<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Tally Tales]]></title><description><![CDATA[The TallyTales site is designed to help teachers access resources that will support their literacy instruction in multisensory phonics.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:10:36 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.tallytales.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Back-to-School Bulletin Board Writing Activity: Building Classroom Community One Puzzle Piece at a Time]]></title><description><![CDATA[Create a meaningful classroom community with this Back-to-School Bulletin Board Writing Activity. Students complete puzzle piece writing prompts that build belonging, support SEL, and create an adorable first-week-of-school display.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/back-to-school-bulletin-board-writing-activity-building-classroom-community-one-puzzle-piece-at-a-t</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a30645dd59766ee9d61b3f1</guid><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:00:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_15957a1015234dc39a4fddc81219bae4~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Week of School Executive Functioning Activities That Build Student Independence]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first week of school sets the tone for everything that follows. Most teachers spend those first few days introducing classroom rules, organizing supplies, practicing routines, and getting to know their students. While all of those activities are important, there's one critical piece that's often overlooked:  Teaching students how to be successful learners. The reality is that many students don't automatically know how to organize materials, manage their time, stay focused, solve problems...]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/first-week-of-school-executive-functioning-activities</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a53d8dd6c2bae2e2793689e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:00:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_8849e3c07fd44091bc84962091fb3cf4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[100 Back-to-School Would You Rather Questions: The Perfect Icebreaker for Elementary Students]]></title><description><![CDATA[Back-to-School "Would You Rather Questions?" are a fun and engaging way to build classroom community, encourage discussion, and practice speaking and listening skills during the first week of school.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/100-back-to-school-would-you-rather-questions-the-perfect-icebreaker-for-elementary-students</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a305d10d59766ee9d619dce</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:00:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_f5804d9ad08c41e099d976031df80180~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Summer Writing Activities for Elementary Students: A Fun Way to Teach Procedural Writing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Summer is the perfect time to keep young minds active while making learning feel fresh, creative, and enjoyable. Whether you're a teacher planning summer school lessons, a parent looking for meaningful writing practice, or an educator creating take-home activities to prevent the summer slide, engaging writing opportunities can help students continue building essential literacy skills. The Summer Activities Procedural Writing Bundle combines creativity, imagination, and structured writing...]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/summer-writing-activities-for-elementary-students-a-fun-way-to-teach-procedural-writing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28bc6a579005354a9ffd16</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:49:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_099f01a3168e494a94a020e0b8e257d7~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_880,h_868,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Summer Reading Motivation Made Easy: Fun Activities to Keep Students Reading]]></title><description><![CDATA[Summer vacation is a time for relaxation, adventure, and making memories—but it can also be a time when reading habits begin to slip. Many parents and teachers worry about the "summer slide," where students lose some of the reading skills they worked so hard to build during the school year. The good news? Summer reading doesn't have to feel like homework! If you're looking for a way to motivate children to read at home while keeping the experience fun and engaging, Summer Reading Board Game...]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/summer-reading-motivation-made-easy-fun-activities-to-keep-students-reading</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1d8fad745ceae0cd4c4fd0</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:23:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_76ad443e533a4a3dbf11a35351a61dfc~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[End-of-Year Student Portfolios: How to Create Meaningful, Low-Prep Keepsakes Your Families Will Love]]></title><description><![CDATA[Create meaningful end-of-year student portfolios with this easy, low-prep system. Capture student growth, reflections, and memories in a keepsake families will treasure.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/end-of-year-student-portfolios-how-to-create-meaningful-low-prep-keepsakes-your-families-will-love</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f140ff24f9d3e5cd717986</guid><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:01:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_9bd6462fcda347f998cd216da14cbd38~mv2.avif/v1/fit/w_750,h_750,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Grade Life Cycles Activities: Hands-On Science &#38; Literacy Materials Your Students Will Love]]></title><description><![CDATA[Engage first graders with hands-on life cycles activities that integrate science and literacy. This comprehensive bundle builds reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through interactive lessons students love.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/first-grade-life-cycles-activities-hands-on-science-literacy-materials-your-students-will-love</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69de881566c8cbf1f4c1e3bf</guid><category><![CDATA[Comprehension]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:49:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_c822b851602e46bab801886b28a43cc9~mv2.avif/v1/fit/w_750,h_750,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[K-2 Poetry Instruction Made Easy! Teacher Guidance, No-Prep Activities, Anchor Charts &#38; More]]></title><description><![CDATA[Boost engagement with K–2 poetry instruction and activities using this no-prep unit featuring anchor charts, differentiated templates, and fun, simple lessons that help young learners become confident, creative writers.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/k-2-poetry-instruction-made-easy-teacher-guidance-no-prep-activities-anchor-charts-differentiat</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d01ab740e74dbec4016b13</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:01:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_51cc43315a8c4f9eadfb778e054b0450~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spring Fever in the Classroom: Teacher-Approved Strategies to Boost Student Motivation and Finish the School Year Strong]]></title><description><![CDATA[Struggling with spring fever in the classroom? Discover simple, effective strategies to boost student motivation, increase engagement, and help young learners finish the school year strong.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/spring-fever-in-the-classroom-7-teacher-approved-strategies-to-boost-student-motivation-and-finish</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cc52c37d31fe550c651333</guid><category><![CDATA[Teaching Tips]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:00:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_724408bdea3f46618998c9853a53d963~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Free Easter Reading Comprehension Materials (1st–2nd Grade) Main Idea &#38; Details Activity]]></title><description><![CDATA[Get free Easter reading comprehension materials for 1st–2nd grade! This faith-based resource includes a biblical Easter passage, main idea and supporting details activities, graphic organizers, and differentiated options perfect for literacy centers, guided reading, or whole group lessons.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/free-easter-reading-comprehension-materials-1st-2nd-grade-main-idea-details-activity</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cbea42c69c7f728436b20d</guid><category><![CDATA[Comprehension]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:45:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_ee589f806c32430b8b514616685033c1~mv2.avif/v1/fit/w_525,h_525,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[St. Patrick's Day Literacy Activities Your Students Will Love]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover engaging St. Patrick's Day literacy activities for your classroom, including phonics games, writing prompts, and reading comprehension ideas that make March learning fun and meaningful for students.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/st-patricks-day-literacy-activities-your-students-will-love</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69aefafaec4d9d18a157dadc</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:28:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_8b92707c5c704a819f19e110ecb04cc0~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spring Break Reading Letter to Families: A Simple, Editable Way to Encourage Home Reading]]></title><description><![CDATA[Spring Break is one of those magical times in the school year. Everyone needs it — teachers and students alike. It’s a chance to rest, travel, visit family, sleep in, and reset before the final stretch of the school year. But if you teach in lower elementary, you also know something else: A full week without reading practice can make the transition back a little bumpy. That’s exactly why I created my FREE Spring Break Reading Letter to Families . Why Reading Over Break Matters In...]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/spring-break-reading-letter-to-families-a-simple-editable-way-to-encourage-home-reading</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a7817dffff75773eb7e68f</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:27:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_5a12f36dd0354309960c1032734937e0~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Main Idea Activities for 1st &#38; 2nd Grade - A Year-Long Growing Bundle!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover low-prep Main Idea Activities for 1st &#38; 2nd grade. Includes nonfiction reading passages, supporting details practice, and seasonal resources.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/main-idea-activities-for-1st-2nd-grade-a-year-long-growing-bundle</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69960f62658df599f4fc0e79</guid><category><![CDATA[Comprehension]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:36:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_9dddd62e47cc4530ac3a8377637483ed~mv2.avif/v1/fit/w_750,h_750,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Valentine’s Day BINGO game]]></title><description><![CDATA[Make your February celebrations easy, fun, and stress-free with this Valentine’s Day–themed BINGO game—perfect for classroom parties, school events, or a special Valentine’s celebration!]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/valentines-day-bingo-game</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696423d5f5f677155671fec5</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:00:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_1f6e987afdc54dbf99af7fbcda79097e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_694,h_390,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Strengthening Early Literacy: Using GIST Statements to Bridge Reading and Writing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn how GIST Statements help first- and second-grade students bridge reading comprehension and sentence-level writing. Discover step-by-step strategies, tips, and classroom examples to teach students to summarize main ideas in their own words.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/strengthening-early-literacy-using-gist-statements-to-bridge-reading-and-writing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69666532cca849701e94d5e0</guid><category><![CDATA[Comprehension]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:30:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_fba6144cdb5841638dff245a7c6e22fb~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teach Main Idea &#38; Supporting Details with Arctic Animals]]></title><description><![CDATA[Help first and second-grade students master main idea and supporting details with engaging Arctic Animals reading passages. No-prep, differentiated graphic organizers included!]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/teach-main-idea-supporting-details-with-arctic-animals</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69668e62cca849701e954137</guid><category><![CDATA[Comprehension]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:52:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_1775f28b6970431e9c6421805a53fc83~mv2.avif/v1/fit/w_750,h_750,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[No-Prep Winter Literacy Activities for January]]></title><description><![CDATA[January can feel like a tough reset after the magic of winter break— but it’s also the perfect opportunity to start the year strong with engaging, high-quality classroom activities that don’t add to your workload!  Check out these no-prep winter literacy activities for January!]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/no-prep-winter-literacy-activities-for-january</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695dba8c1db7a402634954ce</guid><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 02:03:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_b23407cd7f9c4f0d82bca4c0886234bf~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating Holiday Joys: Encouraging Students with Dyslexia and Honoring Their Unique Talents]]></title><description><![CDATA[The holiday season brings a special kind of magic, filled with warmth, celebration, and reflection. For students with dyslexia, this time offers a unique opportunity to recognize their strengths and encourage their growth in ways that honor their individual talents. This post explores practical ways to support students with dyslexia during the holidays and highlights how their unique abilities enrich our communities.]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/celebrating-holiday-joys-encouraging-students-with-dyslexia-and-honoring-their-unique-talents</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6945fa45238be523262c3050</guid><pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 01:40:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_5929870dd1dd42c0accea1ac9d368952~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Activities to Support Literacy Skills over Winter Break ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Are you looking for activities to support literacy skills over the winter break? These activities will help support your students' basic literacy skills during the days they are on winter vacation! ]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/activities-to-support-literacy-skills-over-winter-break</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69347be59d9a9d9676731651</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_3f456073a9dc4ba99d2053d97f2be5b7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_632,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ways to Motivate Students to Read over the Holidays]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are so many ways to motivate students to read over the holidays! Just as important as motivating them to read is understanding why it's crucial for students to continue reading during this time. While this time of year brings welcome rest and celebration, it also offers a wonderful opportunity to support literacy growth at home in simple, meaningful ways. Teachers, it's important to communicate this with parents and provide ways for them to motivate their children to read at home over the ]]></description><link>https://www.tallytales.com/post/ways-to-motivate-students-to-read-over-the-holidays</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6931f72436e8a9c5d120a287</guid><category><![CDATA[Parents/Home Learning]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 03:21:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a9556_849b2210010f40398c3b498088176cf4~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Leslie</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>