I teach students how to read by focusing on the use of phonics rules to decode words of all types. Phonics Word-Coaching is a strategy where students refer back to the various strategies they've learned. Through the use of diacritical marks to label specific sounds in words, students take apart words and reblend them in order to read the words. The idea behind it is that eventually students will recognize these strategies without having to actually write the diacritical marks and are able to do it by sight. It's fact fluency for the reader.
I attempt to begin every class lesson with a "hook" that will help my students get excited about what they're going to learn. The Text Connections Hook is a strategy I use to support my students to make text connections while they are reading. The gestures I model in this strategy help my students remember the meaning behind each type of text connection and get excited about making these connections.
My school's Blended Learning Coordinator was hired to provide blended learning support. He is provided with our schedules so that he can monitor usage and provide support if needed. While this does not mean that he is present in the classroom daily throughout the use of BL, he does try to walk around and address immediate concerns that students may need addressed. If immediate action is required a quick text can be sent to him and he'll make his way towards the classroom as well.
Wonder Word is a quick review game where I take phonics strategies that have been previously taught and integrate them into a game of hot potato. Basically, words are passed around in a circle and when the chant is over, students have to be able to read the word. There are no real consequences if a student is unable to read it, and can ask a friend to help. The idea is that students can quickly recall and demonstrate what they know.