Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects approximately 1 in 14 people, yet many educators have never heard of it. So what might DLD actually look like in the classroom? How can we better support students when difficulties with language intersect with dyslexia, ADHD, executive function, reading, spelling, and writing?Speech-language pathologists, Kathleen Love and Beth Coppoc Gunshor take us for a deep dive into DLD and language-based literacy intervention.Kathleen and Beth unpack the differences and overlap among DLD, dyslexia, and ADHD, including why a student who appears inattentive or off-task may actually be struggling with the language demands of a task. They also share subtle signs of DLD educators can watch for: from vague vocabulary and word-retrieval difficulties to challenges following directions, understanding complex sentences, and telling cohesive stories.Then, the conversation turns practical. Kathleen and Beth explore ways educators can manage cognitive load, strengthen vocabulary instruction, and provide the repeated, explicit language experiences students with DLD may need. They also take us inside their intervention practices to show how Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) can extend far beyond spelling – supporting morphology, vocabulary, syntax, semantic networks, executive function, oral language, and even confidence.Key Takeaways:DLD definedThe overlap and distinctions among DLD, dyslexia, and ADHDPractical ways to reduce unnecessary cognitive load without reducing the thinkingHow to strengthen vocabulary instruction for students with language difficultiesWhy Structured Word Inquiry can be a powerful tool for building language as well as literacyResources Mentioned:Conifer literacy appDLD and MeOxEd & Assessment / NELIDr. Tiffany Hogan / The Speech and Language (SAiL) Literacy Lab2026 ASHA ConventionConnect with Kathleen Love:Website: https://conifermatrix.com/Instagram: @conifermatrixConifer Matrix on FacebookWebsite: https://www.raincityreading.com/Instagram: @rain.city.readingRain City Reading on FacebookRain City Reading on YouTubeRain City Reading NewsletterConnect with Beth Coppoc Gunshor:Website: http://bcgslp.com/Instagram: @bcgslpBCG SLP on FacebookBCG SLP Shop - T-ShirtsBCG SLP Shop - StickersThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle designed to help you spend less time figuring out what to do with screening data and move more quickly into purposeful, skill-based groups. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,600 literacy educators. Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

Decodable texts are an important tool for helping readers apply their phonics knowledge, but are we squeezing everything we can out of them?Dr. Wiley Blevins – longtime educator, researcher, author, and one of the most recognized voices in phonics instruction – shares all about choosing and using decodable texts.When it comes to choosing decodable texts, Wiley shares the prevailing thinking around how decodable a text actually needs to be. We also tackle a question that doesn't always have a neat answer: When are students ready for less-controlled text? Wiley shares what he's currently exploring in his research, why that transition may look different from student to student, and why we shouldn't confuse being able to read a pattern with truly mastering it for spelling.We also get into using decodable texts for all they’re worth. In fact, decodables certainly can go far beyond simply getting students to practice a target phonics pattern. Wiley shares how he uses decodable texts across multiple days and throughout the literacy block to build oral language, fluency, vocabulary, syntax, writing, knowledge-building, and of course, comprehension. He walks us through practical routines teachers can use and explains how decodables can support differentiation for students who need additional practice with previously taught skills.Key Takeaways:Why decodable texts are a practice tool, fluency-building tool, and support for spellingWhat the research actually says (and doesn't say) about decodability percentagesWhat makes a high-quality decodable text & why natural language mattersHow to scaffold grade-level decodables for students who need additional supportHow to get more mileage from a decodable after the first readResources:Book: Differentiating Phonics Instruction for Maximum Impact by Wiley BlevinsBook: Choosing and Using Decodable Text by Wiley BlevinsBook: A Fresh Look at Phonics by Wiley BlevinsBook: Phonics from A to Z by Wiley BlevinsBook: The Megabook of Spelling (K-2) by Wiley BlevinsBook: The Megabook of Spelling (3-5) by Wiley BlevinsBook: Teaching Phonics & Word Study in the Intermediate Grades by Wiley BlevinsReycraft BooksThis 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 Dr. Wiley Blevins:Website: http://www.wileyblevins.com/LinkedInTwitter/XInstagramThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle designed to help you spend less time figuring out what to do with screening data and move more quickly into purposeful, skill-based groups. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,600 literacy educators. Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

Before we get into what the research currently says about teaching phonological awareness and the alphabet, this episode begins by breaking down some key terminology. What makes a practice evidence-based? What’s the difference between research-based and research-tested? What should we consider when implementing instruction aligned with the Science of Reading?Dr. Shayne Piasta, Distinguished Professor at THE Ohio State University and Faculty Associate at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, helps unpack what we know, what we’re still learning, and how educators can make evidence-informed decisions.We then dig into phonological and phonemic awareness. Dr. Piasta explains what research has established about the importance of PA, why phonemic awareness ultimately matters for reading and spelling, and where questions remain about exactly how PA should be taught. We discuss larger versus smaller units of sound, advanced tasks, group size, dosage, incorporating letters, and even differentiation.Next, we turn to alphabet learning and instruction. Research increasingly supports teaching names and sounds simultaneously. We also discuss what makes certain letters easier (or harder) to learn, the acrophonic principle, letter sequence and pacing, and what effective alphabet instruction can look like in a kindergarten classroom.Finally, Dr. Piasta shares trusted sources for evaluating evidence and reminds us why evidence-informed instruction requires research, professional expertise, and knowledge of the students sitting in front of us.*Please Note: We experienced some audio issues toward the very end of the episode. We did our best to improve the audio quality and appreciate your understanding. Key Takeaways:Evidence-based vs. evidence-informed literacy instructionThe difference between research-based and research-tested practicesWhat we confidently know about phonological and phonemic awarenessWhat we still don’t know about the most effective way to teach PAInformation about Project OPAL and the questions researchers are currently testingWhether letter names or letter sounds should be taught firstAlphabet scope, sequence, and pacingWhat effective alphabet instruction can look likeInformation about CREATE-EBP and teacher-researcher collaborationHow educators can become better consumers of literacy researchResources Mentioned:Project OPAL: Optimizing Phonological Awareness LearningCREATE-EBP: Collaborating Researchers & Educators Apply Technology to Establish Evidence-Based PracticesDr. Shayne Piasta's Early Literacy and Learning Lab, including research, current projects, opportunities to collaborate, and a newsletterThe Early Literacy and Learning Lab Research Interest SurveyDuke & Martin (2011) - 10 Things Every Literacy Educator Should Know About ResearchNational Reading PanelRice et al. (2022) - Phonemic Awareness: A Meta-Analysis for Planning Effective InstructionErbeli et al. (2024) - A Meta-Analysis on the Optimal Cumulative Dosage of Early Phonemic Awareness InstructionAlphabet Learning & InstructionWhat Works Clearinghouse & Institute of Education Sciences Practice GuidesRegional Educational LaboratoriesBest Evidence EncyclopediaReading RocketsNational Center on Improving LiteracyThe Reading LeagueFlorida Center for Reading ResearchLet's Know! / Let's Know! 2 - language-focused curriculumConnect with Dr. Shayne PiastaLinkedInDr. Shayne Piasta's Early Literacy and Learning LabThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle designed to help you spend less time figuring out what to do with screening data and move more quickly into purposeful, skill-based groups. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,600 literacy educators. Connect 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:...

What if one of the richest language opportunities in your literacy block is already hiding inside your phonics word list? Even the simplest decodable words can carry surprisingly rich meanings. A word like “cap” might be something you wear on your head, the top of a bottle, an action you perform when you cover something, or even part of the phrase “no cap.” Simple to decode doesn't necessarily mean simple in meaning. In this episode, I share a few simple ways to intentionally sprinkle meaning into the decoding and spelling practice you're already doing.Key Takeaways:Why multiple-meaning, or polysemous, words offer such rich opportunities for language developmentWhy a quick contextual sentence during decoding or dictation is so importantHow "Word of the Day” and/or Multiple-Meaning Word Anchor Chart get students noticing interesting words across the school dayEven while sprinkling in meaning, it’s still essential to keep the pace and offer repetitions students need during phonicsIt’s unnecessary to explore every potential meaning at onceWe know explicit & systematic phonics helps students unlock the code, but meaning gives them something worth unlocking.Want to go Beyond Phonics?Join Beyond Phonics Club: A Membership Community with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul (Logos Literacy Academy)Inside the Beyond Phonics Club, Michelle Sullivan and Sarah Paul have created ready-to-use lessons and resources, including lessons targeting multiple-meaning words, that help you expand phonics into richer work with meaning, morphology, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension in mind.Go beyond phonics – without leaving phonics behind!This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-2026Reading 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-color

What happens after students master single-syllable words in phonics, but the words in their books keep getting longer?Dr. Devin Kearns takes us for a deep dive into polysyllabic word reading and what the research tells us about helping students tackle increasingly complex words. He explains why the transition into longer words presents challenges that simply don't exist in single-syllable words, including the unpredictability of single-letter vowels, reduced vowels & schwa, and the growing prevalence of derivational suffixes. He also challenges some long-standing approaches to syllable division and explains why more rules and terminology aren't necessarily better for students.You'll learn about ESHALOV ("Every Syllable Has At Least One Vowel") as well as the “peeling-off strategy” for recognizing affixes and accessing the base of polymorphemic words.The conversation also explores lexical verification (i.e., set for variability): how readers adjust an initially decoded pronunciation until it connects with a word in their mental lexicon.Key Takeaways:What the research suggests about traditional syllable division rulesHow to use the strategy: ESHALOV for polysyllabic wordsHow to use the “Peeling-off” strategy for polymorphemic wordsHow lexical verification helps students move from a plausible pronunciation to a known spoken wordWhat advanced decoding instruction might look like in the upper elementary classroomsResources Mentioned:PhinderHigh-Frequency Syllables & Morphemes (compiled by Dr. Devin Kearns)The Word Complexity of Primary-Level Texts: Differences Between First and Third Grade in Widely Used Curricula by Devin Kearns & Elfrieda HiebertHelping Students With Dyslexia Read Long Words by Devin Kearns & Victoria WhaleyBuilding BRIDGES: A Design Experiment to Improve Reading and United States History Knowledge of Poor Readers in Eighth Grade - O’Connor, Beach, Sanchez, Bocian, & Flynn - ESHALOV principle (Every Syllable Has At Least One Vowel)Components of effective remediation for developmental reading disabilities: Combining phonological and strategy-based instruction to improve outcomes - Lovett, M. et al. - “Peeling Off” StrategyConnect with Dr. Devin Kearns:Website: https://www.devinkearns.com/LinkedInInstagram: @devin.kearnsX: @devin_kearnsThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-colorReading 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

What does it actually mean for a word to become "stored" in the brain – and how do we design instruction that helps that happen for every student?In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Katie Pace Miles, associate professor at Brooklyn College, founder of The Reading Institute, co-founder of CUNY Reading Fellows, and one of today's leading voices in reading science.She not only shares about the cognitive process of orthographic mapping, but also why understanding how words become permanently stored in memory changes the way we think about reading instruction and intervention.Dr. Miles also shares the fascinating origin story behind Reading Ready, the structured literacy intervention she originally created while teaching her own daughter to read during the pandemic, and explains how both Reading Ready and Reading Go have expanded to support thousands of students through The Reading Institute and CUNY Reading Fellows.She shares the dramatic literacy shifts happening across New York City Public Schools: from increased use of structured literacy and decodable texts to high-impact tutoring, universal screening, and stronger teacher preparation – and what still lies ahead.Key Takeaways:What orthographic mapping really is Why oral language is foundational for orthographic mappingThe origin behind Reading Ready and Reading GoWhy intervention dosage matters more than many educators realizeHow The Reading Institute and CUNY Reading Fellows are expanding access to high-quality literacy interventionThe biggest shifts happening across New York City Public SchoolsWhy teacher preparation must include authentic practice, not just courseworkResources Mentioned:The Reading InstituteReading ReadyReading Go10-hour Science of Reading Micro-CredentialCUNY Reading FellowsBrooklyn College: Advanced Certificate in Reading ScienceBook: Making Words Stick by Dr. Katie Pace Miles & Dr. Molly NessPublications written by Dr. Katie Pace MilesThis 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 Dr. Katie Pace Miles:Instagram: @thereadinginstitutenycLinkedIn: The Reading InstituteFacebook: The Reading InstituteWebsite: https://www.katiepacemilesphd.com/This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-colorReading 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

Transitioning from classroom teacher to literacy coach is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. How do you build trust? Support veteran teachers? Know when to offer advice...and when to simply listen?Today’s episode is part Coaching Conversation, as literacy coach Leah Ruesink shares about her transition to coach and what coaching really looks like behind the scenes. Leah shares some lessons she’s learned along the way, including how to build meaningful relationships, navigate imposter syndrome, and support teachers through instructional change.Then the conversation shifts into one of Leah's greatest passions: writing instruction. Leah introduces listeners to Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD), an evidence-based writing framework that explicitly teaches students how to plan, organize, and write – all while regulating themselves throughout the writing process.So, while this episode speaks directly to a literacy coach’s heart, classroom teachers will walk away with some really practical ideas and valuable insights for explicitly teaching writing in your classrooms.Resources Mentioned:Leah Ruesink's Literacy Coaching HubBook: The Impact Cycle by Jim KnightBook: Better Conversations by Jim KnightSRSD - Self-Regulated Strategy DevelopmentReleasing Writers (Formerly Think SRSD) Releasing Writers Facebook PageBook: Executive Skills and Writing Instruction by Dr. Leslie LaudBook: Rock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay KemenyTIDE chant and writing routinesBook: The Writing Rope by Joan SeditaThis 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 Leah Ruesink:Instagram: @theearlyliteracycoachTikTok: @theearlyliteracycoachLiteracy Coaching HubLeah’s Stan.StoreThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-2026Reading 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-color

One of the most influential voices around “the reading brain”, Dr. Maryanne Wolf, joins the show to tackle that very subject. Our brains were never wired to read. Reading is a learned, plastic circuit that develops through instruction – and how we teach profoundly shapes how that circuitry is built.Dr. Wolf explains dyslexia, why fluency is much more than reading quickly, and why decoding alone is not enough for deep comprehension. She shares the research behind her POSSUM framework and explains why integrating phonology, orthography, semantics, syntax, and morphology creates stronger, more fluent readers.The conversation also turns toward one of today's biggest challenges: the digital age. Dr. Wolf discusses how technology and AI are reshaping the reading brain, why deep reading matters now more than ever, and how parents and educators can intentionally cultivate what she calls a biliterate brain: one that can thrive in both print and digital environments.This episode offers a hopeful vision for building readers who don't simply decode words, but think deeply, read thoughtfully, and engage fully with language.Key Takeaways:How reading circuitry developsThe evolving understanding of dyslexiaWhy fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehensionThe importance of multi-component literacy instructionDr. Wolf's POSSUM approach: Phonology, Orthography, Semantics, Syntax, Understanding, and MorphologyThe research behind the RAVE-O interventionWhy vocabulary and oral language matter for reading successThe importance of deep reading in the age of AIHow technology is changing the reading brainPractical advice for raising lifelong readersResources Mentioned:Book: Proust and the Squid by Dr. Maryanne WolfBook: Reader, Come Home by Dr. Maryanne WolfProgram: RAVE-OPOSSUM ApproachNido LearningReading Nest essaysThis 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 Dr. Maryanne Wolf & Nido Learning:Website: https://www.nidolearning.com/ Email: [email protected] podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-colorReading 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

Letter reversals are one of the most common concerns among parents and teachers. In this episode, we dive into what’s happening in the brain when it comes to letter reversals, when reversals may be expected, and 5 practical tips for fixing b/d reversals specifically.Resource Mentioned:Forthcoming Book: Developing Proficient Writers by Amy Siracusano & Michelle Sullivan (Solution Tree, expected late Spring 2027)This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-colorReading 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

Fluency serves as the critical bridge between accurate word reading and deep comprehension, so how can we build it? In this episode, Michelle sits down with literacy scholar, author, and educator, Dr. Chase Young shares what fluency really is, why it matters, and how teachers can transform fluency instruction from repetitive practice into engaging, meaningful learning experiences.Chase shares the research behind performance-based fluency instruction, including Reader’s Theater, Poetry Slams, Teddy Talks, and his evidence-based intervention framework, Read Like Us. We discuss how fluency supports comprehension, why repeated reading works, and how teachers can create classrooms where students want to practice reading.Key Takeaways:What reading fluency actually is (and what it isn't)Performance-based fluency instruction and the research behind it (like Reader’s Theater, Poetry Slams, and Teddy Talks)The importance of complex texts during fluency instructionThe Read Like Us intervention frameworkWays to make fluency instruction engaging, authentic, and joyfulHelpful ResourcesResources from PodcastReader’s Theatre Scripts (The Best Class)Professional Development Parent ResourcesResearch Article: Read Like Me: An Intervention for Struggling Readers (Chase Young, Stacey Lagrone, Joyce K. McCauley)Research Article: Promoting Fluency Through Challenge: Repeated Reading with Texts of Varying Complexity (Jake Downs, Chase Young, Alycia Cole)Research Article: Promoting Reading Accuracy and Fluency Outcomes with Complex Texts: A Grade 3 Intervention Comparison (Jake Downs, Elfrieda Hiebert, Kristen Conradi Smith, Katie Martz)Connect with Dr. Chase Young:Email: [email protected]: @ChaseJYoung1Website: https://www.thebestclass.org/Website: http://www.literacylive.orgThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-colorReading 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-color

The Science of Reading has transformed literacy instruction, but with that shift has come a new challenge: navigating the growing number of debates, disagreements, and hot topics within the field itself.Author, podcaster, and doctoral student Anna Geiger of Reach All Readers joins the show to explore the nuance behind some of the most talked-about conversations in literacy today. We discuss what research can (and cannot) tell us, why instructional decisions are not always black and white, and how educators can thoughtfully evaluate practices while keeping student outcomes at the center.From heart words and phonemic awareness to decodable texts, sound walls, and structured literacy approaches, this conversation offers a perspective that encourages teachers to think critically and embrace the complexity of literacy instruction. Whether you're new to the Science of Reading or deep into your own learning journey, this episode will leave you reflecting on what it means to be both evidence-informed and responsive to students.We Discuss:How teachers can navigate conflicting opinions in literacy educationHeart wordsWhether any English word is truly irregular (with the role of etymology and morphology)The debate surrounding oral-only phonemic awarenessStructured Linguistic Literacy vs. traditional phonics approachesAre we overdoing phonics?Syllable divisionDecodable texts versus authentic reading experiencesSound wallsWhy teaching remains both a science and an artHow educators can become wise consumers of literacy researchResources Mentioned:Book: Reach All Readers by Anna GeigerThe Right to Read ProjectBlog Post: What Do I Do with All These Predictable Books? by Margaret GoldbergReading Science Academy with Dr. Stephanie StollarThis 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 Anna Geiger:Email: [email protected]: https://reachallreaders.com/Reach All Readers PodcastReach All Readers Plus MembershipThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-2026Reading 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-color

Happy 100th Episode!!! To celebrate this milestone episode, I share:3 literacy hills I’d die on3 things I hope we can leave behind, and3 things I’m watching closely Thank you for helping make the first 100 episodes possible. Here's to the next 100!Favorite Episodes Mentioned:Playlist (if listening from your computer)Playlist (if listening from a podcast player)This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-2026Reading 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-color

What happens when a school decides that "business as usual" is no longer good enough? Principal Lisa Russo and the first-grade team at PS 152Q to discuss their remarkable literacy transformation. After years of using balanced literacy practices, the school shifted toward structured literacy, embraced the science of reading, and implemented a schoolwide intervention block supported by Dr. Katie Pace Miles' Reading Ready intervention program.The team shares their journey from seeing students struggle with foundational skills to creating a system that provides targeted instruction based on student needs. You'll hear how leadership, teacher buy-in, strategic grouping, and a commitment to following the research helped create meaningful change for young readers.Resources Mentioned:Reading Ready (The Reading Institute)Book: Making Words Stick by Dr. Katie Pace Miles & Dr. Molly NessThis 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 Lisa Russo & PS 152Q:Website: https://www.ps152q.org/Instagram: @ps152q & @littleextraliteracyThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-colorReading 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-color

When educators discuss reading comprehension, the conversation often centers around vocabulary, background knowledge, and comprehension strategies, but what if we've been overlooking one of the most critical components of comprehension all along?Research scientist, Dr. Julie Van Dyke shares about the powerful role syntax plays in reading comprehension. Drawing from decades of research in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and language processing, Dr. Van Dyke explains why syntax is much more than word order; it's the system that helps readers determine who did what to whom and construct meaning moment by moment.We discuss what happens in the brain when we read, why comprehension occurs word by word rather than after a passage is finished, how Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) impacts reading, and practical ways teachers can begin supporting syntactic development in their classrooms.We also dive into Cascade Reading, an innovative tool designed to make sentence structure visible and support comprehension for all learners.Key Takeaways:Syntax is not simply word order.Comprehension happens continuously, word by word, as the brain integrates new information into what has already been processed.The brain relies on multiple systems during reading, including perception, language, and thought networks.Syntax serves as the foundation of language comprehension in much the same way phonology serves as the foundation of decoding.Explicit attention to sentence structure can be embedded into existing literacy instruction.Resources Mentioned:IDA Perspectives 2025: Volumes 1 & 2 - Syntax Comes First (Available through the IDA)FREE Tool: Cascade ReadingSyntax Usage SurveyConnect with Dr. Julie Van Dyke:Website: https://www.drjvandyke.net/LinkedInStay tuned for her upcoming Substack: Decoding SyntaxThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-2026Reading 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-color

Drawing from decades of experience in literacy, school psychology, systems-level leadership, and MTSS implementation, Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Kimberly Gibbons explain why strong universal instruction is the true foundation of student success. They explore what Tier 1 actually includes, why intervention alone cannot solve widespread literacy struggles, and how leadership, collaboration, fidelity, coaching, and systems-thinking all work together to improve outcomes for students.Key Takeaways:What Tier 1 really means inside an MTSS frameworkWhy MTSS is about resources and systems, not “Tier 2 kids” or “Tier 3 kids”Why buying a new curriculum alone won’t solve literacy problemsThe role of leadership in sustaining effective instructionThe importance of job-embedded coaching and ongoing supportWhy fidelity data matters (...and why it shouldn’t feel punitive)How collaborative teams build consensus and instructional coherenceThe power of strong questioning to uncover root causesWhy prevention through effective Tier 1 instruction is more powerful than over-relying on interventionPractical first steps schools can take immediately to strengthen instructionResources:Book: Effective Universal Instruction: An Action-Oriented Approach to Improving Tier 1 by Sarah Brown & Kimberly GibbonsBook: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)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 Dr. Sarah Brown:Website: https://systemimpactconsulting.com/Contact Dr. Sarah Brown on her WebsiteLinkedIn: Sarah Brown Ph.D.Join Dr. Brown’s MTSS Data AcademyDr. Brown also offers Virtual Coaching Sessions!Connect with Dr. Kimberly Gibbons:CAREI DirectorCAREI at the University of MinnesotaThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-colorReading 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-color

Melissa Loftus and Lori Sappington from the Melissa & Lori Love Literacy podcast take their hosting hats off for the day to share their expertise around fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension – and why comprehension instruction is far more complex than simply teaching “strategies.”Melissa and Lori explain why comprehension is considered an unconstrained skill, how fluent word recognition frees up cognitive space for meaning-making, and why vocabulary and knowledge building are essential for students to truly understand text.Resources Mentioned:Sign up for Melissa & Lori’s email list and grab a free, fun fluency resource pack!Book: The Literacy 50 by Melissa Loftus & Lori SappingtonFive Step Vocabulary Routine (from the Literacy 50)Research: Spencer, Quinn, and Wagner tested 425,000 children from first through third grade on decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. Among those who had adequate decoding and adequate vocabulary, fewer than one per cent scored poorly on comprehension. Fewer than one in a hundred. Once the word-level problems are solved, the decoding and the vocabulary, comprehension takes care of itself in virtually every case. 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 Melissa Loftus & Lori Sappington:Melissa & Lori Love Literacy PodcastWebsite: literacypodcast.com/Instagram: @literacypodcastWebsite: sorinpractice.com/Instagram: @sorinpracticeThis podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward.Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here.Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators.Connect 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-2026Reading 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-color

Exciting news! Sarah & Michelle share their signature A4 Framework for teaching affixes inside of Logos Literacy Academy! Rather than treating prefixes and suffixes as isolated definitions to memorize, we explore how affixes function as meaningful structural units that help words grow and change across the English writing system.If you loved the BASE Framework episode, this conversation is the perfect companion episode!Key Takeaways:Affixes, definedWhy affix instruction should connect meaning, structure, spelling, grammar, and pronunciationCommon practices they see in affix instruction – and how their approach differsHow they intentionally embedded affix instruction within a phonics progressionHow their A4 Framework supports transfer into reading and writingResources Mentioned:K-2 Course & Curriculum from Logos Literacy AcademySave with a Bundle: Get Mastering Morphology AND our K-2 Course & Curriculum bundled together!Connect with Sarah & Michelle:Website: https://www.logosliteracyacademy.com/Instagram: @logosliteracyacademyLogos Literacy Academy Beacons PageConnect 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

Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith, and Savannah Campbell join the show to discuss their newest resource, The Megabook of Vocabulary. They unpack why vocabulary is far more than a list of words to memorize. This conversation explores the research behind vocabulary instruction, why background knowledge matters, and how teachers can intentionally build language-rich classrooms without making vocabulary “one more thing.”The authors also introduce their WISE framework from the book:Word ConsciousnessIndividual Word LearningStudent Tools for Determining MeaningExploration of Word RelationshipsYou’ll even hear practical classroom ideas for morphology instruction, context clues, nuanced word study, playful word exploration, and how to move beyond rote memorization toward deep, meaningful word learning.Whether you’re a classroom teacher, interventionist, literacy coach, or school leader, this episode is packed with strategies and joyful ideas to help students become truly word conscious.Resources Mentioned:Book: The Megabook of VocabularyFREE Download: Inside the Megabook of VocabularyBook: The Megabook of FluencyThis 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 the Guests:Dr. Tim Rasinski’s Website: https://timrasinski.com/Dr. Tim Rasinksi’s Email: [email protected] Cheesman Smith on Instagram: @melissa.cheesman.smithSavannah Campbell’s Website: https://www.campbellcreatesreaders.com/Savannah Campbell on Instagram: @campbellcreatesreadersConnect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

We hear an awful lot about the importance of foundational literacy skills, but exactly belongs in that foundation? Educational linguist and author Lyn Stone discusses her newest resource: Foundations for Life — a structured literacy intervention manual designed for educators, interventionists, and parents supporting developing readers and writers.Lyn also shares her thoughts on the Science of Reading movement and considerations when it comes to thoughtful implementation. This conversation is equal parts intellectually rich, practical, and deeply hopeful for educators looking to better understand how the English writing system actually works – and how to teach it effectively.Key TakeawaysPhonics is necessary, but not sufficient.Writing should begin immediately – not “later”, after reading develops.Graphemes spell morphemes; morphemes spell words.Word relatives help students build durable mental models of the writing system.We also get to hear a live demonstration of one of her lessons, exploring the word family for: oneResources Mentioned:Book: Foundations for LifeMore About “Foundations for Life"Book: Spelling for LifeBook: Language for LifeBook: Reading for LifeLyn Stone’s Courses through Lifelong LiteracyThis 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 Lyn Stone:Website: https://lifelongliteracy.com/LinkedIn: Lyn StoneInstagram: @lynstone8 Email: [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

Linguist and author, Dr. Danny Bate brilliantly shares the fascinating history of the alphabet, while also uncovering some of the logic behind English spelling. You’ll hear about the surprising origins of letters (yes, <A> was once an ox’s head!), that vowels weren’t originally part of the alphabet, how the Great Vowel Shift transformed pronunciation, and of course, “Why Q Needs U”. This episode is a must-listen for educators, language lovers, and anyone who has ever wondered: Why is English spelled this way?Key Takeaways:The earliest alphabet was built on the acrophonic principle (symbols representing the first sound of a word)Early alphabets represented consonants only (vowels were added later by the Greeks)English spelling reflects both: Sound change over time AND Historical and cultural influences (i.e. Norman Conquest, Latin influence)The Great Vowel Shift dramatically changed pronunciation, but spelling stayed mostly the sameSo-called “irregularities” often preserve morphological and etymological meaning connectionsConnect with Danny BateWebsite: https://dannybate.com/Podcast: A Language I Love Is…Book: Why Q Needs U: A history of our letters and how we use themThis 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 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

Vocabulary may be just one pillar of literacy, but it’s also the thread that connects reading, writing, speaking, and thinking.In this episode, I’m breaking down why vocabulary truly changes everything when it comes to student learning – and why it deserves more intentional focus in our classrooms. I’ll also share 3 simple, high-impact shifts you can make right away to create a more language-rich environment for your students.Key TakeawaysYou can decode every word on a page, but without vocabulary, comprehension falls apart.Make Vocabulary Multisensory: Move beyond definitions and engage students’ senses (especially with images) to make meaningful connectionsPrioritize Expressive Understanding: Use sentence stems and structured prompts to push students to think with words, not just repeat them.Build Word Networks: Help students connect words through associations, morphology, and shades of meaning to deepen understanding and retention.Join us at the Science of Reading Mini-Con this June!Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

Stephanie Barber (Learning Product Manager) and Molly Sullivan (Curriculum Manager) from Reading.com share how families can support early reading development at home, without needing a background in education.Together, they unpack what makes Reading.com different from typical literacy apps: it’s not a passive, screen-time experience. Instead, it’s built around co-learning, where a caregiver and child work together through short, structured lessons grounded in the Science of Reading.Stephanie and Molly share the “why” behind the platform, how research shaped its design, and the intentional features that support real reading development, from explicit phonics instruction to interactive sound sliders that help children bridge from sounding out to blending words.They also address common concerns around screen time, explain how the app avoids guessing habits like picture cueing, and highlight how even non-educators can confidently teach foundational literacy skills with the right support.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or literacy advocate, this episode offers a powerful look at how thoughtful design can bring evidence-based reading instruction into everyday moments.More About Reading.comWebsite: https://www.reading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.Instagram: @_readingcomYouTubeReading.com’s ABC SongEmail: [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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

Dr. Melissa Orkin and Sarah Gannon, co-authors of The Structured Literacy Playbook, join Michelle to unpack what it really takes to move students from accurate decoding to fluent, meaningful reading.They explore how teachers can intentionally plan to build fluency using a backward design approach rooted in the brain science of reading.Drawing on the work of Dr. Maryanne Wolf, Melissa and Sarah introduce the POSSUM framework, a multi-component model that integrates phonology, orthography, semantics, syntax, and morphology within a single lesson. Rather than isolating skills, this approach connects them, reflecting how the reading brain actually works.Key Takeaways:An explanation of the POSSUM FrameworkThe role of retrieval (RAN) in fluency and reading developmentHow to design small-group instruction using a backwards planning approachWhat to try when students get “stuck” in sound-by-sound reading“Winning strategies” and other high-leverage routines – like syntactic phrasingResources Mentioned:Book: The Structured Literacy Playbook by Dr. Melissa Orkin, Sarah Gannon, and Alexandria OsburnStructured Literacy Game Plan Generator (One Month Trial) - Backward planning tool that generates lessons!Decoding Duo ResourcesMorphology AnthologyRAVE-O Program (Intervention)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 Crafting Minds Group:Website: https://www.craftingmindsgroup.com/Instagram: @craftingmindsgroup Email: [email protected] & [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

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

Dr. Brennan Chandler, assistant professor at Georgia State University and researcher specializing in spelling, reading intervention, and literacy development — particularly for students with persistent reading difficulties unpacks what the research sayings about spelling instruction.He shares insights from his large-scale meta-analysis examining decades of spelling intervention research and explains why spelling has the capacity to be far more than a writing skill; it can be a lexical lever that strengthens both reading and writing.Key Takeaways:Why spelling is essential for building strong word representationsCommon misconceptions (including the infamous “Friday spelling test”)What current research says actually works in spelling instructionThe impact of technology (spellcheck, AI, predictive text) on literacy developmentPractical ways teachers can embed effective spelling instruction into their dayDr. Chandler also shares actionable guidance for educators, including how just 10–15 minutes of intentional spelling instruction daily can make a meaningful difference.Resources:A Meta-Analytic Review of Spelling Interventions for Students With or At-Risk for Learning Disabilities - Chandler, B. W., Toste J. R., Novelli, C., Rodgers, D., Hardeman, E. (2025)Article: ​​Why your kid can't rely on tech tools to spellSpelling Mastery (Direct Instruction program)Connect with Brennan Chandler, PhD:Website: brennanchandler.comIG: @BrennanChandlerPhDLinkedIn: Brennan Chandler, PhDThank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.Instagram: @_readingcomYouTube: ReadingComFacebook: Reading.comPinterest: Reading_comConnect 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.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!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

Spelling longer words can feel overwhelming for students - even for those who can read them with ease. In this episode, I unpack why multisyllabic spelling is such a leap and, more importantly, what we can do to support students through it.Rather than relying on memorization alone, this episode explores how spelling is deeply connected to the structure of our language. You’ll walk away with three practical strategies that help students approach longer words with confidence.From breaking words into syllables, to leveraging morphology and word relatives, to using a “spelling voice,” this episode offers a toolkit teachers can immediately bring into their instruction.Key Takeaways:Spelling multisyllabic words requires more than phonology; students need access to structure and meaning as well.Syllabication helps reduce cognitive load by chunking words into manageable parts.Every syllable has at least one vowel (ESHALOV): a helpful anchor for spelling longer words.Morphology provides stability; morphemes maintain consistent spellings even when pronunciation shifts.Word relatives can unlock tricky spellings (i.e. preside → president).A spelling voice can support memory by making less obvious spellings more transparent.Strong spellers use metacognition; they choose strategies flexibly depending on the word.English spelling is not random: it reflects the interaction of phonology, morphology, and etymology.Resources Mentioned:Building BRIDGES: A Design Experiment to Improve Reading and United States History Knowledge of Poor Readers in Eighth Grade - O’Connor, Beach, Sanchez, Bocian, & Flynn - ESHALOV principle (Every Syllable Has At Least One Vowel)Helping Students With Dyslexia Read Long Words by Devin Kearns & Victoria WhaleyLogos Literacy AcademyCourse: Mastering MorphologyCourse & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMorphology Membership (Coaching Calls & Resources)Book: Seven Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny (Spelling Voice Strategy mentioned)Multisyllabic Words Skill Explainer from Reading UniverseThis 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!Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.Instagram: @_readingcomYouTube: ReadingComFacebook: Reading.comPinterest: Reading_comConnect 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.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

In this episode, Elise Lovejoy tackles one of the most important topics in early literacy instruction: how to use decodable books effectively – and how to thoughtfully bridge students from controlled text into authentic reading.Elise explains why decodable texts are such a critical tool for early reading development. She also, though, emphasizes an important truth: decodables are not the entire literacy experience; they are one piece of a larger instructional puzzle.In this episode, you’ll hear Elise discuss practical ways teachers can maximize decodable books for phonics practice, build comprehension within decodable texts, and scaffold students toward more complex and authentic reading experiences.You’ll also gather actionable routines teachers can use during small-group instruction, how to help students develop flexibility when encountering unfamiliar spellings, and the signals that students may be ready to move beyond tightly controlled text.Key Takeaways:Why decodable texts are essential for practicing newly taught phonics skillsThe difference between using decodables intentionally vs. using them like leveled readersWhy comprehension should still be addressed within decodable textsPractical small-group routines for using decodable books effectivelyHow to help students develop flexibility with spelling and pronunciationSigns that students are ready to move beyond tightly controlled textWhy teachers should use decodable texts and authentic texts side-by-sideResources Mentioned:The Teachers TableLyn Stone’s Book: Foundations for LifeConnect with Elise Lovejoy of Express Readers:Website: Express ReadersInstagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.Instagram: @_readingcomYouTube: ReadingComFacebook: Reading.comPinterest: Reading_comConnect 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.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn, co-authors of Reading Assessment Done Right unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in literacy instruction: assessment. Rather than viewing assessment as something teachers must check off their to-do list, they explain how high-quality reading assessments can empower educators and transform instruction. When assessment data is used thoughtfully and linked directly to instruction, it becomes a powerful tool for identifying student needs, targeting support, and ultimately changing reading outcomes.This episode is a must-listen for teachers, literacy coaches, interventionists, and school leaders who want to better understand how to use assessment data to drive meaningful instructional change.Key Takeaways:How assessment data can transform classroom decision-makingCommon mistakes schools make when using assessment dataWhy schools must sometimes de-implement ineffective assessmentsThe four key types of reading assessment and how they work together: Universal Screening, Diagnostic Assessments, Progress Monitoring, Outcome AssessmentsHow teachers can interpret assessment data and trends over timeResources:Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate WinnBook: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)FREE Resource: The Reading MTSS Reflection Guide Previous Podcast Episode with Dr. Stollar: Episode 28. Clearing up Misconceptions around MTSSPrevious Podcast Episode with Dr. Stollar: Episode 80. MTSS for Reading ImprovementThis 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 Dr. Stephanie Stollar:Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademyFacebook: Stephanie Stollar ConsultingLinkedIn: Stephanie StollarJoin Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy MembershipThe MTSS CollectiveConnect with Kate Winn:Podcast: Reading Road Trip from IDA OntarioWebsite: http://thismomloves.ca/Instagram: @katethismomlovesThank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.Instagram: @_readingcomYouTube: ReadingComFacebook: Reading.comPinterest: Reading_comConnect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-colorReading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

In this conversation, Michelle is joined by literacy advocate and author Yvette Manns to explore the power of read-alouds: both for instruction and for joy.Key Takeaways:The difference between reading for pleasure and instructional read-aloudsHow read-alouds build oral language, vocabulary, and connectionPractical instructional moves to make read-alouds more impactfulThe TAPES Method (Tell, Act, Point, Explain, Show) for vocabulary instructionThe origin story of the Phonics Read Alouds seriesInformation on how to celebrate National Schwa Day on April 7th!The launch of a brand-new Morphology Read-Aloud seriesThis episode is both inspiring and deeply practical, full of classroom-ready ideas.Phonics Read-AloudsCreated by Yvette Manns, the Phonics Read Alouds series blends explicit phonics instruction with rich storytelling. Characters like Bossy R, Magic E, and the Schwa bring abstract phonics concepts to life.Website: www.phonicsreadalouds.comInstagram: @phonicsreadaloudsNational Schwa DayFounded by Yvette Manns, National Schwa Day is celebrated annually on April 7th.Why April 7th? Listen to the episode to hear the reasoning behind it!What you’ll find in the free Educator Guide:Classroom activitiesSchwa parade word cardsDigital blending board activities (sponsored by Blend)Celebration ideasDownload the FREE Educator guide: www.nationalschwaday.orgExciting News: Morphology Read-Aloud SeriesMichelle and Yvette announce the launch of a brand-new Morphology Read Aloud collection — beginning with:The Always-Finished Suffix -EDThis story brings the three sounds of -ed to life through time travel, character development, and embedded word study.🎉 Use code COLORFUL1 for 15% off (valid through 4/26/26)!Additional Books Mentioned:Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John SteptoeI Am Every Good Thing by Derrick BarnesCityrella by Yvette MannsThis 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: @phonicsreadalouds & @the_lit_teacherFacebook: Phonics Read-AloudTikTok :@PhonicsReadAloudsEmail: [email protected] you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-colorExpress ReadersGet your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

Sara Marye, founder of The Stellar Teacher Company, joins Michelle to unpack what effective upper-elementary reading intervention can actually look like in the general classroom setting. Together, they explore why students in grades 3–5 may continue to struggle with decoding, how phonics gaps impact both reading and writing, and what classroom teachers can realistically do to support older students who still need foundational skill support.Sara shares the thinking behind the Stellar Reading Intervention Toolkit, including its intentional structure, focus on multisyllabic words, and commitment to dignity-preserving, age-appropriate materials for older students.Key TakeawaysReading challenges do not end in second grade and they don’t resolve themselves without explicit instructionUpper-elementary students often struggle not because they can’t learn phonics, but because they were never explicitly taughtShort, systematic, and well-structured lessons are more likely to be used consistently by classroom teachersIntervention should feel connected to Tier 1 instruction, not isolated or “in a box”It is never too late to address reading gaps, but supports become harder to access as students get olderResourcesStellar Reading Intervention ToolkitThe Stellar Literacy Collective MembershipConnect with Sara MaryeEmail: [email protected]: The Stellar Teacher PodcastInstagram: @thestellarteachercompanyYouTube: @thestellarteachercompanyWebsite: stellarteacher.comLinkedIn: The Stellar Teacher CompanyThank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Connect 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:Express ReadersGet your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/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

Deirdre O’Toole’s doctoral research focuses on early literacy acquisition, specifically around articulatory gestures and attention to speech production. In recent years, we hear a lot about Sound Walls being “aligned to the Science of Reading”. In this episode, Dee shares what we know from research, what we don’t yet know, and how small instructional shifts (like simply saying “Look at my mouth”) can make a meaningful difference in early reading instruction.Key Takeaways: What phonemic awareness really means (and why “conscious awareness” is key)Articulatory gestures refer to how speech sounds are physically produced (lips, tongue, jaw, airflow, voicing)Research supports articulatory-based interventions (like Lindamood-Bell LIPS), but evidence does not show they are superior to other high-quality interventionsWhat the research says (and does not say) about sound wallsThe impact of visual speech cues (including research during COVID on masked instruction)Practical teacher language for supporting spelling and phoneme-grapheme connectionsDee also shares insights from her work organizing the Right to Read Ireland conference and advocating for evidence-informed literacy instruction across Ireland.Resources Mentioned:Right to Read Ireland Conference / IG: @righttoreadirlThe Teacher’s Table / IG: @attheteacherstableFacebook: Science of Reading Discussion for Irish TeachersLindamood BellOpen Access: Seeing the Mouth: The Importance of Articulatory Gestures During Phonics Training - Novelli et. al., 2023A Meta-Analysis on the Optimal Cumulative Dosage of Early Phonemic Awareness Instruction - Erbeli et. al., 2024Connect with Deirdre O’Toole:https://playfulclassroom.ie/Instagram: @playful_classroomFacebook: Playful ClassroomTPT: Playful ClassroomThank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Connect 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:Express ReadersGet your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/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

MTSS can serve as a true system of support, not just a sorting mechanism, for improving reading outcomes and Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown share how. Drawing from their book MTSS for Reading Improvement (published under Solution Tree), the conversation bridges the Science of Reading with practical systems-level decision making that supports teachers and students alike.Rather than treating MTSS as a checklist of structures, Drs. Stollar & Brown emphasize fidelity to outcomes, prevention-first thinking, and instructional coherence across Tier 1, intervention, and leadership practices.Key Takeaways:Why MTSS often fails when it becomes a sorting system instead of a support systemHow schools unintentionally undermine reading improvement by focusing on individual students too earlyHow the Simple View of Reading and the five essential reading skills can guide both prevention and interventionWhat kinds of data actually support instructional decision-making, and which ones don’tThe role of leadership in creating a culture of vulnerability, collaboration, and shared responsibilityWhy asking better questions leads to better instructional solutionsResources:Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)FREE Resource: The Reading MTSS Reflection Guide Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn 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 Dr. Stephanie Stollar:Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademyFacebook: Stephanie Stollar ConsultingLinkedIn: Stephanie StollarJoin Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy MembershipThe MTSS CollectiveConnect with Dr. Sarah Brown:Website: https://systemimpactconsulting.com/Contact Dr. Sarah Brown on her WebsiteLinkedIn: Sarah Brown Ph.D.Join Dr. Brown’s MTSS Data AcademyDr. Brown also offers Virtual Coaching Sessions!Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Connect 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-2026Express ReadersGet your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

In this special Science of Reading Mini-Con hype episode, Michelle Sullivan is joined by the presenters behind the Science of Reading Mini-Con to give listeners an inside look at what makes this conference unlike any other.From powerful sessions and hands-on learning to beachside sound baths, mocktails, and real talk about implementation, this episode is your invitation into a literacy experience that blends research, practice, joy, and community.Meet the Voices Behind Mini-Con:Heidi Martin – Founder of the Science of Reading Mini-Con @droppinknowledgewithheidi & @scienceofreadingminiconJessica Farmer: @farmerlovesphonicsYvette Manns: @phonicsreadalouds & @the_lit_teacherJake Daggett: @jake_daggettLindsay Kemeny: @lindsaykemenyMichelle Sullivan: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomMeQuel Bolden (she was there in spirit!): @mequelboldenconsultingWhat You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhat each presenter is most fired up about solving in literacy right nowSneak peeks into Mini-Con sessionsIntroducing Mychal Threets as the Keynote Speaker!!!What makes the experience specialThe Big Takeaway: Science of Reading Mini-Con is about bridging research to practice, that’s engaging and effective!Learn More & Register:Visit www.scienceofreadingminicon.com for tickets & all the details!A BIG thank you to Reading.com for being the Premier Sponsor of the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026!Connect 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

Jennifer A. Constantine and Kara B. Lee are two educators with deep experience in assessment, Orton-Gillingham-based instruction, and dyslexia intervention — yet it wasn’t until they encountered SWI that many long-standing questions about English spelling, meaning, and structure finally clicked into place.In this episode, we unpack what Structured Word Inquiry actually is, how it differs from other approaches, and why it offers a powerful lens for teaching all learners – especially those with dyslexia.Key Takeaways:A clear, accessible definition of Structured Word InquiryHow SWI differs from other instructional approachesCommon misconceptions about SWIA walkthrough of Pete Bowers’ 4 Guiding Questions of SWI in the context of the base <cave>What to expect inside their practical book, “Structured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for Teachers”Helpful Resources:Book: Structured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for TeachersBulk Pricing Available: Email [email protected] for more informationJennifer & Kara’s WorkshopsThis 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 Jennifer & Kara:Email: [email protected]: www.swiliteracy.orgConnect 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

If you’ve ever said that “English is crazy,” this episode is for you. I’m joined by Dr. Peter Bowers, researcher, educator, and founder of Structured Word Inquiry (SWI). His work has shaped how educators understand the English writing system: not as chaotic or exception-ridden, but as a coherent, meaning-driven system.Dr. Bowers shares the personal moment when English spelling first made sense to him and explains why misconceptions about spelling persist in classrooms today. This episode unpacks what Structured Word Inquiry truly is (and what it is not), why morphology is considered a binding agent, and how spelling, phonology, and meaning are fundamentally interconnected.Key Takeaways:Why morphology acts as a binding agent in the English writing systemWhat the research actually shows about morphology instructionHow the matrix and word sums help reveal spelling logicWhy inquiry and explicit instruction are not oppositesHow recent conversations, including the importance of spelling-meaning correspondences and shifts in how orthographic mapping is understood, are making an impact in the fieldIf you’ve ever felt like English spelling “just doesn’t make sense,” this episode will change the way you see the written word – and the way you teach them.Helpful Resources:Book: Teaching How the Written Word Works by Dr. Peter BowersReal Spelling ToolboxDocument on “Guiding Principles, Concepts and Practices of SWI” (Feb 2025)Video on Combinatorial structure of English orthography & link to matrix and word sumTEDx Talk introducing a big picture of English orthography and how SWI explains many spellings currently treated as irregularSpelling-Out-Orthography page with many videos and resources. This includes videos describing the process of spelling-out-orthography and videos of kids engaging in this key practice to support orthographic mapping.About WordWorks page with many links to free resources, including videos and links to most of his published research.For the Love of Literacy Podcast Episode with Dr. Linnea Ehri, Peter Bowers, and Kenn ApelFor the Love of Literacy Podcast Episode with Marie FoleyBook: Beneath the Surface of Words by Sue HeglandBook: Backpocket Words by Gail VenableBook: The High Frequency Word Project by Fiona Hamilton & Rebecca LovelessThis 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 Dr. Pete Bowers:Join Dr. Bowers for his FREE Monday Drop-InsWebsite: www.wordworkskingston.comYouTube: @WordWorksKingstonWordWorks Kingston Facebook PageConnect 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

Michelle Sullivan is joined by her co-founder of Logos Literacy Academy, Sarah Paul, for a deep dive into K–2 morphology through a base-centered lens.Together, they unpack a question teachers hear all the time:“Morphology is important… but isn’t that for later?”Michelle and Sarah explain why morphology does not start with Greek and Latin – and why young learners are more than ready to explore word structure when instruction begins with oral language, meaning, and the base.You’ll hear why they intentionally designed a K–2 morphology curriculum that:includes instruction around bases in addition to more traditional affix instructionaligns directly with a phonics scope and sequencebuilds generative vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension over timehelps students see words as organized systems, not random strings of lettersThey also introduce their signature BASE Lesson Framework:Build Awareness (oral language first)Analyze the Base (connecting sound, spelling, and meaning)See Word Relatives (exploring families of related words)Express Understanding (using the right word in context)Throughout the conversation, they share concrete classroom examples—from simple CVC bases to bound bases like <rupt>—and explain how studying one base deeply prepares students to approach unfamiliar words with confidence later on.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why morphology in K–2 is about language developmentHow base instruction can strengthen phonics rather than compete with itWhat it really means for words to be “related” (shared spelling and meaning)How morphology supports orthographic mapping, vocabulary growth, and grammarWhere base lessons fit naturally into a K–2 literacy blockFree Resource:Download a FREE base lesson to see the BASE framework in action. This bonus lesson is not part of the curriculum; it’s an additional bonus lesson to give you a true feel for the approach.Resources Mentioned:K-2 Course & Curriculum from Logos Literacy AcademySave with a Bundle: Get Mastering Morphology AND our K-2 Course & Curriculum bundled together!Logos Literacy AcademyMentioned in this episode:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

Returning guest Fiona Hamilton, an international literacy consultant and founder of Word Torque, unites with her partners Lauren Hateley-Crowe and Angela Brienza – the team behind Engage with the Page and Search Engage. Together, they help teachers bring meaningful, joyful word inquiry into their daily read-alouds.Together, they unpack how their collaboration began, why picture books are such powerful anchors for word study, and how educators can move beyond isolated, word study routines toward integrated literacy instruction that builds spelling, vocabulary, decoding, and deep curiosity.Key Takeaways:What “word inquiry” really meansHow picture books are rich spaces to teach orthography and cultivate vocabulary growthThe story behind Engage with the Page & Search EngageWhat’s inside Engage with the Page & Search EngageResources Mentioned: Engage with the PageSearch EngageConnect with the Engage with the Page Team:Website: https://wordtorque.comEngage with the Page on Facebook Instagram: @engagewthepageFiona Hamilton on LinkedIn & InstagramLauren Hateley-Crowe on LinkedInEmail: [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

Artificial intelligence is everywhere – but what does it actually mean for structured literacy and foundational skills instruction?In this episode, I sit down with Viv Ramakrishnan, co-founder of Project Read AI, to unpack what educators truly need to understand about AI, large language models, and how thoughtfully designed technology can support (not replace) teachers.We explore why tools like ChatGPT struggle with phonics and decoding, how Project Read AI was built differently, and what it looks like when AI is used as a co-teacher grounded in the Science of Reading.Key Takeaways:What AI, generative AI, and large language models (LLMs) actually are – and why these distinctions matter for literacy instructionWhy ChatGPT is fundamentally limited when it comes to grapheme-phoneme correspondences and decodable textAll about Project Read AI’s features: Decodable Text Generator, UFLI Portal, and AI TutorWhy screen time fears deserve nuance and how to think about “empty calories” vs. “nutrient-dense” instructional technologyWhether AI could ever replace teachers What early research is showing about student growth when AI is used intentionally and responsiblyResources:Project Read AIDocumentary: Can AI Help Our Kids Read? The Project Read StoryProject Read AI - Helpful LinksYouTube: ProjectReadAIYTConnect with Viv Ramakrishnan:LinkedInTwitter/X: @vivramakInstagram: @projectreadaiConnect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

Holiday Word Study: Christmas, Hanukkah, and KwanzaaIn this cozy, end-of-year episode, we’re slowing things down for a short and joyful holiday word study investigation. Instead of a full instructional deep dive, this episode invites you to get curious about three words we hear everywhere this time of year:ChristmasHanukkahKwanzaaTogether, we explore where these words come from, what their spellings reveal, and how English carries the fingerprints of other languages inside it.Along the way, you’ll hear about:Why <ch> says /k/ in Christmas (and why that’s not an exception)Why Hanukkah has multiple accepted spellingsHow Kwanzaa was intentionally named and spelled with meaning in mindWhat holiday words teach us about word origin, orthography, and meaningThis episode is a reminder that English spelling isn’t random and that it always makes more sense when we look beyond the surface.For more word study nuggets, check out Logos Live: mine & Sarah Paul's monthly coaching calls through Logos Literacy Academy where we go on even more deep dives! (If you enroll in any one of our courses, you get 2 years of free access to Logos Live as a bonus!)Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Jennifer Throndsen, author of Raising Up Readers: 25 Scaffolding Strategies to Help Students Access Challenging Texts, breaks down what it really takes to accelerate reading achievement for all learners, including multilingual students and those reading multiple years below grade level. Drawing from decades of experience across classroom, district, and state systems, Jennifer explains why grade-level access is an equity issue and how scaffolding, not leveling, is the key to closing gaps.Jennifer dives into the research supporting “stretch texts,” the misconception that struggling readers must stay in easier books, and why teachers (not text levels) must mediate difficulty. Jennifer offers practical scaffolding strategies, real classroom examples, and insights from studies showing that challenging texts paired with the right supports can yield two to three years of reading growth in a single year.Whether you're a classroom teacher, interventionist, literacy coach, or administrator, this episode will shift your thinking about text access and equip you with actionable tools you can use tomorrow.Resources Mentioned:Raising Up Readers: 25 Scaffolding Strategies to Help Students Access Challenging Texts by Dr. Jennifer Throndsen from Solution Tree (also on Amazon)Raising Up Readers Free Book Study GuideThis 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 Dr. Jennifer ThrondsenWebsite: https://www.impactfullearningdesigns.com/LinkedIn: Jennifer ThrondsenInstagram: @JT_travel32Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

In today’s episode of Literacy in Color, we’re chatting with Ashley Doty, founder of Uncomplicate Ed, an organization dedicated to making teaching and learning clearer, simpler, and more effective. Drawing on two decades of experience across the education landscape (and even a past life as a theater educator!), Ashley brings both heart and science to this conversation.They dig into what the science of learning actually looks like inside real classrooms, how small shifts can spark huge gains, and why teachers don’t need more complexity; they need clarity, purpose, and research-based practices that truly work for students.You'll hear Ashley break down concepts like retrieval practice, interleaving, chunking, background knowledge, student engagement, motivation, and how to support learners in a way that honors both the art and the science of teaching. She shares incredible real-world results from classrooms and schools who leveraged these principles — including 15+ point mid-year gains and 22-point year-over-year proficiency jumps.If you're an educator who wants practical ways to strengthen learning without adding more to your plate, this is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:Why simplifying instruction (without oversimplifying learning) is essential.How retrieval practice and spaced practice transform long-term memory.Interleaving — what it is, what teachers get wrong, and how to implement it realistically.How poetry, speeches, and small “tweaks” can dramatically improve engagement and retention.The relationship between learning science and motivation, student agency, and teacher-student relationships.Resources Mentioned:Book: Powerful Teaching by Dr. Pooja Agarwal & Patrice BainRetrievalpractice.org – free resources (Pooja Agarwal)Book: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David YeagerThis 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 Ashley Doty:Website: https://uncomplicateed.comFacebook Group: Uncomplicate Ed & Uncomplicating Education Across the NationYouTube: @UncomplicateEdInstagram: @UncomplicateEdConnect 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

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Michelle welcomes Hilderbrand Pelzer III — award-winning principal, author of Unlocking Potential, national speaker, and a transformational leader whose work inside one of the largest jail systems in America has reshaped conversations about literacy, justice, and hope.Michelle heard Hilderbrand as a keynote speaker at The Reading League Conference and was profoundly inspired by his message — especially his reminder that the school-to-prison pipeline runs right through reading classrooms. Today, he shares stories from decades of work in juvenile corrections, traditional public schools, and the Philadelphia prison system. They explore why literacy is unequivocally a social justice issue, how the school-to-prison pipeline unfolds long before high school, and what educators and leaders can do to interrupt it — starting in the earliest grades.Through personal narratives, hard truths, and a hopeful vision for the future, Hilderbrand offers a call to action: Don’t give up and never underestimate the impact of teaching a child to read.Key Takeaways:Literacy is a Social Justice IssueThe School-to-Prison Pipeline Runs Through Reading ClassroomsMany “behavior issues” are actually literacy issues in disguise, leading to frustration, disengagement, and eventually dropping out.Leadership Requires VulnerabilityTeachers need the right tools and training – not blameResources Mentioned:Book: Unlocking Potential: Organizing a School Inside a Prison by Hilderbrand Pelzer IIITalk: Hilderbrand’s TED Talk (referenced in conversation)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 Hildebrand Pelzer III:Website: www.hilderbrandpelzer3.comBluesky: @HildebrandPelzer3X (Twitter): @HP3PotentialInstagram: @hilderbrandpelzer3Facebook: HilderbrandPelzer3LinkedIn: Hildebrand Pelzer IIIYouTubeConnect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

In this solo episode, we take an honest, unflinching look at what are traditionally called Kindergarten Reading Levels: Guided Reading Levels A, B, C, and D — and why these levels do not reflect how children actually learn to read.If you’re a kindergarten teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or a parent of a beginning reader, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been craving.Key Takeaways: Where these levels came from and what they were actually designed to measureWhy predictable texts are more about the “illusion of reading” than actual readingWhy picture-cueing, pattern memorization, and MSV underlie these early levelsWhy a student can “read” a Level D text but not decode a CVC wordWhat proponents of Guided Reading say about finger-pointingWhy these texts are fundamentally misaligned with the reading brainWhat to do instead to support true early reading developmentAnd yes — we can absolutely preserve the joy of reading without predictable pattern books.If your school or district is beginning to shift away from Balanced Literacy, Kindergarten is a wonderful place to start. When we remove the pressure of arbitrary, misaligned “levels” and instead equip kids with the code of our language, we give them true access to reading — not the performance of it.Connect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

In this powerful episode, Michelle is joined by legendary reading experts Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter, Founding Partners at Readsters. With more than 40 years of experience helping struggling readers — from kindergarten through adulthood — Linda and Michael break down what effective intervention truly looks like, why older learners often continue to slip through the cracks, and how to use assessment, precision, and patience to help every student become a reader. This episode is filled with practical wisdom, honest insights, and encouragement for every educator working with older students who need foundational reading support.Key Takeaways:Why older readers still struggle despite “years of instruction”The purpose & power of diagnostic assessmentWhat effective intervention really looks likeWhy motivation & respect matter deeplyReassurance that “It Is Never Too Late”Resources Mentioned:Readsters Website: www.readsters.comFree Resources on their WebsiteBook: Working Memory and Learning by Susan Gathercole & Tracy Packiam AllowayThis 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 Linda & Michael of Readsters:Website: www.readsters.comEmail Michael Hunter: [email protected] Linda Farrell: [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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color

In this episode, Michelle talks with Dr. Julia Lindsey about her brand-new book “Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading ”, a practical guide to designing effective small-group instruction with the Science of Reading in mind. Julia shares her journey to researcher and author, and explains why the “leveled-text ladder” needs to be left behind. Together they explore how to use small groups with purpose, the data that should drive them, and the mindset shifts teachers need to make every minute of instruction count.Key Takeaways:Small groups are most powerful when they’re targeted, built around clear goals, practice, and feedback.“Guided reading” levels don’t predict growth; what matters is matching instruction to the next skill students need.Data should reveal what to teach, not just who is behind. Group by need, not by label.Flexible groupings, short bursts of focused practice, and clear feedback create more learning in less time.The purpose of small-group instruction is not to fill a time block; it’s to accelerate access to grade-level learning.Resources Mentioned:Reading Above the Fray by Dr. Julia B. Lindsey (Scholastic’s Science of Reading in Practice Series)Small Groups, Big Results by Dr. Julia B. Lindsey (Scholastic’s Science of Reading in Practice Series)Beyond Decodables: free content-rich decodable textsRock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay Kemeny (Scholastic’s Science of Reading in Practice Series)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 Dr. Julia B. Lindsey:Website: juliablindsey.comInstagram: @juliablindseyFacebookLinkedInXConnect 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

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed teaching writing, you’re not alone. In this episode, Michelle sits down with educator, author, and founder of Reimagine Writing, LaNesha Tabb, to talk about her framework in building confident, independent writers.For years, LaNesha admits she either “barely taught writing” or avoided it altogether — not because she didn’t care, but because it felt impossible to manage. That all changed when she created a simple yet powerful framework that turned chaos into clarity and helped her students finally thrive as writers.Key Takeaways:Why so many teachers feel underprepared to teach writingHow the science of writing and the science of learning informs her workWhat it means to have a framework — not just a bunch of strategiesHow checklists, chants, and routines can build independence in your writing blockWhy focusing on the process first helps students internalize everything elseConnect with LaNesha Tabb:Website: laneshatabb.comFree writing guide: https://laneshatabb.com/rock-the-writing-block/Reimagine Writing: www.reimaginewritingprogram.comInstagram: @lanesha_tabbConnect 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

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and today’s conversation shines a light on the power of online instruction to reach and teach our one in five students with dyslexia.In this episode, I’m chatting with Michelle Breitenbach, founder of Read to Rewire, certified dyslexia practitioner, and creator of the Online with Ease Academy, where she trains teachers to bring multisensory, structured literacy instruction to life virtually. After leaving the classroom due to health challenges, Michelle discovered her purpose helping children and educators worldwide through high-quality, human-centered online tutoring.We discuss how to make virtual lessons feel just as personal and powerful as in-person ones — emphasizing connection, simplicity, and structure. Michelle shares heartwarming stories of students who have thrived online, and offers practical advice for teachers and parents alike.Key Takeaways:The prevalence of dyslexia and the urgent need for early identificationWhy online instruction can expand access and reduce barriers for familiesHow to create engaging, multisensory virtual lessons that feel humanCommon pitfalls of “the virtual highway” (and how to avoid them)Practical advice for teachers seeking flexibility and freedom through online workConnect with Michelle Breitenbach:Website: Read to RewireInstagram: @readtorewireFree Guide: From Teacher to Online with EaseFree Masterclass7-Day Access to her TrainingWaitlist to Join: Online with Ease🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!Connect 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

Literacy in Color is officially ONE year old!I’d like to start this anniversary episode from a place of gratitude with a huge THANK YOU to my Top 10 Guest Episodes of the Year: Dr. Stephanie Stollar, Justin Browning, Lindsay Kemeny, Sarah Paul, Fiona Hamilton with Rebecca Loveless, Dr. David Kilpatrick, Dr. Molly Ness, Dr. Treasa Bowe, Christina Winter, and Jake Daggett.To celebrate this milestone, I’m joining in on the “Betrayal Trend” and sharing my Science of Reading Betrayal List: 12 practices or ideas that, in my view, hold us back from truly moving literacy forward. Of course, I’ll unpack each one with context (and compassion).Here’s a sneak peek at what made my betrayal list:Rebalancing Balanced LiteracyMemorizing Lists of “Sight Words”Using Predictable Texts for Beginning ReadersSkipping Handwriting InstructionToo Much Teacher TalkSaying Morphology is just “Teaching Affixes”Forgetting About LanguageTelling a Student with Dyslexia to “Try Harder”Claiming Everything We Do Has to Be “Research-Based”Letting One Study Make Us Pivot EverythingFighting within Science of Reading CirclesCalling the Science of Reading a Pendulum SwingLooking forward to what’s next for Literacy in Color!Support the Show Here!Connect 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

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and every Friday Michelle is highlighting voices who are changing the landscape for students with dyslexia and their families.In this episode, Michelle sits down with Melanie Brethour, a Montreal-based resource teacher, founder of Decoding Dyslexia Quebec, and the voice behind Soar With Dyslexia. Inspired by her son’s journey with dyslexia, Melanie has become a leading advocate for parent empowerment, teacher training, and evidence-based instruction.Key Takeaways:The power of parent advocacy and how to navigate systems that say “wait and see.”Why early identification and intervention are acts of equity.How parents and teachers can work together to support struggling readers.What Melanie has learned about balancing her teacher and parent lenses.Why reading is a human right and what needs to shift in schools and teacher prep programs to make that a reality.Resources Mentioned:National Center on Improving Literacy - Resources for FamiliesInternational Dyslexia Association (IDA) – Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should KnowDecoding Dyslexia – grassroots advocacy networkMelanie’s Link Tree - with a ton of resources!Connect with Melanie Brethour:Melanie’s Decoding Dyslexia - Quebec Facebook PageInstagram: @soarwithdyslexia LinkedInX🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!Connect 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

How does the brain actually learn or remember something new? In this fascinating episode of Literacy in Color, Dr. Shane Saeed joins Michelle to break down the Science of Learning in a way that’s simple, practical, and classroom-ready.Shane is an Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator, national presenter, and author who has spent years helping teachers translate research into action. Together, they explore how memory, retrieval, metacognition, and productive struggle shape student learning, and how teachers can design instruction that sticks.Key Takeaways:The difference between short-term, working, and long-term memoryThe importance of retrieval practice, as well as paced and interleaved practice to deepen understandingWhat metacognition looks like in the classroom (and why it’s critical for student ownership)How to design lessons that minimize cognitive overload and maximize retentionWhy “desirable difficulties” are the sweet spot between challenge and frustrationWhether you teach kindergarten phonics or high school history, this episode will leave you with practical takeaways and a renewed appreciation for how the brain learns best.Resources Mentioned:Powerful Teaching by Dr. Pooja Agarwal & Patrice BainSmart Teaching, Stronger Learning by Pooja AgarwalRetrieval Practice by Kate JonesOutsmart Your Brain by Dan WillinghamUncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, & Terrence SejnowskiHarnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel SwainThis 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 Dr. Shane Saeed:Instagram:  @drshanesaeedTikTok: @drshanesaeedTwitter/X: @drshanesaeedCheck out her book: Be the FlameConnect 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:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading 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-color