Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

Are you feeling a little lost when it comes to teaching phonics and supporting struggling readers in upper elementary? You’re in good company! In this month’s Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Emily and I are baring it all with our phonics confessions—sharing the biggest mistakes we made in the classroom and how we’ve learned (the hard way!) what really works when it comes to intervention and decoding support.We get honest about why we didn’t prioritize systematic phonics instruction, how we let intervention become someone else’s responsibility, and why we regret not weaving in more phonemic awareness activities in our upper elementary classrooms. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t because we didn’t care—it was because we didn’t have the knowledge or confidence to know where to start.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the science of reading or unsure how to support your older students with foundational skills, this episode is for you. We’re here to help you avoid the same mistakes and give you permission to learn right alongside your students. And don’t miss next week’s episode, where Emily will share all about our brand new Reading Intervention Kit—created to make intervention easier, more effective, and way less stressful!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode260.

In this final episode of our summer writing series, I’m unpacking one of the biggest challenges upper elementary teachers face: helping students write multi-paragraph essays. If your state test expects students to write an essay by the end of the year, the pressure to start early is real—but I’m here to tell you why that might actually hold your students back. Instead of jumping straight into essays, we’ll talk about how building a strong foundation in sentence and paragraph writing can lead to much greater success down the road.I’ll share why starting the year with essays can be overwhelming for students, how to know when they’re truly ready for multi-paragraph writing, and what scaffolds to put in place in the meantime. From sentence-level work to outlining and targeted revision, this episode walks through the writing sequence that actually supports long-term growth—not just short-term test prep.Whether you're a third-grade teacher wondering if essays are developmentally appropriate, or a fifth-grade teacher looking for a better way to build student confidence, I hope this episode gives you clarity and encouragement as you plan your writing instruction. Essay writing doesn’t need to happen right away—in fact, holding off might be exactly what your students need to grow into confident, capable writers.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode259.

In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re diving into all things writing—with a special guest! Sara is joined by Kori, the head curriculum creator at The Stellar Teacher Company, to talk about how her experiences as both a student and a teacher, along with research, have shaped the writing resources she’s helped develop. From classroom strategies to behind-the-scenes insights on how our writing routines and resources came to life, you’ll get a candid look at what it takes to build confidence in student writers.This conversation explores why paragraph writing needs to be broken down into manageable, scaffolded steps—and how imitation, modeling, and sentence-level support are essential to helping students grow as writers. Kori shares some “aha” moments she had throughout the curriculum creation, and the powerful mindset shift that writing doesn’t need to start at the finish line.Whether you’re already using our resources or just starting to think about how to teach paragraph writing more effectively, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to support struggling writers, challenge advanced students, and create writing routines that help everyone feel like a successful writer.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode258.

If your students struggle to write solid paragraphs or essays, the solution might be simpler than you think. In this episode, we’re zeroing in on the often-overlooked foundation of all good student writing: the sentence. When students can write strong, clear, and varied sentences, everything else—from organizing paragraphs to crafting essays—becomes easier and more effective.You’ll hear why sentence-level instruction deserves a front-row seat in your upper elementary writing block and learn easy-to-implement strategies like fixing fragments, unscrambling sentences, and using the “because, but, so” routine. These quick activities not only boost sentence skills but also lead to noticeable improvements in overall student writing. Whether you're short on time or unsure where to begin, this episode will show you how to make sentence writing a natural part of your daily instruction—without overhauling your schedule. These quick activities take just minutes a day, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to building your students' writing confidence and skill. Tune in to discover how focusing on the building blocks of student writing can lead to big wins in your classroom all year long.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode257.

Writing instruction in upper elementary can often feel overwhelming, especially when your students are expected to produce multi-paragraph essays—but struggle to write a clear sentence. In this episode, we’re taking a step back to reflect on what effective writing instruction really looks like. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your writing block or questioned whether your current approach is helping students grow, you’re not alone.We’re breaking down five common signs that it might be time to rethink your writing instruction. From assigning writing instead of explicitly teaching it, to skipping sentence-level work and fast-forwarding to essays, we’ll unpack the most frequent challenges teachers face—and offer simple, actionable shifts you can make to see real progress in your classroom.Whether you're looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just some encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. Tune in to learn how you can make small but meaningful changes that will transform your students' writing outcomes all year long.Whether you’re looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just a little encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. It’s never too late to rethink your writing instruction and make changes that will transform your students’ writing outcomes all year long.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode256.

If you’re changing grade levels, schools, or positions next year, this episode is for you! In our monthly Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily and I are sharing our own experiences with making big transitions in our careers and offering encouragement and advice to help you feel more confident and supported through the changes ahead.From rethinking your mindset to giving yourself grace, we offer the kind of teacher-to-teacher advice that will help you navigate your transition with a little less stress and a lot more support. We also talk about how to lean into your strengths, make meaningful connections with your new team, and avoid putting pressure on yourself to have it all figured out on day one. We’re also sharing our personal stories—yes, even the mid-year surprise moves—and how we’ve learned to embrace the unknown with confidence (and a little humor).If you’re entering a season of change, tune in for some real talk, encouragement, and practical tips to help you feel ready for whatever next year has in store. This episode will remind you that you're not alone—and that every teacher brings something valuable to the table, no matter where you land next year.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode255.

Multilingual learners are a growing and vital part of today’s classrooms—but many teachers feel like they’re navigating this responsibility without enough support. In this episode, I’m joined by Maya Valencia Goodall and Kristie Shelley, two educators and advocates who are helping schools bridge the gap between structured literacy and language acquisition. Whether you're new to working with multilingual learners or looking to refine your approach, this episode is filled with tips, tools, and encouragement to help you create a truly inclusive classroom.We explore how teachers can better understand the process of language acquisition, why oral language is essential for reading success, and how teachers can build in meaningful support for multilingual learners without adding more to their to-do list. Maya and Kristie also share how small shifts—like increasing student talk time or using language frames—can lead to big gains for all learners.Whether you're new to supporting multilingual learners or looking to fine-tune your literacy instruction, this conversation will give you fresh ideas and renewed confidence. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how structured literacy and language acquisition go hand in hand—and how to make sure all students, especially multilingual ones, feel seen, supported, and empowered in your classroom.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode254.

If you’ve ever ended the school day completely drained—wondering how long you can keep this up or feeling guilty for needing a break—this episode is for you. I'm joined by trauma-informed consultant and former Teacher of the Year Jenn Borovy, founder of Ten10Coaching. Jenn is passionate about helping educators protect their energy, set clear boundaries, and build a teaching life that feels balanced and sustainable.In our conversation, Jenn shares her personal story of hitting a breaking point and how it led her to completely rethink her approach to teaching and leadership. We talk about the emotional dual burden teachers often carry, how to be trauma-aware without stepping into the role of a therapist, and simple boundary-setting strategies that can help you keep doing the work you love—without losing yourself in the process.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply trying to avoid burnout, Jenn offers a grounded, compassionate perspective that reminds us: you can be a great teacher and still have a life outside of school. This conversation is a powerful reminder that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential for longevity in this work. You’ll walk away with practical steps and a renewed sense of permission to protect your energy and your joy.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode253.

As the final weeks of school approach, it can be tempting to hit cruise control—but the end of the year is actually the perfect time to bring some fresh energy into your literacy block. In this episode, I’m sharing seven fun, low-prep literacy ideas that will help you keep students engaged and learning all the way to the last day of school. Whether you’re running on caffeine, countdown chains, or sheer willpower, I’ve got you covered.These literacy ideas are practical, meaningful, and designed to support the skills your students have been building all year long—without adding more stress to your plate. From word ladders and genre studies to book clubs and research projects, you’ll find easy-to-implement activities that blend fun with academic purpose. These strategies aren’t just engaging—they’re also flexible, so you can adapt them to fit whatever time or energy you have left as the year winds down.So if you're wondering how to make the most of May, this episode is your game plan. These end-of-year literacy ideas will help you maintain momentum, create lasting memories with your students, and finish the year feeling confident and proud of the learning still happening in your classroom.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode252.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to teach writing, you’re going to love today’s episode. In this Dear Stellar Teacher conversation, I’m joined by my teammate Emily, and we’re opening up and sharing our biggest writing confessions—the mistakes we made in the classroom and the lessons we’ve learned since. Spoiler alert: if you’ve ever felt like you were just assigning writing instead of actually teaching it, you are definitely not alone!We’re reflecting on why writing used to feel so overwhelming, how we misunderstood the writing process, and what we would do differently now after everything we’ve learned from resources like The Writing Revolution 2.0. I hope our honest conversation encourages you and reminds you that it’s never too late to strengthen your writing instruction and support your students in becoming more confident writers.I’m also sharing all the details about our upcoming summer book study on The Writing Revolution 2.0—and how you can join us for a summer full of learning, collaboration, and encouragement. Whether you’re ready to change your writing instruction or just want to hear some relatable writing confessions, this episode is for you!Sign up for our 2025 Summer Book Study: stellarteacher.com/bookstudyJoin us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode251.

Have you ever had a student declare, “I’m bored!”—and then look to you to fix it? In this fun and thought-provoking episode, I’m joined by returning guest Mike Bender, author of The End Is Just the Beginning, The Most Serious Fart, and The Bravest Booger, along with Chuck Dillon, the brilliant illustrator behind Mike’s newest picture book Bored Panda. Together, we dive into why boredom might be exactly what our students—and we—need.We explore the inspiration behind Bored Panda and talk about how boredom can be a gateway to creativity, imagination, and unexpected adventures. Mike and Chuck also give us a behind-the-scenes look at their author-illustrator collaboration, share hilarious stories from the making of the book, and reflect on the role of screen time, mindfulness, and finding joy in slowing down.Whether you're looking for a meaningful read-aloud to spark classroom discussions or simply want a reminder that it's okay to let your mind wander, this episode will leave you inspired. Get ready to rethink boredom—and maybe even celebrate it.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode250.

Supporting students with learning gaps can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift, host of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations and Director of Professional Learning and Academic Partnerships at Learning Without Tears. Cheryl brings both heart and expertise to our conversation as we talk about how to meet students where they are—especially those who are missing foundational literacy skills.We dive into the impact of the pandemic on student learning, how to assess literacy skills in meaningful ways, and practical strategies for differentiation that benefit every student in the classroom. Cheryl shares how multisensory tools, student choice, and oral language can all be leveraged to support growth in reading and writing. Whether your students are working below, on, or above grade level, this episode is filled with actionable ideas you can start using right away.If you’re looking for ways to help struggling readers, foster a love of literacy, or simply breathe new life into your instruction, this episode is full of encouragement and practical wisdom. Take a deep breath, grab a notebook, and let’s rethink how we can close learning gaps—one student at a time.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode249.

Personal narratives have long been a staple in elementary writing instruction—but what if this traditional approach is actually holding our students back? In this episode, we’re rethinking the role of personal narrative writing and exploring why it can be such a challenging task for students. From memory recall struggles to a lack of structured storytelling practice, we’re unpacking the reasons personal narratives often fall flat in the classroom.Instead of having students write about personal experiences they can’t quite remember or don’t feel confident sharing, what if we shifted our focus toward content-based expository and narrative writing? When students write about what they’ve learned—whether it’s a science topic, a social studies figure, or a story they’ve read—they’re better equipped with the background knowledge and vocabulary to write with clarity, detail, and structure.In this episode, I’ll walk you through why content-rich writing tasks can lead to better writing outcomes, how to redefine narrative writing beyond personal stories, and what it looks like to create a knowledge-driven writing block. If you’ve been frustrated with vague student writing or looking for ways to make your writing instruction more meaningful, this episode is a must-listen!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode248.

Standardized testing season is just around the corner, and if the thought of long testing days, endless review packets, and restless students already has you stressed, you’re not alone. In this episode of our Dear Stellar Teacher series, Sara and Emily are sharing realistic and encouraging strategies to help you navigate test prep season with more joy, confidence, and intention—without overwhelming your students (or yourself!).From building test-taking stamina to rethinking how we review and prep, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas to help you maintain a positive classroom environment and keep students motivated and supported during testing season. Plus, you’ll hear some of our favorite ways to create balance and avoid burnout, so your students can show up on test day feeling confident and calm.We also share a few common mistakes to avoid during the final weeks of test prep, along with our go-to ways to maintain your normal literacy routines while still meeting test prep goals. Whether you're a test-season veteran or heading into your first round of state assessments, this episode will help you finish the year strong—with a little more fun and a lot less stress.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode247.

Managing student behavior can be one of the most challenging parts of teaching, and it’s easy to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even like you’re doing something wrong. But what if there was a way to navigate classroom behavior with more confidence and compassion—without shame for teachers or students? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Allie Szczecinski, is here to talk about. Allie is the creator behind Miss Behavior and the author of the upcoming book Their Best Behavior, and she’s sharing practical, teacher-friendly strategies to support students while creating a positive and structured learning environment.In this conversation, Allie and I discuss the intersection of social-emotional learning (SEL) and literacy instruction, simple ways to integrate SEL into your daily lessons, and how a proactive approach to behavior management can transform the classroom experience. We also tackle some of the most common behavior challenges teachers face and what to do when you feel stuck without a clear plan for support. Whether you’ve struggled with student back talk, disengagement, or inconsistent classroom routines, you’ll walk away from this episode with actionable strategies to try right away.If you've ever taken student behavior challenges personally or wished for more effective ways to support struggling students, this episode is for you. Allie’s approach removes shame from the conversation and replaces it with understanding, structure, and clear next steps. Let’s dive in!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode246.

Comprehension instruction is about more than just teaching individual strategies—it’s about creating the right conditions for students to deeply understand what they read. In this episode, we’re continuing our two-part series on comprehension by exploring exactly how to move beyond the strategy-of-the-week approach. If you haven’t already listened to episode 244, be sure to go back and check it out first!Today, I’m sharing two simple but powerful shifts that can make a big impact on your students’ reading comprehension. First, we’ll explore the 3-2-1 framework—an easy way to build background knowledge, introduce key vocabulary, analyze sentence structure, and engage students in meaningful discussions about texts. Then, we’ll dive into how to be more intentional with text selection so that students engage with content-rich, purposeful texts that expand their knowledge and strengthen their comprehension.If you’ve ever wondered how to make comprehension instruction more effective, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away. Plus, if you want even more guidance, our Unlocking Comprehension workshop is still available throughout March—visit stellarteacher.com/workshop to sign up!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode245.

If you’ve ever wondered why your students can master comprehension skills one week but struggle the next, you’re not alone. Many upper elementary teachers follow a standards-based approach, teaching comprehension skills in isolation. But what if that’s the very thing preventing students from building lasting comprehension? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the biggest mistake teachers make when teaching comprehension—and why shifting your approach can lead to better results.Too often, comprehension instruction in upper elementary classrooms is structured around a checklist of isolated skills—one week on main idea, another on summarizing, then moving on to character analysis. But is this approach truly helping students become strong, independent readers? The reality is that comprehension isn’t just about mastering individual skills—it’s an outcome that depends on multiple factors, including background knowledge, vocabulary, and fluency. When we focus too heavily on isolated comprehension strategies, we miss the bigger picture of what truly helps students understand and retain what they read.We’ll break down why teaching comprehension skills in isolation doesn’t lead to lasting comprehension and discuss the key factors that truly impact students’ ability to understand a text. By the end of this episode, you’ll start to see comprehension not as a checklist of strategies but as an outcome—one that requires the right instructional conditions to happen. And if you want to take an even deeper dive into this topic, be sure to join us for our upcoming Unlocking Comprehension workshop this March at stellarteacher.com/workshop.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode244.

Supporting struggling readers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start or how to make the most of your intervention time. That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Shannon Moore from Moore Literacy Leaps to the podcast today! As a certified reading specialist, Shannon has helped countless teachers and schools implement effective literacy intervention programs, and she’s here to break it all down for us.In this episode, we’re tackling the four essential components of literacy intervention—data analysis, skill-based grouping, progress monitoring, and planning. Shannon shares practical strategies for making intervention both manageable and effective, so you can confidently support your students without feeling like you’re drowning in extra work. Whether your school has a structured intervention program or you’re navigating this on your own, you’ll walk away with clear steps to ensure struggling readers get the help they need.If you’ve ever wished for a more structured approach to intervention or wondered how to better track student progress, this episode is for you! Shannon’s expertise will give you the tools to implement research-based strategies that lead to real growth for your students. Let’s get started!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode243.

Taking personal days as a teacher can feel complicated. Between the guilt, the prep work, and the fear of falling behind, many educators avoid taking time off even when they need it. But here’s the thing—your personal days are part of your compensation, and you deserve to use them without feeling guilt. In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I are breaking down why teachers struggle to take time off and how you can shift your mindset to confidently use your personal days when you need them.We know that planning for a sub can sometimes feel like more work than it’s worth, but we’re sharing simple strategies to make it easier—from creating emergency sub plans to building routines that keep your classroom running smoothly. We’re also talking about how teachers can help shift school culture so that taking time off is normalized instead of frowned upon.If you’ve ever second-guessed taking personal days or worried about what others might think, this episode is for you. We’re here to remind you that rest is necessary, and you shouldn’t have to feel guilty for taking time off. Tune in for an honest conversation about setting boundaries, making sub planning easier, and finally letting go of the guilt!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode242.

If you’re looking for a more effective way to help your students expand their vocabulary—without relying on endless word lists—this episode is for you! Today, we’re diving into morphology instruction and how a simple five-step routine can transform the way your students learn new words. By teaching morphemes explicitly, you can give your students the tools to decode unfamiliar words, make meaning independently, and support them in expanding vocabulary in a meaningful, lasting way.Teaching morphemes is one of the most powerful strategies for helping students recognize word patterns, determine word meanings, and build a stronger understanding of language. But if you’ve ever felt like you didn’t have enough time in the day to fit in meaningful word study, or if you’ve relied on worksheets and memorization without seeing long-term retention, this episode will show you a more effective approach to expanding vocabulary in your classroom.In this episode, I’ll walk you through a structured, step-by-step approach to teaching morphemes that will help students recognize word patterns, build connections, and focus on expanding vocabulary across all subject areas. This strategy works for all students but is especially powerful for upper elementary learners tackling complex texts.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple and effective plan for incorporating morphology into your literacy block—without adding more memorization or worksheets! Whether you're new to morphology instruction or looking for ways to refine your approach, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to support your students in expanding vocabulary in a way that truly sticks.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode240.