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The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Florida F.A.S.T Test

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Nothing matters more than students' growth, and when it comes to reading, early intervention is everything. The Florida F.A.S.T. Test (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) might seem overwhelming at first, especially if they are a struggling or at-risk reader. But here's the good news: you don't have to figure it all out alone.  What is the Florida F.A.S.T. Test? The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) Test is Florida's reading and math   progress monitoring tool   for grades K through 10. It is administered three times a year to track students' learning over time and help schools provide targeted support. 2025 Testing Windows PM1 (Beginning of Year): August 5 - September 27, 2024 PM2 (Mid-Year): December 2, 2024 - January 24, 2025 PM3 (End of Year): April 13 - May 29, 2025 Grade 10 ELA Retake: April 4, 2025 Grade 3 & 10 Reading Retake: July 14 - July 25, 2025  Specifically, in third grade, students must achieve a Level 2 or higher on the End of th...

Heartwarming Books about Love and Kindness for Kids

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We wanted to share some of our favorite children's books that celebrate kindness, compassion, and the unconditional love we all strive to teach children. These books are sweet and meaningful, and also help children understand the importance of treating others with kindness. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost. 1. ABCs of Love (Books of Kindness): By Patricia Hegarty and Summer Macon This beautifully illustrated book takes children on a journey through the ABCs, with each letter representing a way to show love and care for others. We love how it makes big concepts like understanding and generosity accessible to little readers . It's a great reminder that love can be expressed in many small but meaningful ways.  2. I Love You When You're Angry: By Erin Winters & Kaitin Bucher Sometimes, kids need reassurance that they're loved even when they're upset. This book teaches children that feeling angry is okay ...

Nurturing Your Child's Growth with Little Hippo Books

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As an elementary reading intervention tutor, I know how essential it is to lay a solid educational foundation for young children. Between the ages of 0 and 6, their brains are like sponges, absorbing every interaction, every word, and every experience.  That's why providing them with the right resources is so important. Books engage students' imagination and build key skills like sensory development, fine motor abilities, and early literacy. If you're looking to support students' growth during these formative years, check out the wide variety of resources by Little Hippo Books. Our Partnership with Little Hippo Books A leader in sensory development products, Little Hippo Books has created engaging books designed to make learning fun and interactive. Whether you're looking for touch-and-feel, sound, or fidget books , they offer products that captivate students' attention and promote growth in essential areas. In addition to books, they offer finger puppets and i...