Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

87. Spelling Matters: What the Research Says About Teaching Spelling with Brennan Chandler, PhD

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Dr. Brennan Chandler, assistant professor at Georgia State University and researcher specializing in spelling, reading intervention, and literacy development — particularly for students with persistent reading difficulties unpacks what the research sayings about spelling instruction.

He shares insights from his large-scale meta-analysis examining decades of spelling intervention research and explains why spelling has the capacity to be far more than a writing skill; it can be a lexical lever that strengthens both reading and writing.

Key Takeaways:

Why spelling is essential for building strong word representations
Common misconceptions (including the infamous “Friday spelling test”)
What current research says actually works in spelling instruction
The impact of technology (spellcheck, AI, predictive text) on literacy development
Practical ways teachers can embed effective spelling instruction into their day

Dr. Chandler also shares actionable guidance for educators, including how just 10–15 minutes of intentional spelling instruction daily can make a meaningful difference.

Resources:

A Meta-Analytic Review of Spelling Interventions for Students With or At-Risk for Learning Disabilities - Chandler, B. W., Toste J. R., Novelli, C., Rodgers, D., Hardeman, E. (2025)
Article: Why your kid can't rely on tech tools to spell
Spelling Mastery (Direct Instruction program)

Connect with Brennan Chandler, PhD:

Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.

Instagram: @_readingcom
YouTube: ReadingCom
Facebook: Reading.com
Pinterest: Reading_com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

86. Multisyllabic Spelling Made Simpler: 3 Strategies for Spelling Longer Words

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Spelling longer words can feel overwhelming for students - even for those who can read them with ease. In this episode, I unpack why multisyllabic spelling is such a leap and, more importantly, what we can do to support students through it.

Rather than relying on memorization alone, this episode explores how spelling is deeply connected to the structure of our language. You’ll walk away with three practical strategies that help students approach longer words with confidence.

From breaking words into syllables, to leveraging morphology and word relatives, to using a “spelling voice,” this episode offers a toolkit teachers can immediately bring into their instruction.

Key Takeaways:

Spelling multisyllabic words requires more than phonology; students need access to structure and meaning as well.
Syllabication helps reduce cognitive load by chunking words into manageable parts.
Every syllable has at least one vowel (ESHALOV): a helpful anchor for spelling longer words.
Morphology provides stability; morphemes maintain consistent spellings even when pronunciation shifts.
Word relatives can unlock tricky spellings (i.e. preside → president).
A spelling voice can support memory by making less obvious spellings more transparent.
Strong spellers use metacognition; they choose strategies flexibly depending on the word.
English spelling is not random: it reflects the interaction of phonology, morphology, and etymology.

Resources Mentioned:

Building BRIDGES: A Design Experiment to Improve Reading and United States History Knowledge of Poor Readers in Eighth Grade - O’Connor, Beach, Sanchez, Bocian, & Flynn - ESHALOV principle (Every Syllable Has At Least One Vowel)
Helping Students With Dyslexia Read Long Words by Devin Kearns & Victoria Whaley
Logos Literacy Academy
Course: Mastering Morphology
Course & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Morphology Membership (Coaching Calls & Resources)
Book: Seven Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny (Spelling Voice Strategy mentioned)
Multisyllabic Words Skill Explainer from Reading Universe

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.

Instagram: @_readingcom
YouTube: ReadingCom
Facebook: Reading.com
Pinterest: Reading_com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

85. How to Use Decodable Books (and When to Move Beyond Them) with Elise Lovejoy, Express Readers

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Elise Lovejoy tackles one of the most important topics in early literacy instruction: how to use decodable books effectively – and how to thoughtfully bridge students from controlled text into authentic reading.

Elise explains why decodable texts are such a critical tool for early reading development. She also, though, emphasizes an important truth: decodables are not the entire literacy experience; they are one piece of a larger instructional puzzle.

In this episode, you’ll hear Elise discuss practical ways teachers can maximize decodable books for phonics practice, build comprehension within decodable texts, and scaffold students toward more complex and authentic reading experiences.

You’ll also gather actionable routines teachers can use during small-group instruction, how to help students develop flexibility when encountering unfamiliar spellings, and the signals that students may be ready to move beyond tightly controlled text.

Key Takeaways:

Why decodable texts are essential for practicing newly taught phonics skills
The difference between using decodables intentionally vs. using them like leveled readers
Why comprehension should still be addressed within decodable texts
Practical small-group routines for using decodable books effectively
How to help students develop flexibility with spelling and pronunciation
Signs that students are ready to move beyond tightly controlled text
Why teachers should use decodable texts and authentic texts side-by-side

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Elise Lovejoy of Express Readers:

Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.

Instagram: @_readingcom
YouTube: ReadingCom
Facebook: Reading.com
Pinterest: Reading_com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

84. Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn, co-authors of Reading Assessment Done Right unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in literacy instruction: assessment. Rather than viewing assessment as something teachers must check off their to-do list, they explain how high-quality reading assessments can empower educators and transform instruction. When assessment data is used thoughtfully and linked directly to instruction, it becomes a powerful tool for identifying student needs, targeting support, and ultimately changing reading outcomes.

This episode is a must-listen for teachers, literacy coaches, interventionists, and school leaders who want to better understand how to use assessment data to drive meaningful instructional change.

Key Takeaways:

How assessment data can transform classroom decision-making
Common mistakes schools make when using assessment data
Why schools must sometimes de-implement ineffective assessments
The four key types of reading assessment and how they work together: Universal Screening, Diagnostic Assessments, Progress Monitoring, Outcome Assessments
How teachers can interpret assessment data and trends over time

Resources:

Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn
Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)
FREE Resource: The Reading MTSS Reflection Guide
Previous Podcast Episode with Dr. Stollar: Episode 28. Clearing up Misconceptions around MTSS
Previous Podcast Episode with Dr. Stollar: Episode 80. MTSS for Reading Improvement

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Stollar:

Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/
Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademy
Facebook: Stephanie Stollar Consulting
LinkedIn: Stephanie Stollar
Join Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy Membership
The MTSS Collective

Connect with Kate Winn:

Podcast: Reading Road Trip from IDA Ontario
Website: http://thismomloves.ca/
Instagram: @katethismomloves

Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.

Instagram: @_readingcom
YouTube: ReadingCom
Facebook: Reading.com
Pinterest: Reading_com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

83. How to Make Read-Alouds More Powerful: Joyful Learning in Action with Yvette Manns, Phonics Read-Alouds

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this conversation, Michelle is joined by literacy advocate and author Yvette Manns to explore the power of read-alouds: both for instruction and for joy.

Key Takeaways:

The difference between reading for pleasure and instructional read-alouds
How read-alouds build oral language, vocabulary, and connection
Practical instructional moves to make read-alouds more impactful
The TAPES Method (Tell, Act, Point, Explain, Show) for vocabulary instruction
The origin story of the Phonics Read Alouds series
Information on how to celebrate National Schwa Day on April 7th!
The launch of a brand-new Morphology Read-Aloud series

This episode is both inspiring and deeply practical, full of classroom-ready ideas.

Phonics Read-Alouds

Created by Yvette Manns, the Phonics Read Alouds series blends explicit phonics instruction with rich storytelling. Characters like Bossy R, Magic E, and the Schwa bring abstract phonics concepts to life.

Website: www.phonicsreadalouds.com
Instagram: @phonicsreadalouds

National Schwa Day

Founded by Yvette Manns, National Schwa Day is celebrated annually on April 7th.

Why April 7th? Listen to the episode to hear the reasoning behind it!

What you’ll find in the free Educator Guide:

Classroom activities
Schwa parade word cards
Digital blending board activities (sponsored by Blend)
Celebration ideas

Download the FREE Educator guide: www.nationalschwaday.org

Exciting News: Morphology Read-Aloud Series

Michelle and Yvette announce the launch of a brand-new Morphology Read Aloud collection — beginning with:

The Always-Finished Suffix -ED

This story brings the three sounds of -ed to life through time travel, character development, and embedded word study.

🎉 Use code COLORFUL1 for 15% off (valid through 4/26/26)!

Additional Books Mentioned:

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Yvette Manns:

Website: https://www.yvettemanns.com/
Instagram: @phonicsreadalouds & @the_lit_teacher
Facebook: Phonics Read-Aloud
TikTok :@PhonicsReadAlouds
Email: info@phonicsreadalouds.com

Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.

Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

Express Readers

Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

82. Inside an Upper-Elementary Reading Intervention Toolkit with Sara Marye, Stellar Teacher Company

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Sara Marye, founder of The Stellar Teacher Company, joins Michelle to unpack what effective upper-elementary reading intervention can actually look like in the general classroom setting. Together, they explore why students in grades 3–5 may continue to struggle with decoding, how phonics gaps impact both reading and writing, and what classroom teachers can realistically do to support older students who still need foundational skill support.

Sara shares the thinking behind the Stellar Reading Intervention Toolkit, including its intentional structure, focus on multisyllabic words, and commitment to dignity-preserving, age-appropriate materials for older students.

Key Takeaways

Reading challenges do not end in second grade and they don’t resolve themselves without explicit instruction
Upper-elementary students often struggle not because they can’t learn phonics, but because they were never explicitly taught
Short, systematic, and well-structured lessons are more likely to be used consistently by classroom teachers
Intervention should feel connected to Tier 1 instruction, not isolated or “in a box”
It is never too late to address reading gaps, but supports become harder to access as students get older

Resources

Connect with Sara Marye

Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Express Readers

Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

81. Articulatory Gestures and Early Literacy: What the Research Actually Says with Deirdre O'Toole, The Playful Classroom

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Deirdre O’Toole’s doctoral research focuses on early literacy acquisition, specifically around articulatory gestures and attention to speech production. In recent years, we hear a lot about Sound Walls being “aligned to the Science of Reading”. In this episode, Dee shares what we know from research, what we don’t yet know, and how small instructional shifts (like simply saying “Look at my mouth”) can make a meaningful difference in early reading instruction.

Key Takeaways:

What phonemic awareness really means (and why “conscious awareness” is key)
Articulatory gestures refer to how speech sounds are physically produced (lips, tongue, jaw, airflow, voicing)
Research supports articulatory-based interventions (like Lindamood-Bell LIPS), but evidence does not show they are superior to other high-quality interventions
What the research says (and does not say) about sound walls
The impact of visual speech cues (including research during COVID on masked instruction)
Practical teacher language for supporting spelling and phoneme-grapheme connections

Dee also shares insights from her work organizing the Right to Read Ireland conference and advocating for evidence-informed literacy instruction across Ireland.

Resources Mentioned:

Right to Read Ireland Conference / IG: @righttoreadirl
The Teacher’s Table / IG: @attheteacherstable
Facebook: Science of Reading Discussion for Irish Teachers
Lindamood Bell
Open Access: Seeing the Mouth: The Importance of Articulatory Gestures During Phonics Training - Novelli et. al., 2023
A Meta-Analysis on the Optimal Cumulative Dosage of Early Phonemic Awareness Instruction - Erbeli et. al., 2024

Connect with Deirdre O’Toole:

Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Express Readers

Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

80. MTSS for Reading Improvement with Dr. Stephanie Stollar & Dr. Sarah Brown

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0400

MTSS can serve as a true system of support, not just a sorting mechanism, for improving reading outcomes and Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown share how. Drawing from their book MTSS for Reading Improvement (published under Solution Tree), the conversation bridges the Science of Reading with practical systems-level decision making that supports teachers and students alike.

Rather than treating MTSS as a checklist of structures, Drs. Stollar & Brown emphasize fidelity to outcomes, prevention-first thinking, and instructional coherence across Tier 1, intervention, and leadership practices.

Key Takeaways:

Why MTSS often fails when it becomes a sorting system instead of a support system
How schools unintentionally undermine reading improvement by focusing on individual students too early
How the Simple View of Reading and the five essential reading skills can guide both prevention and intervention
What kinds of data actually support instructional decision-making, and which ones don’t
The role of leadership in creating a culture of vulnerability, collaboration, and shared responsibility
Why asking better questions leads to better instructional solutions

Resources:

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Stollar:

Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/
Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademy
Facebook: Stephanie Stollar Consulting
LinkedIn: Stephanie Stollar
Join Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy Membership
The MTSS Collective

Connect with Dr. Sarah Brown:

Website: https://systemimpactconsulting.com/
Contact Dr. Sarah Brown on her Website
LinkedIn: Sarah Brown Ph.D.
Join Dr. Brown’s MTSS Data Academy
Dr. Brown also offers Virtual Coaching Sessions!

Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

Express Readers

Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

79. No Fluff, Good Stuff - Gearing Up for the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026 with Heidi Martin & Friends

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this special Science of Reading Mini-Con hype episode, Michelle Sullivan is joined by the presenters behind the Science of Reading Mini-Con to give listeners an inside look at what makes this conference unlike any other.

From powerful sessions and hands-on learning to beachside sound baths, mocktails, and real talk about implementation, this episode is your invitation into a literacy experience that blends research, practice, joy, and community.

Meet the Voices Behind Mini-Con:

Heidi Martin – Founder of the Science of Reading Mini-Con @droppinknowledgewithheidi & @scienceofreadingminicon
Jessica Farmer: @farmerlovesphonics
Yvette Manns: @phonicsreadalouds & @the_lit_teacher
Jake Daggett: @jake_daggett
Lindsay Kemeny: @lindsaykemeny
Michelle Sullivan: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
MeQuel Bolden (she was there in spirit!): @mequelboldenconsulting

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

What each presenter is most fired up about solving in literacy right now
Sneak peeks into Mini-Con sessions
Introducing Mychal Threets as the Keynote Speaker!!!
What makes the experience special

The Big Takeaway: Science of Reading Mini-Con is about bridging research to practice, that’s engaging and effective!

Learn More & Register:

Visit www.scienceofreadingminicon.com for tickets & all the details!

A BIG thank you to Reading.com for being the Premier Sponsor of the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

78. Implementing Structured Word Inquiry with Jennifer A. Constantine & Kara B. Lee

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Jennifer A. Constantine and Kara B. Lee are two educators with deep experience in assessment, Orton-Gillingham-based instruction, and dyslexia intervention — yet it wasn’t until they encountered SWI that many long-standing questions about English spelling, meaning, and structure finally clicked into place.

In this episode, we unpack what Structured Word Inquiry actually is, how it differs from other approaches, and why it offers a powerful lens for teaching all learners – especially those with dyslexia.

Key Takeaways:

A clear, accessible definition of Structured Word Inquiry
How SWI differs from other instructional approaches
Common misconceptions about SWI
A walkthrough of Pete Bowers’ 4 Guiding Questions of SWI in the context of the base
What to expect inside their practical book, “Structured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for Teachers”

Helpful Resources:

Book: Structured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for Teachers
Bulk Pricing Available: Email swiliteracy@gmail.com for more information
Jennifer & Kara’s Workshops

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Jennifer & Kara:

Email: swiliteracy@gmail.com
Website: www.swiliteracy.org

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

77. English Is Not Crazy: How Structured Word Inquiry Reveals the Logic of Spelling with Dr. Peter Bowers

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0400

If you’ve ever said that “English is crazy,” this episode is for you. I’m joined by Dr. Peter Bowers, researcher, educator, and founder of Structured Word Inquiry (SWI). His work has shaped how educators understand the English writing system: not as chaotic or exception-ridden, but as a coherent, meaning-driven system.

Dr. Bowers shares the personal moment when English spelling first made sense to him and explains why misconceptions about spelling persist in classrooms today. This episode unpacks what Structured Word Inquiry truly is (and what it is not), why morphology is considered a binding agent, and how spelling, phonology, and meaning are fundamentally interconnected.

Key Takeaways:

Why morphology acts as a binding agent in the English writing system
What the research actually shows about morphology instruction
How the matrix and word sums help reveal spelling logic
Why inquiry and explicit instruction are not opposites
How recent conversations, including the importance of spelling-meaning correspondences and shifts in how orthographic mapping is understood, are making an impact in the field

If you’ve ever felt like English spelling “just doesn’t make sense,” this episode will change the way you see the written word – and the way you teach them.

Helpful Resources:

Book: Teaching How the Written Word Works by Dr. Peter Bowers
Real Spelling Toolbox
Document on “Guiding Principles, Concepts and Practices of SWI” (Feb 2025)
Video on Combinatorial structure of English orthography & link to matrix and word sum
TEDx Talk introducing a big picture of English orthography and how SWI explains many spellings currently treated as irregular
Spelling-Out-Orthography page with many videos and resources. This includes videos describing the process of spelling-out-orthography and videos of kids engaging in this key practice to support orthographic mapping.
About WordWorks page with many links to free resources, including videos and links to most of his published research.
For the Love of Literacy Podcast Episode with Dr. Linnea Ehri, Peter Bowers, and Kenn Apel
For the Love of Literacy Podcast Episode with Marie Foley
Book: Beneath the Surface of Words by Sue Hegland
Book: Backpocket Words by Gail Venable
Book: The High Frequency Word Project by Fiona Hamilton & Rebecca Loveless

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Pete Bowers:

Join Dr. Bowers for his FREE Monday Drop-Ins
Website: www.wordworkskingston.com
YouTube: @WordWorksKingston
WordWorks Kingston Facebook Page

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

76. K–2 Morphology Made Meaningful: Teaching Word Structure Through Bases with Sarah Paul and Michelle Sullivan of Logos Literacy Academy

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Michelle Sullivan is joined by her co-founder of Logos Literacy Academy, Sarah Paul, for a deep dive into K–2 morphology through a base-centered lens.

Together, they unpack a question teachers hear all the time:

“Morphology is important… but isn’t that for later?”

Michelle and Sarah explain why morphology does not start with Greek and Latin – and why young learners are more than ready to explore word structure when instruction begins with oral language, meaning, and the base.

You’ll hear why they intentionally designed a K–2 morphology curriculum that:

includes instruction around bases in addition to more traditional affix instruction
aligns directly with a phonics scope and sequence
builds generative vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension over time
helps students see words as organized systems, not random strings of letters

They also introduce their signature BASE Lesson Framework:

Build Awareness (oral language first)
Analyze the Base (connecting sound, spelling, and meaning)
See Word Relatives (exploring families of related words)
Express Understanding (using the right word in context)

Throughout the conversation, they share concrete classroom examples—from simple CVC bases to bound bases like —and explain how studying one base deeply prepares students to approach unfamiliar words with confidence later on.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why morphology in K–2 is about language development
How base instruction can strengthen phonics rather than compete with it
What it really means for words to be “related” (shared spelling and meaning)
How morphology supports orthographic mapping, vocabulary growth, and grammar
Where base lessons fit naturally into a K–2 literacy block

Free Resource:

Download a FREE base lesson to see the BASE framework in action. This bonus lesson is not part of the curriculum; it’s an additional bonus lesson to give you a true feel for the approach.

Resources Mentioned:

K-2 Course & Curriculum from Logos Literacy Academy
Save with a Bundle: Get Mastering Morphology AND our K-2 Course & Curriculum bundled together!
Logos Literacy Academy

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

75. Bringing Word Inquiry to Life with Picture Books with Fiona Hamilton, Lauren Hateley-Crowe and Angela Brienza of Engage with the Page & Search Engage

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Returning guest Fiona Hamilton, an international literacy consultant and founder of Word Torque, unites with her partners Lauren Hateley-Crowe and Angela Brienza – the team behind Engage with the Page and Search Engage. Together, they help teachers bring meaningful, joyful word inquiry into their daily read-alouds.

Together, they unpack how their collaboration began, why picture books are such powerful anchors for word study, and how educators can move beyond isolated, word study routines toward integrated literacy instruction that builds spelling, vocabulary, decoding, and deep curiosity.

Key Takeaways:

What “word inquiry” really means
How picture books are rich spaces to teach orthography and cultivate vocabulary growth
The story behind Engage with the Page & Search Engage
What’s inside Engage with the Page & Search Engage

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with the Engage with the Page Team:

Website: https://wordtorque.com
Engage with the Page on Facebook
Instagram: @engagewthepage
Fiona Hamilton on LinkedIn & Instagram
Lauren Hateley-Crowe on LinkedIn
Email: fiona@wordtorque.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

74. Inside Project Read AI: What Educators Need to Know About AI and Structured Literacy with Viv Ramakrishnan

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Artificial intelligence is everywhere – but what does it actually mean for structured literacy and foundational skills instruction?

In this episode, I sit down with Viv Ramakrishnan, co-founder of Project Read AI, to unpack what educators truly need to understand about AI, large language models, and how thoughtfully designed technology can support (not replace) teachers.

We explore why tools like ChatGPT struggle with phonics and decoding, how Project Read AI was built differently, and what it looks like when AI is used as a co-teacher grounded in the Science of Reading.

Key Takeaways:

What AI, generative AI, and large language models (LLMs) actually are – and why these distinctions matter for literacy instruction
Why ChatGPT is fundamentally limited when it comes to grapheme-phoneme correspondences and decodable text
All about Project Read AI’s features: Decodable Text Generator, UFLI Portal, and AI Tutor
Why screen time fears deserve nuance and how to think about “empty calories” vs. “nutrient-dense” instructional technology
Whether AI could ever replace teachers
What early research is showing about student growth when AI is used intentionally and responsibly

Resources:

Connect with Viv Ramakrishnan:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

73. Why These Holiday Words Are Spelled the Way They Are: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Holiday Word Study: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa

In this cozy, end-of-year episode, we’re slowing things down for a short and joyful holiday word study investigation. Instead of a full instructional deep dive, this episode invites you to get curious about three words we hear everywhere this time of year:

Christmas
Hanukkah
Kwanzaa

Together, we explore where these words come from, what their spellings reveal, and how English carries the fingerprints of other languages inside it.

Along the way, you’ll hear about:

Why says /k/ in Christmas (and why that’s not an exception)
Why Hanukkah has multiple accepted spellings
How Kwanzaa was intentionally named and spelled with meaning in mind
What holiday words teach us about word origin, orthography, and meaning

This episode is a reminder that English spelling isn’t random and that it always makes more sense when we look beyond the surface.

For more word study nuggets, check out Logos Live: mine & Sarah Paul's monthly coaching calls through Logos Literacy Academy where we go on even more deep dives! (If you enroll in any one of our courses, you get 2 years of free access to Logos Live as a bonus!)

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

72. Raising Up Readers: Scaffolding Strategies to Help Students Access Challenging Text with Jennifer Throndsen

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Jennifer Throndsen, author of Raising Up Readers: 25 Scaffolding Strategies to Help Students Access Challenging Texts, breaks down what it really takes to accelerate reading achievement for all learners, including multilingual students and those reading multiple years below grade level. Drawing from decades of experience across classroom, district, and state systems, Jennifer explains why grade-level access is an equity issue and how scaffolding, not leveling, is the key to closing gaps.

Jennifer dives into the research supporting “stretch texts,” the misconception that struggling readers must stay in easier books, and why teachers (not text levels) must mediate difficulty. Jennifer offers practical scaffolding strategies, real classroom examples, and insights from studies showing that challenging texts paired with the right supports can yield two to three years of reading growth in a single year.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, interventionist, literacy coach, or administrator, this episode will shift your thinking about text access and equip you with actionable tools you can use tomorrow.

Resources Mentioned:

Raising Up Readers: 25 Scaffolding Strategies to Help Students Access Challenging Texts by Dr. Jennifer Throndsen from Solution Tree (also on Amazon)
Raising Up Readers Free Book Study Guide

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Jennifer Throndsen

Website: https://www.impactfullearningdesigns.com/
LinkedIn: Jennifer Throndsen
Instagram: @JT_travel32

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

71. Uncomplicate Ed: How the Science of Learning Transforms Classrooms with Ashley Doty

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode of Literacy in Color, we’re chatting with Ashley Doty, founder of Uncomplicate Ed, an organization dedicated to making teaching and learning clearer, simpler, and more effective. Drawing on two decades of experience across the education landscape (and even a past life as a theater educator!), Ashley brings both heart and science to this conversation.

They dig into what the science of learning actually looks like inside real classrooms, how small shifts can spark huge gains, and why teachers don’t need more complexity; they need clarity, purpose, and research-based practices that truly work for students.

You'll hear Ashley break down concepts like retrieval practice, interleaving, chunking, background knowledge, student engagement, motivation, and how to support learners in a way that honors both the art and the science of teaching. She shares incredible real-world results from classrooms and schools who leveraged these principles — including 15+ point mid-year gains and 22-point year-over-year proficiency jumps.

If you're an educator who wants practical ways to strengthen learning without adding more to your plate, this is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

Why simplifying instruction (without oversimplifying learning) is essential.
How retrieval practice and spaced practice transform long-term memory.
Interleaving — what it is, what teachers get wrong, and how to implement it realistically.
How poetry, speeches, and small “tweaks” can dramatically improve engagement and retention.
The relationship between learning science and motivation, student agency, and teacher-student relationships.

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Powerful Teaching by Dr. Pooja Agarwal & Patrice Bain
Retrievalpractice.org – free resources (Pooja Agarwal)
Book: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Ashley Doty:

Website: https://uncomplicateed.com
Facebook Group: Uncomplicate Ed & Uncomplicating Education Across the Nation
YouTube: @UncomplicateEd
Instagram: @UncomplicateEd

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

70. How Effective Literacy Instruction Breaks the School-to-Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Michelle welcomes Hilderbrand Pelzer III — award-winning principal, author of Unlocking Potential, national speaker, and a transformational leader whose work inside one of the largest jail systems in America has reshaped conversations about literacy, justice, and hope.

Michelle heard Hilderbrand as a keynote speaker at The Reading League Conference and was profoundly inspired by his message — especially his reminder that the school-to-prison pipeline runs right through reading classrooms. Today, he shares stories from decades of work in juvenile corrections, traditional public schools, and the Philadelphia prison system. They explore why literacy is unequivocally a social justice issue, how the school-to-prison pipeline unfolds long before high school, and what educators and leaders can do to interrupt it — starting in the earliest grades.

Through personal narratives, hard truths, and a hopeful vision for the future, Hilderbrand offers a call to action: Don’t give up and never underestimate the impact of teaching a child to read.

Key Takeaways:

Literacy is a Social Justice Issue
The School-to-Prison Pipeline Runs Through Reading Classrooms
Many “behavior issues” are actually literacy issues in disguise, leading to frustration, disengagement, and eventually dropping out.
Leadership Requires Vulnerability
Teachers need the right tools and training – not blame

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Unlocking Potential: Organizing a School Inside a Prison by Hilderbrand Pelzer III
Talk: Hilderbrand’s TED Talk (referenced in conversation)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Hildebrand Pelzer III:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

69: What Are Kindergarten Reading Levels? The Hidden Problems Behind Levels A–D

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this solo episode, we take an honest, unflinching look at what are traditionally called Kindergarten Reading Levels: Guided Reading Levels A, B, C, and D — and why these levels do not reflect how children actually learn to read.

If you’re a kindergarten teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or a parent of a beginning reader, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been craving.

Key Takeaways:

Where these levels came from and what they were actually designed to measure
Why predictable texts are more about the “illusion of reading” than actual reading
Why picture-cueing, pattern memorization, and MSV underlie these early levels
Why a student can “read” a Level D text but not decode a CVC word
What proponents of Guided Reading say about finger-pointing
Why these texts are fundamentally misaligned with the reading brain
What to do instead to support true early reading development

And yes — we can absolutely preserve the joy of reading without predictable pattern books.

If your school or district is beginning to shift away from Balanced Literacy, Kindergarten is a wonderful place to start. When we remove the pressure of arbitrary, misaligned “levels” and instead equip kids with the code of our language, we give them true access to reading — not the performance of it.

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

68. It’s Never Too Late: Helping Older Struggling Readers Succeed with Linda Farrell & Michael Hunter of Readsters

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this powerful episode, Michelle is joined by legendary reading experts Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter, Founding Partners at Readsters. With more than 40 years of experience helping struggling readers — from kindergarten through adulthood — Linda and Michael break down what effective intervention truly looks like, why older learners often continue to slip through the cracks, and how to use assessment, precision, and patience to help every student become a reader. This episode is filled with practical wisdom, honest insights, and encouragement for every educator working with older students who need foundational reading support.

Key Takeaways:

Why older readers still struggle despite “years of instruction”
The purpose & power of diagnostic assessment
What effective intervention really looks like
Why motivation & respect matter deeply
Reassurance that “It Is Never Too Late”

Resources Mentioned:

Readsters Website: www.readsters.com
Free Resources on their Website
Book: Working Memory and Learning by Susan Gathercole & Tracy Packiam Alloway

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Linda & Michael of Readsters:

Website: www.readsters.com
Email Michael Hunter: michael@readsters.com
Email Linda Farrell: linda@readsters.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

67. Small Groups, Big Results with Dr. Julia B. Lindsey

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Michelle talks with Dr. Julia Lindsey about her brand-new book “Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading ”, a practical guide to designing effective small-group instruction with the Science of Reading in mind. Julia shares her journey to researcher and author, and explains why the “leveled-text ladder” needs to be left behind. Together they explore how to use small groups with purpose, the data that should drive them, and the mindset shifts teachers need to make every minute of instruction count.

Key Takeaways:

Small groups are most powerful when they’re targeted, built around clear goals, practice, and feedback.
“Guided reading” levels don’t predict growth; what matters is matching instruction to the next skill students need.
Data should reveal what to teach, not just who is behind. Group by need, not by label.
Flexible groupings, short bursts of focused practice, and clear feedback create more learning in less time.
The purpose of small-group instruction is not to fill a time block; it’s to accelerate access to grade-level learning.

Resources Mentioned:

Reading Above the Fray by Dr. Julia B. Lindsey (Scholastic’s Science of Reading in Practice Series)
Small Groups, Big Results by Dr. Julia B. Lindsey (Scholastic’s Science of Reading in Practice Series)
Beyond Decodables: free content-rich decodable texts
Rock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay Kemeny (Scholastic’s Science of Reading in Practice Series)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Julia B. Lindsey:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

66. Writing Instruction: When You Have the Strategies but Not the System with LaNesha Tabb

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0400

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed teaching writing, you’re not alone. In this episode, Michelle sits down with educator, author, and founder of Reimagine Writing, LaNesha Tabb, to talk about her framework in building confident, independent writers.

For years, LaNesha admits she either “barely taught writing” or avoided it altogether — not because she didn’t care, but because it felt impossible to manage. That all changed when she created a simple yet powerful framework that turned chaos into clarity and helped her students finally thrive as writers.

Key Takeaways:

Why so many teachers feel underprepared to teach writing
How the science of writing and the science of learning informs her work
What it means to have a framework — not just a bunch of strategies
How checklists, chants, and routines can build independence in your writing block
Why focusing on the process first helps students internalize everything else

Connect with LaNesha Tabb:

Website: laneshatabb.com
Free writing guide: https://laneshatabb.com/rock-the-writing-block/
Reimagine Writing: www.reimaginewritingprogram.com
Instagram: @lanesha_tabb

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

65. Supporting Students with Dyslexia Online with Michelle Breitenbach, Read to Rewire (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and today’s conversation shines a light on the power of online instruction to reach and teach our one in five students with dyslexia.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Michelle Breitenbach, founder of Read to Rewire, certified dyslexia practitioner, and creator of the Online with Ease Academy, where she trains teachers to bring multisensory, structured literacy instruction to life virtually. After leaving the classroom due to health challenges, Michelle discovered her purpose helping children and educators worldwide through high-quality, human-centered online tutoring.

We discuss how to make virtual lessons feel just as personal and powerful as in-person ones — emphasizing connection, simplicity, and structure. Michelle shares heartwarming stories of students who have thrived online, and offers practical advice for teachers and parents alike.

Key Takeaways:

The prevalence of dyslexia and the urgent need for early identification
Why online instruction can expand access and reduce barriers for families
How to create engaging, multisensory virtual lessons that feel human
Common pitfalls of “the virtual highway” (and how to avoid them)
Practical advice for teachers seeking flexibility and freedom through online work

Connect with Michelle Breitenbach:

Website: Read to Rewire
Instagram: @readtorewire
Free Guide: From Teacher to Online with Ease
Free Masterclass
7-Day Access to her Training

Waitlist to Join: Online with Ease

🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.

Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

64. My SOR Betrayal List (and the Podcast's 1st Birthday!)

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Literacy in Color is officially ONE year old!

I’d like to start this anniversary episode from a place of gratitude with a huge THANK YOU to my Top 10 Guest Episodes of the Year: Dr. Stephanie Stollar, Justin Browning, Lindsay Kemeny, Sarah Paul, Fiona Hamilton with Rebecca Loveless, Dr. David Kilpatrick, Dr. Molly Ness, Dr. Treasa Bowe, Christina Winter, and Jake Daggett.

To celebrate this milestone, I’m joining in on the “Betrayal Trend” and sharing my Science of Reading Betrayal List: 12 practices or ideas that, in my view, hold us back from truly moving literacy forward.

Of course, I’ll unpack each one with context (and compassion).

Here’s a sneak peek at what made my betrayal list:

Rebalancing Balanced Literacy
Memorizing Lists of “Sight Words”
Using Predictable Texts for Beginning Readers
Skipping Handwriting Instruction
Too Much Teacher Talk
Saying Morphology is just “Teaching Affixes”
Forgetting About Language
Telling a Student with Dyslexia to “Try Harder”
Claiming Everything We Do Has to Be “Research-Based”
Letting One Study Make Us Pivot Everything
Fighting within Science of Reading Circles
Calling the Science of Reading a Pendulum Swing

Looking forward to what’s next for Literacy in Color!

Support the Show Here!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

63. The Power of Parent Advocacy with Melanie Brethour, Soar with Dyslexia (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and every Friday Michelle is highlighting voices who are changing the landscape for students with dyslexia and their families.

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Melanie Brethour, a Montreal-based resource teacher, founder of Decoding Dyslexia Quebec, and the voice behind Soar With Dyslexia. Inspired by her son’s journey with dyslexia, Melanie has become a leading advocate for parent empowerment, teacher training, and evidence-based instruction.

Key Takeaways:

The power of parent advocacy and how to navigate systems that say “wait and see.”
Why early identification and intervention are acts of equity.
How parents and teachers can work together to support struggling readers.
What Melanie has learned about balancing her teacher and parent lenses.
Why reading is a human right and what needs to shift in schools and teacher prep programs to make that a reality.

Resources Mentioned:

National Center on Improving Literacy - Resources for Families
International Dyslexia Association (IDA) – Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know
Decoding Dyslexia – grassroots advocacy network
Melanie’s Link Tree - with a ton of resources!

Connect with Melanie Brethour:

Melanie’s Decoding Dyslexia - Quebec Facebook Page
Instagram: @soarwithdyslexia
LinkedIn
X

🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.

Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

62. The Science of Learning: What Every Teacher Needs to Know with Dr. Shane Saeed

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

How does the brain actually learn or remember something new? In this fascinating episode of Literacy in Color, Dr. Shane Saeed joins Michelle to break down the Science of Learning in a way that’s simple, practical, and classroom-ready.

Shane is an Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator, national presenter, and author who has spent years helping teachers translate research into action. Together, they explore how memory, retrieval, metacognition, and productive struggle shape student learning, and how teachers can design instruction that sticks.

Key Takeaways:

The difference between short-term, working, and long-term memory
The importance of retrieval practice, as well as paced and interleaved practice to deepen understanding
What metacognition looks like in the classroom (and why it’s critical for student ownership)
How to design lessons that minimize cognitive overload and maximize retention
Why “desirable difficulties” are the sweet spot between challenge and frustration

Whether you teach kindergarten phonics or high school history, this episode will leave you with practical takeaways and a renewed appreciation for how the brain learns best.

Resources Mentioned:

Powerful Teaching by Dr. Pooja Agarwal & Patrice Bain
Smart Teaching, Stronger Learning by Pooja Agarwal
Retrieval Practice by Kate Jones
Outsmart Your Brain by Dan Willingham
Uncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, & Terrence Sejnowski
Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Shane Saeed:

Instagram: @drshanesaeed
TikTok: @drshanesaeed
Twitter/X: @drshanesaeed
Check out her book: Be the Flame

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

61. From Screening to Support: Coaching Teachers to Reach Every Learner with Jean Peake (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by Jean Peake, Lower School Literacy Specialist and Orton-Gillingham Practitioner. Jean shares about the importance of early screening, diagnostic assessments, and data-driven interventions – especially for those with dyslexia. Jean’s insights are both practical and heart-centered, reminding us that literacy work is about more than data. It’s about protecting the hearts of the students we serve.

Key Takeaways:

Why universal screening for all students is essential
What to look for when analyzing assessment data beyond “on grade level” labels
Practical, high-impact classroom strategies that support dyslexic learners — and truly benefit all students
How to partner with parents in ways that are empathetic, clear, and empowering

Resources Mentioned:

International Dyslexia Association

Connect with Jean:

Instagram → @myreadingjeanie
Website → https://myreadingjeanie.com/

🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.

Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

60. Making Reading Research Accessible with Dr. Neena Saha

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Research should guide our teaching, but too often, it feels locked away in academic journals, filled with jargon, or disconnected from classroom realities.

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I talk with Dr. Neena Saha: educator, researcher, EdTech innovator, and creator of the Reading Research Recap. She’s on a mission to make reading research clear, digestible, and actionable for teachers. So, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by academic papers, or wondered how to tell whether research is relevant, this episode will help you feel more confident as a critical consumer of evidence.

Key Takeaways:

Why accessing research is harder than it should be and the barriers teachers face.
The different types of studies (correlational, experimental, randomized control trials) and how to interpret them.
What “peer-reviewed” really means and why it’s only the starting line for credible research.
Red flags to watch for when you hear claims like “everything I do is research-based.”
Neena’s hopes for dismantling the wall between research and practice, and what needs to shift at the system level.

Resources Mentioned & How to Connect with Dr. Neena Saha:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

59. Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis with Casey Harrison, The Dyslexia Classroom (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

What does it really mean to teach beyond the diagnosis? In this inspiring Dyslexia Awareness Month conversation, I sit down with Casey Harrison—Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, Certified Academic Language Therapist, and founder of The Dyslexia Classroom®—to unpack how we can meet the academic needs of students with dyslexia and nurture their confidence, self-understanding, and advocacy skills.

Casey has been immersed in structured literacy for nearly three decades and recently published her new book, Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis: Empowering Students with Dyslexia. In this episode, she shares why dyslexia is never the whole story, how to honor the unique learning profile of each student, and why self-esteem and metacognitive awareness are just as essential as phonics instruction.

Key Takeaways:

Why dyslexia looks different in every child (and why contradictory signs are common).
The power of the “dyslexia iceberg” and the hidden emotional toll beneath academics.
How structured literacy can (and must) adapt to the student in front of us.
Strategies for building student confidence and authentic self-advocacy.
Why celebrating progress—every baby step—is crucial to student success.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance evidence-based literacy instruction with the human side of teaching, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to look at your students holistically.

Resources Mentioned:

Casey’s Book: Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis (or on Amazon)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Casey Harrison:

Website: www.thedyslexiaclassroom.com
Instagram: @thedyslexiaclassroom
YouTube: The Dyslexia Classroom
Casey’s Teachers Pay Teachers Store
Casey’s Membership Site: Empowered Beyond the Program
Casey’s Course: The Color-Coding Method to Teaching Sight Words
Together in Literacy Podcast

🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.

Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

58. Teaching Phonemic Awareness: A Guide for Educators with Dr. Jane Ashby

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Phonemic awareness (PA) interestingly is one of the most debated areas of literacy instruction. Should it be taught with letters, without letters, or both? Which tasks matter most? And how much is enough?

In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with Dr. Jane Ashby, professor, researcher, and first author of Teaching Phonemic Awareness in 2024: A Guide for Educators. This conversation brings clarity to the ongoing dialogue around PA instruction and the growing body of research that surrounds it.

Key Takeaways:

What phonemic awareness is (and how it differs from phonics)
Signs that a student may need explicit PA instruction past first grade
Why deletion and substitution tasks matter for striving readers
Teaching PA with letters vs. without letters – and why asking “for whom” matters
How to interpret recent meta-analyses
A clear message (and one non-negotiable) that every teacher can take back to their classroom

Helpful Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jane Ashby:

Email: drjaneashby@gmail.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

57. What Does Dyslexia Really Look Like – and What Can We Do About It? with Heather O'Donnell, New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

We’re kicking off Dyslexia Awareness Month with a conversation that every educator and parent needs to hear: what does dyslexia really look like – and what can we do about it?

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Heather O’Donnell, founder of New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring, Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, and Associate-level Orton-Gillingham Academy member. Heather has built a thriving practice that serves students across 10+ states with structured literacy instruction, while also equipping parents with advocacy tools and teachers with multisensory resources.

Key Takeaways:

What dyslexia really is (and what it isn’t).
Clear, parent- and teacher-friendly signs of dyslexia at different ages.
The toll dyslexia takes on confidence and why early intervention matters.
Common red flags teachers and parents can spot at home and in school.
How structured literacy provides the explicit, systematic instruction dyslexic students need.
Encouragement for parents to trust their instincts and advocate for their child.

Heather also shares practical stories from her tutoring practice that show what’s possible when students finally receive the right kind of support and how quickly lives can change.

Connect with Heather O’Donnell:

Dyslexia Freebie
Website: newpaltzmultisensory.com
Instagram: @NewPaltzMultisensory
Facebook: @NewPaltzMultisensory
X: @New_Paltz
Pinterest
TPT Store: New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring
Email: heather.odonnell@newpaltzmultisensory.com

🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.

Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

56. Coaching Outside the Box: Creative Ways to Support Teacher Growth with Christina DeCarbo (Literacy Coaching Conversations)

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this Coaching Conversation, I sit down with Christina DeCarbo, a Pre-K–5 literacy coach, teacher, national presenter, and curriculum author from Northeast Ohio. Christina is also known as Miss DeCarbo, and her work is fueled by a passion for making professional learning engaging, joyful, and practical.

Christina shares her journey from first-grade teacher to literacy coach, including her school’s shift from balanced literacy to the Science of Reading. She offers creative and out-of-the-box ways to support teachers: building trust, celebrating growth, and embedding PD into the day in ways that are non-threatening and highly effective.

Key Takeaways:

How Christina helped lead her district’s transition from balanced literacy to structured literacy.
Her biggest takeaways from spending a week learning with Dr. Anita Archer.
Why opportunities to respond and corrective feedback are game-changers.
Coaching strategies that meet teachers where they are, whether it’s through cycles, small groups, or “grab-and-go PD.”
Fun ways to celebrate teacher and student growth (spoiler: there’s a disco ball involved!).
How to balance choice for teachers while keeping coaching connected to schoolwide goals.

Christina’s insights will inspire you to rethink coaching as something that’s not just supportive, but fun, creative, and deeply impactful.

Connect with Christina DeCarbo:

Instagram: @missdecarbo
Website: missdecarbo.com
Facebook Group: Teaching with Miss DeCarbo
Grab Christina’s FREE Download on Unique Coaching Opportunities here!

🎧 For more episodes in the Coaching Conversations series, check out the full Literacy Coaching playlist here.

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

55. What Real Implementation Looks Like with Justin Browning, SOR for More

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

We all know the saying “when you know better, you do better.” But what happens when we know better…and still don’t see the needle move in reading outcomes?

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Justin Browning, national literacy consultant and founder of SoR for More, to talk about the missing piece: implementation.

Justin draws from years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and systems-level consultant to show us how to move from information to transformation.

Key Takeaways:

Why professional development often feels like “knowledge bombing”
The dangers of compliance-driven training without follow-through
How to shift from “know a lot, do a lot” to “learn a little, do a little”
Why leadership needs vision, voice, and visibility to sustain change
Practical strategies like micro-PD, flipped lab sites, and implementation teams
The critical role of de-implementation in creating space for what matters most

If we want real change in reading outcomes, we can’t just play the game, we have to play to win.

Listen in to hear how schools and districts can create systems that move knowledge into action and ensure literacy success for all students.

Connect with Justin Browning:

Website: http://www.sorformore.com
Instagram: @sorformore_llc
X: @sorformore
LinkedIn
Email: justin@sorformore.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

54. Blending Strategies

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Have you ever had a student rattle off the sounds in a word—/b/… /a/… /t/, only to say “tab,” “balloon,” or even “chicken”? If so, you’re not alone. And here’s the thing: these blending errors aren’t always decoding issues. Often, they’re tied to working memory.

In this solo episode of Literacy in Color, we unpack why blending matters, what research tells us, and most importantly, practical scaffolds you can use tomorrow to support students who struggle.

Key Takeaways:

The difference between Additive Sound-by-Sound Blending and Whole Word Blending
Why connected phonation is more effective than traditional sound-by-sound blending (Gonzalez-Frey & Ehri, 2021)
Several scaffolds to lighten the working memory load: reducing phonemes, continuous blending, backing up to phonemic awareness, and backward decoding, etc.
How the gradual release of responsibility helps students build independence and automaticity
The natural transition from oral → whisper → silent blending as students gain fluency

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

53. The High Frequency Word Project with Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

What if high-frequency words aren’t “irregular” after all?

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Rebecca Loveless and Fiona Hamilton, co-authors of The High Frequency Word Project, to dig into the stories behind some of the most common words in English.

Too often, these little “function words” get handed to students on flashcards with the message: just memorize it. But Rebecca and Fiona show us that high-frequency words aren’t exceptions to the system, they have explanations. When we teach students the phonology, morphology, etymology, and meaning layers of these words, we give them logic, structure, and stories they can hold onto for life.

Key Takeaways:

Why high-frequency words can be particularly tricky for students (and why function words often have “nebulous” meanings)
The role of storytelling in making these words memorable, meaningful, and engaging
How many high-frequency words trace back to Old English and what that history reveals about spelling today
The difference between memorization and true orthographic mapping
Practical classroom routines, like anchor–analyze–practice, tap spelling, and meaning games, that help students succeed

Whether you’ve ever wondered why “was” has an a, or why “know” keeps its silent k, this conversation will leave you empowered with strategies and stories to bring into your classroom.

Resources:

Grab your copy of The High Frequency Word Project
High Frequency Word Project Website
High Frequency Word Project Facebook Page

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Rebecca Loveless:

Website: www.illuminatewords.com
LinkedIn
Email: rebecca@rebeccaloveless.com

Connect with Fiona Hamilton:

Website: https://wordtorque.com
LinkedIn
Email: fiona@wordtorque.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

52. Phonemic Awareness Research Unpacked with Dr. David Kilpatrick

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this pivotal episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle is joined by psychologist, professor, and reading researcher Dr. David Kilpatrick to untangle some hotly debated ideas surrounding phonemic awareness in the Science of Reading community.

This conversation isn’t about taking sides in the “with letters vs. without letters” debate. It’s about getting honest about what the research says, and more importantly, what our individual students truly need.

For most children, phonemic awareness develops naturally through phonics instruction. However, for others, particularly those with a phonological core deficit, explicit, oral-only phonemic awareness instruction can be critical.

Dr. Kilpatrick clarifies the National Reading Panel findings, unpacks common misinterpretations of his own work, and reminds us to focus on what matters most: meeting the needs of the learner in front of us.

Key Takeaways:

How phonemic proficiency fuels orthographic mapping, which is essential for fluent word reading
For typically developing readers, phonemic awareness develops through learning an alphabetic writing system (i.e. Phonemic Awareness with letters!)
It’s beneficial to integrate phonemic awareness and phonics
Students with phonological core deficits may need oral-only instruction, particularly in intervention settings
Phonemic awareness tasks should only take a few minutes a day - they’re not meant to be long, isolated blocks
What educators often get wrong about Kilpatrick’s work and what he wishes more people knew

Resources & References Mentioned:

Look into Appendix F of the National Reading Panel
Teaching Phonemic Awareness “With Letters”: How Social Media is Getting it Wrong
Table of Types of PA Tasks
Phoneme Manipulation Quotes Across the Decades
WIAT-4 Phonemic Proficiency Results (Single Slide)
Teaching Phonemic Awareness in 2024: A Guide for Educators
Equipped for Reading Success by Dr. David Kilpatrick
Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties by Dr. David Kilpatrick
The PAST Tense
Shanahan’s Blog: RIP to Advanced Phonemic Awareness (meaning the term should be abandoned)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

51. Rethinking Sight Words with Pryor Rayburn, Orton Gillingham Mama

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with THE Orton Gillingham Mama, Pryor Rayburn to take a deep dive into the hot-button world of sight words and high-frequency word instruction.

Pryor busts through common myths, clears up confusing terminology, and explores brain-based practices for teaching high frequency words through the lens of orthographic mapping. Whether you’ve relied on word lists, flashcards, or shape-based strategies in the past, this conversation will help you rethink your approach with evidence and intention.

Key Takeaways:

What sight words, high-frequency words, heart words, and red words really mean
Why memorization isn’t the goal—and how orthographic mapping is the key
How to move beyond visual memory and shape-based cues
The missing pieces in popular “heart word” methods—and how to fix them
How to anchor meaning, teach irregular spellings, and bring context to every word
Classroom-ready routines and tweaks for kinder through upper elementary

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Pryor Rayburn:

Website: www.OrtonGillinghamMama.com
Instagram: @OrtonGillinghamMama
Email: Pryor@OrtonGillinghamMama

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

50. The Truth About Progress Monitoring: Myth Busting with Shannon Moore, Moore Literacy Leaps

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Michelle is joined by instructional coach and literacy specialist Shannon Moore of Moore Literacy Leaps to bust four major myths about progress monitoring in reading instruction.

Together, they tackle what progress monitoring really is (and what it’s not), how it fits into the MTSS framework, and why all students, not just those below grade level, deserve targeted goals and regular check-ins.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, or coach trying to find your rhythm with data collection and student support, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and equipped.

Key Takeaways:

The real definition of progress monitoring (hint: it’s simpler than you think!)
How to avoid common mistakes and save time with smarter systems
Why goal-setting and student ownership can change everything
What to track, how often to assess, and where to begin
Tools you can use right away to stay organized and proactive

Resources Mentioned:

Shannon’s Reading Intervention Toolkit
Shannon’s Progress Monitoring Tracking Sheet
Shannon’s FREE Editable Reading Intervention Schedule Template

Connect with Shannon Moore:

Instagram: @mooreliteracyleaps
Website: https://www.mooreliteracyleaps.com/
TPT Store: Moore Literacy Leaps

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

49. Set for Variability with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz, Informed Literacy

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400

What does it really mean to be “set for variability”? In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz of Informed Literacy to break down this complex-sounding but classroom-friendly concept. Together, they demystify set for variability, explore its role in decoding, and share practical classroom examples.

If you’ve ever wondered how to support students in correcting their own mispronunciations or how to help them flex vowel sounds when the code doesn’t quite match the pronunciation, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies.

Key Takeaways:

What “set for variability” actually means (in teacher terms)
Why strong decoding is the first step—and flexibility is the second
When and how to support struggling readers using this approach
How SSV differs from guessing or 3-cueing
How to build flexibility through small-group cues, hand motions, and sentence context
Why “the world is not decodable”—and what that means for our instruction

Resources Mentioned:

Informed Literacy Blog Post: What is Set for Variability and Why is it Important?
Informed Literacy Decodables: Jen & Wendy are offering a coupon code: COLOR2025 for one month (until September 2025) just for you! When you purchase a set of their hardcopy decodables, you will get our Supplemental Resource pack for free (You need to put the decodables and the supplemental resource pack into the cart and enter the coupon code: COLOR2025)
Informed Literacy Decodable Book Freebie

Helpful References:

Connect with Jen & Wendy from Informed Literacy:

Website: InformedLiteracy.com
Instagram: @informedlit
Informed Literacy on YouTube
Facebook: @informedlit
Pinterest: @informedlit
Informed Literacy Decodables: Use coupon code: COLOR2025 for one month (until September 2025) for a free Supplemental Resource pack when purchasing their hardcopy decodables. (You need to put the decodables and the supplemental resource pack into the cart and enter the coupon code: COLOR2025)
Informed Literacy Decodable Book Freebie
Email: support@informedliteracy.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

48. SOR Mini-Con 2025 Recap with Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer & Yvette Manns

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this heartfelt roundtable episode, Michelle is joined by her Science of Reading sidekicks, Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer, and Yvette Manns to reflect on the very first Science of Reading Mini-Con! From spark-filled sessions to swag bags and sound baths, this conversation is full of gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt takeaways.

They revisit each session, share their most memorable moments, and get real about why this work is so personal. You’ll walk away inspired, encouraged, and ready to “keep it going” in your own classroom and community.

Thank you to the Science of Reading Mini-Con Sponsors:

Connect with the Science of Reading Mini-Con Presenters:

Follow @scienceofreadingminicon on Instagram!
Heidi Martin @droppinknowledgewitheidi
Jessica Farmer @farmerlovesphonics
Yvette Manns @the_lit_teacher
Jake Daggett @jake_daggett
Michelle Sullivan @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

47. Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters—Especially for Black Boys with Tiffany Obeng, Sugar Cookie Books

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this powerful episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by lawyer-turned-author Tiffany Obeng, founder of Sugar Cookie Books. Together, we unpack the significance of representation in children’s literature, especially for Black boys, and how her “Andrew Learns” series is challenging the traditional narratives and creating space for all kids to feel seen, celebrated, and inspired.

Tiffany shares why statistics around literacy fuel her work and how we as educators and parents can build inclusive, representative libraries. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a classroom or home library with intentionality and heart.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Tiffany Obeng:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

46. Making Words Stick with Dr. Molly Ness on Orthographic Mapping

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Dr. Molly Ness, literacy researcher, educator, and co-author of “Making Words Stick”, the latest release from the Scholastic Science of Reading in Practice series. Together with Dr. Katie Pace Miles, Molly has created a teacher-friendly guide to help educators understand orthographic mapping and implement a 4-step routine that supports the mapping process.

We dive into what orthographic mapping actually is, why it matters, and how it’s different from memorization. Molly walks us through how the brain learns to read, busts myths about word repetitions, and explains why students must connect sound, spelling, and meaning to build a strong reading brain.

Whether you're new to the term “orthographic mapping” or looking to strengthen your instructional practice, this episode is packed with practical insight and inspiration. Get ready to geek out over the reading brain and walk away with ready-to-use classroom strategies that help words stick.

Key Takeaways:

Orthographic mapping is an invisible cognitive process where words become instantly recognized, not memorized.
Sound - Spelling - Meaning Connection
Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to word repetitions.
A 4-step instructional routine: See & Say, Segment & Spell, Study & Suss Out, Search & Stick
Spelling is a key indicator of a student’s linguistic understanding and should be intentionally taught alongside reading.

Resources Mentioned:

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Molly Ness:

Website: https://www.mollyness.com/
Website: https://www.dirigoliteracy.com/
LinkedIn: Molly Ness, PhD
Instagram: @a_reading_mother
BlueSky: ‪@mollyness.bsky.social‬
End Book Desert Podcast

Connect with Dr. Katie Pace Miles:

Website: https://www.katiepacemilesphd.com/
Website: https://www.readinginstitutenyc.org/
Reading Ready Programs
Advanced Certificate in Reading Science
Instagram: @thereadinginstitutenyc

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

45. A Global Lens on Morphology, Etymology & Literacy Instruction with Dr. Treasa Bowe

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re heading across the pond to Ireland for a powerful conversation with Dr. Treasa Bowe, an international literacy leader and passionate advocate for morphology, etymology, and meaningful instruction. With over two decades of teaching experience in both Ireland and the U.S., Dr. Bowe brings a truly global lens to literacy education.

Together, we explore what structured literacy looks like across contexts, how to empower multilingual learners through word study, and what it takes to implement school-wide morphology instruction - even without formal coaching systems. Treasa also shares how she created a scope and sequence for teaching morphology in the upper grades, weaving in etymology, spelling, and background knowledge in a way that’s cohesive, culturally responsive, and curiosity-driven.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to go deeper with word study, this conversation is packed with insights to spark your thinking and strengthen your practice.

Key Takeaways:

Building a school-wide structured literacy curriculum in a multilingual setting
How word study connects to spelling, vocabulary, and writing
Encourage inquiry without having all the answers

Resources & People Mentioned:

Connect with Treasa:

Instagram: @betweenthecoversofagoodbook

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

44. 4 Warm-Up Drills for Effective Phonics Instruction

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re diving into 4 quick, high-impact phonics drills that spark engagement and build automaticity, without eating up your entire lesson time.

These warm-ups aren’t about “drill and kill.” Instead, they’re short, intentional routines that help students review and retrieve previously taught phonics content. Whether you’re a classroom teacher or interventionist, these drills can be used flexibly, across whole group, small group, or even 1:1 settings.

4 Types of Drills:

Visual Drill
Auditory Drill
Vowel Drill
Blending Drill

Whether you’re just starting with structured literacy or looking to refine your phonics block, these quick drills are a powerful way to build momentum and confidence for every student.

Helpful Tools:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

43. Rock Your Literacy Block with Lindsay Kemeny

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by the incredible Lindsay Kemeny, a trusted voice in the Science of Reading community and author of Seven Mighty Moves and Rock Your Literacy Block. Lindsay shares her journey into structured literacy, sparked by her son’s dyslexia diagnosis, and how that led to a complete transformation in her teaching and professional work.

We dive into her brand-new book, Rock Your Literacy Block, and explore what it means to build a strong, responsive, and efficient literacy block that aligns with the Science of Reading. Lindsay offers practical strategies, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at how she organizes her day, structures her small groups, and maximizes every minute of instructional time.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by scheduling, pacing, or finding the “perfect” literacy routine, this conversation is a breath of fresh air. Lindsay reminds us that it’s not about perfection - it’s about progress.

Key Takeaways:

The inspiration behind Rock Your Literacy Block
The must-have components of an effective literacy block
The art of pacing and maximizing instructional minutes

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Rock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay Kemeny
Book: Seven Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny
Book: Seven Mighty Moves Reading Resources by Lindsay Kemeny
The Science of Reading in Practice Series (Scholastic)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Lindsay Kemeny:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

42. Is the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners? with Alejandra Ramirez

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with Alejandra Ramirez, a seasoned bilingual educator, reading coordinator, and literacy leader, to explore one of the most important questions in today’s classrooms: Is the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners?

With over a decade of experience in dual language programs and extensive training in LETRS and Esperanza, Alejandra brings a nuanced and equity-centered lens to structured literacy. In this episode, Alejandra unpacks common misconceptions, explores the importance of oral language, and discusses how foundational skills instruction can be adapted to support bilingual and multilingual learners.

Key Takeaways:

Why Structured Literacy is for multilingual learners
The importance of cross-linguistic connections
The role of explicit instruction, teacher mindset, and instructional equity

Resources & Notable Figures Mentioned:

Esperanza Dyslexia Program
LETRS Training
Book: Aprender a Leer by Stanislas Dehaene, neuroscientist
Claude Goldenberg
Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
Book: Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction by Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
Dr. Antonio Fierro
Dr. José Medina

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Alejandra Ramirez:

Instagram: @stuffaboutreading

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

41. Small Groups Aligned with the Science of Reading with Christina Winter, Lead in Literacy

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by my dear friend, Christina Winter from Lead in Literacy. Together, we dive into one of the hottest topics in structured literacy: small group instruction.

While some Science of Reading conversations debate whether small groups have a place in the literacy block, Christina reminds us that when done correctly—grounded in assessment, efficiency, and aligned routines—small groups can be one of the most powerful tools to differentiate instruction and target students’ exact needs.

Christina walks us through her ABC Framework for small groups:

A — Assess
B — Be Efficient
C — Cut the Fluff

We also discuss how to fit small groups into busy schedules, what effective routines look like, how to handle pacing, and why teachers don't need to feel guilty about not seeing every student every day.

Key Takeaways:

How small group instruction supports differentiated, targeted reading instruction.
The importance of assessment-driven groupings based on universal screeners (Acadience, DIBELS, i-Ready, etc.)
Why consistent instructional routines reduce teacher overwhelm and student anxiety.
High-impact routines for small group instruction: phonemic awareness, word mapping, high-frequency words, blending, decodable text, comprehension, dictation, and word awareness.
Teachers should prioritize students below benchmark for daily small groups while others can be seen less frequently.

Resources Mentioned:

Christina's Free Small Group Toolkit (downloadable resource with lessons & templates)
Book: A Fresh Look at Phonics by Wiley Blevins
Dr. Julia Lindsey’s Instagram Post
Stephanie Stollar’s Reading Science Academy
Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Christina Winter:

Website: https://leadinliteracy.com/
Instagram: @lead.in.literacy
Christina’s Membership Site: Leaders of Literacy

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

40. Why Read-Alouds Matter: Equity, Comprehension, and Book Access with Dr. Molly Ness

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this powerful episode of Literacy in Color, we are joined by Dr. Molly Ness to explore the deep impact of read-alouds, particularly think-alouds, as well as book access.. Dr. Ness, educator, author of Read Aloud for All Learners, and host of the End Book Deserts podcast, brings her research, experience, and passion to this conversation about how language comprehension is often overlooked, but absolutely essential in the Science of Reading-centered conversations.

Dr. Ness shares what the research says about read-alouds, how teacher planning (or lack thereof) affects instructional impact, and what educators can do to be more intentional in their read-aloud routines.

We also unpack the concept of book deserts, areas where children lack access to books in their homes, schools, and communities. Dr. Ness shares creative ideas and solutions for bringing books to the kids who need them most.

Key Takeaways:

The concept of book deserts and why book access is an equity issue
Creative ways to distribute books in under-resourced communities
The physiological and emotional benefits of read-alouds for all ages
What research tells us about the power of read-alouds for language comprehension
How think-alouds support comprehension beyond simple questioning
Planning read-alouds with intentionality: modeling, stopping points, & strategy alignment

Resources Mentioned:

Read Aloud for All Learners by Dr. Molly Ness
Research: What Are Teachers Reading and Why?: An Analysis of Elementary Read Aloud Titles and the Rationales Underlying Teachers' Selections - Conradi-Smith, Craig Young, and Jane Core Yatzeck
White paper on Language Comprehension written by Dr. Molly Ness
Making Words Stick (newly released book by Dr. Molly Ness & Dr. Katie Pace Miles)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Molly Ness:

Website: https://www.mollyness.com/
Website: https://www.dirigoliteracy.com/
LinkedIn: Molly Ness, PhD
Instagram: @a_reading_mother
BlueSky: ‪@mollyness.bsky.social‬
End Book Desert Podcast
End Book Desert Website

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

39. Mastering Morphology - Introducing Logos Literacy Academy with Sarah Paul & Michelle Sullivan

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this special episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle is joined by her brilliant friend, Sarah Paul, to officially unveil their new course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator.

Together, Michelle and Sarah share the backstory behind their collaboration (Logos Literacy Academy), reflect on their own morphology journeys, and talk candidly about the challenges teachers face when trying to make sense of morphemes, word parts, and all things structural literacy.

Whether you're brand new to morphology or ready to go deeper, this episode is equal parts strategy, story, and heart.

Key Takeaways:

Why morphology is the missing puzzle piece for many literacy classrooms
How morphemes support struggling readers, gifted students, and everyone in between
Practical entry points for teaching morphology—without needing to be a linguist
A behind-the-scenes look at their course series and why it’s designed as a multi-course journey

Resources Mentioned:

Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator - Morphology Course #1 (comprehensive & in-depth knowledge to build a solid foundation)
Course #2 - Coming Fall 2025 will be geared for K-2 Educators (more curriculum-based)
Course #3 - Coming Winter 2025 will be geared for 3-5 Educators (more curriculum-based)
Logos Literacy Academy on IG: @logosliteracyacademy
Etymonline

Connect with Sarah Paul:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

38. Tier 1 Engagement Strategies with Jake Daggett

Tue, 27 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

I’m joined by the one and only Jake Daggett—educator, foundational literacy director, and all-around engagement strategist. If you've ever seen his viral phonics videos, you already know the energy and intentionality he brings to instruction. But there’s more to Jake than claps and chants—he’s deeply rooted in brain-based research and committed to helping all learners access joyful, responsive Tier 1 instruction.

We unpack how retrieval practice, frequent response opportunities, and cognitive science principles make instruction stick—and why fun isn’t fluff when it’s grounded in purpose. From neurodivergent inclusion to flexible phonics lessons, Jake shares practical, actionable ways to create highly engaging classrooms that promote success for every learner.

Whether you’re sing-songy or soft-spoken, you’ll walk away with real strategies to elevate your Tier 1 instruction tomorrow.

Key Takeaways:

The relationship between achievement and joy in learning
Why retrieval practice and at-bats are essential for building automaticity
The role of pitch, motion, and repetition in recall and engagement
Flexible strategies that honor teacher style AND student need

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Explicit Instruction- Dr. Anita Archer
Book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching - Zach Groshell
Book: Harnessing the Science of Learning - Nathaniel Swain
Book: Why Don’t Students Like School? - Dan Willingham
Book: Differentiating Phonics Instruction for Maximum Impact - Wiley Blevins
Book: 7 Mighty Moves - Lindsay Kemeny
Book: 7 Mighty Moves: Reading Resources - Lindsay Kemeny
Book: Rock Your Literacy Block - Lindsay Kemeny
Book: Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning - Peter C. Brown
Dan Willingham’s Website
Timothy Shanahan’s Website – Shanahan on Literacy

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Jake Daggett:

Instagram: @jake_daggett
Facebook: Engage with Jake
TikTok: @jake_daggett
X: @jake_daggett
Website: https://www.engagewithjake.com/

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

37. The Impact of Language and Leadership in Literacy with Dr. Danielle 'Nell' Thompson, The Transformative Reading Teacher Group

Tue, 20 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Danielle “Nell” Thompson shares her powerful journey from a small town in North Dakota to Bush Alaska, all the way to becoming a transformational coach and the founder of the Big Sky Literacy Summit. Together, we explore how language is the foundation of literacy—not just for academic success, but for human connection, dignity, and transformation.

We also dig into the intersection of language and leadership, discussing how deep systems change, intentional leadership, and relationship-driven instruction can move the literacy needle—not just for individual students, but entire school communities.

Key Takeaways:

Why oral language is both a risk factor and a protective factor in literacy development
How early language experiences shape long-term life outcomes
What true transformational leadership looks like in school settings
Powerful tools for screening early oral language & providing intervention
A heartfelt case study from Bush Alaska that will leave you inspired

Resources Mentioned:

Big Sky Literacy Summit 2025: Language is Everything
Book: Speech to Print - Dr. Louisa Moats
Book: Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills - Birsch & Carreker
Book: Unlocking Literacy - Marcia Henry
Hugh Catts: Viewing A Phonological Deficit within a Multifactorial Model of Dyslexia
Book: Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experiences of Young American Children – Hart & Risley
Book: 30 Million Words: Building a Child’s Brain – Dr. Dana Suskind
The Abecedarian Project – Early childhood longitudinal study
Podcast Episode 19: Oral Language & Reading with Elizabeth Doherty, The Reading SLP
LanguageScreen – Oral language screener by Maggie Snowling & Charles Hulme
Let’s Know! – FREE language curriculum developed by the Language and Reading Research Consortium (available via Ohio State)
NELI (Nuffield Early Language Intervention) – Oral language program (includes the LanguageScreen Assessment)
Story Champs & ECHO – Language intervention tools from the Language Dynamics Group
Book: It’s All About Language - Grigorenko, Shtirov, McArdle
Book: Annual Growth for All Students, Catch-Up Growth for Those Who Are Behind - Fielding, Kerr, & Rosier
Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement - Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Nell:

Dr. Nell's Website: The Transformative Reading Teacher Group
Big Sky Literacy Summit Website
Email: DrNell@TheTransformativeReadingTeacher.com
LinkedIn: Dr. Danielle “Nell” Thompson
Facebook: Big Sky Literacy Summit
Facebook: The Transformative Reading Teacher Group
Join The Reading League Montana

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

36. Tips for Teaching the Alphabet with Heidi Martin, Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi

Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m chatting with Heidi Martin—also known as Droppin’ Knowledge with Heidi—to unpack what research says about effective alphabet instruction. Together, we explore common debates, research-based tips, and engaging strategies to teach the alphabet more effectively.

From ditching letter-of-the-week traditions to embracing articulation and embedded mnemonics, this episode is packed with classroom-ready ideas and practical insights grounded in cognitive science. Heidi also shares why repeated and distributed practice is the key to building strong alphabet knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

Alphabet knowledge is a strong predictor of reading success
What the research says about “letter of the week”
Teach letter names and sounds together
Teach uppercase and lowercase together
Incorporate explicit handwriting instruction
Use embedded mnemonics and articulation cues
Advice about target picture(s)
Alphabet knowledge should be joyful, not just rote

Helpful Resources:

Register for Science of Reading Mini-Con (July 10th, 2025 in Racine, Wisconsin)!
Piasta & Wagner’s 2010 meta-analysis of Alphabet Learning & Instruction
P is for Paint: A Mnemonic Alphabet Adventure! – Heidi’s embedded mnemonic alphabet book
Decodable Adventure Series – Heidi’s decodable books
Heidi & Adam Martin’s New Activity Book: Droppin' Knowledge on Foundational Skills: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Exercises Aligned to the Science of Reading
Heidi & Adam Martin’s New Activity Book: Droppin' Knowledge on Sight Words and Word Mapping: High-Frequency Word Exercises Aligned to the Science of Reading
Heidi & Adam Martin’s New Activity Book: Droppin' Knowledge on Phonics: Spelling and Phonics Activities Aligned to the Science of Reading
Helpful Instagram Post from Heidi on the Alphabet

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Heidi Martin:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

35. Why Transcription Skills Matter in Early Writing Instruction with Amy Siracusano

Tue, 06 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this insightful episode, I sit down with literacy expert, Amy Siracusano, to unpack the critical role that transcription skills play in early writing development. Together, we explore why handwriting, spelling, and fine motor skills aren’t just mechanical tasks—they’re foundational tools that unlock a child’s ability to communicate their thoughts effectively.

Amy breaks down the research, shares practical strategies, and shines a light on the often-overlooked building blocks that impact a child’s writing journey. Teachers will walk away with actionable tips and a deeper understanding of how transcription skills influence cognitive load, executive functioning, and writing fluency.

Key Takeaways:

Why automaticity in transcription is non-negotiable for freeing up cognitive resources for composition
How explicit handwriting instruction supports both reading and writing fluency
The connection between the writing brain and reading brain
Practical ways teachers can integrate transcription skill-building into their literacy block

Resources Mentioned:

Practical tools Amy recommended:

Short pencils
Plastic sleeves/page protectors with 3-lined paper inside
Thin, short dry erase markers
Appropriate writing utensils (soft lead pencils, crayons for early writers)
Three-lined paper for handwriting until automaticity is achieved

Connect with Amy Siracusano:

LinkedIn: Amy Siracusano
Instagram: @amysiracusano
Email: amysiracusano@gmail.com

Connect with Amy at Upcoming Conferences:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

34. Orthographic Mapping, Sight Words & High-Frequency Words: What Every Teacher Should Know

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this solo episode of Literacy in Color, we’re cutting through the confusion around sight words, high-frequency words, and orthographic mapping. You’ll get a clear, research-backed understanding of how the brain actually learns words — and why traditional memorization strategies just don’t cut it.

Michelle breaks down why every word "wants to grow up and become a sight word" and shares how teachers can make smart instructional moves that build strong, fluent readers by honoring what we know from the Science of Reading.

If you’ve ever wondered:

Should I still send home sight word flashcards?
What’s orthographic mapping actually mean?
How can I organize my high-frequency instruction around phonics skills?

...this episode will answer ALL of that (and more!) in a practical, empowering way.

Key Takeaways:

The difference between sight words and high-frequency words (hint: they're not the same)
What orthographic mapping is—and why it’s not an activity
How words become mapped for instant recognition
Why explicit instruction—not memorization—is key to building fluent readers
How to group high-frequency words by phonics features for better transfer and mastery

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Making Words Stick: A Four-Step Instructional Routine to Power Up Orthographic Mapping (The Science of Reading in Practice) by Dr. Katie Pace Miles & Dr. Molly Ness

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Other Helpful Resources:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

33. Spelling Error Analysis with Sydney Bassard, The Listening SLP

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

What can spelling errors really tell us about a student’s literacy development?

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Sydney Bassard, speech-language pathologist and founder of The Listening SLP, to dig into the power of spelling error analysis. Sydney breaks down the five types of spelling errors teachers should be aware of, explains what these errors reveal about processing, and shares how this analysis can drive smarter, more responsive instruction.

We also talk about language variation, hearing loss, articulation differences, and how educators can work alongside SLPs to deepen their understanding of language and literacy.

Whether you’re new to analyzing spelling or ready to go beyond “right or wrong,” this conversation will shift your lens and strengthen your practice.

Key Takeaways:

Why spelling errors are a gold mine for instructional decision-making
The five key categories of spelling errors: phonological, orthographic, mental graphemic, morphological, and semantic
How hearing and language variation impact spelling
How to incorporate spelling error analysis into your routine without burning out
Why collaboration with SLPs can level up your structured literacy instruction

Resources Mentioned:

FREE PVM Chart (Place Voice Manner) Download
Blog Post from The Literacy Nest: “Taking a Close Look at Spelling Errors: How a Spelling Assessment Can Inform Your Instruction”
AI Hack: Use ChatGPT to run quick spelling error diagnostics (just double-check it!)

Connect with Sydney Bassard:

Website: https://www.thelisteningslp.com
Instagram: @thelisteningslp
Facebook: The Listening SLP
Email: hello@thelisteningslp.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

32. Crafting High-Quality Decodable Books with Brooke Vitale, Charge Mommy Books

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I'm joined by Brooke Vitale—veteran children’s book editor, author, and founder of Charge Mommy Books—to explore the art and science behind writing truly high-quality decodable books. With over 15+ years in publishing (including experience at Penguin and Disney!), Brooke brings a deep understanding of storytelling and language development to the world of structured literacy.

We talk about what makes a decodable book not only controlled and phonics-aligned—but also joyful, engaging, and instructionally meaningful. From story structure to word choice to illustration strategy, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone who creates or uses decodables in the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

What makes a decodable high-quality beyond just phonics alignment
The importance of story arc, character development, and humor in early readers
Why illustrations matter—and how they can enhance comprehension without becoming guessing crutches
How to navigate decodability expectations without sacrificing language integrity

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Brooke Vitale:

Website: https://brookevitale.com/
Instagram: @chargemommybooks
Facebook: Charge Mommy Books
Charge Mommy Book’s Literacy Specialist, Marissa Ware on Instagram: @mwliteracy

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

31. Stop the Robotic Reading – Building Fluency with MeQuel Bolden

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by literacy coach and consultant MeQuel Bolden. With over a decade of classroom experience and a deep commitment to structured literacy, MeQuel shares insight into what reading fluency really is—and what it’s not.

We unpack common fluency misconceptions, dive into what’s happening in the brain when students become fluent, and share research-aligned strategies that move students from robotic to expressive, confident reading.

You’ll walk away with:

A clear definition of fluency (hint: it’s not about speed)
Practical tips to make fluency practice engaging and purposeful
Ideas for fluency practice
A reminder that fluency is for all ages, not just primary learners

Whether you’re just getting started with structured literacy or looking to strengthen fluency instruction in your small groups, this episode is packed with practical tools and encouragement to support your readers.

Resources Mentioned:

Fluency FREEBIE from MeQuel Bolden
The Mega Book of Fluency (2nd Edition) by Tim Rasinski & Melissa Cheesman
Watch MeQuel Bolden’s Pre-Recorded Bonus Session: “Stop the Robotic Reading: 3 Strategies to Build Fluent Readers” for Science of Reading Mini-Con this July!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with MeQuel Bolden:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

30. Making Sense of Suffixes: Inflectional vs. Derivational Suffixes

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this solo episode, Michelle Sullivan breaks down one morpheme type: suffixes. You’ll learn the difference between inflectional and derivational suffixes, how they operate in our language system, and why understanding suffixes is critical for building skilled readers, spellers, and thinkers.

Michelle takes you on a deep dive into how suffixes shape grammar and meaning. From tweaking verb tense to building entirely new words, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink how you teach word structure — and equipped with practical knowledge for your next morphology lesson.

Key Takeaways:

What is a suffix, really?
The difference between inflectional and derivational suffixes (with examples!)
How suffixes impact grammar, syntax, and word meaning

Whether you're new to morphology or a seasoned word-nerd, this episode will help you see suffixes in a whole new light.

29. Hands-On Phonemic Awareness Activities with Kristina Harrill

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Kristina Harrill, founder of Sweet for Kindergarten, joins me to share her passion for phonemic awareness and hands-on learning. We discuss the importance of bridging phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, debunk the myth that phonemic awareness has to be done in the dark, and dive into engaging, multisensory activities teachers can implement right away. Whether you’re an educator or a parent, this episode is packed with practical tips and tools to make phonemic awareness fun and impactful.

Key Takeaways:

Myth Busting about Phonemic Awareness
Connecting Phonemic Awareness to Phonics
3 Hands-On Activities for Blending

Resources Mentioned:

FREE 3-Day Video Series on the Power of Phonemic Awareness: www.sweetforkindergarten.com/power (Use code PODCAST for $5 off!)
Griffith and Olson Article (1992) - “Phonemic awareness helps beginning readers break the code”

Connect with Kristina Harrill

Website: https://sweetforkindergarten.com/
Instagram: @KristinaHarrill and @SweetforKindergarten
TPT Store: Sweet for Kindergarten - Kristina Harrill
Facebook: Kindergarten Tips & Tricks
Email: kristina@sweetforkindergarten.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

28. Clearing up Misconceptions around MTSS with Dr. Stephanie Stollar

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Dr. Stephanie Stollar, co-author of “MTSS for Reading Improvement” & founder of Reading Science Academy, joins me to break down MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) and clear up common misconceptions surrounding this framework. Many educators see MTSS as just an intervention model, but it’s so much more—it’s a system-wide approach to improving reading outcomes for all students. We discuss the tiers of instruction, how to make data-driven decisions, and how schools can shift toward more effective literacy practices. Whether you're an administrator, teacher, or simply a stakeholder in student literacy outcomes, this episode will give you clarity and actionable steps to make MTSS work in your school.

Key Takeaways:

What is MTSS?
Understanding the Tiered Model
Common Misconceptions & Challenges
MTSS Logistics

Resources Mentioned:

Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from the Publisher (or on Amazon)
Join Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy Membership
Dr. Stollar’s MTSS Online Course “MTSS: The Framework for Implementing the Science of Reading”

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Stollar

Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/
Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademy
Facebook: Stephanie Stollar Consulting
Twitter (X): @SStollar6

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

27. Celebrate National Schwa Day: What's the Schwa Sound & How to Teach It with Yvette Manns, Author of Phonics Read-Alouds

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

What exactly is the schwa sound, and why is it such an important part of the English language? Yvette Manns, author of the Phonics Read-Alouds series and founder of National Schwa Day, joins me to dive deep into everything schwa—what it is, how it functions in words, and why teaching it explicitly is a game-changer for reading and spelling instruction. We also chat about the official National Schwa Day, how teachers can celebrate, and fun, engaging strategies to help students understand this “not-so-lazy” vowel sound!

Key Takeaways:

What is the Schwa Sound?
Why Teaching Schwa Matters
How to Teach Schwa Effectively
Celebrating National Schwa Day!

Resources Mentioned:

FREE National Schwa Day Educator Toolkit (FREE 43-page resource!) - Download the toolkit and celebrate National Schwa Day on April 7th!
National Schwa Day Website: https://nationalschwaday.org/
The Not-So-Lazy-Schwa Book written by Yvette Manns
Phonics Read-Alouds Series Website – PhonicsReadAlouds.com
Phonics Read-Alouds Series on Amazon
The Viral 44 Phonemes Video featuring Yvette Manns – Watch on YouTube
Slant System Passages
From Speech to Print - Dr. Louisa Moats
See Yvette & I present at the Science of Reading Mini-Con Conference - July 10th, 2025 in Racine, WI!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Yvette Manns:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

26. Morphology 101

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Morphology is one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, components of your literacy block. In this episode, I break down the basics of morphology and explain why it’s essential for structured literacy to help students read, spell, and understand words more effectively. If you’ve ever wondered why students struggle with multisyllabic words, spelling patterns, or vocabulary — morphology might just be the missing piece!

Key Takeaways:

What is Morphology?
Different Types of Morphemes
How Morphology Supports Reading & Spelling
Why Morphology Matters in Structured Literacy

Resources Mentioned:

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Other Helpful Resources:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

25. Why are Decodable Texts Important? with Hooked on Comics

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Brittany and Jackie from Hooked on Comics join us to discuss why decodable texts are essential for building foundational reading skills. We dive into what makes a text truly decodable, how these texts support structured literacy, and their unique approach to creating engaging decodable comics. Whether you’re new to using decodable texts or looking for creative ways to integrate them into your instruction, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

What are Decodable Texts?
Why Decodable Texts Matter
What Sets Hooked on Comics Apart
Tips for Using Decodables in the Classroom:

Resources Mentioned:

FREE: Brittany & Jackie have 4 FREE comics available for download in their TPT store! Their comics have also been vetted and approved by the Reading League!
Sold a Story Podcast
FREE: UFLI Decodable Passages
The Reading League’s Vetted Decodable Text List
IMSE (Institute for Multi-Sensory Education)’s Digital Resources
Active View of Reading

Where to Find Hooked on Comics:

Website: https://www.hookedoncomics.org/
Instagram: @Hooked.On.Comics
TikTok: @HookedOnComics
Teachers Pay Teachers Store: Hooked on Comics
Email: phonicscomics@gmail.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

24. Morphology Roundtable with Sarah Paul, Savannah Campbell, and Michelle Sullivan

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Literacy in Color podcast, Michelle Sullivan, Sarah Paul, and Savannah Campbell join forces for a morphology roundtable discussion! They’re answering some of your most pressing morphology questions from social media:

Why does teaching morphology matter?
When should we begin teaching morphology, and how can it be introduced to younger learners in developmentally appropriate ways?
What is a Word Matrix? What are Word Sums?
Is there a specific scope and sequence we should follow?
Do you use the word “morpheme” with your students?
What might a morphology lesson look like in action? Step-by-step?

They not only share practical strategies & suggestions for teaching morphology, but they also provide recommended resources to help you deepen your knowledge about morphology as well.

If you enjoyed this conversation, check out Michelle, Sarah & Savannah at the upcoming Unlocking SOR Conference this March 2025!

Resources Mentioned:

Savannah’s Book Recommendation: Everything You Want to Know & Exactly Where to Find It by William Van Cleave
Sarah’s Book Recommendation: Beneath the Surface of Words: What English Spelling Reveals and Why It Matters By Sue Hegland
Michelle’s Book Recommendation: Teaching How the Written Word Works By Peter Bowers
Sarah’s Morphology Blog: Understanding Morphology: Part 1
Sarah’s Morphology Blog: Teaching Morphology to Beginning Readers
Savannah’s Morphology Resource: Morphology Interactive Notebooks Bundle
Michelle’s Morphology Resource: Greek and Latin Root of the Week Posters BUNDLE
Michelle’s IG Posts - Breaking Down the Made-Up Words in Wicked (Part 1 & Part 2)
Morphology Meta-Analysis: “The effects of morphological instruction on literacy skills: A systematic review of the literature” - Bowers, Kirby, & Deacon (2010) *Lives behind a paywall.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Other Helpful Resources:

Michelle’s FREE Word Matrix & Word Sums Template
Michelle’s Latin Word Matrices Bundle
Michelle’s MEGA Morphology Growing Bundle
Michelle’s FREE Guide: Phonics & Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to Know
Word Works Kingston Website about Structured Word Inquiry (Pete Bowers)
FREE: Morphology Matters by William Van Cleave
Etymonline
Neil Ramsden FREE Mini Matrix-Maker

Connect with Sarah Paul:

Connect with Savannah Campbell:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

23. Why is Reading Fluency Important? with Dr. Heather Kenny from Unleashed Innovation

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Why is reading fluency important? Dr. Heather Kenny from Unleashed Innovation joins me to unpack the critical role of fluency in reading development. Together, we explore why fluency is often described as the bridge between word recognition and language comprehension, discuss research-backed insights, and share actionable strategies to address fluency challenges. Dr. Kenny’s expertise provides clarity on how fluency integrates accuracy, rate, and prosody to drive skilled reading, making this a must-listen episode for all educators.

Key Takeaways:

Fluency as a Bridge
Components of Fluency
Challenges of Fluency
Identifying Fluency Struggles
Actionable Fluency Strategies

Resources Mentioned:

Sounder and Friends App
Sounder and Friends on YouTube
Really Great Reading’s Heart Word Method
Top 10 Tips Webinar: A practical webinar for K-2 teachers focused on improving fluency outcomes.
FREE Fluency Resource Pack

Where to Find Dr. Heather Kenny:

Website: Unleashed Innovation
Unleashed Innovation: Instagram | Facebook
Sounder and Friends: Instagram | Facebook
Email: hkenny@unleashed-innovation.com
Upcoming Webinar: Top 10 Tips for Building Fluency in Grades K-2

This episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies for addressing fluency challenges in the classroom. Tune in to learn how to support your students in becoming skilled, fluent readers!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

22. What is Reading Fluency? with Jessica Farmer from Farmer Loves Phonics

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0400

What is reading fluency? Jessica Farmer, a literacy advocate and professional learning facilitator, joins me to discuss the essential role of fluency in reading development. Together, we explore what fluency truly means, why it’s much more than speed, and how teachers can assess and improve fluency in their classrooms. Packed with practical strategies, research-based insights, actionable tips, AND A FREEBIE, this episode is your go-to guide for understanding fluency in the Science of Reading framework.

Key Takeaways:

Fluency Defined
Components of Fluency
ORF (Oral Reading Fluency)
Practical Fluency Strategies

Resources Mentioned:

Jan Hasbrouck and Gerald Tyndall’s National Norms for Oral Reading Fluency (ORF): Reading Rockets
Dr. Jan Hasbrouck’s Fluency Webinar with The Reading League
Emily Hanford’s Article: "At a Loss for Words"
Top 10 Tips Webinar: A practical webinar for K-2 teachers focused on improving fluency outcomes.
FREE Fluency Resource Pack

Where to Find Jessica Farmer:

Website: Farmer Loves Phonics
Instagram: @FarmerLovesPhonics
Facebook: @FarmerLovesPhonics
TikTok :@FarmerLovesPhonics
YouTube: @FarmerLovesPhonics
TPT Store: Farmer Loves Phonics
Email: Jessica@farmerlovesphonics.com
Upcoming Webinar: Top 10 Tips for Building Fluency in Grades K-2

This episode is perfect for educators who want to better understand fluency and how to implement research-based strategies to support student success. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

21. When Reading Skills Aren't Clicking with Naomi O'Brien

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0400

What do you do when reading skills aren’t clicking for your students? Join me and the incredible Naomi O’Brien from Read Like a Rockstar Teaching as we tackle this critical question. Naomi shares her expertise in foundational skills in a structured literacy setting to help educators shift their instruction and support every reader. Whether you’re struggling to meet the needs of diverse learners or looking to deepen your understanding of evidence-based methods, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Naomi’s practical tips and inspiring insights will leave you feeling empowered to make a difference in your classroom to make sure the learning sticks!

Key Takeaways:

Why Reading Skills Don’t Stick: Naomi explains how faulty methods like memorization can hinder progress and why explicit, systematic phonics instruction is essential for long-term success.
The Importance of Trusting the Process: Learn why building foundational skills may feel slow initially but creates lasting reading proficiency.
Engaging Strategies for Phonological Awareness and Phonics: Naomi shares fun, interactive methods to boost student engagement and build essential reading skills.
How to Address Gaps: Tips for identifying and filling in missing pieces for struggling readers, even if they’re starting behind.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Resources Mentioned:

Naomi O’Brien’s Membership: Systematic Phonics & Phonological Awareness
Phonological Awareness Resources & Information on Naomi’s Website: https://readlikearockstarteaching.com/phonological-awareness/
"The Truth About Reading" Documentary: https://www.johncorcoranfoundation.org/watch
Stanislas Dehaene’s Research: How the Brain Learns to Read on YouTube
Stanislas Dehaene’s Book: Reading in the Brain
Naomi’s Book: You’ll Never Guess What I’m Thinking About
Naomi’s Book: You’ll Never Guess What I’m Saying
Jan Hasbrouck Oral Reading Fluency Norms

Where to Find Naomi O’Brien:

Instagram: @readlikearockstarteaching
Website: https://readlikearockstarteaching.com/
Email: readlikearockstarteaching@gmail.com

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

20. What to Do With All Those Leveled Books in a SoR Classroom

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0400

If you’ve been shifting to a Science of Reading approach, you might be wondering: What do I do with all the leveled texts in my classroom library? Should I toss them? Let them collect dust? Fear not—this episode is here to help! Today, we explore 6 practical and intentional ways to repurpose your leveled readers so they align with structured literacy principles. These tips will help you use those books in meaningful ways while staying grounded in the Science of Reading research.

Key Takeaways:

Reorganize for Knowledge Building
Use Books as Mentor Texts
Cover the Words for Storytelling
Inspire Writing in Small Groups
Teach Grammar & Syntax with Mentor Sentences
Tap into Vocabulary-Building Opportunities

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

19. Oral Language & Reading with Elizabeth Doherty, The Reading SLP

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Elizabeth Doherty, known as The Reading SLP, joins us to discuss the critical role oral language plays in reading development. As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with extensive experience, Elizabeth shares her insights into how oral language connects to reading comprehension, the importance of addressing oral language challenges, and actionable strategies to support language development in schools and at home. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or SLP, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for supporting literacy through the lens of oral language.

Key Takeaways:

What is Oral Language?
Signs of Oral Language Challenges
The Role of SLPs in Literacy Development
Strategies for Supporting Oral Language

Resources Mentioned:

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Where to Find Elizabeth Doherty:

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

18. 5 Tips for Small Group Reading Success

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Small group reading instruction is where the magic happens! In this episode, we dive into five actionable tips to help you make the most of your small group time. Whether you're working on phonics, fluency, or comprehension, these strategies will ensure your instruction is intentional, impactful, and student-centered. Get ready to streamline your process and make a bigger difference for your readers this year!

Key Takeaways:

Tip 1: Prioritize Scheduling
Tip 2: Follow a Consistent Structure
Tip 3: Balance Teacher Talk and Student Work
Tip 4: Keep Groups Short and Sweet
Tip 5: Build Your Teacher Toolkit

Resources Mentioned:

The Colorful Literacy Toolkit Membership

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

17. From Resolutions to Results: Set your Science of Reading Goals for 2025

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Happy New Year’s Eve! As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and set intentional goals for your teaching practice. In this episode, we’ll turn your passion for the Science of Reading into actionable, achievable goals that will set you and your students up for success in the new year. Together, we’ll reflect on wins and challenges, pick a “Word of the Year” to guide us, and craft SMART goals that will help turn resolutions into results.

Whether you’re new to the Science of Reading or a seasoned educator looking to grow, this episode is packed with strategies to help you make 2025 your best teaching year yet!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why setting goals for your Science of Reading journey matters.
How to reflect on your 2024 wins and challenges to guide your focus.
The importance of choosing a “Word of the Year” as your professional compass.
How to craft SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to bring structure and intention to your teaching practice.
A step-by-step example of creating a SMART goal tailored to expanding your teaching toolkit with Science of Reading strategies.

Links & Resources:

Download the FREE Canva Template to create your “Word of the Year” Vision Board as a phone background!
Learn more about my upcoming course on orthographic mapping, Word Mapping Mastery!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

16. A Very Merry Phonological Awareness Lesson

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0400

It's Christmas Eve! In today’s special holiday-themed episode, we’re bringing a little winter magic to phonological awareness. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just looking for a festive and educational activity, this interactive episode is for you! Together, we’ll play with sounds and words, engaging in fun phonological awareness activities that include rhyming, blending, segmenting, and so much more—all with a cozy winter theme. While this is just for fun and not aligned with targeted phonics skills, it’s a great way to spark joy and engage in wordplay with your kids or students.

Activities Included:

Rhyme Production
Sound Isolation (Beginning and Ending Sounds)
Blending (Compound Words, Syllables, and Sounds)
Segmenting (Syllables, Onset-Rime, and Individual Sounds)
Substitution
Sentence Segmentation

Grab a cup of cocoa, play along, and enjoy a bit of winter-inspired wordplay!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

15. Black Language & Structured Literacy with Dr. Jasmine Rogers

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this heartfelt, powerful, and impactful episode, I am joined by Dr. Jasmine Rogers, a leading national voice in literacy instruction and a trailblazer in culturally competent teaching practices. Dr. Rogers specializes in approaches that affirm Black Language (Black English) in the classroom and has dedicated her career to revolutionizing literacy instruction by honoring every student's linguistic heritage.

With nine years of classroom experience in charter and DC Public Schools, Dr. Rogers witnessed firsthand how traditional reading instruction often left Black Language-speaking students behind. Her groundbreaking research at American University’s School of Education challenges long-held misconceptions and shows that even minimal training on Black Language significantly improves teacher effectiveness.

In this episode, Dr. Rogers shares insights from her research, discussing how recognizing and celebrating Black Language—rather than correcting it—is essential to honoring students' identities and supporting their academic growth. She explains how Black Language is not a dialect or slang but a fully developed linguistic system with its own phonology, morphology, and syntax, and why we must celebrate this diversity in our classrooms.

We dive deep into misconceptions about Black Language, explore the difference between deficit-based and asset-based approaches, and discuss how educators can integrate culturally responsive literacy practices into their teaching - especially in the Structured Literacy classroom. Dr. Rogers introduces the concept of the "Revolutionary Love Response" as a powerful teaching move, emphasizing the importance of affirming students’ linguistic choices while still guiding them toward proficiency in generalized English.

This episode is a clarion call for educators to reflect on their teaching practices, embrace linguistic diversity, and create classrooms where every student’s language and identity are celebrated. Dr. Rogers’ mission is clear: to transform literacy instruction by affirming students' linguistic heritage, and in this conversation, she equips us with the knowledge & tools to get us started.

Resources Mentioned:

Linguistic Justice by Dr. April Baker Bell
Black Communications and Learning to Read by Terry Meier
Revolutionary Love: Creating a Culturally Inclusive Classroom by Kamania Wynter-Hoyte, Eliza Braden, and Michele Meyers
Dr. Megan-Brette Hamilton’s Website
Dr. Megan-Brette Hamilton’s Podcast: Honeybee Connection Podcast by MB
Dr. Dionna Latimer-Hearn’s Website
Dr. Dionna Latimer-Hearn’s Podcast: The Culture We Speak

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Where to Find Dr. Jasmine Rogers:

DC Reading Clinic
Website: www.jasminerogers.com
LinkedIn: Jasmine Rogers
Twitter/x: @drj_indc
IG & Threads: @drj_indc

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

14. A Literacy Coach's Role & Responsibilities with Alison Kantor (Literacy Coaching Conversations Series - Part 7)

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0400

We’re wrapping up this Literacy Coaching Conversations series with my good friend and colleague, Alison Kantor, a literacy coach and Orton-Gillingham trainer, to discuss the unique and impactful role of a literacy coach. Alison shares her journey from classroom teacher to literacy coach, her daily responsibilities, and her strategies for supporting teachers as they navigate the shift from Balanced Literacy to Structured Literacy. Whether you’re a new coach or a seasoned veteran, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

A Day in the Life of a Literacy Coach
Building Trust with Teachers
Impactful Coaching Moments

Resources Mentioned:

Tools for Literacy Coaches:

Google Calendar: Alison’s top recommendation for staying organized and following through on commitments.
A Mobile “Tackle Box”: Filled with literacy materials like letter cards, mini whiteboards, and manipulatives to model strategies with teachers.
Professional Development: Resources like blogs, podcasts, and coaching communities to stay up-to-date and continue learning.

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

13. What is Structured Literacy?

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0400

What is Structured Literacy, exactly? Let’s take a deep dive into this research-based instructional approach rooted in the Science of Reading. We’ll unpack the guiding principles and elements of Structured Literacy, explain how it differs from Balanced Literacy, and share why it’s so effective for teaching all students—especially those with dyslexia or other reading challenges. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of how Structured Literacy sets students up for lifelong success.

Key Takeaways:

Structured Literacy vs. Balanced Literacy
Guiding Principles of Structured Literacy: Systematic, Cumulative, Explicit, Diagnostic
The Five Elements of Structured Literacy
Why Structured Literacy Matters

Resources Mentioned:

Structured Literacy - outlined by the IDA
The Ladder of Reading Infographic by Nancy Young
Book: Climbing The Ladder of Reading & Writing: Meeting the Needs of ALL Learners by Nancy Young & Jan Hasbrouck
LETRS Training
Book: Uncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

12. Coaching into Foundational Skills with Merri Polhemus (Literacy Coaching Conversations Series - Part 6)

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast, Michelle chats with Merri Polhemus, a district-wide literacy coach focused on supporting teachers in building strong foundational skills. Now in her second year as a literacy coach, Merri discusses her unique role, her journey from classroom teacher to coach, and the many ways she helps teachers master phonics and phonological awareness instruction. She also shares tips on using data to drive instruction and offers advice for new literacy coaches and interventionists working in foundational skills.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The unique aspects of Merri's district-wide coaching role and how she supports K-2 teachers.
How Merri helps teachers analyze data and implement targeted small-group instruction.
The importance of using decodable assessments and how they shift instruction from leveled readers to phonics-focused teaching.
Professional development resources Merri recommends for deepening expertise in foundational literacy skills.

Key Takeaways:

Modeling Lessons is Key: Merri frequently models whole-group and small-group phonics lessons to help teachers implement effective instruction.
Data-Driven Instruction: Shifting from leveled readers to decodable assessments helps teachers identify specific phonics skills that students need to work on.
Build Relationships: Establishing trust and strong relationships with teachers is crucial for successful coaching and supporting foundational skills work.

Resources Mentioned:

Professional Books:
Know Better, Do Better by David and Meredith Liben
Speech to Print by Louisa Cook Moats
Reading Above the Fray by Julia Lindsey
7 Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny
Shifting the Balance by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates
Differentiating Phonics Instruction by Wiley Blevins
Choosing and Using Decodable Texts by Wiley Blevins
The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Lewis Hennessy
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. and Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D.
Ready to Read by Mary Lupiani Farrell & Francie M. Matthews
Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties by David A. Kilpatrick
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Dyslexia Program: Merri completed her certification as a dyslexia specialist, which deepened her expertise in foundational skills.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Tools for Literacy Coaches:

A Planner and Pencil: Merri emphasizes the importance of staying organized in her coaching role, with a good planner being an essential tool for managing meetings and schedules.
A Teacher-Centric Approach: Always approach coaching with a teacher’s perspective in mind to build trust and rapport.
Prepared Resources: Being one step ahead and providing ready-to-use materials for teachers helps ensure instructional fidelity and saves them valuable time.

Where to Find Merri:

Email: angelteachables@gmail.com
Instagram: @angelteachables
Teachers Pay Teachers Store: Angel Teachables
YouTube: Literacy with Mrs. P

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

11. Unraveling Scarborough’s Reading Rope: Fluency & Comprehension

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In the final episode of this mini-series on Scarborough’s Reading Rope, we tie everything together by exploring the culmination of skilled reading: fluency and comprehension. We’ll recap the interconnected strands of Word Recognition and Language Comprehension, discuss the role of fluency as a bridge between decoding and comprehension, and unpack why both knowledge-building and strategy instruction are essential for fostering reflective, skilled readers.

Key Takeaways:

Fluency Defined: Fluency is "reasonably accurate reading at an appropriate rate, with suitable expression," leading to deep comprehension and motivation to read (Jan Hasbrouck & Deb Glaser).
Components of Fluency: Accuracy, rate, and prosody work together to create fluent, engaging readers.
Fluency as a Bridge: Without fluency, readers struggle to focus on comprehension. Fluency frees cognitive resources to engage deeply with the text.
Comprehension Strategies vs. Knowledge Building: Both are essential—strategies help students process text deeply, while background knowledge allows them to make meaningful connections.
Skilled Reading: The fluent coordination of word recognition and text comprehension is the ultimate goal, as defined on the right-hand side of Scarborough’s Rope.

Related Episodes:

Resources Mentioned:

Reading Fluency by Jan Hasbrouck & Deb Glaser
Tim Shanahan’s Blog post: Knowledge or Comprehension Strategies -- What Should We Teach?

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

10. Building Trust with Teachers with Amie Burkholder (Literacy Coaching Conversations Series - Part 5)

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this Coaching Conversation, I chat with literacy coach Amie Burkholder about the importance of building trust with teachers. Amie opens up about her journey from classroom teacher to literacy coach, sharing strategies that have helped her foster supportive and impactful relationships with educators. Whether you're a new or experienced literacy coach, Amie’s advice on building trust is invaluable for creating a strong foundation for coaching success.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of Trust in Coaching: Learn why trust is essential to the coaching relationship and how it creates a safe space for teachers to open up and engage in growth-focused conversations.
Strategies for Creating a Trusting Environment: Amie shares practical steps like student-centered conversations, small acts of kindness, and a commitment to supporting teachers’ individual needs.
First Steps for New Coaches: Discover Amie’s approach to setting clear goals, collaborating with administrators, and establishing her role in the school.
Balancing Constructive Feedback and Trust: Amie explains how to approach feedback in a non-evaluative way, encouraging reflection and highlighting strengths to build confidence.
Tips for Rebuilding Lost Trust: Gain insight into how coaches can reconnect with teachers if trust has been strained, through empathy, patience, and small supportive gestures.

Tools for Literacy Coaches:

Clear Role Definition Document: Amie recommends a document outlining a literacy coach’s role to clarify responsibilities for administrators and teachers.
Engagement Tools: Items like “witch fingers” or other small props to make literacy fun and engaging for students, which also help teachers see the joy in literacy lessons.
Positive Feedback Notes: Amie keeps pre-made sheets on her cart for leaving quick, encouraging notes after classroom observations.

Resources Mentioned:

Coach’s Role Printable

Where to Find Amie:

Instagram: @literacy.edventures
Facebook: Literacy Edventures
Website: https://www.literacyedventures.com/
Amie’s Coaching Cohort

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

9. Unraveling Scarborough’s Reading Rope: Language Comprehension

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Join me as we explore the Language Comprehension side of Scarborough’s Reading Rope, a critical yet often under-discussed component in the Science of Reading. While Word Recognition gets much of the spotlight, Language Comprehension is equally vital for developing skilled readers. We’ll unpack the five strands of this half of the rope—Background Knowledge, Vocabulary, Language Structures, Verbal Reasoning, and Literacy Knowledge—and discuss how they work together to foster deep reading comprehension.

Five Strands of Language Comprehension:

Background Knowledge
Vocabulary
Language Structures
Verbal Reasoning
Literacy Knowledge

Related Episodes:

Episode 7: Unraveling Scarborough’s Rope: Word Recognition

Resources Mentioned:

The Simple View of Reading (from Reading Rockets)
Scarborough’s Reading Rope (from Really Great Reading)
The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Hennessy
Shifting the Balance for Grades 3-5 by Katie Egan Cunningham, Jan Burkins and Kari Yates

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

8. Making Feedback Meaningful and Well-Received with Alicia Drozd (Literacy Coaching Conversations Series - Part 4)

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Michelle welcomes Alicia Drozd, a literacy coach and leader at the Rutgers University Center for Literacy Development, to discuss the art of delivering meaningful and well-received feedback to teachers. They explore the nuances of giving feedback that not only supports growth but fosters trust and collaboration. Alicia shares her insights on the importance of ongoing communication, how to handle resistance from teachers, and why building relationships is the key to successful coaching. Whether you're a coach looking to improve your feedback strategies or a teacher interested in receiving feedback more effectively, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Alicia's coaching journey began and what inspired her to pursue literacy coaching.
Why having an open mind and curiosity are two of the most important qualities a coach can have.
Practical advice for delivering feedback that is both meaningful and well-received by teachers.
How to ensure feedback is specific, actionable, and implemented effectively.
The role of ongoing communication in maintaining strong coaching relationships throughout the year.
Strategies for handling resistance or defensiveness when delivering feedback.

Key Takeaways:

Feedback Should Be a Conversation: It’s not a monologue of what a teacher did right or wrong. Engage teachers in a dialogue where they reflect on their instruction, and together, create a plan for improvement.
Ongoing Communication is Essential: Coaching is built on relationships, and staying connected with teachers throughout the year fosters trust and openness to feedback.
Handle Resistance with Empathy: If a teacher is defensive, pause and assess. Understand why they might be resistant and find a way to meet them where they are.

Resources Mentioned:

Tools for Literacy Coaches:

A Personalized Coaching Toolkit: Alicia’s gold zip pencil case filled with sharpies, flare pens, Post-its, and reference sheets—her essential tools for every coaching session.
Mentor Texts and Current Research: Coaches should always stay on top of new research and have a go-to list of trusted resources.
An Open Mind: Flexibility and curiosity are key tools in every coaching scenario. Alicia emphasizes the importance of being receptive to learning from the teachers you coach.

Where to Find Alicia:

Instagram: @literacytipsters
Rutgers Center for Literacy Development
Email: adrozd.coach@gmail.com

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode, and stay connected for more expert insights on coaching and literacy development.

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

7. Unraveling Scarborough’s Reading Rope: Word Recognition

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Let’s dive deep into the intricacies of Scarborough’s Reading Rope, focusing specifically on the Word Recognition side. I break down how phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition work together to form the foundation of skilled reading. With insights into each strand, practical examples, and research-based explanations, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of what’ Word Recognition truly encompasses.

Key Takeaways:

Scarborough’s Reading Rope Explained: Learn how this model, developed by Dr. Hollis Scarborough, show how various subskills of Word Recognition and Language Comprehension intertwine.
Phonological Awareness: Discover the different components of phonological awareness, from word and syllable awareness to onset-rime and phonemic awareness, and why these skills are essential for decoding and spelling.
Decoding and the Alphabetic Principle: Understand how systematic phonics instruction builds decoding skills and why recognizing the relationship between letters and sounds is foundational for reading success.
Sight Recognition: Get clarity on what it means to have words orthographically mapped in the brain, turning high-frequency and other words into instantly recognizable sight words, and how this process supports reading fluency.

References Mentioned:

The Simple View of Reading (from Reading Rockets)
Scarborough’s Reading Rope (from Really Great Reading) David Kilpatrick’s Book:
Equipped for Reading Success (re: Orthographic Mapping)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Thank you for tuning in, and stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll explore the Language Comprehension side of Scarborough’s Rope!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

6. The Power of Coaching Cycles with Erin McBride (Literacy Coaching Conversations Series - Part 3)

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Michelle sits down with Erin McBride, a seasoned literacy coach who has worked in various educational settings. Together, they explore the power of coaching cycles—how they work, why they're essential, and how they differ from traditional coaching.

Erin shares her experiences navigating different coaching environments, from district-wide roles to her current work with the Rutgers Center for Literacy Development. Whether you're a coach, administrator, or teacher, this episode offers practical insights into the role of coaching cycles in driving instructional growth and student success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What a coaching cycle is and why it’s a powerful tool for teacher and student growth.
How coaching cycles differ from traditional coaching approaches.
Step-by-step guidance on how to run an effective coaching cycle, from goal setting to follow-up.
How to prioritize which teachers or grade levels get coaching cycles when your schedule is packed.
Tips for working with teachers who may be resistant to coaching or hesitant to engage in a cycle.

Key Takeaways:

Coaching Cycles are Collaborative: They involve setting mutually agreed-upon goals between coaches and teachers, focusing on both teacher and student development.
Rinse and Repeat: Coaching cycles are ongoing processes that include demo lessons, co-teaching, and observation, providing continual feedback and support.
Focus on Relationships: Building trust with teachers is key to making coaching successful—teachers are more likely to engage when they feel supported, not judged.

Resources Mentioned:

Tools for Literacy Coaches:

Bright Colored Paper/Post-its: A fun way to make sure your resources stand out and get noticed by teachers.
Mentor Texts: A collection of rich, engaging texts to support teachers in literacy instruction.
A Network of Coaches: Connect with other coaches to share ideas, vent, and collaborate—Erin mentions the importance of building this network for support and inspiration.

Where to Find Erin:

Instagram: @literacytipsters
Rutgers Center for Literacy Development

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you found this episode helpful.

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

5. What's a COLORFUL Classroom - When it Comes to Literacy

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast, Michelle shares the story and inspiration behind her platform, The Colorful Classroom. From her background in color and design to her passion for literacy, Michelle explores what it means to have a "colorful" classroom. She introduces the acronym COLORFUL: Captivating Our Learners on Reading Fluently and Understanding Language, and dives into three powerful ways to bring color—both literally and figuratively—into literacy instruction. Discover how intentional use of color, language, and energy can create a vibrant, engaging learning environment for students.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The backstory behind The Colorful Classroom and how Michelle’s journey in color design influenced her teaching.
What it truly means to have a “colorful” classroom in literacy instruction, beyond just the visual aspect.
Three strategies to create a COLORFUL classroom:

Color Coding for Clarity: Using color to organize information, such as marking phonics patterns, morphemes, or even text comprehension cues.
Using Colorful Language: Modeling rich, descriptive language to enhance listening and reading comprehension.
Infusing Lessons with Joy and Energy: Captivating students with expressive read-alouds, songs, and movement to make literacy come alive.

Resources Mentioned:

Carla Siravo from IMSE, known for fun phonics songs on YouTube: We Don’t Talk About Bruno Parody

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

4. The Perspective of a First Year Literacy Coach with Hannah Irion-Frake (Literacy Coaching Conversations Series - Part 2)

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this Coaching Conversation, Michelle chats with Hannah Irion-Frake, a first-year literacy coach who shares her inspiring journey from classroom teacher to instructional coach. They discuss the challenges and rewards of her new role, how her background prepared her, and the importance of building trust with teachers. Hannah offers valuable insights for coaches just starting out, including tips for managing time, supporting teachers, and using data to drive instruction. Whether you're new to coaching or simply interested in the perspective of a first-year coach, this episode is packed with relatable and practical advice.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What inspired Hannah to transition from a third-grade teacher to a literacy coach.
How her experience as a LETRS facilitator and former balanced literacy teacher prepared her for her new role.
The strategies she uses to build relationships with teachers and establish trust.
Some of the biggest challenges she has faced in her first few months, including time management and balancing responsibilities.
The importance of data-driven instruction and the power of early intervention for students.
Coaching resources and tools that have been instrumental in Hannah's first year.

Key Takeaways:

Building Relationships: Establishing trust with teachers is key. Be approachable, collaborative, and present in the classroom to support teachers.
Data-Driven Instruction: Effective literacy coaching involves using data to tailor instruction and interventions for students in need.
Time Management: Balancing coaching responsibilities requires a solid organizational system and the ability to set realistic goals.

Resources Mentioned:

Must-Have Tools for Literacy Coaches:

Organizational System: Find a system that works for you—Hannah uses a Google Sheets template to manage her schedule and to-do list.
Data to Instruction Knowledge: Learn how to turn assessment data into actionable instruction. Acadiance training was highly recommended.
Second Computer Monitor: A practical but essential tool for handling data and managing multiple tasks efficiently.

Where to Find Hannah:

Instagram: @readingwithmrsif
Website: readingwithmrsif.com
Email: readingwithmrsif@gmail.com

Thanks for tuning in to today’s episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful, and stay tuned for more conversations with amazing literacy coaches in our bonus series: Coaching Conversations!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

3. The Science of Reading and the Art of Teaching: Bridging Evidence and Creativity

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we get into some heat about the Reading Wars. While Balanced Literacy aims to create a joyful reading experience, Structured Literacy provides the explicit instruction necessary for students to actually learn how to read. —But can’t we have BOTH joy & proficiency when implementing the Science of Reading research?

We explore why it’s essential to bridge evidence-based practices with creativity and passion to ignite both competence and a love of reading in students.

Michelle reflects on the historical tension between balanced literacy’s focus on fostering a love of books and structured literacy’s emphasis on foundational skills. She explains why both the science and the creativity of teaching are critical in today’s classrooms, and offers three practical steps for teachers looking to bridge the two into their practice.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why balanced literacy captured hearts but failed many students in terms of teaching them how to read.
How Structured Literacy with its focus on phoneme-grapheme correspondence and explicit instruction, lays the foundation for literacy success.
The role of relationships, responsive teaching, and creativity in bridging the gap between evidence-based instruction and a love for reading.

Key Takeaways:

Start with the Science: Learn the foundations of reading instruction rooted in decades of research, and then infuse your own creativity into how you teach.
Build Relationships: Relationships and trust with students are vital for meaningful learning and long-term literacy development.
Be Responsive: Great teachers adjust their methods based on the needs of their students, blending the science of reading with the art of teaching to create memorable learning experiences.

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Reach All Readers by Anna Geiger
Dr. Zaretta Hammond’s Website
Book: Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta Hammond

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Are you ready to bridge the gap between evidence and creativity in your teaching? Subscribe to Literacy in Color and leave a review with your thoughts on this episode! And if you’re passionate about building both strong readers and a love for reading, share this episode with a fellow teacher.

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

2. Coaching with Heart: 3 Tips to Succeed as a Literacy Coach (Literacy Coaching Conversations Series - Part 1)

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Coaching Conversations Bonus Series of The Literacy in Color Podcast!

In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to "coach with heart". I share three essential tips to help you succeed as a literacy coach. Whether you’re just starting out or already in the thick of it, these tips focus on building trust, fostering collaboration, and maintaining confidentiality to ensure effective and supportive coaching relationships. Administrators, teachers, and aspiring coaches will all find value in this heartfelt approach to coaching!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why approachability is more important than content knowledge when it comes to building trust with teachers.
The importance of asking teachers what they want to be coached on, instead of offering unsolicited advice.
How respecting confidentiality is crucial to fostering a safe and non-evaluative coaching environment.
How small gestures of kindness and positive feedback can build strong relationships with teachers.

Resources Mentioned:

Download this Literacy Coaching Menu Freebie to explore a variety of ways you can offer support to teachers in your school.

Stay tuned for upcoming guest interviews with expert literacy coaches sharing their insights and experiences throughout our Coaching Conversations Bonus Series!

Thank you for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes, and if you found this helpful, share it with a fellow coach or teacher!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

1. All Logophiles Welcome: Why Phonics, Morphology, and Vocabulary Matter

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Literacy in Color, where we’re diving into the rich world of words and why you should become a fellow logophile (literally ‘lover of words’) on this journey with me! Celebrating my 37th birthday today, I feel a renewed sense of purpose to tackle the literacy crisis in our classrooms. As educators, we have the extraordinary power to transform lives—our students' and our own—by cultivating a love for language through phonics, morphology and vocabulary.

This episode explores how these three components are not just separate entities but vital, interconnected parts of the literacy puzzle. Phonics teaches students the relationship between sounds and letters, while morphology reveals the structure and meaning of words, and vocabulary builds a rich understanding of language. When taught together, they empower students to decode, comprehend and truly engage with words, fostering deeper connections and confidence in their reading journey.

Join me as we delve into why mere decoding isn't enough, how comprehension starts at the word level and why a multifaceted approach to word knowledge can revolutionize literacy instruction. Let’s embrace the intricate beauty of language together and transform how we teach literacy in our classrooms!

In this episode, I share:

My mission to address the literacy crisis and empower teachers in literacy instruction
Key components of literacy instruction - phonics, morphology and vocabulary
Definitions and explanations of phonics, morphology and vocabulary
Literacy models and frameworks
Why integrated instruction is so important and effective
Reasons to embrace word-level knowledge

Resources Mentioned:

Free Guide: Phonics and Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to Know

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

Literacy in Color Trailer

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

🎙 Welcome to The Literacy in Color Podcast! 🎙

Hosted by Michelle Sullivan, your go-to structured literacy BFF, this podcast is here to guide teachers through evidence-based practices while making learning colorful, engaging, and effective. With over a decade of experience as a reading interventionist and literacy coach, Michelle is on a mission to equip educators with the tools they need to help every child succeed in literacy.

In this trailer episode, you’ll hear why phonics isn’t boring, why English isn’t crazy, and why this is NOT just another pendulum swing in education.

Spoiler alert: our nation is in a literacy crisis, and the Science of Reading research shows that 95% of all children can be taught to read by the end of 1st grade—if they receive the right instruction.

What can you expect from this podcast?

Deep dives into structured literacy strategies
Practical tips for integrating multisensory teaching
A breakdown of the Science of Reading research
Strategies to build teacher confidence and equip you to meet all learners’ needs
Conversations about how to balance evidence-based practices with creative, joyful teaching

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by literacy research or unsure how to bring these powerful methods into your classroom, this podcast is for you!

Michelle is here to handle the research while you bring your creativity, ensuring you can show up for your students with vibrancy, brilliance, and confidence.

Subscribe today, and let’s change the narrative together, creating a brighter path to literacy for every child!

Ready to color outside the lines?

Hit subscribe and join us on this journey!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
Join our Facebook Community
Sign up for my Newsletter
Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

Logos Literacy Academy
Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

87. Spelling Matters: What the Research Says About Teaching Spelling with Brennan Chandler, PhD

86. Multisyllabic Spelling Made Simpler: 3 Strategies for Spelling Longer Words

85. How to Use Decodable Books (and When to Move Beyond Them) with Elise Lovejoy, Express Readers

84. Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn

83. How to Make Read-Alouds More Powerful: Joyful Learning in Action with Yvette Manns, Phonics Read-Alouds

82. Inside an Upper-Elementary Reading Intervention Toolkit with Sara Marye, Stellar Teacher Company

81. Articulatory Gestures and Early Literacy: What the Research Actually Says with Deirdre O'Toole, The Playful Classroom

80. MTSS for Reading Improvement with Dr. Stephanie Stollar & Dr. Sarah Brown

79. No Fluff, Good Stuff - Gearing Up for the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026 with Heidi Martin & Friends

78. Implementing Structured Word Inquiry with Jennifer A. Constantine & Kara B. Lee

77. English Is Not Crazy: How Structured Word Inquiry Reveals the Logic of Spelling with Dr. Peter Bowers

76. K–2 Morphology Made Meaningful: Teaching Word Structure Through Bases with Sarah Paul and Michelle Sullivan of Logos Literacy Academy

75. Bringing Word Inquiry to Life with Picture Books with Fiona Hamilton, Lauren Hateley-Crowe and Angela Brienza of Engage with the Page & Search Engage

74. Inside Project Read AI: What Educators Need to Know About AI and Structured Literacy with Viv Ramakrishnan

73. Why These Holiday Words Are Spelled the Way They Are: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa

72. Raising Up Readers: Scaffolding Strategies to Help Students Access Challenging Text with Jennifer Throndsen

71. Uncomplicate Ed: How the Science of Learning Transforms Classrooms with Ashley Doty

70. How Effective Literacy Instruction Breaks the School-to-Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

69: What Are Kindergarten Reading Levels? The Hidden Problems Behind Levels A–D

68. It’s Never Too Late: Helping Older Struggling Readers Succeed with Linda Farrell & Michael Hunter of Readsters

67. Small Groups, Big Results with Dr. Julia B. Lindsey

66. Writing Instruction: When You Have the Strategies but Not the System with LaNesha Tabb

65. Supporting Students with Dyslexia Online with Michelle Breitenbach, Read to Rewire (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

64. My SOR Betrayal List (and the Podcast's 1st Birthday!)

63. The Power of Parent Advocacy with Melanie Brethour, Soar with Dyslexia (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

62. The Science of Learning: What Every Teacher Needs to Know with Dr. Shane Saeed

61. From Screening to Support: Coaching Teachers to Reach Every Learner with Jean Peake (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

60. Making Reading Research Accessible with Dr. Neena Saha

59. Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis with Casey Harrison, The Dyslexia Classroom (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

58. Teaching Phonemic Awareness: A Guide for Educators with Dr. Jane Ashby

57. What Does Dyslexia Really Look Like – and What Can We Do About It? with Heather O'Donnell, New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

56. Coaching Outside the Box: Creative Ways to Support Teacher Growth with Christina DeCarbo (Literacy Coaching Conversations)

55. What Real Implementation Looks Like with Justin Browning, SOR for More

54. Blending Strategies

53. The High Frequency Word Project with Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton

52. Phonemic Awareness Research Unpacked with Dr. David Kilpatrick

51. Rethinking Sight Words with Pryor Rayburn, Orton Gillingham Mama

50. The Truth About Progress Monitoring: Myth Busting with Shannon Moore, Moore Literacy Leaps

49. Set for Variability with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz, Informed Literacy

48. SOR Mini-Con 2025 Recap with Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer & Yvette Manns

47. Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters—Especially for Black Boys with Tiffany Obeng, Sugar Cookie Books

46. Making Words Stick with Dr. Molly Ness on Orthographic Mapping

45. A Global Lens on Morphology, Etymology & Literacy Instruction with Dr. Treasa Bowe

44. 4 Warm-Up Drills for Effective Phonics Instruction

43. Rock Your Literacy Block with Lindsay Kemeny

42. Is the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners? with Alejandra Ramirez

41. Small Groups Aligned with the Science of Reading with Christina Winter, Lead in Literacy

40. Why Read-Alouds Matter: Equity, Comprehension, and Book Access with Dr. Molly Ness

39. Mastering Morphology - Introducing Logos Literacy Academy with Sarah Paul & Michelle Sullivan

38. Tier 1 Engagement Strategies with Jake Daggett

37. The Impact of Language and Leadership in Literacy with Dr. Danielle 'Nell' Thompson, The Transformative Reading Teacher Group

36. Tips for Teaching the Alphabet with Heidi Martin, Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi

35. Why Transcription Skills Matter in Early Writing Instruction with Amy Siracusano

34. Orthographic Mapping, Sight Words & High-Frequency Words: What Every Teacher Should Know

33. Spelling Error Analysis with Sydney Bassard, The Listening SLP

Key Takeaways:

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Sydney Bassard:

32. Crafting High-Quality Decodable Books with Brooke Vitale, Charge Mommy Books

Key Takeaways:

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Brooke Vitale:

31. Stop the Robotic Reading – Building Fluency with MeQuel Bolden

30. Making Sense of Suffixes: Inflectional vs. Derivational Suffixes

Key Takeaways:

You May Also Be Interested In:

29. Hands-On Phonemic Awareness Activities with Kristina Harrill

Connect with Kristina Harrill

28. Clearing up Misconceptions around MTSS with Dr. Stephanie Stollar

Key Takeaways:

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Stollar

27. Celebrate National Schwa Day: What's the Schwa Sound & How to Teach It with Yvette Manns, Author of Phonics Read-Alouds

26. Morphology 101

25. Why are Decodable Texts Important? with Hooked on Comics

24. Morphology Roundtable with Sarah Paul, Savannah Campbell, and Michelle Sullivan

23. Why is Reading Fluency Important? with Dr. Heather Kenny from Unleashed Innovation

22. What is Reading Fluency? with Jessica Farmer from Farmer Loves Phonics

21. When Reading Skills Aren't Clicking with Naomi O'Brien