Reading

Not All Reading Levels Are Equal: Why Teachers Should Use Multiple Data Points

Reading levels are often used to guide instruction. They provide a quick way to group students, select texts, and monitor progress. However...

Meryma Learning 2 Apr, 2026

Is Your Student Reading or Just Guessing? How to Break the Habit

In upper elementary classrooms, some students appear to be reading, but they rely heavily on guessing. They may look at the first letter of...

Meryma Learning 26 Mar, 2026

4 Benefits of Reading Aloud Complex Texts in Upper Elementary

As students move into upper elementary, reading instruction often shifts. Students are expected to read more independently , work through l...

Meryma Learning 19 Mar, 2026

3 Reasons Rereading Builds Fluency Better Than Reading Faster

In many upper elementary classrooms, students often believe that strong readers are simply fast readers. When reading time begins, some stu...

Meryma Learning 12 Mar, 2026

Are Reading Logs Killing Motivation? 2 Simple Alternatives for Your Classroom

You assign the reading log. Students record minutes. Parents sign at the bottom. Pages are counted. On paper, it looks like accountabili...

Meryma Learning 5 Mar, 2026

Why Comprehension Breaks Down Mid-Text: The Power of Think-Alouds

The class starts reading. Everyone seems focused. Heads are down. Eyes are moving. Pages are turning. Then you ask a question halfway t...

Meryma Learning 26 Feb, 2026

How to Teach Students to Annotate During Independent Reading

You assign independent reading. Students open their books. They read quietly. They turn pages. But when you ask, “What were you thinking...

Meryma Learning 19 Feb, 2026

Bored or Struggling Readers? How High-Interest Short Texts Hook Them First

The page stays open, but the eyes wander. A student doodles. Another taps the pencil. If you teach grades three through five, this moment ...

Meryma Learning 12 Feb, 2026

Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary: Why They Check Out & How to Help

The book remains closed. The eyes drift to the clock. The pencil is sharpened for the fifth time within ten minutes. This scene is insta...

Meryma Learning 5 Feb, 2026

What Teachers Are Saying