Effective Tier 1, 2, and 3 Reading Interventions for Elementary Teachers

Have you ever wondered why some students seem to pick up reading effortlessly while others struggle—even when you’re teaching the exact same lesson? It’s a lot like learning to ride a bike! Some kids take off immediately, while others need training wheels (and some need one-on-one coaching). That’s where Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 instruction come in.

In this episode, I break down what each tier of instruction actually means, how to identify which students need extra support, and what research-backed interventions are most effective at each level. Whether you're supporting struggling readers or fine-tuning your core instruction, this framework will help you meet every student’s needs with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn... 

• The difference between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 instruction (and why it matters).
• How to use small group and one-on-one interventions effectively.
• Practical strategies for progress monitoring and adapting instruction.

Show Links

"The Best Order to Teach Phonics" podcast episode
“The Easiest, Fastest Path to Reading Growth” podcast episode
Phonological Awareness Warm Ups
Phonics Interventions
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