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

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 MattersHow to Teach Schwa EffectivelyCelebrating 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 MannsPhonics Read-Alouds Series Website – PhonicsReadAlouds.comPhonics Read-Alouds Series on AmazonThe Viral 44 Phonemes Video featuring Yvette Manns – Watch on YouTubeSlant System PassagesFrom Speech to Print - Dr. Louisa MoatsSee 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:Website: https://www.yvettemanns.com/Instagram: @phonicsreadaloudsFacebook: Phonics Read-AloudTikTok :@PhonicsReadAloudsEmail: [email protected] 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-2026