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May 18, 2025 1 hr 3 min

Challenging Advanced Readers

from Reading Teachers Lounge Hosted by Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi

How can teachers effectively support advanced readers in elementary school? In this insightful episode, we’re joined by literacy expert Nancy Young to explore practical, evidence-based strategies for meeting the needs of gifted and high-achieving readers in the classroom. Nancy shares her expertise on differentiation strategies, including offering choice in reading materials, using tiered assignments, and implementing project-based learning to keep advanced readers engaged. We also discuss how to encourage critical thinking, promote independent reading, and create meaningful peer discussion and mentorship opportunities. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or literacy coach, this episode offers valuable tools and inspiration to elevate your elementary reading instruction and ensure all students—especially your strongest readers—are challenged and supported. RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE: Updated Ladder of Reading & Writing with link to usage permission information Chapter 2 of her book-free download Guided Inquiry Design SEM-R. School-wide enrichment model for reading William and Mary Center for Gifted Ed Resources Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing by Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck *Amazon affiliate link Contact Nancy via her website Acceleration Institute Curated resources regarding Academically Advanced/Gifted students on Nancy's website Subject-specific acceleration across grade grouping *Google drive file download Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Information about our Patreon membership Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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How can teachers effectively support advanced readers in elementary school? In this insightful episode, we’re joined by literacy expert Nancy Young to explore practical, evidence-based strategies for meeting the needs of gifted and high-achieving readers in the classroom. Nancy shares her expertise on differentiation strategies, including offering choice in reading materials, using tiered assignments, and implementing project-based learning to keep advanced readers engaged. We also discuss h...

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Challenging Advanced Readers

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This episode is 1 hour and 3 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 18, 2025.

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