It’s All About the ‘And’: Blending Science, Joy, and Student Needs in Literacy

Send us Fan MailIn this inspiring episode of “Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher,” Dr. Gina Pepin welcomes a special guest who is both an accomplished reading interventionist and the coauthor (alongside children's author Eric Litwin) of The Power of Joyful Reading: Help Your Young Readers Soar to Success. Drawing from her unique dual role, she shares how effective reading instruction is about balancing intensive, systematic interventions with the essential qualities of joy, motivation, student choice, and authentic engagement.Hear first-hand stories from the classroom, strategies for meeting students exactly where they are, and a candid reflection on debates like the Science of Reading and the “reading wars.” Throughout the conversation, you'll discover why the heart of great literacy teaching isn’t about picking sides—it’s about understanding what each reader needs at any given time, and bringing both research and joy to the journey.Tune in for practical advice, encouragement, and a reminder that, above all, knowing your students and responding to them with skill and joy is what helps readers truly soar.Check out more at www.ginapepin.comSupport the show