Learn Practical Ways to Bring Foundational Skills Instruction to Life in the Classroom

Foundational Reading Skills in K–2: Bridging Research and Practice

Thanks to a large body of research collectively known as the science of reading, we know that intentionally building foundational skills is critical to success at the K–2 level. Many districts are evaluating their early literacy practices and shifting toward more explicit, systematic instruction.

This on-demand webinar connects the research with practical ways to bring foundational skills instruction to life in the classroom. Presenter Stacey Leitzel explores what science tells us about how to best teach primary students to develop phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics skills, and reading fluency. You will also hear from Tina Falbo and Suzanne Ludwig, two coaches who have helped teachers in their district implement this evidence-based instruction and have seen transformational success. Participants may also earn CE credits for watching this on-demand webinar on the edWeb site.

By the end of the webinar, you will:

• Discover the neuroscience research behind the science of reading and its implications for instruction.
• Learn why systematic, explicit phonics instruction and cumulatively decodable text—together—are critical.
• Recognize the research about the essential role of motivation in reading development.
• Gain practical, science-based activities to strengthen foundational skills.

You'll also receive a short preview of Zaner-Bloser’s foundational reading skills curriculum and a free downloadable resource with activities you can try in the classroom.

About the Presenters

Stacey Leitzel Director, Professional Learning Services at Zaner-Bloser

Stacey Leitzel has 25 years of experience in education, serving as teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director of elementary education. She holds an undergraduate degree in early childhood and elementary education from Bloomsburg University and master’s degrees in early childhood and school leadership from James Madison University.

Tina Falbo Instructional Literacy Coach at East Stroudsburg Area School District

Tina Falbo’s professional experiences include teaching first and second grade before moving to middle school as a reading teacher. After 14 years, she returned to the elementary level and has been an elementary literacy coach for the past seven years. Falbo supports teachers in grades K–5 in the implementation of instructional strategies and best practices in reading.

Suzanne Ludwig Instructional Literacy Coach at East Stroudsburg Area School District

Suzanne Ludwig’s 28 years of professional experiences include kindergarten teacher, second grade teacher, district second grade chairperson, building technology coach, grade level curriculum committee member and writer, and presenter of various professional development workshops. In her present role as an elementary literacy coach, Ludwig provides support to enable teachers to think reflectively about improving student learning and implementing various instructional programs and practices.