

S4E31: Laura Stam on Integrating Explicit Teaching Practices into Elementary Classrooms
Apr 28, 2025
Laura Stam, a dedicated second-grade teacher from Wyoming and a Goyan fellow, dives into her passion for the Science of Reading and Direct Instruction. She discusses the importance of integrating content and vocabulary for enhanced literacy and critical thinking in elementary education. Laura shares innovative classroom strategies, such as merit-demerit systems for behavior tracking and a two-minute daily math timing to boost fluency. Her insights on structured teaching highlight the transformative effects on student confidence and engagement in reading.
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Integrate Literacy With Culture
- Integration of literacy skills and knowledge builds stronger reading ability.
- Including cultural content like geography, history, and art enriches understanding and engagement.
Teach Spelling With Morphology
- Teach spelling with morphology connected to vocabulary and fluency.
- Practice spelling words multiple times daily using techniques like Cover Copy Compare.
Use Clear Instructions and Merits
- Front load instructions fully for smoother transitions.
- Use a merit/demerit system to increase student engagement and behavior control.