Hi, I'm Alison!

I share ideas and tools to help K-2 teachers simplify their planning and create engaging literacy lessons. 

I believe that teachers should have access to materials that are both easy to use and written around best practices. Teaching is hard enough as it is – you shouldn’t have to spend your weekends creating all your materials from scratch!

I first began developing literacy materials when I was teaching Kindergarten. The reading and writing curriculum provided by my school didn’t fit my students’ needs, and they weren’t easy to use. I was spending too much time planning lessons and making materials to go along with them. Instead, I wanted to devote my time and energy to what really counts – learning about my students’ needs and differentiating my instruction!

So I began creating my own reading and writing lessons to better fit my students’ needs. I created plans and printables, and I revised them based upon how the lessons went with my students. I also started my blog back in 2012 to share ideas and connect with other teachers. 

When I moved up to 1st and 2nd grade – and eventually went on to become a literacy specialist and Director of Curriculum and Instruction – I continued developing resources and sharing them with other K-2 teachers.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with you through Learning At The Primary Pond! And I couldn’t make my literacy clubs, TpT shop, webinarsphonics program, writing program or science of reading course a reality on my own. My amazing team members Michele, Ingrid, Sonya, Erin, Megan, Briana, Caity, Ally, Vicki, Stephanie and Emily help make all this possible.

When I’m not teaching, writing, or collaborating with other teachers, I love traveling with my husband, hiking, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends.

To learn more about what Learning At The Primary Pond stands for as an organization, click here

For lots of literacy ideas and materials, check out my blog and my TpT store. You can also sign up to receive updates from me below – and I’ll even send you a free gift when you subscribe!