The Literacy Teacher's Life podcast artwork

PODCAST · education

The Literacy Teacher's Life

This podcast is for teachers and parents who are dedicated to helping young readers and writers thrive. Children are naturally curious and it’s our role as parents and teachers to provide them with support so they learn to love reading and writing.Between national standards and outside influences, there is a significant amount of pressure on teachers and parents around teaching young children to be successful readers and writers. My goal with this podcast is to support and provide guidance for new and continuing teachers so that they can design and implement literacy instruction that will inspire enthusiasm in young readers and writers.For parents of elementary-aged readers and writers, I hope that this podcast will demystify the process of teaching reading and writing. I will introduce the terms and practices that teachers use so that you will be in a better position to support your children’s love of literacy. With this podcast, I aim to provide guid

  1. 95

    Libraries Offer Kids Access to All Levels of Books

    The American Library Association is hosting its Annual Conference this month--and to gear up for the conference, this episode is about the library!Should your child only read books on their level? The short answer is no! So, to look for books that your child will enjoy on a variety of levels, hit the library! And, now is a great time--to get your summer reading stack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 94

    Changes, Challenges, and Core Values: Talking about the Role of Libraries with Dan Montgomery EP 87

    The American Library Association is gearing up for its Annual Conference (June 25-29, 2026)--and joining Elizabeth is Dan Montgomery, who is the Executive Director of the ALA.In our conversation, Dan talks about the importance of celebrating 150 years of the ALA, what to expect at the Annual Conference (and why you should go!), and what the ALA is facing today. Libraries are facing challenges in these changing times, but there are core values that they are upholding.To learn more about the ALA's Annual Conference, check out their website: https://2026.alaannual.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 93

    Libraries Have More Than Books

    To celebrate the American Library Association's 150th Anniversary and their upcoming Annual Conference, this week's mini episode is library themed!Libraries are known for books and reading materials, but they also have materials and resources that serve their particular community. Listen to this episode to learn about some of the materials libraries lend out--then check out your library to see what they have in store for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 92

    150 Years of the American Library Association with Sam Helmick! EP 86

    It's the 150th Anniversary of the American Library Association! Joining Elizabeth is the current President of the ALA, Sam Helmick, who is talking about the ALA's annual conference and why this year is so special.In this episode, you will hear Sam speak about:• The ALA’s 150th Year and how they are celebrating at this year’s conference;• A few of the speakers at this year’s conference (you won't want to miss this announcement!);• Why you should consider attending this year’s conference;• And, what challenges libraries are facing today and how you can help.The ALA's annual conference is being held in Chicago at the end of June (June 25-29). Check out their website for more information about this wonderful event: https://2026.alaannual.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 91

    What are you Reading? Kids Mimic Our Actions

    Finding time to read can be a challenge. Schedules are busy and when things get hectic, reading is often the first thing that gets cut out. But...this is a tip that really pays off. It's so beneficial to your kids to let them see you reading. Elizabeth starts with a story that highlights why kids need to see the adults in their lives reading. There are so many benefits to reading in front of your kids. The benefits include: - Modeling behavior that you want your kids to see - Reading is a part of your family's routine - Modeling lifelong curiosity - Shift the focus from screens - The emotional connection that comes when reading Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Acknowledging Service Members with Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares EP 85

    Memorial Day is quickly approaching and to talk about the importance of acknowledging service members, Elizabeth is joined by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares. They are the author and illustrator of the books, Honor Flight: Celebrating American's Veterans and Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--two books that focus on veterans.Memorial Day is a great occasion to teach children about military history, and both books honor the service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.Check out both books--and hear Jeff and Matt's ideas for how these books can support kids' understanding of veterans and the armed forces--in the classroom and at home! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 89

    Libraries Spark Curiosity

    If you are looking for ways to introduce your child to book about their interests or new books--look no further than the library! Libraries spark curiosity in many ways, which include:- Access to amazing librarians who are very knowledgable about books- The limitless topics they house- They host many events for the community- They offer more than just books for patrons!Check out this episode to learn more about how taking your child to the library can spark their curiosity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. 88

    How Experiences Impact Our Stories: Learning about Crouton the Cat with Author and Illustrator Kristine A. Lombardi EP 84

    If you love cats, then this episode is for you! Elizabeth is joined by the author and illustrator, Kristine A. Lombardi. She recently wrote and published the book, Crouton, which is about a shelter cat looking for her perfect person to take her home. Crouton is a very sweet story, and Kristine talks all about where the idea came from, her illustration style in the book, and she even shares ideas about how this book can be used with kids--at home and as school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  9. 87

    Reading for Recall

    Elizabeth was recently asked about what reading for skills looks like. In today's mini episode she shares how you can help your child with the skill of recalling what they read after reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  10. 86

    Bringing Authors to Life: Dr. Karen Huff and the Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference EP 83

    Are you looking for an event that brings together children's authors, teachers, parents, and children? Well, look no further than the Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference!Today, Elizabeth is joined by Dr. Karen Huff who directs the Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference. This year marks the 40 Anniversary of this conference and so many wonderful authors are attending.In this episode, you will learn all about the conference - how it began, the virtual option to attend, and the in-person option to attend, the authors who will be there, and a bit about what is planned for those who attend.Check out the conference website here: https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  11. 85

    Keep A Journal

    Today's tip comes from the author N. West Moss. In her book, Birdy, the main character keeps a journal. N. West Moss has been asked about the benefits of keeping a journal. Today's mini episode shares some benefits to journaling and gives steps to get your kids started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    The Write Stuff For Early Readers with Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift EP 82

    Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift is back on the podcast! Today she is joining Elizabeth to talk about writing -- and how writing can help boost reading skills. In this episode, Dr. Swift discusses: Why writing is actually a very natural activity for kids The connection between reading and writing and why it's so important to make sure kids have the time to write during the school day (and at home!) The importance of handwriting instruction And, how parents can include writing into the daily routine at home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  13. 83

    The 'What Just Happened' Strategy

    This week's mini episode tip is designed to support your child with reading comprehension. Recalling and remembering what happened in a story is an important skill that we want kids to be able to apply when they read.If your child reads a book or a passage and can't remember what happened - then this tip is for you!The strategy is broken down into three steps:1) Pick up a book or passage and tell your child that they are going to be paying attention to what happened in the paragraph you read.2) You read the first paragraph to your child.3) Stop and ask your child the question - What just happened?Keep listening to find out what you do when your child is able to tell you what happened as well as what you can do if your child did not understand what you just read. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  14. 82

    Spring into Planning with Sarah Hart-Unger EP 81

    It's a new season! And, to kick off this new season, Elizabeth is joined by planning expert, Sarah Hart-Unger. Sarah is the host of the Best Laid Plans podcast and the author of the book Best Laid Plans: : A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love.Sarah joins Elizabeth to share her planning system and talk about how teachers and parents can plan for daily tasks and also longer-term goals. Sarah makes a case for adding more fun into your schedule and how you can do a fun-audit of your time. We also discuss planning with kids and teaching them to plan.Check out Sarah's book Best Laid Plans! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  15. 81

    Be Positive About the Books Your Kids Read

    Today's tip is to be positive about the books that your kids and students read. Our words have an impact on our kids. When adults make negative comments about the books that kids read, it impacts how they view themselves as readers. If your child is reading a book that you are not crazy about, rather than telling them to read something better, compliment them for reading. Give it a try! Happy Reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  16. 80

    Collaboration and Creativity with Laurel Snyder and LeUyen Pham - The Author and Illustrator of Shrinking Violet EP 80

    Have you ever wondered how writers and illustrators work together? Well, today's episode answers that question! Joining Elizabeth on the podcast are Laurel Snyder and LeUyen Pham - the author and illustrator of the book Shrinking Violet that is coming out at the end of March.Laurel shares how she came up with the idea for Shrinking Violet, and LeUyen talkes about how she interpreted the words in the illustrations.At the end of the episode, Laurel and LeUyen share an idea about how you can use Shrinking Violet with children! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  17. 79

    Go On A Book Search Adventure

    Welcome to the mini episodes! This is where Elizabeth shares a tip, a trick, or a strategy to take your kids from just reading to actually wanting to read.Today's tip is to make searching for or finding books for your kids to read an adventure. Rather than buy a book for your child, take your child with you to the library or a bookstore to search for books -- and, you can make it extra special by adding in an extra stop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    The Language of Self-Affirmations with Caitlin Santomauro EP 79

    How we speak to ourselves is so important. Today's guest, Caitlin Santomauro is the author of the amazing book, The Language of Self-Affirmations: A Magical Practice of Manifesting Personal Power.Caitlin begins by explaining what a self-affirmation is and why they are so important to include in our daily lives. She explains how self-affirmations can support kids - she talks about how she has used self-affirmations with her own students.She gives listeners a taste of the content of her book by sharing a passage.Check out Caitlin's book on Amazon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  19. 77

    Tips for the New Year that Support Readers: Conversations Build Confident Readers EP 78

    Today's reading tip is to talk to your parents about the books that they are reading.Elizabeth explains why talking to kids about the books that they are reading is so supportive. These conversations can be short and informal, but they are effective because they help increase reading confidence and they help support comprehension.Check out today's episode for the final tip of the month to support kids with reading at home - in small, but impactful ways! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  20. 76

    Tips for the New Year that Support Readers: Don't Make Reading a Fight EP 77

    This month is focused on tips for helping kids read in 2026. And, today's episode is about not making reading a fight. What do you do when you do not like the books that your kids are reading?Elizabeth explains what you can do if you are not loving the books your child is reading. She ends with a story from a recent article about why it's so important for your kids to be reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  21. 75

    Tips for the New Year that Support Readers: Include OR Statements When Reading With Children EP 76

    Happy 2026!To get the New Year started, Elizabeth is sharing tips and strategies that can be easily included when reading with kids - both in the classroom and at home.In today's episode, Elizabeth shares the first tip which is to use OR Statements when reading with kids to support their knowledge of new words and keep the story moving along.Check out today's episode to learn more about the different types of vocabulary words and to hear an example of an OR Statement in action! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  22. 74

    Time for a Mini-Reflection & Making Reading Happening Over the Winter Break EP 75

    This episode is wrapping up 2025! It's the time to stop and take a few minutes to think about your teaching so that you have an idea of what is going well and what changes you might want to make after the winter break.In this episode, Elizabeth gives three areas to think about with guided questions. She also talks about what worked well with her teaching this fall and what changes she wants to make in the spring semester.There is a spotlight on an author and his books and a few fun and low-pressure ideas to keep kids reading over the winter break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Making Fluency Fun with Reader’s Theater EP 74

    This week's episode is about using reader's theater to address fluency with kids. Elizabeth just used reader's theater in her classes to show current and future teachers how scripts can support fluent reading -- and comprehension. Her students had a lot of fun and saw the benefits of using this teaching practice with kids - at all grade levels (not just elementary school).The episode begins with information about fluency and then Elizabeth talks about how you can use scripts with kids.Before ending, Elizabeth shares a parenting tip to help your reader with books that they are reading in school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  24. 72

    Poetry is Fun! A Conversation with Poet, Darren Sardelli EP 73

    Today's episode is such a treat! Elizabeth is joined by poet Darren Sardelli. He writes poetry and shows kids how much fun words and language can be - and how poetry is fun! His goal is to make his ideas fun and relatable for kids.And, his work is a lot of fun! Darren shares some poetry with us - and you will be very entertained! He gives great ideas in this episode - such as start an Idea Notebook and encourage kids to check-out one poetry book when they are at the library.Check out Darren's work here: https://laughalotpoetry.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  25. 71

    Beliefs About Books and Reading EP 72

    In this episode, Elizabeth shares eight common beliefs about reading and how they can discourage kids from reading. There have been many alarming articles about kids not reading much - so it's important to try and support our young readers as best we can.The 8 beliefs are:- Phonics Instructions Ends After Second Grade- Picture Books are Easy Books- Reading With Kids Ends Once They Learn to Read-If Kids Want to Hear a Story Rather Than Read It, They Are Being Lazy- Kids Need to Read Books at Their Reading Level- Kids Should Not Be Re-Reading Books- If Comprehension Support is Needed, Find Passages & Questions- Graphic Novels are Not as Rigorous as Novels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  26. 70

    Connecting Teaching to Writing A Conversation with Former Teacher and Author, Terri Lilga EP 71

    This is a treat! Today, I am joined by my former colleague, Terri Lilga. Terri is a retired teacher, who is now writing books for children. We worked together in Buffalo, NY for a few years. In this episode, Terri shares her books with us. She explains how she came up with the ideas for her books - and how she gets ideas in general. She has really great stories about how she thinks up ideas! They are great to share with young readers.Please check out Terri's work: https://terrililgabooks.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  27. 69

    Relevance is Essential: How Teachers Can Make Literacy Learning Relevant to Our Students’ And Their Futures With Lorraine Radice EP 70

    Lorraine Radice is back on the podcast! Lorraine has a new book that recently came out, Revolving Literacy: How to Connect Relevance and Future-Ready Skills to Secondary English Instruction.In our conversation, Lorraine talks about: - what the term literacy includes- her revolving literacy framework and how it benefits teachers and supports students- books for kids in middle and high school- ideas for teaching reading in the secondary classroom (these can be applied in upper elementary grades as well)Check out Lorraine's book and work:https://www.lorrainemradice.com/https://www.solutiontree.com/lorraine-m-radice.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  28. 68

    Focusing On Mood to Unlock Critical Thinking with Trevor Bryan EP 69

    I'm back this week with Trevor Bryan, an educator and writer. Trevor's latest book is out and available to be purchased. It's called Narrative Know-How: A Fresh Approach to Support Comprehension and Craft in the K-6 Classroom.In the last episode, Trevor explained the framework to this book. And, today he is back to share ideas about how this work can be implemented into the classroom to support our readers and writers. This book is full of so many lesson ideas that are ready to be used with kids. You will not want to miss this episode - and stay until the end...Trevor has a very special and kind offer for educators!Grab a copy of Trevor's book, Narrative Know-How on Amazon or your favorite BookstoreFollow Trevor on Instagram @trevorabryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  29. 67

    All About Understanding Narratives with Trevor Bryan EP 68

    We want our students to be confident readers and writers. One way to support their confidence is to teach them about structure. Today, I am joined by Trevor Bryan, who is an educator and writer! Trevor is the author of The Art of Comprehension and has written a new book that just came out this week, called Narrative Know-How: A Fresh Approach to Support Comprehension and Craft in the K-6 Classroom. His focus is on teaching kids to comprehend what they read. On today's episode, he will talk about the structure that has created to frame this book and why it can support our students as they are learning to both read and write. Trevor's ideas are so supportive of students - you won't want to miss his ideas!Check out Trevor's new book Narrative Know-How on Amazon or any other bookseller site. Follow him on Instagram: @trevorabryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Making Reading Fun (And a Priority) This School Year EP 67

    Recently, there have been studies out that discuss how reading, particularly reading for pleasure is at an all-time low. This is for kids and adults, but the findings have been seen as concerning. The UK is calling on 2026 to be the year of reading - so that kids are reading for pleasure.In this episode, Elizabeth shares ways that teachers can make this school year a year of reading as well - and the great news -- it doesn't require extra work! These can fit right into the school day.Some ways to accomplish this goal include:- Sharing your reading and love of books with your students- Matching books to students' interests- Reading aloud to students regardless of age/grade level/content area- Reframing the Read for 20 Minutes Each Night assignment for parents-Have fun reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  31. 65

    Another Summer is Coming To An End Gearing Up for the New School Year – Some Tips for Teachers EP 66

    It's August, and that means that the new school year is just around the corner! My semester begins in just two weeks. This episode is aimed at teachers, but can be helpful for parents, too. As I am planning for the upcoming academic year, I have six tips that I am focusing on to have a calm start to the school year. I also have a planning tip from a planning expert! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Parents, Here's A Tip When Your Kids Do Not Want To Read! EP 65

    It's the end of July and the new school year is approaching (faster than I would like!). Today's episode is for parents. I often hear comments from parents that their kids are not interested in reading. After taking my daughters and a friend to a bookstore, I have a story and some suggestions about what you can do to help get your child interested in reading a book before the end of the summer. It will take some effort on your end, but it may just work! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  33. 63

    Mid-Summer Check-In for Parents: Have Your Kids Been Reading? If Not, You Have Time! EP 64

    It's mid-July already! This week's episode features a quick check-in with three tips to get your kids back into a reading habit this summer. Daily routines and habits shift during the summer months which can mean that reading may not be happening as regularly as it does during the school year. So, Elizabeth shares tips that you can put into practice pretty quickly to get back into reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Matching Books to Readers: A Conversation with Lea Anne Borders EP 63

    Lea Anne Borders is the founder of Bookelicious, a digital tool that connects kids’ interests to books that they may enjoy reading. She joins me on today's episode to talk about the features of Bookelicous and we discuss how it can be used by teachers and parents to help children find books that they are interested in reading. This is a great tool to explore - especially at the start of the summer - so that kids can find books they want to read. Check out Bookelicious: https://www.bookelicious.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  35. 61

    Getting Kids in Middle and High School Reading with New York Times Bestselling Author Jen Calonita EP 62

    In today's episode, New York Times Bestselling Author, Jen Calonita comes on to discuss her books as well as why she loves writing for the middle grade and young adult kids. She shares why it is so important to meet kids where they are and why connecting to kids' interests - at any age - is so important to get and keep kids reading. Jen is the author of many books, including The Lost Legend series, 12 to 22, The VIP series, and Isle of Ever. She has written many other books as well. And, in the fall her book, The Taylors will be released. To check out more of Jen's work, please check out her website: https://www.jencalonitaonline.com/books/middle-grade-books/ You can also find her on Instagram @jencalonita Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Supporting Multilingual Learners with Interacting, Reading, and Listening: Learning More from Susan Katz EP 61

    We are back with the second half of my conversation with Susan! Susan is the author of The Swirl Method: Supporting Multilingual Learners as They Speak, Write, Interact, Read, and Listen. This week, Susan is taking us through her strategies to support multilingual learners with interacting, reading, and listening. She offers excellent resources in each area - so please check them out! This is the second part of a two-part episode. Please make sure you check out the previous episode to learn more about Susan's work. Today's episode addresses interacting, reading, and writing. Please check out Susan's work: The SWIRL Method: https://www.solutiontree.com/swirl-method.htmlSusan Katz's Website: https://susankatzbooks.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Ideas and Strategies for Teaching Multilingual Learners with Susan Katz, Author of the SWIRL Method EP 60

    The Swirl Method: Supporting Multilingual Learners as They Speak, Write, Interact, Read, and Listen, written by Susan Katz addresses how we can support children who are multilingual learners. In this amazing resource, Susan identifies specific strategies in each area: speaking, writing, interacting, reading, and listening - that can be used in the literacy classroom to help learners thrive. This is a two-part episode. Today's episode addresses speaking and writing. Please check out Susan's work: The SWIRL Method: https://www.solutiontree.com/swirl-method.htmlSusan Katz's Website: https://susankatzbooks.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Connecting Sports and Reading: Making Sure Kids Have Books They Want to Read with Football and Baseball Player Brian Jordan EP 59

    Brian Jordan is a former professional football and baseball player. He played football for the Atlanta Falcons and he played baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Rangers. Brian believes that all kids need to learn to read. He has written a number of children's books, such as I Told You I Can Play!, Overcoming the Fear of Baseball, and Time-Out for Bullies. Brian is passionate about getting kids reading. In our conversation, she shares the background about his books and shares how he is partnering with schools to get kids reading. Check out more about Brian Jordan here: https://www.brianjordanfoundation.com/ Check out Brian's Reading Challenge here: https://www.brianjordanfoundation.com/bjf-reading-challenge.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    It's National Library Week! Get Involved and Support Your Local Library with President-Elect Sam Helmick EP 58

    It's National Library Week! It's a great week to get involved and support your local library. Libraries are a reflection of the community they serve. You can check out new books and see what other events are happening at your library this week. On today's episode, American Library Association's President-Elect Sam Helmick joins me. We discuss what is happening with libraries at the moment. We also discuss National Library Week and how and why you should check-out your library this week. Sam also discusses the upcoming National Conference which is taking place this coming June in Philadelphia. As always, it will be an engaging event. We finish with Sam talking about how parents and teachers can support students with reading as we are heading into the summer months. Links Mentioned: American Library Association: https://www.ala.org/ Stand Up for Libraries: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/show-up-for-our-libraries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Movement and Literacy: A Multi-Sensory Approach to Learning to Read EP 57

    How can movement be included in learning to read? In today's episode, Elizabeth speaks with Stefanie Hohl, the creator of ABC See, Hear, Do, which is a multi-sensory approach to learning to read. Stefanie believes in getting kids moving when reading and she shares many ideas about how this can be done. In this episode, we discuss: - What a multi-sensory approach to literacy is? - How active kids can be supported when they are learning to read, - Ideas to get kids moving during literacy instruction, and - The books that Stefanie has as a part of her program. You can find more about Stefanie's work here: https://www.abcseeheardo.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop4Jrr5HTfGQ_e-1zFq-dvpWS1sPFXocDG6moDas31lcvzGLQkk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Handwriting is a Foundational Skill & The Role it Plays in Supporting Reading EP 56

    Is handwriting important now that kids have access to technology and devices in school? Many parents are concerned about their children's penmanship. Should handwriting be taught in schools? The answer to these questions is yes. Handwriting should be taught in school (and so should cursive writing). Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift is the Professional Learning Director at Learning Without Tears - the program that includes Handwriting Without Tears. She is on today's episode to talk about the role of handwriting in a literacy curriculum. In this episode, Dr. Swift shares: - the connection between reading and writing - how handwriting can be included in instruction - in just 10 minutes a day! - how digital literacy is supported by handwriting instruction - lots of resources to support elementary aged readers and writers (many of which are free)! Check out the resources at Learning Without Tears: https://www.lwtears.com/solutions/technology?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAlbW-BhCMARIsADnwasqc0J1mxY6zpLM5m6IyolNcneSUY2J7-qjd8xqPZsOGwp5ZsTYncagaAqhqEALw_wcB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Three Signs that Kids May Be Frustrated with Reading and What To Do About It EP 55

    What behaviors signal that kids are frustrated when they are reading? This week's episode focuses on three behaviors that can signal that kids may be frustrated when reading. The behaviors include: - Hanging onto one detail from the book - Looking for a distraction - Not having books that kids want to read Elizabeth explains these behaviors and offers some suggestions about how we as teachers (and parents) can support our elementary and early middle schoolers with reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Do Reading Responses Really Get Kids to Read? EP 54

    The start of the new year brought a lot of questions about reading responses. It seems like teachers started assigning reading responses at the start of 2025. A question I kept getting is, "Do reading responses really help?" The short answer is yes, reading responses can help kids better understand what they read. Today's episode starts with the point of reading responses and what the research says about reading responses. I give tips for teachers to consider when assigning reading responses and suggestions for parents to support their kids at home. The episode ends with a book recommendation for more independent readers in the upper elementary to early middle school grades. It's a wake up in the future book - similar to 13 Going on 30! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    How Can We Help Our Students Find Their Voices in Their Writing? A Conversation with Kourtney Hake & Paige Timmerman

    Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025! In this first episode of 2025, Elizabeth is speaking with Kourtney Hake and Paige Timmerman about their recent book, Their Stories, Their Voices, which focuses on narrative writing and how to easily implement narrative writing units into your instruction. Paige and Kourtney discuss how they define narrative writing and talk about how they structured this book. They really worked to make it possible to implement narrative writing as seamless as possible and without extra work. They give lots of examples from their own teaching and have excellent mentor texts for narrative writing. One of my favorite parts of our conversation is the discussion about how we as teachers can work with students to include their voices in all genres of writing - not only narratives. For more ideas, check out Kourtney and Paige's book. You can find it here: https://www.solutiontree.com/their-stories-their-voices.html. It is a great resource to support your writing instruction in the new year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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    Gearing Up for 2025! EP 52

    Happy Holidays! It's the holiday edition of The Literacy Teacher's Podcast. In the spirit of the season of reflection, this week's episode is dedicated to taking the time to think about your teaching in 2024 - what went well and also what changes you want to make in 2025. Elizabeth focused on the following areas of her teaching this year: - Planning - Students - Instruction/Teaching - Materials for Students - Tools When Planning Take some time to consider your own teaching and what small tweaks you can make in the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  46. 50

    Should Kids Have Time During the School Day to Read On Their Own? Five Ways to Make Independent Reading More Effective EP 51

    Should kids have independent reading time in school? In order for kids to become stronger and more engaged readers, they need time to read. But, that time needs to be intentional. We don't want kids spending independent reading time staring out the windows or re-reading the same page over and over to pass the time and check the work off the list. In this episode, I share five tips to make independent reading time more intentional and effective. The great news - all of these can be implemented with a few tweaks rather than spending hours trying to make it work. Before ending, I share my book project for the rest of the year and January. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  47. 49

    Solving the Literacy Puzzle: A Conversation with Norene Bunt EP 50

    How can we effectively teach literacy to students? In this episode, Norene Bunt speaks about her recent book, Solving the Literacy Puzzle, and how effective literacy instruction can be implemented. Some of the topics discussed include: - Effective literacy instruction - Components of literacy instruction at the elementary level - Comprehension and how to ensure that it is a focus of reading instruction You can check out Norene's book at: https://www.solutiontree.com/solving-the-literacy-puzzle.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  48. 48

    The Plateau in the Upper Elementary Grades: What Happens When Comprehension is Not Included in Instruction EP 49

    This week's episode focuses on reading comprehension and how to include it into reading instruction. The following is addressed: - Why we read - How to assess reading comprehension - How to include a structured approach to comprehension into reading instruction The episode ends with ideas for how parents can address comprehension when reading with kids at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  49. 47

    Incorporating Shared Reading into Classroom Instruction EP 48

    What other ways can you read with students other than through interactive read-alouds? This week's episode is all about shared reading and how to include this into your teaching to support students' reading fluency and comprehension. Elizabeth begins by explaining shared reading and what it looks like in practice. She talks about the types of texts that are commonly used in shared reading and how they are different from the texts used in interactive read-alouds. Shared reading supports a variety of skills - which are addressed. Finally, Elizabeth ends with how shared reading can be beneficial to parents when they are reading at home with their kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  50. 46

    The Importance and Benefits of Coaching: A Conversation with Melissa Morrison EP 47

    What is a literacy coach? How does a literacy coach support teachers, students, and schools? In today's episode, Elizabeth is speaking with Melissa Morrison, the founder of Teaching to Transform. Melissa is a coach, specifically a writing coach. She works with teachers to support their writing instruction. In this episode, Elizabeth and Melissa discuss the role of a coach and how coaching can benefit teachers and students. They also discuss writing instruction and her advice for supporting writing at school and at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

This podcast is for teachers and parents who are dedicated to helping young readers and writers thrive. Children are naturally curious and it’s our role as parents and teachers to provide them with support so they learn to love reading and writing.Between national standards and outside influences, there is a significant amount of pressure on teachers and parents around teaching young children to be successful readers and writers. My goal with this podcast is to support and provide guidance for new and continuing teachers so that they can design and implement literacy instruction that will inspire enthusiasm in young readers and writers.For parents of elementary-aged readers and writers, I hope that this podcast will demystify the process of teaching reading and writing. I will introduce the terms and practices that teachers use so that you will be in a better position to support your children’s love of literacy. With this podcast, I aim to provide guid

HOSTED BY

Elizabeth Morphis

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Literacy Teacher's Life have?

The Literacy Teacher's Life currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Literacy Teacher's Life about?

This podcast is for teachers and parents who are dedicated to helping young readers and writers thrive. Children are naturally curious and it’s our role as parents and teachers to provide them with support so they learn to love reading and writing.Between national standards and outside influences,...

How often does The Literacy Teacher's Life release new episodes?

The Literacy Teacher's Life has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Literacy Teacher's Life?

You can listen to The Literacy Teacher's Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Literacy Teacher's Life?

The Literacy Teacher's Life is created and hosted by Elizabeth Morphis.
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