88. Montessori Storytelling: The History of English Spelling with Zil Jaeger

In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle chats with Montessori educator and literacy advocate Zil Jaeger to explore a powerful instructional tool: storytelling.Zil shares how Montessori storytelling goes far beyond engagement; it’s a structured, intentional approach to building background knowledge, activating imagination, and anchoring learning in meaningful ways.Key Takeaways:Why storytelling is foundational to Montessori educationThe concept of cosmic education and helping students see the interconnectedness of knowledgeThe “whole-to-parts” approach and how it supports schema-building and retrievalHow storytelling strengthens memory through curiosity, imagery, and repetitionZil’s “Story of English Spelling” & why English spelling is not random and how history lives inside words - Through timelines, maps, and multisensory storytelling, students begin to understand why words are spelled the way they are.Zil also shares how Montessori & Structured Literacy can align with intention, bringing research-based practices into a Montessori framework in thoughtful, systematic ways.Resources Mentioned:Zil’s Story of English Spelling: https://www.ziljaeger.com/shop/p/englishspellingEtymonline (Etymology Dictionary)Book: The High Frequency Word Project by Rebecca Loveless & Fiona HamiltonBook: Dictionary of Word Origins by John AytoBook: Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins by John AytoBook: Spell It Out by David CrystalBook: Language Visible by David SacksThis 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 Zil Jaeger:Website: www.ziljaeger.comInstagram: @ziljaegerConnect 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