101. Science of Reading Hot Topics: Navigating the Nuance with Anna Geiger, Reach All Readers

The Science of Reading has transformed literacy instruction, but with that shift has come a new challenge: navigating the growing number of debates, disagreements, and hot topics within the field itself.Author, podcaster, and doctoral student Anna Geiger of Reach All Readers joins the show to explore the nuance behind some of the most talked-about conversations in literacy today. We discuss what research can (and cannot) tell us, why instructional decisions are not always black and white, and how educators can thoughtfully evaluate practices while keeping student outcomes at the center.From heart words and phonemic awareness to decodable texts, sound walls, and structured literacy approaches, this conversation offers a perspective that encourages teachers to think critically and embrace the complexity of literacy instruction. Whether you're new to the Science of Reading or deep into your own learning journey, this episode will leave you reflecting on what it means to be both evidence-informed and responsive to students.We Discuss:How teachers can navigate conflicting opinions in literacy educationHeart wordsWhether any English word is truly irregular (with the role of etymology and morphology)The debate surrounding oral-only phonemic awarenessStructured Linguistic Literacy vs. traditional phonics approachesAre we overdoing phonics?Syllable divisionDecodable texts versus authentic reading experiencesSound wallsWhy teaching remains both a science and an artHow educators can become wise consumers of literacy researchResources Mentioned:Book: Reach All Readers by Anna GeigerThe Right to Read ProjectBlog Post: What Do I Do with All These Predictable Books? by Margaret GoldbergReading Science Academy with Dr. Stephanie StollarThis 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 Anna Geiger:Email: [email protected]: https://reachallreaders.com/Reach All Readers PodcastReach All Readers Plus MembershipThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect with Michelle:Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comFollow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomFor Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics ToolkitWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah PaulJoin: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership CommunityMentioned in this episode:Reading Science AcademyGet your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-colorSOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading Science AcademyGet your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color