@image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/aviva-spotlight.png PebbleGo Community member spotlight graphic. The image shows blue flowers, stars, and a screenshot of Carrie Wuensch-Harden, Library Media Technology Specialist [b] From Reading Specialist to Classroom Teacher [/b] After three impactful years as a reading specialist, Aviva Dunsiger, an educator from Ontario, Canada is stepping back into the classroom, bringing with her years of insight, growth, and deep-rooted joy. “I’ve always been very passionate about early reading,” she shares. “I definitely see the connection between learning to read and the impact that can have long term, in terms of life choices for students and possibilities for kids.” This passion shaped Aviva’s journey into literacy leadership, where she supported students from senior kindergarten through third grade and educators in her district. While she loved her role, more time in the classroom, directly connecting with students was never out of mind. This year, she’s able to step into an even more fulfilling role. “I love the possibility of being able to apply everything I've learned in the past three years... now I have the opportunity to really see that impact.” [b] When It “Clicks”: The Joy of Early Readers [/b] For Aviva, working with early readers means witnessing a kind of magic – the moment when it all starts to make sense. Letters become sounds, sounds become words, and suddenly, a child begins to read. “You can see that excitement in them, and that really drives their interest in continuing to work on it,” Aviva explains. “But it also drives mine – when you can see that the things you’re putting into place are making a difference.” These “click” moments are reminders that each skill learned is a step toward greater confidence, curiosity, and independence. @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/products/banner-pgn.png [b] Fluency, Confidence, and the Power of Listening [/b] In her time as a reading specialist, she saw how fluency often held readers back. “So many students were reading word-by-word or sound-by-sound. It was really slowing them down.” Her response? Small but powerful strategies like phrase “scooping” and recording students reading aloud. “They love to listen to themselves. When they can hear what fluent reading should sound like, it changes everything.” Aviva has leaned on tools that model fluent reading, and provide content-rich vocabulary, especially digital resources with read-aloud functionality, like PebbleGo. “The fact that they can press play and hear the text, and see the words highlighted – they’re getting the connection between what is being said and what words are being used. It’s also helping with building new vocabulary because it is connected with science and social studies – there’s that content rich vocabulary in there too.” Aviva has shared that fluency is greatly connected to comprehension and vocabulary, so developing schema and background knowledge has created a noticeable impact in her students. It’s not just about reading; it’s about understanding and feeling like a reader. @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/products/kid-and-teacher-with-computer.png [b] Working Together to Help Readers Thrive [/b] Supporting literacy growth takes a village, and Aviva’s been intentional about building that village... whether through casual conversations, co-teaching small groups, or sharing recorded lessons with follow-up activities and resources for educators to use. “I try to be intentional about what I use, so other educators can see it in action and think, “I could try that too.” Aviva is looking forward to the renewed opportunities for deeper, more consistent collaboration about texts to use and creating resources that teachers can see in action and then use in the classroom. When professional development opportunities arise, people in various roles from a learning resource teacher to the school librarian are invited to be a part of it as grade teams. This creates opportunities for them to share ideas about what they have done and how they use the same resources, but differently in their practices. [b] More Than a Job [/b] When asked what she wishes more people understood about education, Aviva’s answer is simple, and powerful. “Just how deeply educators care. It’s not a 6-8 hour day. It’s something that stays with you.” That care is what keeps her reading professional books in the summer... but also what reminds her to put them down and pick up a mystery novel instead. “You have to dig into yourself. Find what helps you feel calm and be okay with taking a break. The end of the year is hard – April, May, June feels like one long, demanding month. You need to come down before you build back up.” @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/products/graphic-span2.png [b] Leading with Joy [/b] This year, Aviva’s personal and professional goal is all about joy. Not just finding it, but creating it – for herself, her students, and her educator colleagues. “I love my job. I love what I do. And I find a lot of joy in it. That’s what I’m holding on to.” And every morning, as her students walk into school, she sends them off with a gentle reminder: “Make it a great day or not. The choice is yours.” Just like in reading, and just like in life, when we feel empowered to choose, incredible things can happen. This year, Aviva plans to bring joy and curiosity into every corner of her classroom. [b]The PebbleGo Community [/b] Our community is at the heart of what we do! We couldn’t do it without you – and we wouldn’t want to. We’re always hoping to connect with fellow PebbleGo lovers, elementary educators and admins, and educators in general who want to shape the future of digital learning. Whether you want to connect with like-minded folks, learn about the latest Capstone and PebbleGo news, or contribute to making our products the best they can be, we invite you to join us! @button #8DF1FF https://www.pebblego.com/resources/community Join the Community