By the time fall is well underway, the excitement of a new school year can start to fade. Routines that once felt fresh may feel predictable, and some students may begin to lose motivation, especially when reading feels difficult.
But classroom routines can also create opportunities to rebuild engagement and confidence. In Learning Ally’s Structured Literacy in Action evaluation by Hanover Research, 84% of educators reported that the program had a somewhat or very positive effect on students’ overall ability to read.
The findings offer a reminder that small shifts in instruction can give students more opportunities to participate, practice, and experience success.
Make Reading More Interactive
Reading instruction doesn’t have to mean students working independently with a book or worksheet every time. Hanover Research’s classroom observations found that many educators saw students respond positively to hands-on activities, games, and explicit instruction, often showing greater excitement and willingness to participate.
For students who tend to avoid reading, these opportunities can provide a lower-pressure way to participate and practice.
Give Students More Ways to Practice and Participate
Interactive routines work best when they’re connected to intentional literacy instruction. Try pairing explicit teaching with short opportunities for students to practice, explain, collaborate, and apply what they’re learning.
For example:
- Partner practice: Have students work together with words, syllables, or vocabulary.
- Syllable activities: Let students clap, tap, sort, or manipulate syllables as they practice foundational skills.
- Quick word challenges: Ask students to identify a pattern, break apart a word, or explain how they know.
- Turn-and-talk: Give students a chance to explain their thinking to a partner before responding to the whole class.
- Repeated practice: Revisit important words and skills so students have multiple opportunities to use them.
These activities give students opportunities to use and reinforce what they’ve learned.
“I saw not only how it is helping the students to be active learners but it also helps by encouraging students to put the skills they are learning to use. This in turn affects their confidence and helps them to learn to love to read.” —Intervention Teacher, Hardee School District (self-reflection)
The Hanover Research evaluation found that educators connected positive student outcomes with explicit, systematic instruction and strategies such as vocabulary development, repeated practice, and comprehension scaffolds. In 76% of classroom observations, educators also noted increased student confidence in literacy skills.
For a student who has been hesitant to participate, a successful word challenge, partner activity, or opportunity to share an answer can be a small but meaningful step toward seeing themselves as a capable reader.
Keep the Momentum Going
Students do not have to lose momentum as autumn draws on. A predictable routine, a little variety, and more opportunities for students to practice and participate can help keep literacy learning active and engaging.
Learning Ally’s Structured Literacy in Action professional learning provides educators with practical strategies for vocabulary, phonics, comprehension, and student engagement that educators can bring into their classrooms.
Whether it’s a five-minute partner activity, a quick syllable game, or another opportunity to practice a new skill, small moments of interaction can help students stay connected to reading, and remind them that they can make progress.
