Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ® | Science of Reading for Teachers
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy is a science of reading podcast for teachers who want to understand how reading really works and what that means for classroom instruction. Each month, they explore topics in reading instruction by talking with researchers, authors, and classroom teachers. They learn alongside listeners and ask the same questions educators everywhere are asking. Episodes explore topics including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, spelling, reading intervention, and other key areas of structured literacy instruction.
Episodes
Word Chaining for Building Phonemic Awareness with Anjanette McNeely
Episode 254In this episode, we sit down with kindergarten teacher Anjanette McNeely to take a close look at one powerful instructional routine: word chaining.Anjanette walks us through exactly what word chaining looks like in her classroom, from the materials she uses to the language she says, and explains why this routine is such an effective way to build both phonemic awareness and phonics at th
[Listen Again] What Research Says About Phonemic Awareness Instruction with Matt Burns
We’re revisiting this episode with Matt Burns because it offers one of the clearest explanations of phonemic awareness and how it fits into reading instruction.In this conversation, Matt helps unpack what the research actually says and what that means for what we prioritize in the classroom. He explains why phonemic awareness is not a standalone precursor to reading, but develops alongside it, and
Research-Based Shifts to Strengthen Phonemic Awareness with Marianne Rice
Episode 253In this episode, we talk with Marianne Rice about key findings from a Tennessee report examining how well early literacy materials align with research on phonemic awareness and early reading instruction. Marianne walks us through five essential practices that can help teachers make the most of their instructional time: focusing on phoneme-level workusing articulatory gesturesconnecting
Supporting Readers as Texts Get More Complex with Luke Morin
Episode 252What actually happens when students encounter a complex text?In this episode, we’re joined by Luke Morin to discuss his article "Wading Into the Deep End: What Reading Actually Requires When the Text Gets Hard." Luke shares a powerful classroom moment where students applied reading strategies before tackling a tough text and still couldn’t make sense of a single sentence. That
[Listen Again] Why Knowledge Matters for Comprehension with Daniel Willingham & Barbara Davidson
Episode 139As we continue our focus on comprehension this month, we’re revisiting one of our most essential conversations.In this episode, we explore a foundational truth about reading: comprehension depends on knowledge.We’re joined by cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham, who explains why background knowledge is one of the strongest drivers of reading comprehension and why strategies alone can’
To Read Stuff, You Have to Know Stuff with Kelly Gallagher
Episode 251One of the most consistent findings in reading research is this: how much you know determines how far you can go as a reader.In this episode, we’re joined by Kelly Gallagher, author of To Read Stuff, You Have to Know Stuff, to explore why knowledge is central to comprehension and what that means for classroom instruction.Kelly helps us rethink the long-standing emphasis on isolated read
Vocabulary Strategies to Boost Word Learning with Melissa Cheesman Smith, Savannah Campbell, & Tim Rasinski
Episode 251In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman, and Savannah Campbell, authors of The Megabook of Vocabulary, to talk about practical, classroom-ready strategies that actually work. We dig into the biggest misconceptions about vocabulary instruction, where vocabulary words should come from, how many exposures a word truly needs, and how to move words from simple recogni
[Listen Again] Ten Vocabulary Moves Backed by Research with Blythe Anderson
What does the research really say about effective vocabulary instruction—and how can we translate it into daily classroom practice?In this episode, we’re joined by literacy expert Blythe Anderson to unpack vocabulary moves grounded in research that make a measurable difference for students. From intentional word selection to meaningful student talk, Blythe shares practical, classroom-ready strateg
The Research on Vocabulary Instruction with Margaret McKeown
Episode 250In this episode, we’re joined by Margaret McKeown, a leading researcher in vocabulary and language development, to explore what effective vocabulary instruction really looks like in practice.Margaret helps us unpack common misconceptions about vocabulary teaching, including the pressure to ensure students “master” every word and the belief that vocabulary instruction must always be form
Small-Group Interventions That Actually Work with Kerry Cusick & Erin Sharon
Episode 248There’s a saying we hear often in literacy work: you don’t want to try to intervene your way out of a Tier 1 problem. Real change happens when classroom instruction and small-group support are aligned.In this episode, we’re joined by Kerry Cusick and Erin Sharon, two reading interventionists, who share how aligning Tier 1 instruction with the small-group work they lead every day transfo
[Listen Again] Maximizing Small-Group Reading Instruction
Episode 143 This conversation remains one of our most downloaded episodes and for good reason.As we focus this month on small-group instruction, we’re revisiting this important discussion with a team of authors who published the article Maximizing Small-Group Reading Instruction.In this episode, we explore: • Why small-group reading instruction has been so widely adopted • What the research actual
Small Groups, Big Results with Julia Lindsey
Episode 247Small-group instruction can feel powerful and overwhelming at the same time. Questions about grouping, time, routines, and impact come up constantly.In this episode, we’re joined by Julia Lindsey, author of Small Groups, Big Results, to talk about what actually makes small-group instruction work. Julia helps break down small groups into manageable, intentional practices that don’t requi
Top Fluency Strategies Teachers Love from K–8 Classrooms
Episode 246Fluency looks different across grade levels, but it always matters.In this special mashup episode, Melissa and Lori bring together voices from seven classroom teachers, spanning first grade through eighth grade, to show how fluency comes to life in real classrooms. Each teacher shares a best practice they use to support accuracy, automaticity, and expression, always grounded in meaningf
Read Like Us: Building Fluency Through Repeated Reading & Challenging Texts with Jake Downs & Chase Young
Episode 245In this episode, Melissa and Lori are joined by researchers Jake Downs and Chase Young to discuss Read Like Us, a research-backed fluency routine designed to help students reread challenging texts with purpose. Jake and Chase share the findings from their recent study, explain how the routine works in real classrooms, and explore why fluency grows when students have multiple supported o
Rock Your Literacy Block with Lindsay Kemeny
Episode 244 Lindsay Kemeny shares her insights on effectively managing a literacy block in a primary classroom. She discusses her daily schedule, emphasizing the importance of routines in phonics instruction, close reading strategies, and writing lessons. Lindsay also highlights the importance of small group instruction for differentiation and explains how to manage center work for students! She e
Building Your Scientifically-Based ELA Block with Jamey Peavler
Episode 243Jamey Peavler discusses the importance of recognizing the varied learning needs of students in all grades! She emphasizes the distinction between comprehension and word recognition skills, advocating for differentiated instruction to better support each student's unique learning journey.Key TakeawaysWord recognition and comprehension can develop at different rates.Differentiated in
How Learning Happens: Principles Every Teacher Should Know with Carl Hendrick
Episode 242In this episode, Carl Hendrick emphasizes the critical role of timely feedback in the educational process, highlighting how immediate responses to misconceptions can significantly enhance student learning. He discusses the challenges teachers face in providing effective feedback and the importance of checking for understanding, interleaving, and retrieval practice to ensure that student
Making Sentences Make Sense with Nancy Hennessy and Julia Salamone
Episode 241Nancy Hennessy and Julia Salamone discuss the often-overlooked topic of syntax and its critical role in reading comprehension. With Melissa & Lori, they discuss the architecture of sentences, the importance of understanding parts of speech, and the interconnectedness of syntax and meaning. The conversation highlights effective teaching strategies, the challenges posed by complex sen
Placing Text at the Center of the Primary Classroom with Meghan Hein
Episode 240Primary teacher Meghan Hein shares how she keeps the text front and center of learning. She discusses the shift from a skills-based focus to an approach where meaning-making drives instruction. The conversation highlights practical strategies for teachers to build knowledge through texts and create a more authentic learning experience. Meghan's insights reflect a commitment to cont
[Listen Again] Placing Text at the Center of the ELA Classroom (Updated)
Episode 37 The article Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom is a must-read — before or after you listen to this episode!Meredith Liben and Sue Pimentel join us to unpack the true intentions behind the Common Core State Standards and how they’ve sometimes been misinterpreted in practice. They share what they’ve observed in classrooms and schools — both when high-quality
Helping Students Read Entire Books with Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, and Erica Woolway
Episode 239 Experts Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, and Erica Woolway join Melissa & Lori to tackle one of the biggest questions in teaching today: What happened to reading whole books in school? From the pull of digital distractions to the rise of skill-focused instruction, they explore why diving into full texts matters more than ever. You’ll hear inspiring ideas for making books come alive in t
Why Morphology Matters for Word Reading and More with Melissa Orkin and Alex Osburn
Episode 238 What if the “secret sauce” to reading big words isn’t just syllables, but also morphemes? In this episode, Melissa Orkin and Alex Osburn share why morphology is essential, especially in grades 3–6, and how it bridges word reading, vocabulary, and comprehension.They dig into practical strategies for teaching morphology, from explicit routines to vocabulary activities like the Frayer mod
Research-Based Routines for Multisyllabic Word Reading with Jessica Toste and Brennan Chandler
Episode 237 Teachers know the challenge: students hit multisyllabic words and suddenly reading slows down. In this episode, researchers Jessica Toste and Brennan Chandler share research-based routines that make multisyllabic word reading easier, more automatic, and more effective. You’ll hear practical strategies rooted in the research to help your students tackle big words!📚 Resources MentionedWo
Reading Interventions for Upper Elementary with Catlin Goodrow
Episode 236Catlin Goodrow discusses her role as a literacy coach and interventionist for older students, focusing on assessing student needs, implementing effective interventions, and the logistics of providing support in the classroom. She shares insights on decoding challenges, comprehension strategies, and the importance of engaging students with appropriate texts. She also emphasizes the signi
How to Make Every Intervention More Effective with Matt Burns
Episode 235Matt Burns discusses effective interventions for students struggling with learning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the learning hierarchy, identifying where breakdowns occur, and matching interventions to individual student needs. The conversation highlights the significance of modeling in teaching, shares a success story of a kindergartner's progress, and explores t
Making Sense of Reading Assessments with Michelle Hosp
Episode 234 Michelle Hosp joins us to break down the different types of literacy assessments within an MTSS framework in the most approachable way.We talk:universal screenersdiagnosticsprogress monitoringformative assessmentsMost importantly, we talk about when and why to use each one. Michelle helps us shift the question from “Which test should I give?” to “What do I need to know to help my stude
Kindergarten Intervention That Gets Results
Episode 233 In this episode, we sit down with speech-language pathologist Linsey Jones, who’s leading groundbreaking work in her district by delivering smart, targeted, and manageable literacy interventions to kindergarten students.Linsey shares how her background in speech-language pathology led her to create a data-driven, highly responsive tier 2 intervention program. She walks us through how s
MTSS for Reading Improvement with Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown
Episode 232We know MTSS can feel like one more acronym and maybe one more thing on your plate. But what if it was the thing that helped everything else run more smoothly instead?In this episode, we chat with Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown, authors of MTSS for Reading Improvement, who help us rethink what strong systems of support actually look like. Together, we explore how to move beyond one-o
Scaffolding Challenging Texts for All Readers with Christina Cover
Episode 231Working with students who struggle to make sense of complex texts? You’re not alone! Christina Cover, a high school special educator, interventionist, English teacher, and literacy coordinator, is here to help! In this episode, Christina shares real-world, research-based strategies she uses to help her students break down and make sense of challenging texts. From her go-to routine Getti
The Power of Text Sets with Freddy Hiebert
Bonus EpisodeIn this episode, Melissa and Lori sit down with Freddy Hiebert, founder of Text Project, to dive deep into the critical role texts play in reading instruction. They explore how the types of texts provided to students not only shape their reading practice but also influence their self-perception as readers.Freddy shares her expertise on understanding text features and the vital role of
What the Research Says about Difficult Texts with Kristin Conradi Smith, John Strong, & Steve Amendum
Episode 230In this episode, we discuss this article and the vital role of difficult texts with three experts: Kristin Conradi-Smith, John Strong, and Steve Amendum. They explore how thoughtful scaffolding and motivation help students confidently tackle challenging materials, clarifying the difference between text complexity and text difficulty. Listeners will hear practical strategies for assessin
Making Words Stick with Molly Ness and Katie Pace Miles
Episode 229In this episode, Katie Pace Miles and Molly Ness define and explain orthographic mapping as a crucial cognitive process for reading fluency and comprehension. They discuss the importance of mapping words in long-term memory, the difference between memorization and mapping, and the trifecta of phonology, orthography, and meaning that supports effective word learning. They share a four-st
Helping Students Read Multisyllabic Words with Devin Kearns
Episode 228 If you’ve ever wondered how to help your students decode longer words, this episode is for you! We’re joined by literacy researcher and professor Devin Kearns to talk all about teaching multisyllabic words.Many phonics programs focus on single-syllable words, but what happens when students hit big words and get stuck? Devin unpacks the research behind why that happens and what we can d
Revisiting Fluency Instruction and Assessment with Jan Hasbrouck
Episode 227In this episode, Jan Hasbrouck discusses the critical components of reading fluency, focusing on automaticity and its measurement through words correct per minute (WCPM). The discussion highlights the relationship between fluency and comprehension, the role of oral reading fluency in assessing student progress, and the importance of frequent assessments in the classroom. Jan also reflec
[Listen Again] Building Fluency with POSSUM with Maryanne Wolf and Melissa Orkin
Episode 211 from December 6, 2024Fluency is a crucial aspect of reading. It involves automaticity and the ability to connect different aspects of word knowledge.In this episode, Maryanne Wolf and Melissa Orkin discuss:the importance of fluency in readingthe factors that contribute to fluent readingthe need for an integrative approach to fluency instruction the POSSUM approach to building word know
First Steps to Fluency: How Young Learners Become Independent Readers with Virginia Quinn Mooney
Episode 226In this episode, Virginia discusses the importance of fluency in K-2 grades, emphasizing its role in reading comprehension. She shares strategies for teaching fluency, including within partner reading, read-alouds, and shared reading. Virginia highlights the significance of modeling fluent reading and incorporating songs and poems to enhance prosody. This conversation provides valuable
A Classroom Fluency Protocol That Works with Aaron Grossman
Episode 225How do we turn fluency instruction into something engaging, meaningful, and effective? Fourth-grade teacher Aaron Grossman has the answer.In this episode, Aaron shares his fluency protocol, inspired by Chase Young’s work, that helps students develop prosody, comprehension, and confidence through Reader’s Theater. He walks us through his structured 5-day cycle, from introducing scripts t
[Listen Again] Readers' Theater: Easy, Effective, & FUN! with Chase Young
Episode 209 from November 8, 2024Chase Young discusses the implementation of Reader's Theater in the classroom, providing a detailed framework for the process. He emphasizes the importance of structured practice, fluency, and expression, as well as the benefits of engaging students in dramatic reading. Reader's Theater can be implemented in ELA and other subject areas with grade-level te
Exploring the Research Behind Paired Oral Reading with Jake Downs
Episode 224 Helping students become fluent, confident readers isn’t always easy—especially when they’re still sounding out words and struggling with comprehension. That’s why Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques (SPORT) is a game-changer.In this episode, we’re joined by Jake Downs, assistant professor at Utah State University and host of the Teaching Literacy podcast, to break down: ✅ What S
[LISTEN AGAIN] Language Variations and Teaching Reading with Julie Washington
Episode 151 (from June 23, 2023) How Language Variations Shape LiteracyLanguage and reading go hand in hand—but how can we leverage students’ linguistic strengths to support literacy?In this episode, Julie Washington, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, who specializes in the intersection of language and literacy, breaks down the power of language variations, like African American
Effective Reading Instruction for Multilingual Learners (And Why It Works for Everyone)
Episode 223 Antonio Fierro and Gabi Bell Jimenez break down the essentials of teaching English learners—covering the simple view of reading, oracy, and literacy instruction. English learners thrive when we amplify language, not simplify it. They explore how to build language like Legos—piece by piece—so students can truly master it. Key Takeaways: ✅ Embed language development into reading instruct
Classroom-Tested Literacy Routines for Every Student (Especially Multilingual Learners!)
Episode 222In this episode, teacher coach Margarita shares effective strategies for leveraging students' native languages to enhance their learning in the classroom. She discusses the importance of making cross-linguistic connections, structured routines like QSSSA for speaking, and vocabulary strategies that include cognates. She also explains writing techniques such as the APE method and re
[LIVE] Literacy & Justice for All
Episode 221This live podcast recording was part of the opening reception for the 2025 Literacy & Justice for All symposium in Oakland, CA on March 7 and 8. It is crucial to ensure every student becomes a proficient reader. In this live podcast, we’re diving into the amazing strides Oakland Unified School District is making with its bold literacy vision, the challenges they’re overcoming, and t
[Listen Again] Vocabulary Instruction with Sean Morrisey
Episode 156 Fifth-grade teacher Sean Morrisey joins us to discuss all things vocabulary! We discuss Tier 2 and 3 words and discuss how you can strategically select words to teach using research-based approaches. We also share the importance of continuously using words in daily language and ways to use data to measure improvement. Finally, we bridge the connection between vocabulary and fluency, d
Teacher-Tested Vocabulary Strategies
Episode 220In this podcast episode, you'll hear from:Kirsten Taylor, a first-grade teacher turned literacy coach in Washington, D.C., andKory Jensen, a fourth-grade teacher in Aurora, Colorado.Kirsten shares a powerful explicit vocabulary routine she uses with her students. She explains how to engage students in learning new words, assess their understanding, and extend vocabulary lessons bey
[Listen Again] Language for Life with Lyn Stone
Episode 155 (from July 21, 2023)Curious about how words shape learning? Join us as we chat with linguist and author Lyn Stone about vocabulary, etymology, and their impact on literacy.Lyn shares practical strategies for teaching morphology and etymology, the importance of teacher knowledge, and great resources to build students' word awareness. We also dig into grammar and syntax—how they ref
Ten Vocabulary Moves Backed by Research with Blythe Anderson
Episode 219Blythe Anderson, Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at the University at Buffalo, discusses the importance of vocabulary instruction, specifically through the use of vocabulary talk moves. These "talk moves" are designed to promote word learning and help teachers effectively teach new vocabulary. Blythe covers various types of vocabulary moves, their research backing, a
[Listen Again] Strengthening Language Comprehension in Young Learners with Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell
Episode 203 (from August 16, 2024)Our guests today, authors Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell, discuss the concept of Strive-For-Five Conversations, which emphasizes the importance of multi-turn conversations between teachers and students. They explain that the goal is to stretch conversations beyond the typical question-response format and aim for at least five turns. The conversation explores the i
Building Better Academic Talk Routines in K-8 Classrooms
Episode 218 is chock-full of super practical ways to implement academic talk in your classroom tomorrow! Elementary science teacher Jami Witherell shares her insights on fostering academic discourse in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of giving students time to think before they speak. She discusses practical strategies for engaging students in conversation, including the 'read a lit
[Listen Again] The Relationship Between Phonics and Language Comprehension with Tiffany Hogan
Episode 167: Researcher Tiffany Hogan explores the relationship between phonics and language comprehension in this episode. She shares practical ways to make these connections in the classrooms - including read-alouds, discourse, and writing. Resources Mentioned in this Episode On the Importance of Listening Comprehension If you don't look, you don't see: Measuring language development
Research-Backed Strategies for Academic Talk with Jeff Zwiers
Episode 217Have you ever wondered how to get your students talking in a way that builds deeper understanding? In this episode, we chat with Jeff Zwiers, author of Academic Conversations and Next Steps with Academic Conversations, about the power of authentic discussions in the classroom.Here’s what you’ll learn:3 Key Features of Authentic Conversations: Building on ideas, clarifying and supporting
Research-Backed Writing Strategies from a 5th Grade Classroom
Struggling to make writing click for your students? In this episode, 5th-grade teacher Elise Frank shares practical strategies to tackle the challenges of teaching writing, inspired by "A Path to Better Writing" by Steve Graham and Karen Harris.Key takeaways:Simplify the hidden processes of writing for your students.Boost ownership and feedback.Integrate writing across all subjects.Packe
A Path to Better Writing with Steve Graham
Steve Graham discusses the significance of writing in education, the challenges teachers face in teaching writing, and effective strategies to enhance students' writing skills. In this episode, you'll hear about: the interconnectedness of writing and readingthe importance of feedbackthe role of handwriting and typing in writing fluency the necessity of integrating writing instruction int
[Listen Again] The Writing Revolution with Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler
From July 22, 2022The Writing Revolution authors, Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler, share a 'revolutionary' approach to writing. The best part: It begins at the sentence level AND content knowledge drives the rigor. Moreover, there is an overlap in reading, writing, and critical thinking. What are the principles of The Writing Revolution? There are six: Students need explicit instruct
Ep. 214 Aligning Early Writing Routines to Research
What if young students could transform writing from a daunting task into an exciting journey of self-expression? In this episode, Laura Stam, a second-grade teacher from Wyoming, discusses her transformative journey in writing instruction. Struggling initially with an unstructured writing curriculum, Laura discovered innovative methods to support her students. You will hear how Laura has incorpora
Ep. 213: Evidence-Based Writing Instruction for Young Learners with Karen Harris & Young Suk Grace Kim
This episode highlights the close connection between reading and writing and the importance of teaching them together. Young-Suk Kim uses a structural house analogy to explain their interdependence. Karen Harris introduces the SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) model, focusing on evidence-based practices that build self-regulation and explicit instruction for writing. We discuss the resear
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy Trailer
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy™ is a podcast for teachers. The hosts are your classroom-next-door teacher friends turned podcasters learning with you. Episodes feature top literacy experts and teachers who are putting the science of reading into practice. Melissa & Lori bridge the gap between the latest research and your day-to-day teaching. Looking for more literacy support and resources? E
Top Episode of 2024: 193: Systems to Get Better Reading Results with Stephanie Stollar
From 5/10/24In this conversation, Stephanie Stollar discusses the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). MTSS is a framework for school improvement that helps to provide support for students with various needs. The MTSS framework focuses on using data to identify barriers to student performance and making plans to eliminate those barriers. Stollar explains that word recognition
Ep. 212: Beyond the Science of Reading with Natalie Wexler
Phonics alone won’t solve the literacy crisis.Natalie Wexler's new book: Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning advocates, which connects the science of reading to the broader science of learning.Key Points:The current reading crisis is fundamentally a learning crisis.Cognitive science principles, such as retrieval practice, should apply to a
[Listen Again] Ep. 62: Effective Fluency Instruction with Tim Rasinski
From June 22, 2021In this episode, reading and fluency expert Tim Rasinski tells us all about effective fluency instruction! How does repeated reading build fluency instruction? Why does text difficulty level impact fluency practice? What do effective accuracy, automaticity, and expression sound like?Check out research, articles, and helpful materials located on Tim's website and follow Tim o
Ep. 211: Building Fluency with POSSUM with Melissa Orkin and Maryanne Wolf
Fluency is a crucial aspect of reading. It involves automaticity and the ability to connect different aspects of word knowledge.In this episode, Maryanne Wolf and Melissa Orkin discuss:the importance of fluency in readingthe factors that contribute to fluent readingthe need for an integrative approach to fluency instruction the POSSUM approach to building word knowledgeBig Takeaway: Fluency is ess
[Listen Again] Ep. 150: Science of Reading for ALL Students: Intervention for Secondary Students
Secondary educators have students in their classrooms who weren’t taught to read. Because of these reading deficits, students likely have a difficult time accessing secondary texts and tasks. Our guests today, Supt. Sherry Sousa and Educator Julie Brown, discuss a secondary intervention they developed that WORKS and is totally doable. The best part? Students partake in the intervention in additio
Ep. 210: How Can You Improve Fluency for Older Students? with Janee' Butler
Fluency is complex, especially for older students. In this episode, Janee' Butler shares:how fluency instruction looks from early grades to secondaryabout challenges students and teachers face, practical strategies for improving fluency,a reminder not to forget about student motivation, especially for older students struggling with reading fluently. The Big Takeway: Reading fluency is essenti
[Listen Again] Ep. 110: Baltimore Secondary Literacy Teachers Talk Fluency
From June 3, 2022 Today middle school educators from Baltimore City Public Schools join us to discuss their focus on fluency through Continuous Improvement work with fluency using HQC. What is Continuous Improvement? Why is this a useful framework? “Possibly wrong, definitely incomplete” is a mantra that resonates. The educators share their approach, impact, and outcomes for students. Secondary t
Ep. 209: Readers' Theater: Easy, Effective, & FUN! with Chase Young
Chase Young discusses the implementation of Reader's Theater in the classroom, providing a detailed framework for the process. He emphasizes the importance of structured practice, fluency, and expression, as well as the benefits of engaging students in dramatic reading. Reader's Theater can be implemented in ELA and other subject areas with grade-level texts. Reader's Theatre improv
BONUS: Harnessing the Science of Learning with Nathaniel Swain
The science of learning is what research says about how our brains learn. In this episode, Nathaniel Swain discusses the science of learning, emphasizing its connection with the science of reading. He shares: key mindset shifts for teachersthe significance of coherent curriculum planningpractical strategies like using mini whiteboards and advanced organizers to enhance student engagement and unde
[Listen Again] Ep. 154: Science of Reading Beyond Phonics Series: Fluency Instructional Routines with Nathaniel Swain
From July 14, 2023What if you could unlock the secrets to fluency instruction in literacy, and transform your students into confident and skilled readers? Join us as we delve into this crucial topic with Nathaniel Swain, Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University in Australia, who shares his expertise on the three components of fluency: speed, accuracy, and prosody. Let's explore together how bal
Ep. 208: No More “Strategy of the Week”: Connecting Comprehension Instruction Back to the Book
The authors of No More “Strategy of the Week”: Considerations for Connecting Comprehension Instruction Back to the Book discuss the importance of teaching comprehension strategies in a text-centered approach. They emphasize the need to move away from isolated strategy instruction and instead focus on using texts as the center of instruction. They highlight the importance of background knowledge, v
[Listen Again] Ep. 158: Science of Reading Beyond Phonics: The Ultimate Goal of Reading with Doug Fisher
Imagine transforming the way you teach reading. Picture your students not just passively consuming the written word, but actively producing meaning and taking purposeful actions inspired by what they've read. This is the promise of our conversation with Doug Fisher, professor at San Diego State University and renowned author, as he takes us on a journey into the depths of reading comprehensio
Ep. 207: Undiagnosed: The Ugly Side of Dyslexia with Ameer Baraka
Imagine facing not only the struggles of growing up in a challenging environment, but also battling a learning difference that went undiagnosed for years. Hear the inspiring story of Ameer Baraka as he discusses his book: Undiagnosed: The Ugly Side of Dyslexia.Ameer will discuss: How he grew up in New Orleans, facing unimaginable obstacles His experiences with being misunderstood and how it impac
[Listen Again] Ep. 128: Dear Balanced Literacy Teacher with Missy Purcell
From October 7, 2022In this episode, we talk with former balanced literacy teacher and parent, Missy Purcell. She authored a blog post titled Dear Balanced Literacy Teacher.Missy writes, “According to Nancy Young’s ladder of reading, roughly 10-15% of kids can figure out reading out with this type of instruction, but my child, who would later be diagnosed with dyslexia, would never be able to beco
Ep. 206: Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing with Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck
In this conversation we explore Nancy Young's infographic, "The Ladder of Reading and Writing," unpacking the complexity of learning to read and write in English. This framework helps educators grasp the diverse factors influencing how students learn. Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck, editors of the new book Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing: Meeting the Needs of All Learner
[Listen Again]: Ep. 153: Fluency Instruction and Assessment with Jan Hasbrouck
Jul 7, 2023Today we talk about fluency and assessment with Jan Hasbrouck. She shares tips and tricks for how to to best assess and teach fluency. She also debunks frequent fluency misunderstandings and explains the scientific evidence that underlies the Hasbrouck-Tindal Oral Reading Fluency Chart. Note: During the podcast, we mentioned we would link Jan’s previous studies on ORF. But… we want to
Ep. 205: The Reading Comprehension Blueprint Activity Book with Nancy Hennessy and Julia Salamone
Nancy Hennessy and Julia Salamone discuss the importance of vocabulary and syntax in reading comprehension. They explain how vocabulary connects to reading comprehension and the different levels of word knowledge. They also emphasize the need for explicit instruction in vocabulary and the role of context in understanding word meaning. They also discuss the connection between semantics and syntax a
[Listen Again]: Ep. 157: Science of Reading Beyond Phonics: Reading Comprehension Blueprint with Nancy Hennessy
From Aug 4, 2023What if the key to unlocking your students' reading comprehension could be found through a deeper understanding of the intricate processes at work in their minds? Prepare to have your teaching world transformed as we journey with reading comprehension expert and acclaimed author, Nancy Hennessy. Together, we’ll map out the cognitive and linguistic processes that underpin compr
Ep. 204: 7 Mighty Moves with Lindsay Kemeny
Lindsay Kemeny discusses her book 7 Mighty Moves and the importance of teaching literacy effectively. The conversation covers the development of the 7 moves, which focus on phonemic awareness, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Lindsay emphasizes the need for explicit and systematic instruction, the use of decodable texts, and the importance of teaching sight words with phon
[Listen Again] Ep 98: Improving Student Reading Growth in Months with Fluency Instruction and Practice
From Mar 18, 2022How can regular fluency practice lead to fluent readers? In today’s episode, educators Lorraine Griffith and Lindsay Kemeny discuss the impact of fluency in their classrooms. Fluency is a bridge: It connects word recognition with comprehension. We dive into whole and small group fluency instruction with simple strategies and more. Looking for more literacy support and resources? E
Ep. 203: Strengthening Language Comprehension in Young Learners with Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell
Our guests today, authors Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell, discuss the concept of Strive-For-Five Conversations, which emphasizes the importance of multi-turn conversations between teachers and students. They explain that the goal is to stretch conversations beyond the typical question-response format and aim for at least five turns. The conversation explores the importance of building relationshi
[Listen Again] Ep. 116: Sonia Cabell on the Importance of Content-Rich ELA Instruction
From Jul 15, 2022Dr. Sonia Cabell, Associate Professor at Florida State University, shares the importance of both oral language and content knowledge instruction. Why? Oral language skills underlie our ability to comprehend text. At the same time, the knowledge we bring to a text is THE key determinant on how much we understand that text. This episode speaks to the entirety of the reading rope! Lo
Ep. 202: Big Words for Young Readers with Heidi Anne Mesmer
Heidi Anne Mesmer discusses her book Big Words for Young Readers. She emphasizes the importance of teaching young readers to decode and understand words with multiple syllables and morphemes. Heidi Anne highlights the need to teach morphemic concepts early on and provides recommendations for teaching different types of morphemes at each grade level. She explains that morphology, the study of word
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