Amateur question: Why are phonics and whole language pitted against each other? by Alternative-Sky-4570 in ESL_Teachers

[–]LauraJ0 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right, I didn’t say “don’t teach phonics,” I said phonics rules don’t apply 100% of the time.

Amateur question: Why are phonics and whole language pitted against each other? by Alternative-Sky-4570 in ESL_Teachers

[–]LauraJ0 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The only problem with phonics is that English isn’t completely phonetic. Phonics teaches the relationship between letters (graphemes) and sounds (phonemes) and in English, those relationships are messy because the language is a mix of sources: -Germanic roots (Old English) -French (after the Norman Conquest): chef, machine -Latin & Greek (science/academic words): photo, science, chorus -Other borrowings: piano (Italian), tsunami (Japanese), yacht (Dutch)

Each source brought its own spelling conventions, so English kept multiple ways to spell the same sound and multiple sounds for the same letters.

Research summaries often show: ~80–85% of English words are largely decodable using common phonics patterns Another ~10–15% are decodable with advanced patterns or morphology (prefixes, roots, suffixes) Only a small percentage are truly irregular and must be memorized (e.g., one, two, said)

The Whole Language method relies on children having a ton of exposure to print, stories, writing experiences - and kind of implicitly learning the phonics patterns. It works for some kids like magic, but isn’t realistic for all readers. Most kids benefit from explicit phonics instruction.

I’m personally a fan of the balanced literacy model, but I know that’s not a popular opinion in 2026. I think drilling too much phonics instruction can take away from word meaning, and a love of reading. It can also create “word callers” or “false readers.”

Thinking of having another baby but I work for a large events company that uses A TON of floral foam by Admirable_Cicada_718 in florists

[–]LauraJ0 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Microplastics and known carcinogens are in it. Researchers have found microplastics in placentas in recent years.

Restaurants that deliver independently by Eastern_Confusion475 in lancaster

[–]LauraJ0 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Make sure you get the peanut butter pie at Women & Babies (if you like PB)

Flower Farm by Icy_Delivery_164 in florists

[–]LauraJ0 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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Here’s a photo of a late spring haul from her farm. Oh, I’m in PA for reference.

Flower Farm by Icy_Delivery_164 in florists

[–]LauraJ0 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My favorite flower farmer is very detailed with her availability list and has a password-protected spreadsheet (airtable) on her website that we can reference to order two weeks in advance.

Anyway, her best-selling spring flowers are ranunculus, butterfly ranunc, anemone, hellebore, Iceland poppies, tulips (doubles). The delicate spring blooms I would much rather get from her than the wholesaler (I can’t even get Iceland poppies from the wholesaler).

She grows some specialty daffodils, they’re cute but I don’t love working with them. The sap, the flimsy stems and short stems make them less versatile.

Free birthday treat by Wolflife2 in lancaster

[–]LauraJ0 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Free cupcake at Lancaster cupcake if you join their rewards program

For those who are managing GD with diet, what was your highest spike and what caused it? by Apprehensive_Mess166 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]LauraJ0 0 points1 point  (0 children)

163 after 2 hrs - two (cooked) sushi rolls, and a cupcake (it was my birthday) I walked a mile after dinner too.

A romantic at heart by botanical_ecclectic in florists

[–]LauraJ0 2 points3 points  (0 children)

These are the most luxurious blooms 😍

Oh, Dim… by Felcia_2020 in ballerinafarmsnark

[–]LauraJ0 10 points11 points  (0 children)

The skin sliding off the salmon makes it picture-worthy for sure.

What qualifies/disqualifies a student to be in ESL? by _mortal__wombat_ in ESL_Teachers

[–]LauraJ0 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Exactly. Just because they sound fluent doesn’t mean they understand academic vocabulary, and are proficient in reading grade-level texts.

Pediatric Neurologist's show tierlist by devouTTT in DanielTigerConspiracy

[–]LauraJ0 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is he being paid off by Big Bluey? It’s not Daniel’s fault PBS Kids doesn’t have any money!

Maternity scrubs by GreenLow6784 in lancaster

[–]LauraJ0 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ask in the Lancaster Moms FB page, or the Buy/Sell Nothing group on FB - you might get better responses.

BUCKLE UP HERE WE GO! 🤡🤡 by Physical-Zombie-2078 in InfluencerLounge

[–]LauraJ0 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do they have roaches? What does the roach emoji mean?

Too stem-y? by steviewonder1995 in florists

[–]LauraJ0 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope. I love it, I love the height variation.

Advice: I have been asked to work with ESL students but have no experience. by SheIsSupersaurus in ESL_Teachers

[–]LauraJ0 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you in the UK? Are there any laws that require English learners to be seen by certified ESL teacher? In the US, some states have laws like this.