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

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 LibenSpeech to Print by Louisa Cook MoatsReading Above the Fray by Julia Lindsey7 Mighty Moves by Lindsay KemenyShifting the Balance by Jan Burkins and Kari YatesDifferentiating Phonics Instruction by Wiley BlevinsChoosing and Using Decodable Texts by Wiley BlevinsThe Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Lewis HennessyOvercoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. and Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D.Ready to Read by Mary Lupiani Farrell & Francie M. MatthewsEssentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties by David A. KilpatrickFairleigh 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: [email protected]: @angelteachablesTeachers Pay Teachers Store: Angel TeachablesYouTube: Literacy with Mrs. P Connect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live