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When students struggle with reading, it’s easy to immediately start thinking about intervention. Who needs a small group? Who needs Tier 2 support? What additional practice can we squeeze into an already packed school day?
But before adding more intervention, it’s important to look at the instruction every student receives every day: Tier 1 literacy instruction.
Strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of an effective literacy block. And strengthening it doesn’t mean adding another program, routine, or activity to your schedule.
In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Tami is sharing a simple way to make the literacy instruction you’re already providing more connected, intentional, and effective.
She’s breaking down our 3-2-1 Framework for Deeper Comprehension, which helps teachers intentionally support students before, during, and after reading—all while using the same text.
Why Tier 1 Literacy Instruction Matters
Within an MTSS framework, Tier 1 is the high quality core instruction provided to all students.
It’s easy to assume that when students struggle, the solution is more small group instruction. But small groups can’t carry the full weight of your literacy block.
Before asking, How can I provide more intervention? it can be helpful to ask, How can I strengthen my Tier 1 literacy instruction so more students are successful with core instruction?
That’s where the 3-2-1 Framework can help.
- Before reading, focus on three areas: background knowledge, vocabulary, and genre or text structure.
- During reading, teachers focus on two areas: applying the reading standard and supporting students with syntax.
- After reading, focus on one powerful practice: writing about reading.
Stronger Tier 1 Doesn’t Mean Doing More
One of the most important takeaways from this episode is that strengthening Tier 1 literacy instruction isn’t about adding more to your day.
It’s about making the instruction you’re already providing more intentional and connected.
By using one text to build knowledge, teach vocabulary, explore text structure, practice comprehension, examine syntax, and write about reading, you can create a cohesive learning experience without trying to fit six unrelated activities into your literacy block.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Why strong Tier 1 literacy instruction should come before adding more intervention
- Why small groups can’t carry the full weight of your literacy instruction
- How the 3-2-1 Framework for Deeper Comprehension strengthens whole group instruction
- How to strengthen your literacy block without overwhelming your students (or you!)
If you’re looking at your literacy block and wondering how you can better support every reader, start with Tier 1.
You don’t necessarily need more activities or more instructional time. Instead, focus on making the time you already have more purposeful.
Tune in to learn how the 3-2-1 Framework can help you create stronger, more connected Tier 1 literacy instruction that supports deeper comprehension for all students.
Supportive Resources for Upper Elementary Teachers:
- Join The Stellar Literacy Collective – If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your Tier 1 literacy instruction without adding more to your already packed literacy block, the Stellar Literacy Collective can help. Get access to ready to use, research based literacy resources designed to help you build background knowledge, strengthen vocabulary and comprehension, support writing about reading, and create more intentional whole group instruction for every reader.
Connect with me:
- Join my newsletter
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- Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
- Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company
The Stellar Literacy Collective (SLC) is a membership designed for upper elementary teachers who want strong, effective literacy instruction… without spending hours planning every week.
Inside SLC, you’ll find ready-to-use, research-aligned lessons for reading, writing, and word study that work together to create a research-backed framework. From whole group comprehension lessons and vocabulary routines to small group supports and writing instruction, everything is built around consistent systems that support real classroom implementation.
Click HERE to learn more!
Strengthening your Tier 1 literacy instruction doesn’t mean adding more to your already packed literacy block. The Stellar Teacher Podcast is here to support you. Each episode is filled with practical strategies for upper elementary teachers who want to build stronger readers without adding more to their plates. From building background knowledge and vocabulary to strengthening comprehension, syntax, and writing about reading, you’ll find actionable ideas you can use in your classroom right away. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode designed to help you strengthen your Tier 1 literacy instruction and support every reader in your classroom.
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