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This is the Reading Teachers Lounge where listeners can eavesdrop on professional conversations between elementary reading teachers. We are passionate about literacy and strive to find strategies to reach all learners. Shannon and Mary are neighbors who realized that they were “literacy soul sisters…

Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi

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    • Jun 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 134 EPISODES

    4.8 from 120 ratings Listeners of Reading Teachers Lounge that love the show mention: pd, elementary, instruction, educators, readers, grade, easy to follow, students, awareness, teacher, strategies, teaching, language, great resource, area, education, research, school, sharing, found this podcast.


    Ivy Insights

    The Reading Teachers Lounge podcast is a true gem for educators, providing valuable tips, tricks, and resources for teaching literacy development. As an elementary teacher of 11 years, I continue to learn so much from this podcast. The hosts, Shannon and Mary, are down-to-earth, knowledgeable, and interesting people who share an insatiable hunger for knowledge. Throughout the five seasons of the podcast, they have interviewed literacy rock stars and well-known bloggers and creators in the field. The guests are given free range to share their knowledge, and Shannon and Mary clearly appreciate and enjoy the time spent in conversation with them. One of the best aspects of this podcast is the resources it provides. Shannon and Mary curate lists that are pulled directly from the podcast conversations or anything else they think will be useful. They sift through the sea of educational resources on the internet to bring only the best to their listeners. Additionally, this podcast is a shame-free zone where teachers can feel comfortable learning about new concepts or ideas without judgment. Shannon and Mary are candid about their own professional growth and embrace and celebrate the growth of their listeners as well.

    It is hard to find any negative aspects of The Reading Teachers Lounge podcast. However, one potential drawback might be that it focuses solely on reading instruction rather than covering other subjects or topics in education. While this is not necessarily a bad thing for a podcast dedicated to literacy development, those seeking more general educational content may need to look elsewhere.

    In conclusion, The Reading Teachers Lounge podcast is an exceptional resource for teachers looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in literacy development. With its informative episodes filled with practical advice, insights from industry experts, curated resources, and shame-free environment for learning, this podcast is truly invaluable for educators at all stages of their careers. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out in your teaching journey like me, this podcast will undoubtedly help you become a more confident teacher while providing you with the information and support you need to support your students' literacy development.



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    Latest episodes from Reading Teachers Lounge

    7.15 Language Demands

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 65:24


    Send us a textShannon and Mary talk with Dr. Jeanette Mancilla-Martinez about supporting Multi-Language Learners, exploring language development, daily classroom language demands, and practical strategies to help MLLs thrive. The information presented is relevant for teachers, administrators, and support staff seeking practical tools to enhance instruction for multilingual learners.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Our Season 5 Episode 2: Supporting English Language LearnersMcGraw-Hill Science of Literacy Library:A free resource hub containing blogs, videos, research reports, and more— designed to connect teachers with practical classroom resources and Professional Learning tips.Vanderbilt University:   Jennifer Mancilla-MartinezEdutopia:  Using SIOP with English LearnersSavvas Learning Company:  SIOP Model Professional LearningImpact of Multilingualism and Learning Patterns on Student Achievement in English and other subjects by Raees Calafato and Kevin SimmondsWIDA Can Do Descriptors for various grade levelsReading Rockets:  What Does Research Tell Us About Teaching Reading to English Language Learners?Academic Language and ELLS: What Teachers Need to KnowReading Horizons:    What's the Difference Between ESL, EFL, ESOL, ELL, MLL, and ESP?Bonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.14 Literacy Leaders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 54:53


    Send us a textShannon chats with Laura Stewart (from 95 Percent Group) about bold moves that literacy leaders can take to transform the literacy practices in their learning communities.    Laura provides stories and strategies relating to successfully implementing best practices informed by the Science of Reading into schools and classrooms, and Shannon shares some real-life examples of what she's learned to do and not to do as a literacy leader.   Listen and also download the recommended resources from the show notes to be empowered in your transformation efforts.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:The Courage to Lead: 10 Bold Moves for Transformational Change by Laura Stewart ebook (download link from our Google Drive)bio for Laura Stewart, 95 Percent Group's Chief Academic OfficerBecoming a Literacy Leader by Jennifer Allen *Amazon affiliate link*Cox Campus Structured Literacy trainingThe Courage to Teach:   Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's life by Parker Palmer *Amazon affiliate linkScience of Reading 2.0 ebook from 95 Percent GroupUphill Climb article by Laura StewartNIRN HubEdWEb.net Recording with Laura Stewart and Ken Kirby regarding Professional Learning in 202595 Percent Group on IG95 Percent Group on Twitter/X95 Percent Group on FacebookMorpeheme MagicScience of Reading Defining Guide (The Reading League)Bonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.13 The Right Things for Our Learners

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 70:41


    Send us a textShannon and Mary welcome Dr. Timothy Shanahan to the Reading Teachers Lounge to quiet the noise within the literacy community and help us all realize the MOST important things we should be doing for our learners according to the reading research.    Listeners will find out what practices and activities they should prioritize to improve their students' reading achievement.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives:  How Students' Reading Achievement Has Been Held Back and What We Can Do About It by Timothy Shanahan (available for PreOrder) *Amazon affililate linkDr. Shanahan's website (Shananan on Literacy)Dr. Shananan's blogConnect with Dr. Shananan via FacebookDr. Shananan's blog post about Comprehension (mentions text cohesion)Are We Teaching Reading Comprehension Part II:   6 Things Every Teacher Should Know (blog post by Dr. Shananan)30 Second Mysteries *Amazon affiliate linkMcGraw-Hill Science of Literacy Library: A free resource hub containing blogs, videos, research reports, and more— designed to connect teachers with practical classroom resources and Professional Learning tips. Bonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.12 Effective Student Engagement

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 49:50


    Send us a textShannon and Mary chat with Brandi Dugal from The Fidget Game, featured on Shark Tank, about unique ways to engage and motivate students to learn.   They share methods for gamification, brain breaks, and other strategies teachers can use to increase student engagement.  Listen for ideas to make reading more fun and how to help motivate even the most reluctant readers to get excited about their learning.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:The Fidget Game websiteFidget Game TikTok accountShannon's favorite (FREE) growth mindset activities via TpT-lower gradesShannon's favorite (FREE) growth mindset activities via TpT-upper gradesThe Fidget Game for purchase *Amazon affiliate linkKing Komodo game for purchase *Amazon affiliate linkSquishyLand game for purchase *Amazon affiliate linkThe Vocabulary game for purchase *Amazon affiliate linkASCD:  New Thinking about Student EngagementBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.11 Structured Word Inquiry

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 113:51


    Send us a textDr. Pete Bowers shared how Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) transforms spelling and vocabulary into tools for deep thinking - perfect for engaging advanced and struggling readers in the elementary reading classroom. We encourage the listeners to also check out this episode on YouTube to learn from the visuals Dr. Bowers shared during the discussion (link is at the top of the show notes).RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Our Youtube link to the episodePete Bower's Word Works Kingston website:  See MANY helpful links at the bottom of the page.   We use this homepage as a hub for SWI information.Dr. Bowers' Monday 5 pm EST office hours linkReal Spelling ToolboxActive View of Reading Duke, Cartwright, 2021Homophone Principle - described in this lessonDavid Share:  Self teaching "Ultra-detailed brain map shows neurons that encode words' meaning" Nature 631, 264 (2024)Spelling Out Orthography demonstration video from Dr. BowersDocument describing a SWI hunt for all the jobs of the final, non-syllabic Video from Dr. Bowers with Marie Foley about The Nested Combinatorial Nature of English Spelling2025 Reading League  presentation from Dr. Bowers about Morphological Instruction and Language ComprehensionUpcoming SWI Training in June 2025 with Pete Bowers and Rebecca LovelessUpcoming 4 day in-person training with Dr. Bowers in July 2025 on Wolfe IslandStructured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for Teachers by Jennifer A Constantine and Kara B Lee *Amazon affiliate linkTeaching How the Written Word Works by Peter Bowers (via www.wvced.com Store)Bonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Challenging Advanced Readers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 63:22


    Send us a textHow can teachers effectively support advanced readers in elementary school? In this insightful episode, we're joined by literacy expert Nancy Young to explore practical, evidence-based strategies for meeting the needs of gifted and high-achieving readers in the classroom.Nancy shares her expertise on differentiation strategies, including offering choice in reading materials, using tiered assignments, and implementing project-based learning to keep advanced readers engaged. We also discuss how to encourage critical thinking, promote independent reading, and create meaningful peer discussion and mentorship opportunities.Whether you're a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or literacy coach, this episode offers valuable tools and inspiration to elevate your elementary reading instruction and ensure all students—especially your strongest readers—are challenged and supported.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Updated Ladder of Reading & Writing with permissions for usageChapter 2 of her book-free downloadGuided Inquiry DesignSEM-R.   School-wide enrichment model for readingWilliam and Mary Center for Gifted Ed ResourcesClimbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing by Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck *Amazon affiliate linkcontact Nancy via her websiteAcceleration InstituteSubject-specific acceleration across grade grouping *Google drive file downloadBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 24:15


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textThis is our April 2025 bonus episode of Reading Teachers Lounge podcast.  In these episodes, Shannon and Mary will share about the students they're helping in reading, the resources they're using, and the books and other materials they're studying to further their practical knowledge about the Science of Reading.  In this April 2025 bonus podcast episode, Shannon and Mary chat about the tutoring and advocacy work they've been doing.    They talk about how they're preparing their students for the upcoming testing season.  They discuss some of the struggles and successes they're having implementing the new activities they've learned about in their Structured Work Inquiry trainings.  They also shared some of their favorite new resources from UFLI and Emily Gibbons.     Links for all the resources discussed are included below in the show notes.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Write ScoreKhan AcademyWord MatricesDr. Bowers: Structured Word Inquiry4 guiding questions of SWIRead Works passagesUFLI supplemental decodable passagesEmily Gibbons' new decodablesGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 48:28 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textShannon and Mary welcome Brandon Cardet-Hernadez from Mrs. Wordsmith to the RTL to chat about smart technology resources.  They talk about intentional uses of technology resources for instructional purposes and what skills will be required as our students advance in the next part of the 21st century.  Listeners will gain ideas for ways to incorporate technology to elevate students' learning.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Mrs. Wordsmith websiteEdutopia article: SAMR modelHow to use SAMR in Designing InstructionInstagram for Mrs. WordsmithFacebook for Mrs. WordsmithYoutube for Mrs. WordsmithTikTok for Mrs. WordsmithWord Tag Vocabulary Learning app from Mrs. WordsmithScience of Reading white paper from Mrs. WordsmithFree Literacy resources from Mrs WordsmithGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.9 Smart Technology

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 50:28 Transcription Available


    Send us a textShannon and Mary welcome Brandon Cardet-Hernadez from Mrs. Wordsmith to the RTL to chat about smart technology resources.  They talk about intentional uses of technology resources for instructional purposes and what skills will be required as our students advance in the next part of the 21st century.  Listeners will gain ideas for ways to incorporate technology to elevate students' learning.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Mrs. Wordsmith websiteEdutopia article: SAMR modelHow to use SAMR in Designing InstructionInstagram for Mrs. WordsmithFacebook for Mrs. WordsmithYoutube for Mrs. WordsmithTikTok for Mrs. WordsmithWord Tag Vocabulary Learning app from Mrs. WordsmithScience of Reading white paper from Mrs. WordsmithFree Literacy resources from Mrs WordsmithBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 29:18


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textThis is our March 2025 exclusive bonus episode of Reading Teachers Lounge podcast.  In these bonus episodes, Shannon and Mary will share about the students they're helping in reading, the resources they're using, and the books and other materials they're studying to further their practical knowledge about the Science of Reading.  In this episode, Shannon and Mary provide details about their tutoring students of various ages and how they're using different curriculum resources with their readers.    Shannon describes how she's using some Conquering Spelling Demons cards that she purchased from VanCleave's website. She also shares how she's combining the practice of Structured Word Inquiry with Morpheme Magic curriculum resources.   Mary talks about how she uses fluency phrases from FCRR with her students and also describes some idioms activities.   Both Shannon and Mary are enjoying the use of new resources they got from Mrs. Wordsmith and The Fidget Game, such as the Squishy Land, King Komodo, and Blah, Blah, Blah games.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Van Cleave store: Conquering Spelling DemonsVan Cleave vocabulary resources storeWilson Fundations Trick Word ListsFCRR: Phrase Haste (Fluency with Idioms)FCRR: Fast Phrases (Fluency activity)Squishyland from the Fidget Game *Amazon affiliate linkKing Komodo from the Fidget Game *Amazon affiliate linkBlah Blah Blah Card Game from Mrs. Wordsmith *Amazon affiliate linkMorpheme MagicTutor Success AcademyDr. Bowers: Structured Word InquiryGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 36:59


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textThis is our February 2025 exclusive bonus episode of Reading Teachers Lounge podcast.  In these bonus episodes, Shannon and Mary will share about the students they're helping in reading, the resources they're using, and the books and other materials they're studying to further their practical knowledge about the Science of Reading.  We start this episode with an apology and explanation for the missing January episode and the delay in publishing this one.  (Back in January, Shannon's computer crashed unexpectedly and they lost 3 regular podcast episodes and the January bonus episode in the hard drive crash).In this February 2025 bonus episode, Shannon and Mary provide details about their tutoring students of various ages and how they're using different curriculum resources with their readers.    Mary shares how she's having courageous conversations with teachers, parents, and administrators through her advocacy work.  Shannon and Mary chat about the resources they're using with their tutoring students:  Bookworms, Morpheme Magic, Write Score Super Sentences, SWI, and Word Matrices.  Check out the links below for more information about the resources mentioned.  From Emotions to Advocacy by Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright *Amazon affiliate linkWrights LawWord MatricesSuper Sentences demonstration videoSuper Sentences Bookworms exampleBookworms Grade 3 Module 4: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamilloWrite ScorePete Bowers' website  -lots of helpful links at the bottom of the home pageSpelling Out Orthographyfree once a week Zoom with Dr. Pete Bowers about SWI Structed Word Inquiry for Early ReadersCox Campus Structured Literacy courseGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.8 Importance of NonFiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 40:12 Transcription Available


    Send us a textShannon and Mary talk with Melissa Taylor from ImaginationSoup.net about the importance of nonfiction texts in a student's reading diet.    They chat about the flexible comprehension strategies students need to organize the information gathered from nonfiction and text features and structures that are specific to nonfiction texts.    Listeners should walk away inspired to put more NF texts in their readers hands.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Imagination Soup Melissa's Article: Reading Nonfiction Prepares Kids for SuccessComprehension Strategiestypes of NF textsCBS Sunday Morning-Finland schools Media Literacy storyRefutational TextsMelissa on IGMelissa on FBBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 38:24 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textShannon and Mary talk with Melissa Taylor from ImaginationSoup.net about the importance of nonfiction texts in a student's reading diet.    They chat about the flexible comprehension strategies students need to organize the information gathered from nonfiction and text features and structures that are specific to nonfiction texts.    Listeners should walk away inspired to put more NF texts in their readers hands.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Imagination Soup Melissa's Article: Reading Nonfiction Prepares Kids for SuccessComprehension Strategiestypes of NF textsCBS Sunday Morning-Finland schools Media Literacy storyRefutational TextsMelissa on IGMelissa on FBGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.7 System Changes with LaMonica Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 43:25 Transcription Available


    Send us a textShannon and Mary welcome LaMonica Williams from Teaching Matters back to the Reading Teachers Lounge. This time they chat about professional development experiences and the most effective ways to bring about positive change in school systems. They discuss the differences between management and leadership and how to foster student-centered school improvement.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Changes that Stick (Kappan)Teaching Matters websiteNYC ReadsStudent Focused Coaching  by Jan Hasbrouck and Daryl Michel *Amazon affiliate link*our previous episode with LaMonica WilliamsThe Good Struggle of Flexible SpecificityReading UniverseLaMonica's Bio & Contact InformationBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 41:39 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textShannon and Mary welcome LaMonica Williams from Teaching Matters back to the Reading Teachers Lounge. This time they chat about professional development experiences and the most effective ways to bring about positive change in school systems. They discuss the differences between management and leadership and how to foster student-centered school improvement.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Changes that Stick (Kappan)Teaching Matters websiteNYC ReadsStudent Focused Coaching  by Jan Hasbrouck and Daryl Michel *Amazon affiliate link*our previous episode with LaMonica WilliamsThe Good Struggle of Flexible SpecificityReading UniverseLaMonica's Bio & Contact InformationGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 38:05


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textThis is our 5th exclusive bonus episode of Reading Teachers Lounge podcast.  In these episodes, Shannon and Mary will share about the students they're helping in reading, the resources they're using, and the books and other materials they're studying to further their practical knowledge about the Science of Reading.  In this episode, Shannon continues to share about the new learning and insights she's had about her instruction since getting training in Structured Word Inquiry and spelling out orthography.  Mary updates Shannon on some patterns she's seeing through her advocacy work.Pete Bowers' website  -lots of helpful links at the bottom of the home pageSpelling Out Orthographyfree once a week Zoom with Dr. Pete Bowers about SWI Structed Word Inquiry for Early ReadersCox Campus Structured Literacy courseGet Literacy Support through our PatreonGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.6 The Reading Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 68:16 Transcription Available


    Send us a textShannon and Mary chat with Katherine Hamilton about maximizing the learning impact of co-teaching.     The conversation is centered around an article from Choice Literacy written by Franki Sibberson titled Aligning Curriculum with Struggling Readers in Mind.  The article proposes that co-teachers need to reflect and determine how their various teaching activities and strategies align into a cohesive instructional plan for the students, so that the readers can build transferable skills they can apply across the school-day.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Choice Literacy article by Franki SibbersonEnsemble LearningThinking MapsSix Approaches to CoTeaching6 Models of CoTeachingCollaborative Team Teaching: Challenges and RewardsBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 66:36 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textShannon and Mary chat with Katherine Hamilton about maximizing the learning impact of co-teaching.     The conversation is centered around an article from Choice Literacy written by Franki Sibberson titled Aligning Curriculum with Struggling Readers in Mind.  The article proposes that co-teachers need to reflect and determine how their various teaching activities and strategies align into a cohesive instructional plan for the students, so that the readers can build transferable skills they can apply across the school-day.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Choice Literacy article by Franki SibbersonEnsemble LearningThinking MapsSix Approaches to CoTeaching6 Models of CoTeachingCollaborative Team Teaching: Challenges and RewardsGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 23:42


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textThis is our 4th  exclusive bonus episode of Reading Teachers Lounge podcast.  In these episodes, Shannon and Mary will share about the students they're helping in reading, the resources they're using, and the books and other materials they're studying to further their practical knowledge about the Science of Reading.  In this episode, Shannon shares the new learning and insights she's had about her instruction since getting training in Structured Word Inquiry and spelling out orthography.  (Mary was out sick during this recording).Pete Bowers' website  -lots of helpful links at the bottom of the home pageSpelling Out Orthographyfree once a week Zoom with Dr. Pete Bowers about SWI Structed Word Inquiry for Early ReadersCox Campus Structured Literacy courseGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.5 Spelling that Sticks

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 66:03 Transcription Available


    Send us a textShannon and Mary welcome @MindfulTeacherRachel back to the podcast to discuss strategies for helping their students strengthen spelling skills.     They talk about the stability of English spelling and the meaning-based reasons for a word's spelling, beyond sound-symbol connections.    Listeners will know what to look for in students' spelling errors and accuracies and walk away with fresh ideas for spelling instruction.  RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Our Etymology episode with Rachelour Schwa episode with RachelMorrison-McCall Spelling Scalespelling error analysis sheets from RachelUncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide *Amazon affiliate link*Spelling for Life by Lyn Stone *Amazon affiliate link*How to Teach Spelling by Laura Toby Rudginsky and Elizabeth C. Haskell *Amazon affiliate link*Dyslexia and Spelling by Kelli Sandman-Hurley *Amazon affiliate link*And Sometimes Y by RachelShort Vowel Proctors by RachelSchwa in 1st Grade by RachelRachel on IGRachel on TiktokExplode the Code    Words Their Way Spelling InventorySpelling Choice TestsSound Mounds (the Eppich Classroom)Scribal OBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usBrilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 64:11 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textShannon and Mary welcome @MindfulTeacherRachel back to the podcast to discuss strategies for helping their students strengthen spelling skills.     They talk about the stability of English spelling and the meaning-based reasons for a word's spelling, beyond sound-symbol connections.    Listeners will know what to look for in students' spelling errors and accuracies and walk away with fresh ideas for spelling instruction.  RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Our Etymology episode with Rachelour Schwa episode with RachelMorrison-McCall Spelling Scalespelling error analysis sheets from RachelUncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide *Amazon affiliate link*Spelling for Life by Lyn Stone *Amazon affiliate link*How to Teach Spelling by Laura Toby Rudginsky and Elizabeth C. Haskell *Amazon affiliate link*Dyslexia and Spelling by Kelli Sandman-Hurley *Amazon affiliate link*And Sometimes Y by RachelShort Vowel Proctors by RachelSchwa in 1st Grade by RachelRachel on IGRachel on TiktokExplode the Code    Words Their Way Spelling InventorySpelling Choice TestsSound Mounds (the Eppich Classroom)Scribal OBrilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 59:10 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textThis is our 3rd exclusive bonus episode of Reading Teachers Lounge podcast.  In these episodes, Shannon and Mary will share about the students they're helping in reading, the resources they're using, and the books and other materials they're studying to further their practical knowledge about the Science of Reading.  In this October 2024 bonus podcast episode, Shannon and Mary chat about the tutoring and advocacy work they've been doing.    Mary shares how she's fostering learning engagement and building relationships with her students.  Shannon talks about the new 3rd grade student she's started working with and some of the assessments she used to evaluate his reading skills.  Shannon also provides details about the Spelling Out Orthography strategy she's learning about in her Structured Word Inquiry training.   RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Wrights LawBookworms reading curriculum:   Owen Foote, Money Man by Stephanie GreeneStructured Word Inquiry Facebook groupWord Works Literacy office hours informationStructured Word Inquiry (WordWorksKingdom) homepage Spelling Out Orthography informationGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.4 Word Knowledge

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 57:25 Transcription Available


    Send us a textShannon and Mary welcome Heidi Martin (@Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi) back to the podcast, and Heidi's husband, Adam, a LETRS trainer, also joins the conversation.  They talk about all the aspects that go into the topic of Word Knowledge.  What are all the things students should know and understand about a word to demonstrate complete knowledge of that term? You'll walk away from listening to this episode with a more complete understanding of all the layers of skills within Word knowledge that we need to help our readers build.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE: Heidi's website  Heidi's social media TikTok  Heidi's social media Instagram  Heidi on FB Heidi's decodables  Heidi's freebie about the Reading Brain  SOR 101 (Science of Reading 101) Membership  Strive for Five Conversations by Sonia Cabell and Tricia Zucker *Amazon affiliate link  Etymonline  our previous Science of Reading episode with Heidi  our episode about Delightful Word Learning with Collette Hiller  InferCabulary  3 Clicks Spelling  Spelling Riddles  Morpheme Magic  Structured Word Inquiry (Dr. Pete Bowers) Bonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipScreen DeepA podcast decoding young brains and behavior in a digital world.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 55:33 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textShannon and Mary welcome Heidi Martin (@Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi) back to the podcast, and Heidi's husband, Adam, a LETRS trainer, also joins the conversation.  They talk about all the aspects that go into the topic of Word Knowledge.  What are all the things students should know and understand about a word to demonstrate complete knowledge of that term? You'll walk away from listening to this episode with a more complete understanding of all the layers of skills within Word knowledge that we need to help our readers build.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE: Heidi's website  Heidi's social media TikTok  Heidi's social media Instagram  Heidi on FB Heidi's decodables  Heidi's freebie about the Reading Brain  SOR 101 (Science of Reading 101) Membership  Strive for Five Conversations by Sonia Cabell and Tricia Zucker *Amazon affiliate link  Etymonline  our previous Science of Reading episode with Heidi  our episode about Delightful Word Learning with Collette Hiller  InferCabulary  3 Clicks Spelling  Spelling Riddles  Morpheme Magic  Structured Word Inquiry (Dr. Pete Bowers) Screen DeepA podcast decoding young brains and behavior in a digital world.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.3 Book Equity

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 53:34 Transcription Available


    Send us a textShannon and Mary welcome Marty Martinez from Reach Out and Read and Judy Newman from Scholastic to the podcast to talk about Book Equity.    They share ideas for getting quality books in students' hands and nurturing students' reading diversity.   RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Reach Out and Read websiteEvidence Based Research initiatives for Reach Out and ReadTheir list of 35 booksTheir impact statisticsModeling of Shared Readingour Molly Ness (Read Aloud) episodeour Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Doors episodeReach out and Read website about Scholastic '35 for 35' collaborationReach out and Read x Scholastic '35 for 35' partnership press releaseConnect with Reach Out and Read on Twitter/X @reachoutandreadWatch and Subscribe to their YouTube content @ReachOutandReadConnect with Reach Out and Read on Facebook @reachoutandreadConnect with Reach Out and Read on IG @reachoutandreadScholastic's Teaching Tools:    Diverse Books for StudentsScholastic's Parent Store for Diverse BooksScholastic's Teacher Store with Diversity CollectionsBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 50:04 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textShannon and Mary welcome Marty Martinez from Reach Out and Read and Judy Newman from Scholastic to the podcast to talk about Book Equity.    They share ideas for getting quality books in students' hands and nurturing students' reading diversity.   RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Reach Out and Read websiteEvidence Based Research initiatives for Reach Out and ReadTheir list of 35 booksTheir impact statisticsModeling of Shared Readingour Molly Ness (Read Aloud) episodeour Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Doors episodeReach out and Read website about Scholastic '35 for 35' collaborationReach out and Read x Scholastic '35 for 35' partnership press releaseConnect with Reach Out and Read on Twitter/X @reachoutandreadWatch and Subscribe to their YouTube content @ReachOutandReadConnect with Reach Out and Read on Facebook @reachoutandreadConnect with Reach Out and Read on IG @reachoutandreadScholastic's Teaching Tools:    Diverse Books for StudentsScholastic's Parent Store for Diverse BooksScholastic's Teacher Store with Diversity CollectionsGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 39:09 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeThis is our 2nd exclusive bonus episode of Reading Teachers Lounge podcast.  In these episodes, Shannon and Mary will share about the students they're helping in reading, the resources they're using, and the books and other materials they're studying to further their practical knowledge about the Science of Reading.  In September 2024, Shannon and Mary provide details about their tutoring students of various ages and how they're using different curriculum resources with their readers.    Mary shares how she's using Bookworms, All About Spelling, Measured Mom Plus, and the Times Tales resources with her students.     Shannon talks about the free Structured Literacy training she's taking online through Cox Campus.   She also chats about how she's working on handwriting skills, preparing for the structure of MAP testing questioning format, and using the UFLI reading curriculum with the 1st grader she's working with.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:All About Spelling curriculumBookworms-baseballTimes TalesAll About Reading curriculumAnna Geiger: Measured Mom PlusCox Campus Structured Literacy TrainingCERI certificationour favorite FCRR game (long/short vowels sort)Disc Shooter  *Amazon affiliate linkStrive for Five Conversations by Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell *Amazon affiliate linkUFLI reading curriculumFundations Letter Formation GuideGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.2 Mending Teachers with Karen Gross

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 70:41 Transcription Available


     Shannon and Mary have an informative and inspiring chat with Karen Gross.  They learn details about how the Covid-19 pandemic affected teachers and students.    Karen shares why the role of teachers is more difficult today, and she provides tons of specific ways teachers can fill their cups and take care of themselves and their class.   If you've experienced stress or trauma, you'll discover ideas from this discussion with Karen about healing.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Mending Education: Finding Hope, Creativity, and Mental Wellness in Times of Trauma by Karen Gross and Edward K. S. Wang * Amazon affiliate linkTrauma Doesn't Stop at the School Door:  Strategies and Solutions for Educators, PreK-College by Karen Gross * Amazon affiliate linkVirtual Teachers LoungeYoga with Adriene on YouTube (This is Shannon's favorite yoga channel)Mirror Neurons (article by American Psychological Association)The Other 3 Senses You Never Knew Existed but You Should:   vestibular system, proprioception, and interoceptionUnderstanding and treating a dysregulated nervous system: signs, symptoms, and rebalancing techniquesKaren's websiteFollow Karen on Facebook @karengrosseduBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 67:17 Transcription Available


    Subscriber-only episodeShannon and Mary have an informative and inspiring chat with Karen Gross.  They learn details about how the Covid-19 pandemic affected teachers and students.    Karen shares why the role of teachers is more difficult today, and she provides tons of specific ways teachers can fill their cups and take care of themselves and their class.   If you've experienced stress or trauma, you'll discover ideas from this discussion with Karen about healing.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Mending Education: Finding Hope, Creativity, and Mental Wellness in Times of Trauma by Karen Gross and Edward K. S. Wang * Amazon affiliate linkTrauma Doesn't Stop at the School Door:  Strategies and Solutions for Educators, PreK-College by Karen Gross * Amazon affiliate linkVirtual Teachers LoungeYoga with Adriene on YouTube (This is Shannon's favorite yoga channel)Mirror Neurons (article by American Psychological Association)The Other 3 Senses You Never Knew Existed but You Should:   vestibular system, proprioception, and interoceptionUnderstanding and treating a dysregulated nervous system: signs, symptoms, and rebalancing techniquesKaren's websiteFollow Karen on Facebook @karengrosseduGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    7.1 New Opportunities

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 39:27 Transcription Available


    Mary and Shannon catch up with each other after the summer & podcast break.     They chat about their own children, their personal lives, and their plans for this upcoming school year.   They discuss the implementation of Georgia's dyslexia bill this year.   They share about their professional reading and learning.  And they fill listeners in on the activities they've done through their Patreon community and about some free reading guides they've created over the summer.   This new year is full of changes and possibilities!   RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Strive for Five by Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell *Amazon affiliate linkList from GA DOE Universal ScreenersGA Dyslexia VideosBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 37:12


    Subscriber-only episodeMary and Shannon catch up with each other after the summer & podcast break.     They chat about their own children, their personal lives, and their plans for this upcoming school year.   They discuss the implementation of Georgia's dyslexia bill this year.   They share about their professional reading and learning.  And they fill listeners in on the activities they've done through their Patreon community and about some free reading guides they've created over the summer.   This new year is full of changes and possibilities!    RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Strive for Five by Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell *Amazon affiliate linkList from GA DOE Universal ScreenersGA Dyslexia VideosBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 41:36


    Subscriber-only episode This is our first exclusive bonus episode of Reading Teachers Lounge podcast.  In these episodes, Shannon and Mary will share about the students they're helping in reading, the resources they're using, and the books and other materials they're studying to further their practical knowledge about the Science of Reading.  In August 2024, Shannon and Mary go step by step through interpreting the results of a student's writing screener.     Shannon talks about using Fundations handwriting guide and the UFLI curriculum and apps with her first grade tutoring student.  Mary shares how she's using Bookworms, Mrs. Wordsmith, Times Tales, and the Measured Mom with her tutoring students. Resources Mentioned Cherry Lee Writing Screener PDF  Measured Mom Plus - a paid membership for materials created by Anna Geiger. There are also many freebies!  fundations letter formation guide  Times Tales - a story based way for students to practice multiplication automaticity (once they have mastered the concept of multiplication only.)  UFLI Toolbox  UFLI apps  handwriting app  Bookworms Shared Reading   Mrs. Wordsmith The Writing Revolution by Judith C. Hochman and Natalie Wexler *Amazon affiliate linkUncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide *Amazon affiliate link   Teaching Reading in Small Groups by Jennifer Serravallo *Amazon affiliate linkThe New Art and Science of Teaching Reading by Julia A. Simms and Robert J. Marzano *Amazon affiliate link   The Reading Comprehension Blueprint Activity Book by Nancy Lewis Hennessy *Amazon affiliate link Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Reading Lessons with Jennifer Serravallo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 63:21


    Shannon and Mary chat with Jennifer Serravallo, whose literacy work they have long admired.   Jennifer shares how her view about reading instruction have evolved over time.     Jennifer's written a new book showing teachers different structured models for responsive teaching called Teaching Reading Across the Day, and she gives us many ideas from us the book about how teachers can apply the art of teaching to set up their literacy blocks to best meet their students' needs.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODETeaching Reading Across the Day, Grades K-8: Methods and Structures for Engaging, Explicit Instruction by Jennifer Serravallo *Amazon affiliate linkThe Reading Strategies Book 2.0 by Jennifer Serravallo *Amazon affiliate linkThe Writing Strategies Book: Your Everything Guide to Developing Skilled Writers by Jennifer Serravallo *Amazon affiliate linkA Systematic Review of the Research on Vocabulary Instruction that Impacts Text Comprehension by Tanya S. Write and Gina N. CervettiSci-Hub (to find reference articles)Re:Thinking with Adam Grant (podcast mentioned)Using Vocabulary Strategies for Independent Word Learning (blog on Jennifer's website and podcast discussion with Freddie Hiebert)Effects of Fluency Oriented Instruction on Motivation for Reading of Struggling Readers by Gene Mehigan Jennifer's websiteJennifer's podcast Jennifer on Twitter/X: Join us at Educate and Rejuvenate July 2024Get a free Green Chef box using our link.Comic Boom - Comics in EducationAn education podcast exploring the use of comics in education. Each episode I'll be...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Reaching All Readers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 54:04 Transcription Available


    We have a summer bonus episode for you!Shannon and Mary have Anna Geiger, the Measured Mom, join them in the lounge again to discuss the best evidence based practices that teachers can use to reach all readers.   Anna's new book provides teachers and parents with a consolidated understanding of the Science of Reading findings.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEour Season 5 episode with Anna Geiger, about Orthographic MappingReach All Readers: Using the Science of Reading to Transform Your Literacy Instruction by Anna Geiger *Amazon affiliate link*Use this link after purchase to get free bonus resources connected to Anna's book.Anna's website The Measured Mom *with lots of freebies!Anna's podcast: Triple R TeachingStrive for Five Conversations: A Framework That Gets Kids Talking To Accelerate Their Language Comprehension & Literacy by Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell *Amazon affiliate linkJoin us at Educate and Rejuvenate July 2024Get a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the Show.Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Season 6 Finale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 64:12


    Shannon and Mary gather together to review the school year and close out the podcast season.   They give updates on their personal and teaching lives and share their summer plans.    Later they're joined by Kelsey (wifeteachermommy) to talk about Educate and Rejuvenate 2024.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE Cox Campus K-3rd Structured Literacy Training programCERI certificationJoin us at Educate and Rejuvenate July 2024Kelsey's podcast episode with Kristina KuzmicKelsey's podcast episode with Gaspare RandazzoGet a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the Show.Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Meeting Students Needs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 55:29 Transcription Available


    Shannon and Mary chat with Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck about differentiation and the latest updates to the Ladder of Reading and Writing.   Listeners will get a better understanding of WHY it's so important to make adjustments to curriculum, instruction, activities, and/or assessments in order to meet the various needs of their students.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEour season 4 episode with Nancy Youngour 2021 episode about the updates to the Ladder of Reading and Writing (more updated have been done since then, which Nancy details in this current episode)the Ladder of Reading and Writing infographic, references, terminology, and usage/permission guidesClimbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing: Meeting the Needs of ALL Leaners by Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck *Amazon Affiliate link*extra resources related to the book from Benchmark EducationConquering Dyslexia: A Guide to Early Detection and Intervention for Teachers and Families by Jan Hasbrouck Ph.D.   *Amazon affiliate link*The Science of Reading video, with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck and ReadWARead WashingtonContact Nancy via e-mail: nyoung@nancyyoung.caNancy Young's account on TwitterJan Hasbrouck's account on Twitter Get a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the Show.Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Delightful Word Learning with Colette Hiller

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2024 53:38 Transcription Available


    Shannon and Mary chat with critically acclaimed author and experienced actress & advocate Colette Hiller about ways to make word learning innovative and fun.    Colette is releasing a new book titled Colossal Words for Kids, which combines educational poetry with vibrant illustrations to teach new words and related content knowledge.    The book is delightful and so is Colette.    Listen to this episode to gain creative ideas about how to help get students excited about word learning and how to help make the vocabulary stick in the students' minds.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEColossal Words for Kids by Colette Hiller, Illustrated by Tor Freeman *Amazon affiliate link*The B on Your Thumb:   60 Poems to Boost Reading and Spelling by Colette Hiller, Illustrated by Tor Freeman *Amazon affiliate link*Colette's websiteNPR Ways with WordsStreet Pianos projectStatue Stories Chicagoour episode about Building Vocabulary-check out the show note linksour episode about Morphology-check out the show note linksour episode about Etymology-check out the show not linksGet a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the Show.Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Supportive Strategies for Working Memory

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 71:55


    Shannon and Mary chat about how to best support learners with working memory challenges.  This is a companion episode to a deep dive learning topic we went through with our Patreon community about Working Memory.    Listeners to this episode will walk away with increased awareness about which students may have working memory challenges AND strategies to help those students during reading instruction.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEWorking Memory and Learning: A Practical Guide for Teachers 1st Editionby Susan Gathercole (Author), Tracy Packiam Alloway (Author) *Amazon affiliate link*What Is Working Memory? Understanding our mental ‘scratchpad'Writer: Rae Jacobson Clinical Experts: Matthew Cruger, PhD , Linda Hecker, MEd8 Working Memory BoostersWhy I Can't Remember Things -- How ADHD Affects Working Memory15 Memory Exercises for Forgetful KidsImproving Working Memory Capacity | Torkel Klingberg | TEDxNorrköpingDr. Erica Warren Executive Functioning activitiesLumosity appBrain HQ appPeak appGet a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Meaningful Professional Learning

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2024 68:56


    Shannon and Mary talk with Kelly Butler and Carla Stanford about professional learning that is meaningful.   Kelly Butler worked with the Barksdale Reading Institute to bring about systems change in reading instruction in the state of Mississippi over the last twenty years.   Kelly and Carla share about a free resource they're working on now called Reading Universe, which is a one-stop shop for teachers and interested stakeholders to learn about best practices in teaching reading.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEReadingUniverse.orgReading Universe TaxonomyREAP (Reading is Essential for All People)Timely Talks10 MaximsScaling Up for SuccessWhy It MattersRight to Read Project (Lunch & Lit)Simple View of Reading Episode Season 5 Episode 9Cuban Literacy InitiativeContact Kelly Butler via e-mail:    kbutler@msreads.orgContact  Carla Stanford via e-mail:   cstanford@weta.orgGet a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    the Intersection of Speech, Reading, and Language

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 74:40 Transcription Available


    Shannon and Mary chat with speech therapist Dr. Karen Dudek Brannan about the overlaps between speech, reading, and language.   Dr. Karen helps us understand the challenges facing students with language impairments.    From this episode, teachers can understand the perspective of a speech therapist to better understand speech and language challenges.    After listening, you should walk away with ideas about conversations to have with the speech therapist in your building and an awareness of language challenges your students may face within your curriculum.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEDr. Karen's websiteDe Facto Leaders PodcastUltimate Guide to Sentence Structurefree Executive Functioning Implementation Guide for School Teams from Dr. KarenFree Training from Dr. Karen about the 5-component Framework for Language Intervention Free training from Dr. Karen about support that is evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming (by building executive functioning skills) Contact Dr. Karen on LinkedInDr. Karen on IGDr. Karen on FacebookSuper Sentences graphic organizer (Bookworms) Super Sentences rubric grade 5 (Bookworms)Get a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    the Importance of Handwriting

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 67:40


    Shannon and Mary discuss the importance of prioritizing handwriting instruction simultaneously with reading and writing instruction in the early grades. Learn why handwriting is essential for overall literacy development and how to include it in your daily instruction. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEThe Importance of Teaching Handwriting by Louise Spear SwerlingWriting by hand may increase brain connectivity more than typing, readings of student brains suggest by Aria BendixThe unexpected connection between handwriting and learning to read by Sheldon H HorowitzHOW HANDWRITING AND LITERACY SKILLS GO HAND-IN-HANDThe Importance of Teaching Handwriting7 Reasons Why Handwriting Is Important for KidsThe Importance of teaching handwriting for cognitive development - PLD (Australia)How to Teach Handwriting—and Why It MattersWhy Don't the Common-Core Standards Include Cursive Writing?6 Multisensory ways to teach handwritingWhat Every Teacher Should Know about Handwriting (LWT)Learning Without Tears GuidesReading UniverseThe Importance of Handwriting Experience on the Development of the Literate Brain by Karin H. JamesGet a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Date Your Data

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 86:31


    Shannon shares with Mary the steps she follows for analyzing student data.    This Date Your Data process requires multiple steps of looking at test scores, improvement goals, student strengths and weaknesses, and then connecting the data to standards to facilitate data-driven instruction.  This method of data review makes the test score information meaningful to teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders.   Listen to find out how to Date Your Data to get to know your students and their learning better.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEour Season 1 episode: Understanding the MAP testDate Your Data free handout for MAP scores *created by ShannonDate Your Data free handout for analyzing other data sources *created by ShannonNWEA MAP Test information (login needed)NWEA MAP Test website (no login needed)MAP Quadrant Chart Analysis & Reflection *created by ShannonGet a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Building Knowledge with Linda Rhyne

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 64:44


    Shannon and Mary are joined in by Linda Rhyne in the Reading Teachers Lounge. They share a deep dive of information from the book, The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler. This episode is full of information and strategies to increase your student's knowledge helping them dive deep into comprehension and knowledge building.  Linda Rhyne is a returning guest to the show and shares her expertise in guiding professional discussions to help educators meet their student's literacy goals. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEThe Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler *Amazon affiliate linkThe Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Lewis Hennessy *Amazon affiliate linkThe Reading Comprehension Blueprint Activity book by Nancy Lewis Hennessy *Amazon affiliate linkCultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy by Gholdy Muhammad *Amazon affiliate linkLinda Rhyne ConsultingPlacing Texts at the Center of the Science Aligned ELA Classroom PDFM. Liben, S. PimentelPodcast recommended listening: Melissa and Lori Love Literacy, Ep. 37: Placing Text at the Center of the ELA Classroom with Meredith Liben & Sue Pimentel Knowledge Matters Campaign Tim Shananon blog: Knowledge or Comprehension Strategies?Centering Knowledge Building: An Interactive Reading Guide. Users can access the materials Shannon and Mary used in exploring The Knowledge Gap. Linda created this interactive course and now for $25 you can access this treasury of science of reading texts and recommended articles. Listeners can use the code "LOUNGE" for $5 off!Contact Linda through e-mail contact@lindarhyneconsulting.comFollow Linda on Instagram @lindarhyneconsultingour season 5 episode with Linda Balancing It AllGet a free Green Chef box using our link.Support the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    users culturally comprehension green chef science of reading knowledge gap natalie wexler historically responsive literacy content knowledge core knowledge
    Ideas for Differentiation with Wiley Blevins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 62:07


    Shannon chats with her favorite literacy guru, Wiley Blevins, about the decisions and methods that go into differentiation.    Shannon picks his brain about some of her reading students.  Also, Wiley shares insights from his coming book about adjustments that teachers can make before or during their lessons to better suit the learning levels of their students.   We always get some much wisdom from Wiley, whether it be from a direct chat, a webinar he hosts, or from a book he's authored.    Listen to this entire episode to get inspired about ways you can best meet your students' needs.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEDifferentiating Phonics Instruction for Maximum Impact:  How to Scaffold Whole-Group Instruction So All Students Can Access Grade-Level Content by Wiley Blevins *Amazon affiliate link (For PreOrder)Wiley's websiteReading Rockets:    Differentiated Instruction for ReadingReading Rockets:  What is differentiated instruction?Differentiated Reading Instruction:  Multiple Pathways to Literacy Success (Solution Tree)Read Write Think:   Differentiating Instruction Strategy Guide Series(Kappan Online)  Teaching Reading: Development and DifferentiationFCRR: Features of Effective Instruction Overview Sadlier School: 13 Ideas for Differentiated Reading Instruction in the  Classroom(Read Naturally) Differentiating Instruction: Teaching Differently to Improve  InstructionBenchmark Decodable BooksUFLI Foundations Deconudable Text Guide Linnea Ehri Continuous Blending Study Stanford Study (Bruce McCandliss) Empowering WritersOur Season 4 Episode with Wiley Writers of the Future PodcastProviding writing tips and art advice from Contest Judges and Winners for writers and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Gifts for Our Readers with Dr. Karen Gazith

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 65:32


    Shannon and Mary chat with Dr. Karen Gazith about her new book The Power of Effective Reading Instruction.   The conversation flowed through many topics but ultimately what you can gain from our discussion is the gifts we give our readers when we teach with intention.  Listen to this episode to gain fresh ideas for enhancing your own reading instruction.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEAsk the Right Questions about RTIWait to Fail Model The Power of Effective Reading Instruction:  How Neuroscience Informs Instruction Across All Grades and Disciplines by Karen Gazith *Amazon affiliate linkTeaching with Purpose: How to Thoughtfully Implement Evidence-Based Practices in Your Classroom by Karen Gazith *Amazon affiliate linkWebsite for Karen GazithConnect with Karen on FacebookConnect with Karen on LinkedInConnect with Karen on TwitterKaren's E-mail:   Karen.gazith@hotmail.comSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Read Aloud to Boost Comprehension

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 54:43


    Mary and Shannon chat with Dr. Molly Ness about her new book Read Alouds for All Learners.   Molly shares how teachers should intentionally plan their read alouds, with thought put into the vocabulary instruction, the purpose for reading, the think aloud process, and engagement and extension activities for students after reading. Listen to this episode for TONS of ideas from our guest about how to get the most learning out of your read aloud experiences.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND ONES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEReading Rockets:  Reading Aloud to Build ComprehensionReading Rockets:   Vocabulary Development During Read AloudsASCD:   The Hidden Power of Read AloudsScholastic:   5 Easy Skills to Teach Kids During Read-AloudsRead Write Think:    Teacher Read-Aloud that Models Reading for Deep UnderstandingCox Campus:  Meaningful Read Alouds for Vocabulary and Oral Language ComprehensionRead Alouds for All Learners:  A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject, Every Day, Grades PreK-8 (Learn the step-by-step instructional plan for Read Alouds for All Learners) by Molly Ness * Amazon affiliate linkThink Big with Think Alouds: A Three-Step Planning Process That Develops Strategic Readers by Molly Ness *Amazon affiliate linkLove in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall *Amazon affiliate linkThe William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game by Nancy Churnin *Amazon affiliate linkThe Decline by Nine (Scholastic Reads Podcast)End Book Deserts (Podcast by Molly Ness)Website for Molly NessContact Molly on TwitterContact Molly on IGSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    the Comprehension Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 46:22


    Shannon and Mary wrestle with understanding the nature of the comprehension process.  They discuss ideas from the Blueprint for Reading Comprehension and Executive Skills and Comprehension to understand the different cognitive processes and executive functioning required for students to extract and construct meaning from texts.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEthe Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Hennessy *Amazon affiliate linkExecutive Skills and Reading Comprehension: A Guide for Educators by Kelly B. Cartwright *Amazon affiliate linkA Blueprint for Reading Comprehension webinar recordingA Comprehension Checkup webinar recordingexcerpt from Chapter 1: the Reading Comprehension BlueprintThe Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction by Nell DukeWebinar and other info from Nell Duke Reading Comprehension OrchestraHow do we teach the Language Comprehension strand of Scarborough's Reading Rope?Don't Stop Teaching Comprehension-Just Embed it In Context (Natalie Wexler)Does text structure instruction improve reading comprehension?Reading for Meaning: Teaching RubricThe Role of Background Knowledge in Reading Comprehension: A Critical Review Reading Rockets: Comprehension 101Micro Comprehension AmplifyCohesive devicesCommon Lit CurriculumIdaho Comprehension RoutinesShanahan blog:  Knowledge or Comprehension Strategies?Support the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon

    Best Reading Instructional Moves

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 56:57


    Shannon chats with Lindsay Kemeny about her new book titled 7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-3 Reading Success.     Both Shannon and Lindsay have classroom experience teaching Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students, so their discussion was filled with details and stories about the best instructional strategies and techniques teachers should use to help their students become fluent readers.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-to-3 Reading Success by Lindsay Kemeny *Amazon affiliate linkVideos and Resources that accompany Lindsay's bookLindsay's websiteLindsay on Twitter @LindsayKemenyLindsay's Youtube channelLindsay's blogFREE Science of Reading self-paced Professional Development unit from LindsayFCRR Student Center Activities (Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Fluency, etc)Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching (What Works for Special-Needs Learners) by Anita L. Archer *Amazon affiliate linkour Decodable Texts episodeour Scope and Sequence episode with Wiley Blevinsour Phonemic Awareness episode Season 4our Phonemic Awareness episode Season 1 Book a free call with us to tour our Patreon and see if it's right for you!Get Literacy Support through our PatreonSupport the show

    We Love Mistakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 51:31


    Shannon and Mary talk about why they love student mistakes.   They share how to make mistakes meaningful in the ways they show insight into students' learning.     They chat about establishing a trusting relationship with students so they feel comfortable showing us mistakes.  Lastly, they discuss ways to provide student feedback without inducing shame.   Learning happens between the lessons, and in this episode, you'll find concrete ideas for what to do and say each day with your students to promote a growth mindset and engagement in learning.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEActual Reading ErrorsReading Simplified: 4 Types of Reading ErrorsCommon Reading Mistakes and How to Fix ThemError Analysis for ReadingAchieve to the Core: Mistakes Tell us What Students are Ready to LearnHow to Help when Students Don't Notice ErrorsTeaching Students to Embrace MistakesExamination of the Student Mistakes in Oral ReadingYo Yo Ma: Music Happens Between the Notes (On Being podcast)The Big Secret Episode from Season 1Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching (What Works for Special-Needs Learners) by Anita L. Archer *Amazon affiliate link Book a free call with us to tour our Patreon and see if it's right for you!Get Literacy Support through our PatreonCOME JOIN THE CONVERSATION!Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramOur PatreonSupport the show

    Intervention in the Upper Grades

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 79:07


    Shannon and Mary meet with Kionna Squires (@DaLiteracyLady) to talk about the challenges facing older struggling readers.    During the discussion, they explain how meeting students where they are IS rigorous and the right thing to do for our readers.  They also share ideas for boosting student engagement and their favorite activities for upper grade reading intervention.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODETexas Center for Learning Disabilities: Effective Reading Interventions for Upper Elementary StudentsProviding Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4-9 (What Words Clearinghouse)EdWeek: How Schools Can Support Older Students Who Lag in ReadingReading Rockets: Best Practices in Planning Interventions for Students with Reading ProblemsTeaching Phonics & Word Study in the Intermediate Grades by Wiley Blevins *Amazon affiliate linkFlorida Center for Reading Research 4th and 5th Grade ActivitiesAssessing Reading Multiple Measures (Core Literacy) *Amazon affiliate linkStructured Literacy Interventions edited by Louise Spear-Swerling *Amazon affiliate linkRaffi songs Moon Dogs books The Big Secret Episode from Season 1Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching (What Works for Special-Needs Learners) by Anita L. Archer *Amazon affiliate link Book a free call with us to tour our Patreon and see if it's right for you!Get Literacy Support through our PatreonCOME JOIN THE CONVERSATION!Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramOur PatreonSupport the show

    Etymology and Orthographic Study

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 65:45 Transcription Available


    Shannon and Mary host a returning guest to the Reading Teachers Lounge @MindfulTeacherRachel, who you heard in Season 5 on the Schwa episode.   In this episode, Shannon, Mary, and Rachel talk about English word histories and how they may inform how a word is spelled.   Check out this discussion to get ideas for how to share word origin stories with your reading students and help students see how important morphology is in addition to sound symbol connections.RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODEOnline Etymology DictionaryWhen is an O a Scribal O?Literacy Nest resource for Scribal OScribal O videoLatin Connective IWord Smarts: Van Cleave Vocabulary Connecting VowelsHistorical Layers of English: Reading RocketsIG Post from Laura.Loves.Teaching:   English Language Layer Cake Scribal O slides by Laura Watkins Word Origins by John Ayto *Amazon affiliate linkOnce Upon a Word by Jess Zafarris *Amazon affiliate linkBeneath the Surface of Words by Sue Scibetta Hegland *Amazon affiliate linkAnd Sometimes Y by Rachel *Amazon affiliate linkShort Vowel Protectors by Rachel *Amazon affiliate linkScience of Reading book list (compiled by Rachel and others)Contact Rachel on Twitter @TeachRachelSORcontact Rachel on IG @MindfulTeacherRachelcontact Rachel on TikTok @TeacherRachelSORSELour SCHWA episode with Rachel from last seasonBook a free call with us to tour our Patreon and see if it's right for you!Get Literacy Support through our PatreonCOME JOIN THE CONVERSATION!Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramOur PatreonShannon's TpT StoreSupport the show

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