notebooks. Here’s a typical weekly flow:

Monday: Introduce the morpheme
We define it together and look at sample words. Students write everything down in their notebooks.

Tuesday: Word building
Students create new words by combining the morpheme with different base words. They define the new words and sometimes illustrate them.

Wednesday: Word hunt
Students look for examples of the morpheme in books, classroom posters, or content-area texts. If they find one, they write it down and use it in a sentence.

Thursday: Writing practice
Students apply the morpheme by writing a short sentence, story, or paragraph using one or more words they’ve learned.

Friday: Review or vocabulary game
We do a quick review or play a simple word part game to reinforce what we’ve learned.

What I’ve Noticed

Using this notebook consistently throughout the year has made a big difference. Students begin to see word parts everywhere—during read-alouds, in science vocabulary, and even during writing time. They’re more willing to attempt big words because they know how to break them down.

Even my hesitant readers have found success using morphemes to unlock word meanings. And having everything in one place has made review and reteaching so much easier for me.

Want to Try It?

If you’d like to use a Morphology Notebook that’s already designed and classroom-tested, I created one that’s ready to go. It includes:

• Weekly pages for prefixes, suffixes, and root words
• Clear instructions and examples
• Word building and writing practice
• Opportunities for review and reflection

You can take a closer look at it here.

Teaching morphology doesn’t have to take over your reading block. With just a few minutes a day and a consistent routine, you can help students build vocabulary that lasts all year—and beyond.

The post How I Use a Morphology Notebook to Build Vocabulary All Year Long appeared first on Glitter in Third.

If you’re looking for a way to help students become stronger readers and writers, teaching morphology and connecting it to the science of reading is a powerful place to start. The best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated.

When we explicitly teach morphemes—those little word parts like prefixes, suffixes, and roots—we’re giving students strategies they can apply across all subject areas. Vocabulary, decoding, spelling—it all gets stronger.

And yes, teaching morphology the science of reading way is possible even if your schedule is packed. These five simple strategies make it easy to start without adding more to your plate.

1. One morpheme a week is plenty

There’s no need to overwhelm yourself or your students. Start by focusing on one word part per week—maybe a prefix like un-, re-, or pre-, or a suffix like -ful, -less, or -ly. For older students, you might begin with root words.

Post the weekly morpheme where students can see it. Refer to it during transitions, morning meetings, read-alouds, or writing time. This type of repetition helps students internalize the meaning, and it doesn’t require a long daily lesson.

When students notice the same morpheme in different words, they begin to apply what they’ve learned—right in the moment. That’s the goal of teaching morphology through the science of reading.

2. Use words students already know

You don’t need to pull out long, unfamiliar vocabulary words to teach morphology. In fact, it’s more powerful when students begin with words they already understand. Take words like redo, careless, preheat, or happiness. These are words they use all the time—and they’re loaded with meaning.

Break the word apart:

• Redo = re- (again) + do
• Careless = care + -less (without)
• Preheat = pre- (before) + heat

Ask your students: What does each part mean? What happens to the meaning when you add or change something? Can you think of another word that uses the same part?

This approach helps build understanding without making it feel like a separate or scary lesson. It shows them that they already know a lot more than they think they do.

3. Let kids build words like puzzles

If your students are like mine, they love putting things together—especially when it feels like a game. Give them a list of prefixes and suffixes, along with some base words or roots, and let them mix and match to build new words.

You can keep it playful:

• Which combinations make real words?
• Can you define them?
• Can you use them in a sentence?
• Can you draw a picture of the word?

Even better, let them create nonsense words and try to guess the meaning based on the word parts. (Prejumpful, anyone?) This kind of exploration helps students see that word parts carry meaning and that they can use those clues to figure out new words in the future.

Plus, it’s fun—and fun tends to stick.

4. Talk about word parts during read-alouds

One of the easiest ways to fit morphology into your day is to simply notice it during what you’re already doing. As you read aloud to your class, pause every once in a while when you come across a great word. Point it out. Break it down.

For example:

• Unkind = un- (not) + kind
• Fearless = fear + -less (without)
• Disagree = dis- (opposite) + agree

Model your thinking: “Hmm, I wonder what disappear means. I know dis- means ‘away’ and appear means ‘show up’… so maybe disappear means something goes away?”

This models exactly how we want students to think about words on their own. It’s quick, low-pressure, and builds habits that will serve them well across every subject area. This simple habit helps students internalize the skills used in teaching morphology using science of reading principles.

5. Keep it consistent with a notebook

One of the most helpful shifts I made in my own classroom was using a morphology notebook. I needed a consistent place where my students could record, review, and reflect on the morphemes we studied. I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel every week, and I didn’t want our work to be forgotten in random notebooks or loose papers.

So I created a notebook that includes pages for:

• Introducing each morpheme
• Practicing with example words
• Creating and breaking down new words
• Using the morpheme in sentences or drawings
• Reviewing previously learned word parts

Having that consistent structure made such a difference. My students began to take ownership of their learning, and I had a quick way to revisit and review all year long.

If you’re looking for something that’s ready to go and easy to use, you can check out the notebook I use here. It’s helped take the guesswork out of planning—and I hope it helps you too!

Looking for more science of reading-aligned ideas? Check out my post on how to bring the science of reading into 3rd grade.

If you’ve been curious about teaching morphology but weren’t sure how to squeeze it in, I hope this gave you a few easy ways to begin. You don’t need to do it perfectly. You don’t need to do it all at once. Just start small—and trust that it’s making a difference.

You’ve got this.

The post 5 Easy Ways to Start Teaching Morphology (Even If You’re New to It) appeared first on Glitter in Third.

Back to school is the perfect time to build classroom community and spark curiosity through hands-on science. Instead of waiting to dive into your curriculum, try these engaging science activities during the first week of school. They’ll help you introduce routines, explore student interests, and make science meaningful from day one.

These low-prep, high-impact lessons are ideal for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classrooms. Each activity reinforces essential science skills like observation, teamwork, and critical thinking—while helping students get to know one another.

Back to school is the perfect time to build classroom community and spark curiosity through hands-on science. If you’re mapping out your week, I also shared my full First Day of 3rd Grade Lesson Plan—great to pair with these first-week science activities.

1. STEM Name Towers

Science Skill: Engineering design & problem-solving

Each student writes one letter of their first name on individual index cards—one letter per card. Then, using only those cards and tape, they work to build the tallest freestanding tower they can. The challenge? They must try to use every letter card in their structure.

This activity is a fun and creative way to:

• Sneak in engineering skills
• Practice fine motor planning
• Help students learn each other’s names as they build

You’ll see collaboration, trial and error, and lots of excitement—plus, it doubles as a subtle name recognition activity during those first few days together.

2. “Me as a Scientist” Writing or Drawing

Science Skill: Scientific identity & observation

This is one of my favorite ways to kick off the year. Students either draw themselves as a scientist or respond to prompts like:

• What would you study?
• Where would you work—lab, space, ocean?
• What tools would you use?

It’s a fun, creative way to help students see themselves as scientists from day one. Plus, it gives you a window into their interests and helps spark great class conversations. You can display their work, add it to science notebooks, or revisit it later in the year to see how their thinking has grown.

3. Science Superpower Survey

Science Skill: Asking questions & making connections

Want a quick and meaningful way to kick off science while building classroom community? Try a partner interview! Write 2–3 simple science-themed questions on the board, like:

• Would you rather explore space or the deep sea?
• Do you prefer building, mixing, observing, or growing things?
• What’s something you’re curious about in the world?

Pair students up and have them interview each other, then share what they learned with the class (“This is Diego—he wants to study volcanoes because he saw one in a book!”).

It’s a great way for students to meet new classmates, practice speaking and listening, and start connecting with science—and each other—right away. Plus, it gives you great insight into their interests for future projects or groupings.

4. Science Tools Scavenger Hunt

Science Skill: Identifying tools & making predictions

Give students a chance to explore the room and review key science tools with a simple scavenger hunt. Create a checklist of common science tools (real or pictured)—like a ruler, hand lens, thermometer, beaker, or balance—and have students work in pairs to find each item.

As they locate each tool, they can discuss what it’s used for and check it off the list. It’s an easy way to:

• Introduce or review science equipment
• Get students collaborating from day one
• Bring movement and structure to your first week of science

This is especially helpful for setting expectations before you dive into hands-on investigations later in the year.

5. “If I Were a Scientist…” Prompt

Science Skill: Scientific curiosity & goal setting

Students respond to the prompt: “If I were a scientist, I would…”

Give students a chance to dream big with this simple writing prompt:
“If I were a scientist, I would…”

Students can write about what they would study, where they’d work, or what problems they’d want to solve. Some might imagine discovering new animals in the rainforest, while others dream of inventing helpful gadgets or exploring space.

You’ll learn so much about your students in just a few sentences. Plus, their responses can help guide future lessons or science topics they’ll love.

6. Four Corners: Science Edition

Science Skill: Communication & evidence-based reasoning

Ask a fun, science-themed question like:
“Would you rather explore space, a volcano, the rainforest, or the ocean?”

Assign each option to a corner of the room. Students move to the corner that matches their choice, then turn and talk to others in their group about why they picked it. Afterward, invite a few students to share their reasoning with the class.

7. Mystery Bag Observations

Science Skill: Observing with the senses

Fill a few small paper bags with everyday science-related objects—like a rock, sponge, pinecone, or magnet. Gather your class on the rug or in a circle and explain that students will be using only their sense of touch (no peeking!) to describe what’s inside.

Pass one bag around at a time, letting a few students take turns feeling the object. After each student has a chance, pause to ask:

• What did it feel like?
• What words would you use to describe it?
• What do you think it might be?

Once everyone has shared their guesses, reveal the item and talk briefly about what it is and how it might be used or found in science.

Keep the Momentum Going with Interactive Science Notebooks

If your students are loving science during the first week, it’s the perfect time to roll that momentum into something meaningful—like interactive notebooks!

These notebooks aren’t just for cutting and gluing—they give your students a space to think like scientists, explore big ideas, and reflect on what they’re learning in a way that sticks. They’re organized, engaging, and super easy to use—even if you’re short on prep time.

I’ve created interactive notebooks for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade and they’ve become one of my favorite tools in the classroom. Here’s why teachers love them:

• Help kids master key vocabulary and concepts
• Encourage creativity through drawing, labeling, and hands-on work
• Build in time for reflection and deeper thinking
• Keep everything in one place—perfect for review or parent conferences

Whether you’re introducing scientific tools, exploring mixtures, or splashing into ecosystems later in the year, these notebooks grow with your students—and make your science block easier to manage.

Check out my interactive science notebooks by grade level to find the one that best fits your classroom. You’ve got this!

• 2nd Grade Interactive Science Notebook
• 3rd Grade Interactive Science Notebook
• 4th Grade Interactive Science Notebook
• 5th Grade Interactive Notebook

Want a fun, no-stress way to review during back to school?

I’ve got you! Grab two of my most loved color-by-number activities—one for place value and one for reading comprehension—totally free. Just drop your email below, and I’ll send them straight to your inbox. They’re the perfect low-prep review for those first busy weeks when you’re juggling all the things!

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to wait for the first unit in your textbook to start teaching science. These back to school science activities give students a chance to connect, explore, and build scientific thinking skills from the very first week. Whether you try one or all eight, your students will begin the year excited to be scientists in your classroom.

The post My Favorite Get-to-Know-You Science Activities for Back to School appeared first on Glitter in Third.

If you’ve been looking for Virginia social studies 3rd grade resources that actually help you teach the new standards, you’re not alone. If you’re navigating the new 2023 Virginia Social Studies Standards, you already know they expect a lot. And if you’ve grabbed my Google Classroom resources for 3rd grade, you’re probably wondering…

“These look great—but how exactly do I use them in my classroom?”

Great question. These aren’t just digital worksheets—they’re built to help students read, reflect, sort, and apply concepts from the standards in an engaging, structured way.

Here’s how I recommend using them in a way that’s simple, flexible, and effective.

Step 1: Start with the Reading Passage

Each Google Slides activity begins with a short, age-appropriate reading passage that introduces key ideas from the standard—whether it’s about ancient Rome, needs vs. wants, or the responsibilities of a citizen.

Tips:

• Read it together as a class the first time.
• Pause to discuss vocabulary or ask questions.
• Let students follow along on paper or digitally, depending on your setup.

This sets the foundation for everything that follows. It’s quick, focused, and helps students connect to the concept before they ever click or drag anything.

Step 2: Work Through the Activities as a Group

After reading, open up the activity slides on your SMARTBoard, projector, or shared device. These interactive slides might include:

• Drag-and-drop vocabulary matching
• Sorting activities (e.g., rights vs. responsibilities)
• Map labeling or symbol identification
• Short written responses

Let students come up to the board to move items, explain their thinking, and work together. It’s a great way to model skills, reinforce understanding, and build class discussion.

No individual devices? No problem. You can do the whole activity as a shared experience and still meet your learning goals.

Step 3: Pacing Virginia Social Studies 3rd Grade Resources Across the Week

You don’t have to do everything in one sitting.

Most activities are designed to be flexible—you can:

• Do the reading one day and the activities the next
• Break the slides into two or three mini-lessons
• Assign part of it for small groups or early finishers
• Use individual slides for review, centers, or reteaching

Social studies doesn’t have to feel rushed or squeezed in. A few slides a day can still build strong understanding over time.

If you’re still figuring out how to map everything out across the quarter or year, this post on social studies curriculum mapping can help you plan ahead—so your pacing feels more intentional and less last-minute.

Why This Works So Well

These Virginia social studies 3rd grade resources were created to simplify planning while keeping instruction engaging and aligned.

These Google Slides activities:

• Are aligned to the 2023 standards
• Include built-in reading and vocabulary support
• Offer interactive elements that get students thinking and talking
• Let you model thinking as a group before students try it on their own

They’re a powerful tool—especially when you want your students to do more than memorize.

Want to Try It Out?

If you’re ready to make your social studies block more interactive, structured, and aligned (without doubling your planning time), take a look at my full collection of Google Classroom Social Studies Activities below:

• 2nd Grade Social Studies for Google Classroom
• 3rd Grade Social Studies for Google Classroom

The post How to Use Google Slides™ Activities to Teach Social Studies (Without the Overwhelm) appeared first on Glitter in Third.

If your math block feels like a race against the clock, you’re not alone. Between warm-ups, new lessons, centers, and clean-up, it’s easy to wonder: Where am I supposed to squeeze in spiral review?

But here’s the thing: spiral review doesn’t have to be one more thing. When done right, it can actually save time in the long run—by cutting down on reteaching and helping students retain what they’ve already learned.

Want an easy way to reinforce math facts without adding more to your plate?

Grab my free multiplication color-by-number activity here—it’s fun, no prep, and perfect for independent practice or a center.

Here’s how I’ve made spiral review a quick, consistent part of my math routine (without cutting corners or adding extra prep):

1. Keep it Short and Predictable

Spiral review shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. I use the same format every day so students know exactly what to expect. Over time, this routine runs itself.

2. Use It as Morning Work or a Transition

The easiest way to make time for spirals is to sneak it in—either as morning work or as a warm-up while you take attendance, check folders, or settle the class. It’s quiet, independent, and purposeful.

3. Choose Math Spiral Reviews That Build on Themselves

Not all spiral reviews are created equal. Look for ones that review past skills in small doses and bring them back again and again. That way, kids don’t forget what they’ve mastered—and you don’t have to reteach every unit from scratch.

4. Don’t Grade It All

Not every spiral review needs to be graded. I often walk around with a pen and spot-check a problem or two. It gives me a quick snapshot of what’s sticking and what needs a reteach—without collecting a single paper.

5. Make It Work for You

After trying several formats, I created a yearlong set of spiral math reviews that keeps everything simple and consistent.
It’s designed to take just 5–10 minutes a day, covers key standards, and helps students stay confident all year long.

If you’re looking for something ready to go (no prep, no planning), you can check out my spiral bundle [here].

Final Thoughts

Fitting spiral review into your math block doesn’t mean overhauling your schedule. With the right system, it can be quick, meaningful, and something your students actually enjoy. A little daily review now saves you hours of reteaching later—and gives your students a better chance to really master what they’ve learned.

Even just 5–10 minutes a day of focused review can strengthen fluency, boost confidence, and help students make meaningful connections between skills. And when that practice is built into your routine in a way that’s engaging and easy to manage, it actually gives you more flexibility—not less.

If you’re looking for a ready-to-use system, I have a Math Spiral Review Bundle that covers all four quarters for 3rd grade. It’s designed to build gradually, with daily pages that review key concepts at just the right pace. Whether you use it as morning work, independent practice, or part of your small group routine, it gives students the consistent review they need—without adding more to your plate.

You can check out the yearlong bundle here and get everything you need to keep spiral review going strong from August to May.

The post How to Fit Spiral Review into an Already Packed Math Block appeared first on Glitter in Third.

If you’ve been hearing the phrase “structured literacy” more and more lately, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most important shifts coming out of the Science of Reading movement—and it’s especially relevant for 3rd grade teachers.

So what does it really look like to teach with a structured literacy approach—and how do you fit it into an already packed reading block?

Let’s break it down.

Oh—and if you’d like a free reading comprehension passage sent straight to your inbox, just drop your name and email below!

What Is Structured Literacy?

Structured literacy is a way of teaching reading that’s clear, step-by-step, and based on how the brain learns best.

• Explicit: Teachers clearly explain and show how to do each skill—nothing is left to guess.
• Systematic: Skills are taught in a specific order, starting with easy ones and building up to harder ones.
• Cumulative: Each new lesson builds on what students already know, so they keep growing stronger.
• Diagnostic: Teachers pay close attention and make changes if a student needs extra help.
• Multisensory: Students use their eyes, ears, voices, and hands to learn—this helps the brain remember better.

This method has been proven to work for all kids, especially those who struggle with reading, like students with dyslexia. With this approach, you’re setting your students up for success.

Want to see how these pieces connect to the bigger picture of how students become skilled readers? Check out this post on the Science of Reading Rope to learn more about how each strand supports comprehension and fluency over time.

If you’re looking for a way to make this part of your daily routine, a simple word study notebook or morphology notebook can be a great place to start.

What Does Structured Literacy Look Like in 3rd Grade?

By 3rd grade, most kids know the basics of phonics—but now the real challenge begins: making sure they can read and understand longer, trickier words and texts.

That’s where structured literacy really shines. You’re helping students move from just sounding out words to truly understanding what they read. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated—just thoughtful and consistent.

A structured literacy block in 3rd grade might include:

• Daily morphology instruction—teaching prefixes, suffixes, and roots to unlock meaning in bigger words (This is where tools like a Morphology Notebook can really help—giving students structure, repetition, and space to make meaning stick.)
• Decoding practice with multisyllabic words—so students can read longer, unfamiliar words
• Fluency work with connected text—building confidence and smooth reading
• Explicit comprehension strategy modeling—showing students how to think while they read
• Knowledge-building read-alouds—exposing kids to rich vocabulary and important ideas

It’s not about cramming more into your day—it’s about choosing what works. Structured literacy helps every student grow as a reader, and you’re the one who makes that happen. Keep going—you’ve got this.

Sample 3rd Grade Structured Literacy Block (30–45 Minutes)

Wondering how this all fits into your day? Here’s an example of what a structured literacy block might look like in a real 3rd grade classroom. It’s focused, doable, and gives students the tools they need to become strong readers.

• 5–10 min: Word Study
  • Start with a prefix, suffix, or root word using something like a Morphology Notebook.
  • Talk about what it means and work through a few example words together.
• 10 min: Decoding & Fluency
  • Practice reading longer, multisyllabic words in real text.
  • Reread short passages to build speed and expression.
• 10–15 min: Comprehension Strategy Mini-Lesson
  • Teach one strategy clearly—like summarizing or making inferences.
  • Model it using a short text or during a read-aloud.
• 5–10 min: Independent or Small Group Practice
  • Let students try the strategy with a partner or in a short passage.
  • Meanwhile, you can meet with a small group for extra support or reteaching.

This kind of block keeps things focused, intentional, and manageable. You don’t have to do everything—but what you do teach can make a big difference. You’re building real reading skills—and you’re doing a great job.

How to Get Started

Structured literacy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one small, consistent routine—like daily word study. It gives students repeated exposure to meaningful word parts, and it’s easy to build into your day.

Real-Life Example: Word Study That Works

One of the easiest places to start is with morphology. Teaching students to break apart words and understand their parts helps with both decoding and vocabulary—and it’s perfect for 3rd graders.

In my classroom, I use a Morphology Notebook that gives students space to:

• Define weekly morphemes
• Break words into parts
• Create visuals and use words in context
• Practice independently or in small groups

It’s structured, easy to implement, and after a few weeks, students can complete most of it on their own. Plus, I’ve added Google Forms versions of the assessments so you can check progress with just a few clicks.

Check out the Morphology Notebook HERE if you want a no-prep tool to get started with structured literacy right away.

Why It Matters

Structured literacy isn’t just a trend—it’s a research-based shift that helps all readers, not just those who struggle. And in 3rd grade, where the demands of reading start to ramp up, it gives students the tools to break through tricky words, understand what they’re reading, and grow as confident, capable learners.

You don’t have to change everything overnight. Start small. Stay consistent. And trust that the work you’re doing matters.

Ready to Make it Easy?

Want a no-prep way to bring structured literacy into your daily routine—without reinventing your whole block?

My Morphology Notebook is designed to make word study simple, effective, and aligned with what really works.

You can grab it HERE and start using it tomorrow.

The post What Is Structured Literacy—and How Do You Actually Teach It in 3rd Grade? appeared first on Glitter in Third.

If you’ve ever thought, “I know the Science of Reading matters, but how do I actually fit it into my 3rd grade schedule?”—you’re not alone.

There’s a lot of buzz about the Science of Reading, but making it work in a real classroom with real kids, real time limits, and real standards can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to scrap everything and start over.

What Does the Science of Reading Really Mean for 3rd Grade?

The Science of Reading is a large body of research that explains how kids learn to read—and what kind of instruction actually works. It’s not a program or a quick fix. It’s about understanding how reading develops so we can make better choices in the classroom.

In the early grades, it’s pretty straightforward: teach sounds, blending, and fluency.

But by 3rd grade, most kids are reading—but they still need support. The Science of Reading still applies—just in a more layered way. If you’ve seen Scarborough’s Reading Rope, you know how decoding and comprehension weave together over time. (I break it down here if you want a closer look.)

1. Word Recognition

By 3rd grade, many students are no longer learning to read—they’re reading to learn. But that doesn’t mean we stop teaching decoding.

• Students are now encountering longer, multisyllabic words across subjects.
• Teaching phonics and morphology—especially prefixes, suffixes, and roots—helps them decode these unfamiliar words.
• Fluency becomes more important, too. When students read smoothly and automatically, they free up mental energy to focus on meaning.

2. Language Comprehension

This is where things get deeper. Comprehension isn’t just “thinking about what you read”—it’s built on several layers:

• Text Structure & Reasoning: They need to recognize patterns in how texts are organized and make logical inferences based on what’s stated and what’s implied.
• Vocabulary: Students can’t understand a word they don’t know.
• Syntax: They need to understand how sentences are structured, especially in complex texts.
• Background Knowledge: The more they know about the world, the easier it is to make sense of what they’re reading.

5 Easy Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into your 3rd Grade Class

You don’t need a new curriculum or hours of PD to bring the Science of Reading into your block. Small, purposeful shifts to what you’re already doing can make a big difference.

The goal isn’t to toss out what’s working—it’s to add structure and routines that reflect what the research says and work in a real 3rd grade classroom.

Here are five easy ways to make it happen—without overhauling your day.

1. Start With Explicit Word Recognition

In the early grades, decoding usually means sounding out simple words like cat or jump. But by 3rd grade, decoding starts to look a little different.

Now, students are coming across longer, more complex words—especially in science, social studies, and math. That’s where morphology comes in.

Decoding at this stage isn’t just about sounds—it’s about breaking words into meaningful parts. Prefixes, suffixes, and root words help students figure out what unfamiliar words mean, not just how they sound.

That’s why I carve out 10–15 minutes a day just for word parts. It may not seem like much, but that consistent, focused time makes a big difference.

I use a Morphology Notebook that walks students through weekly routines to build decoding and vocabulary together. Each week focuses on a few prefixes, suffixes, or roots—so students aren’t just memorizing word parts, they’re using them in context. It’s editable, easy to follow, and comes with Google Forms assessments for each week if you want to go digital. Once students get the routine down, it runs smoothly—and you’ll start seeing those connections show up in their reading and writing.

When kids can recognize morphemes, they’re not stuck guessing—they’re equipped with real tools to tackle tough words and grow as readers.

2. Make Comprehension Visual and Hands-On

The Science of Reading reminds us that comprehension doesn’t just “click”—it’s something we build, step by step. That’s why it’s so important to model what good reading looks like and give kids simple, clear tools they can use on their own.

One way I do this is through a Reading Interactive Notebook. Students build it over time as they learn key strategies like predicting, questioning, inferring, and summarizing. Each page becomes a visual reminder of what that strategy means and how to use it. Best of all, they can revisit their notebook during read-alouds, small group discussions, or independent reading to support their thinking.

You can also make comprehension hands-on without any printables at all:

• Use sticky notes to track questions, thoughts, or inferences while reading.
• Let students draw what they visualize or illustrate the main idea.
• Try “comprehension sorting” with sentence strips—students sort details into categories like main idea vs. supporting detail or fact vs. opinion.
• Use sentence frames or anchor charts that grow throughout the year, building collective knowledge.

When strategies are visual and interactive, students are more likely to internalize them—and actually use them while reading.

3. Keep It Fun While Checking for Understanding

The Science of Reading reminds us that comprehension depends on both word recognition and language comprehension. So once students can decode, we need to make sure they understand what they’re reading—and that means checking for comprehension in ways that are meaningful, not just test-like.

I love using Color-by-Number Reading Passages to reinforce both. Each one includes a short, skill-aligned fiction or nonfiction passage with targeted comprehension questions. As students answer, a mystery picture appears—giving them instant feedback and keeping them motivated.

These are perfect for centers, independent practice, or quick check-ins. They reinforce key strategies like finding the main idea, making inferences, and using context clues—without the pressure of a traditional quiz.

You can also use no-prep alternatives like:

• Quick turn-and-talks after reading a passage
• Exit tickets with one targeted comprehension question
• Sticky note stop-and-jots during a read-aloud

The goal is to make checking for understanding feel part of the process, not just the end result.

4. Review Reading Strategies—Without Boring Your Class

One of the biggest takeaways from the Science of Reading is that comprehension doesn’t just happen—it’s taught. Students need regular, explicit instruction in strategies like making inferences, identifying main ideas, asking questions, and summarizing. These aren’t skills we can just sprinkle in—they need to be modeled, practiced, and reinforced over time.

But reinforcing comprehension strategies doesn’t have to mean boring worksheets or endless repetition.

That’s where something like a Reading Strategies Jeopardy Game comes in. It makes review more engaging while targeting essential skills like main idea, inference, and summarizing. Use it for whole-group review, small groups, or stations—it’s editable, so you can easily tailor it to your current lessons or reteaching goals.

It’s quick to prep, fun to play, and gives students the repeated exposure they need—without the eye rolls.

5. Build Knowledge with Read-Alouds

Don’t underestimate the power of a good read-aloud. The Science of Reading reminds us that background knowledge and vocabulary are essential to comprehension—especially as texts become more complex in 3rd grade.

Reading rich, engaging books—especially nonfiction—helps students build the knowledge they need to make sense of what they read. Read-alouds also give you a chance to model strategies like questioning, inferring, and summarizing in a low-pressure way.

And it’s not just nonfiction—high-quality fiction with rich language and deeper themes builds comprehension too. A quick pause to explain a tricky word or unpack a sentence structure can go a long way.

Even 10–15 minutes a day of purposeful reading aloud adds up—and it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to grow stronger readers.

Want a Reading Comprehension Freebie?

I’ve got a free color-by-number reading passage that’s fun, no prep, and a great way to check for understanding. Drop your name and email below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox!

Final Thoughts

The Science of Reading doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and it doesn’t mean starting from scratch. By weaving in just a few intentional routines, you can support both word recognition and language comprehension in a way that’s meaningful, manageable, and effective for your 3rd graders.

Whether you’re introducing morphology with word parts, reinforcing strategies with color-by-number passages, or building knowledge through read-alouds and discussion, you’re moving in the right direction. Small shifts really can make a big impact.

The post How to Bring the Science of Reading Into Your 3rd Grade Reading Block appeared first on Glitter in Third.

Scarborough’s Reading Rope is one of the most widely shared visuals from the Science of Reading movement—but what does it look like in real classrooms?

If you’ve ever seen that colorful rope diagram and thought, “Okay, but what do I actually do with this?”—you’re not alone. While it’s great for understanding what reading is made of, it doesn’t always explain how to teach it.

So let’s break it down—and talk about what it actually looks like in a real-life classroom.

Scarborough’s Reading Rope was developed by Dr. Hollis Scarborough. This blog post shares an interpretation of the framework based on publicly available research and educational best practices.

What Is the Science of Reading Rope?

Scarborough’s Reading Rope is made up of two main strands: Word Recognition and Language Comprehension. Each strand includes specific, teachable skills that work together to create skilled, fluent reading over time.

Word Recognition

This strand helps students decode and recognize words automatically.

• Phonological Awareness – hearing and manipulating sounds in words
• Decoding – using phonics to sound out unfamiliar words
• Sight Recognition – automatically reading high-frequency or familiar words

Language Comprehension

This strand helps students make meaning from what they read.

• Background Knowledge – understanding the world and topics in the text
• Vocabulary – knowing word meanings and how to use them
• Language Structures – understanding grammar and sentence patterns
• Verbal Reasoning – making inferences and understanding figurative language
• Literacy Knowledge – understanding how texts work (genres, structure, etc.)

As students develop these skills, they become more automatic and strategic—and the strands tighten together like a rope. That’s what leads to fluent, skilled reading.

P.S. If you’re confused on the difference between phonics vs phonemic awareness vs. morphology, I have a blog post to help understand each category- make sure to give it a read!

Why It Matters in the Classroom

Scarborough’s Reading Rope gives us more than just a visual—it gives us a blueprint for effective reading instruction. It reminds us that skilled reading isn’t built on just one thing like phonics or comprehension. It’s the intertwining of both Word Recognition and Language Comprehension—and each of those has multiple parts that must be taught explicitly and systematically.

If a student is only strong in one area—say, they can decode but don’t understand what they’re reading (or vice versa)—they’ll still struggle. That’s why our instruction has to be balanced, not in the “do a little of everything” sense, but in the intentional way we support both strands.

To do that, your daily reading block should include:

• Explicit decoding practice
  (phonics, word reading, fluency, and morphology to support multisyllabic word reading)
• Vocabulary instruction and morphology work
  (understanding word parts builds decoding and meaning at the same time)
• Comprehension strategy instruction
  (skills like summarizing, questioning, predicting—taught explicitly and modeled often)
• Opportunities to build background knowledge
  (use science and social studies content, rich read-alouds, and discussion to support comprehension)

These aren’t just “extra” activities—they’re ways to make sure the essential skills in the rope are taught, practiced, and applied in ways that are meaningful and engaging for your students.

How to Use the Reading Rope in Your Instruction

You don’t need to teach the rope itself—but you can use it to guide your reading block. It helps you see which skills to target and how to support both strands—word recognition and language comprehension—every day.

Here’s what that might look like in action:

• Teach prefixes and suffixes to strengthen decoding and vocabulary (I use a Morphology Notebook with weekly routines for this.)
• Use high-quality read-alouds to build background knowledge, model comprehension strategies, and expose students to rich language.
• Provide daily fluency work using decodable texts so students build automaticity and confidence.
• Reinforce strategy use with color-by-number comprehension passages or interactive notebooks
• Review with games like Reading Strategies Jeopardy to keep practice fun and purposeful.

These tools work best when layered onto strong, explicit instruction. They’re not fluff—they’re reinforcing key skills in ways that are clear, consistent, and fun for kids.

Want Ready-to-Use Resources?

If you’re looking for practical, no-prep ways to strengthen each strand of the rope, here are a few favorites:

• Morphology Notebook Supports: Word Recognition + Language Comprehension – Helps students decode and understand word parts with weekly routines and Google Forms assessments.
• Color-by-Number Reading Passages Supports: Language Comprehension (with connected decoding practice)– A fun way to check comprehension with fiction and nonfiction passages students love.
• Reading Strategies Jeopardy Supports: Language Comprehension – Makes review meaningful and exciting during small group or whole-class lessons.

All are designed to fit right into your reading block.

Final Thoughts

Scarborough’s Reading Rope isn’t a checklist—it’s a framework that helps you see what skilled reading involves and where your students might need support. Once you understand how the strands work together, it’s easier to plan instruction that meets students where they are.

Looking for something to reinforce comprehension in a fun, no-prep way?

Grab my free color-by-number reading passage—just drop your email below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

The post What Is the Science of Reading Rope—and How Can You Use It in Your Classroom? appeared first on Glitter in Third.

If you’ve ever paused during a lesson and wondered, “Should I be teaching this differently?”—you’re not alone. The Science of Reading word parts approach has been reshaping how we think about literacy instruction, and one of its clearest messages is this:

Teaching word parts matters. A lot.

We’re talking about prefixes, suffixes, and roots—what the research calls morphemes. These little chunks of meaning are the building blocks of so many English words, and they play a huge role in how students read, spell, and understand vocabulary.

So, what exactly does the Science of Reading tell us about teaching word parts? And how do we make that happen in real classrooms, with real time limits, and real kids who lose pencils every five seconds? Let’s break it down.

P.S. Want an easy way to reinforce comprehension while building decoding skills?

Alongside morphology instruction, it’s helpful to give students regular practice applying what they’ve learned. I created a free color-by-number reading passage that does just that—it’s fun, no prep, and a great check for understanding.

Drop your name and email below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox!

What Is Morphology?

Morphology is the study of how words are built. It focuses on the smallest units of meaning in a word—called morphemes. These include:

• Prefixes (un-, pre-, dis-)
• Suffixes (-ing, -ful, -less)
• Roots or base words (act, play, move)

The Science of Reading highlights morphology as a critical piece of advanced word recognition and vocabulary development—especially for students in upper elementary and beyond.

Why Morphology Instruction Works

Here’s what the research supports:

• Decoding support: When kids understand how word parts work, they can break apart and read longer, unfamiliar words.
• Vocabulary growth: Morphemes carry meaning. If a student knows auto- means “self,” they can figure out autograph, automobile, and autopilot—even if they’ve never seen the words before.
• Spelling support: Recognizing consistent patterns in morphemes helps with more accurate spelling.
• Reading comprehension: Bigger vocabulary = better understanding of what they’re reading.

So What Does That Look Like in the Classroom?

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to overhaul your whole reading block. You can weave morphology in with short, simple routines. Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Focus on one morpheme a week
  Introduce it. Define it. Spot it in read-alouds. Use it in writing. Review it.
• Break down real words
  Don’t just list prefixes—use them. Dissect words like unkind, preview, hopeless, and replay. Ask, “What does this part mean? What does the word mean now?”
• Make it visual and interactive
  Using anchor charts, word-building games, and interactive notebooks helps students truly connect with what they’re learning. These tools give them ownership and make word study more meaningful. Need more inspiration? Check out my blog post full of fun and practical prefix and suffix activities!
• Use a consistent place for practice
  Having a go-to notebook or journal helps students track their learning—and gives you a quick way to review later.

Want a Ready-to-Go Tool?

I created a Morphology Notebook to make teaching prefixes, suffixes, and roots simple and effective.

• 13 weeks of focused morpheme practice
• One morpheme per week with clear routines
• Students learn to break apart words, define morphemes, and build meaning
• Editable format so you can adjust or add your own morphemes
• Includes Google Forms assessments for easy digital use
• Works great for small groups, centers, or independent practice

Once students get into the routine, they can work mostly on their own—giving you back valuable teaching time. It’s aligned with the Science of Reading and designed to build decoding, spelling, and vocabulary skills.

You can check it out here if you’re looking for a no-prep, ready-to-go option that fits right into your reading block.

Final Thoughts

The Science of Reading reminds us that kids need more than just phonics. They need meaning. And morphology is the bridge between decoding and understanding.

Start small. Be consistent. And know that every time you point out a prefix, you’re helping your students become stronger, more confident readers.

You’ve got this—and your students do too.

The post What the Science of Reading Says About Teaching Word Parts appeared first on Glitter in Third.

If you’ve been exploring the Science of Reading, you’ve probably seen the terms phonics, phonemic awareness, and morphology used often. But what’s the actual difference between phonics vs phonemic awareness vs morphology—and how do we teach them all without feeling overwhelmed?

They’re closely related, and all three are essential. But they each play a different role in helping students become confident, skilled readers. Understanding how they work together can make a big difference in your instruction—and your students’ success.

Let’s break it down in simple, practical terms.

Need something easy to reinforce comprehension while you build those decoding skills?
I’ve created a free color-by-number reading passage that’s fun, no prep, and a great way to check for understanding. Drop your name and email below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

Phonemic Awareness: Hearing Sounds in Words

What it is:
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words.

Key skills include:

• Identifying beginning, middle, and ending sounds
• Blending sounds together to make words
• Segmenting words into sounds
• Substituting or deleting phonemes (like changing /c/ in cat to /h/ = hat)

Why it matters:
Phonemic awareness is a foundational skill that happens entirely in the mind—there’s no print involved yet. It helps students develop the mental flexibility needed for decoding and spelling.

Example activity:
Say the word dog. Now change the /d/ to /l/. What’s the new word? (log)

Phonics: Connecting Sounds to Letters

What it is:
Phonics is about matching spoken sounds to written letters or letter combinations (graphemes). It’s where reading and spelling really begin to take shape.

Key skills include:

• Sounding out (decoding) simple words
• Recognizing spelling patterns
• Reading with automaticity and accuracy
• Understanding syllable types and rules

Why it matters:
Phonics helps students make sense of how written language works. It’s the bridge from spoken language to reading.

Example activity:
Show students the word shop. Ask them to identify the digraph sh and blend the rest of the sounds to read the word.

Morphology: Understanding Word Parts That Carry Meaning

What it is:
Morphology is the study of morphemes—the smallest units of meaning in a word. These include:

• Prefixes (re-, un-, pre-)
• Suffixes (-ful, -less, -ed)
• Root/base words (act, view, play)

Why it matters:
Morphology helps students figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words, especially multisyllabic ones. It builds vocabulary, strengthens comprehension, and improves spelling.

Example activity:
Break apart the word replay. Talk about how re- means “again” and play is the base word. What does replay mean? Can students think of other re- words?

(Make sure to check out my blog post on 5 mistakes to avoid when teaching morphology!)

How They Work Together

Each of these skills builds on the others:

• Phonemic awareness helps students hear the sounds in words.
• Phonics teaches them how those sounds connect to letters on the page.
• Morphology helps them understand how word parts work together to create meaning.

The Science of Reading supports all three because skilled reading requires both decoding and understanding. Students need to read the word correctly and know what it means.

How to Teach All Three Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Here’s how you can work them in:

• Shared and Guided Reading
  Pause to highlight phonics patterns, point out morphemes in multisyllabic words, or ask students to identify beginning sounds in key vocabulary.
• Word Study
  Use your existing word work time to focus on one morpheme per week or introduce new spelling patterns that connect sound to print.
• Small Groups
  Group students based on need—some might need phonemic awareness activities, while others are ready for morphology-based decoding work.
• Morning Work or Centers
  Rotate in quick, independent tasks like word building with prefixes/suffixes, sound boxes, or color-by-word-part pages.
• Writing Lessons
  Reinforce what students are learning in reading. Encourage them to use target morphemes or phonics patterns in their writing.

Even 10 focused minutes a day—whether in a warm-up, small group, or independent station—can make a big difference over time. The key is consistency and repetition in meaningful, connected ways.stently.

Looking for a Simple Way to Teach Morphology?

If you’re looking for a way to bring morphology into your classroom without creating more work for yourself, a morphology notebook can be a game-changer.

I created one that gives students consistent, structured practice with prefixes, suffixes, and root words—all in one easy-to-manage place. Each week focuses on a single morpheme, so students can build a deep understanding over time without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s what’s included:

• Weekly morpheme focus with definitions and examples
• Word building activities that let students create and define new words
• Writing and application tasks to help them use word parts in context
• Review opportunities so nothing gets forgotten over time

It’s low prep, flexible enough to fit into any literacy block, and easy for students to follow—whether you use it during word study, small groups, morning work, or independent centers.

If you want a no-stress, high-impact way to help your students decode and understand new words using the Science of Reading, you can take a closer look at the morphology notebook here.

Final Thoughts

Phonemic awareness, phonics, and morphology each support a different part of the reading process—and together, they give students the tools they need to become confident, independent readers.

Understanding the differences helps us teach more intentionally. And knowing how to connect them helps our students thrive.

You’ve got this—one sound, one letter, and one word part at a time.

The post Phonics vs. Phonemic Awareness vs. Morphology: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Glitter in Third.