Stories, books, and poems that are enjoyed by and targeted primarily towards children
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What if the behavior issues in your classroom weren't about defiance—but about reading? In this powerful episode, we talk with Hildebrand Pelzer III, a former prison principal turned education advocate, about how early literacy is the key to preventing the school to prison pipeline. This is a conversation every teacher and school leader needs to hear.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why reading failure—not behavior—is at the root of the school to prison pipeline.How to reframe classroom misbehavior as a cry for academic help.The role school leaders play in supporting science-backed instruction.Practical ways to use reading data to intervene early and effectively.Why investing in early reading instruction is a moral and professional imperative.Show LinksHilderbrand Pelzer III Website / LinkedIn / InstagramJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
How early is too early for literacy? It is never too early! This article and podcast episode explore the significance of early literacy from the prenatal period onwards. Drawing on brain development research and practical strategies, it highlights the power of narration, modelling, and bonding through books—laying strong foundations for language and a lifelong love of reading. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/ This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs. Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools. To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/ Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/ Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/ Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 01:30 – New host introduction 04:00 – United for Literacy Initiative 05:00 – Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 08:45 – Prenatal early literacy 13:15 – The 30 million word gap 14:20 – Language immersion through narration 16:00 – You can never spoil a baby 17:10 – Book prescriptions by physicians 18:40 – Instilling a love for books early 20:00 – Books for babies 23:00 – Creating dedicated reading spaces 26:00 – Diversity & representation in books 30:00 – Screens vs physical books 35:45 – Presence & teachable moments 39:45 – Reading doesn't start at age 3+ 41:00 – PreemieWorld Foundation – supporting premature babies 43:00 – Future episodes For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com
For this episode, I speak to Maya Smart, an early literacy advocate, parent educator and author of Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child. She's affiliated faculty at Marquette University and holds degrees from Harvard and Northwestern. Her website MayaSmart.com features weekly book picks some playful learning ideas and free tools to help parents grow as their children's first teachers. We get into how she became in reading and why she wanted to research early literacy. We dive into her research, which found disparity in reading achievement between black and white kids. We also spend time discussing her book and how she wrote it. Take notes, it's a good one!For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode154.
Send us a textThis week we're talking with the Georgia Foundation of Early Care and Learning about a new round of Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants. With up to $5,000 in funding, these grants bring public elementary schools and local child care programs together to foster innovative, vertically aligned literacy practices. Joining us to talk about the Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants is Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and Paige Buzbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Public Education. Support the show
Feeling whiplash from decades of shifting reading strategies? You're not alone. In this episode, we unpack the real story behind the science of reading—and why it's not just another trend. If you've been burned by balanced literacy, whole language, or three-cueing, this conversation is your turning point.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why the science of reading isn't a passing fad—but a 50-year body of research.What makes it different from past methods like whole language or balanced literacy.How brain scans and real classroom data prove what actually works.What veteran teachers are doing to see huge gains with less burnout.Where to begin if you're ready to teach smarter, not harder.Show LinksJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
Nonprofit leaders know that creating meaningful change in legacy organizations requires both bold vision and deep empathy. In this episode, Spencer is joined by Bess Goggins, President and CEO of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, to discuss leading transformative change, building a culture of belonging, and the role of communications in advancing equity. This episode is ideal for health nonprofit leaders navigating complex systems, team culture, and digital engagement strategies. About the guest Bess Goggins is the President and CEO of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette and the first woman to lead the organization in its 157-year history. She began the role in May 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership to advance the Y's mission of community well-being, belonging, and opportunity across the Portland metro and Southwest Washington region. She previously served as CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, where she led strategic growth and secured a $1.7 million Early Literacy grant from the Oregon Department of Education to expand K–3 tutoring. Bess holds dual bachelor's degrees in English and Communications and dual master's degrees in English with concentrations in Technical Writing and Rhetoric. Now based in Portland, she is inspired by the YMCA's commitment to holistic health, inclusion, and thriving communities. Resources The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gatheringRadical Candor: https://www.radicalcandor.com/The Oregonian: https://www.oregonlive.com/The Columbian: https://www.columbian.com/The Reflector: https://www.thereflector.com/The Bee: https://thebeenews.com/Portland Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/portlandCoaching For Leaders Podcast: https://coachingforleaders.com/The Art of Manliness Podcast: https://www.artofmanliness.com/podcast/Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks: https://matthewdicks.com/Books/storyworthy/The Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/93409.The_Fine_Art_of_Small_Talk Contact Bess Website: https://www.ymcacw.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bessgoggins/YMCA CW's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ymca-of-columbia-willametteBess' email: bgoggins@ymcacw.org
Jane Dutton (standing in for Relebogile Mabotja) speaks to Kaathima Ebrahim the CEO of the Mikhulu Child Development Trust about a South African non-profit dedicated to supporting parents and young children through book-sharing and early learning. And during Literacy Week they launched their new campaign, Books That Build Little Voices, which highlights how wordless picture books are helping young children across South Africa build language, confidence, and strong foundations for future literacy.702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja is broadcast live on Johannesburg based talk radio station 702 every weekday afternoon. Relebogile brings a lighter touch to some of the issues of the day as well as a mix of lifestyle topics and a peak into the worlds of entertainment and leisure. Thank you for listening to a 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja podcast. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 13:00 to 15:00 (SA Time) to Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/2qKsEfu or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/DTykncj Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Second City Works presents "Getting to Yes, And" on WGN Plus
Kelly talks to educator Maya Smart about her new book “Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child.” “Alarms ring; they don't teach. And often when an alarm rings for too long, we tune it out.” “Spoken words are the precursor of all precursors to reading.” “Praise the […]
Durango School District kindergarten reading proficiency jumped 39% in just one year thanks to the Orton-Gillingham literacy approach, with students of all ages showing impressive gains. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/early-reading-scores-soar-in-durango-schools This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Tafoya Barrett & Associates. Support the show
Gugs Mhlungu is joined by Seago Maapola, Educational Psychologist, about the decline of bedtime stories as fewer parents are reading to their children. They further explore how many adults are struggling with reading themselves, and screens taking over story time. 702 Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, on Saturdays and Sundays Gugs Mhlungu gets you ready for the weekend each Saturday and Sunday morning on 702. She is your weekend wake-up companion, with all you need to know for your weekend. The topics Gugs covers range from lifestyle, family, health, and fitness to books, motoring, cooking, culture, and what is happening on the weekend in 702land. Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu. Listen live on Primedia+ on Saturdays and Sundays from 06:00 and 10:00 (SA Time) to Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/u3Sf7Zy or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/BIXS7AL Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Summer Re-release: Originally aired on 21 Feb 2025We welcome Dr Karen Boardman from Edge Hill University to the podcast this week as we discuss all things early literacy.Episode LinksExplore Early Excellence Training on Strengthening Early Literacy in the EYFSFind Out More on the Work of Dr Karen BoardmanDiscover our Range of Literacy Resources
The TeacherCast Podcast – The TeacherCast Educational Network
Welcome to Literacy with Laura, a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this final episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss key topics in literacy education, focusing on intervention strategies, the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model, curriculum recommendations, and engaging instructional practices. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among educators and the need for effective professional development to enhance teaching outcomes. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways Intervention is about accelerating progress for all students. A multi-tiered system of support is essential for literacy. All students should receive instruction during intervention time. Curriculum should align with the goals of instruction. Explicit instructional dialogue aids teacher understanding. Teachers need professional learning to effectively teach reading. Engaging instruction is crucial for student motivation. 30 to 45 minutes is a general guideline for tiered instruction. The 95% group phonics core program is highly recommended. Advocating for comprehensive support is vital for educators. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Literacy with Laura 00:50 Understanding Intervention in Literacy 05:27 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Explained 08:36 Curriculum Recommendations for Literacy 11:20 Engaging Instruction: Making Learning Exciting 15:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children's books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company's One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit:
The TeacherCast Podcast – The TeacherCast Educational Network
Welcome to Literacy with Laura, the first in a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart explore key aspects of literacy instruction, focusing on the differences between reading skills and strategies, the importance of oral reading fluency, and effective methods to support English language arts instruction. They also discuss the significance of decodable texts in early reading development and provide practical tips for educators. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways Skills are foundational abilities that children develop through practice. Reading strategies help students engage with text meaningfully. Accuracy in oral reading fluency is crucial for comprehension. Decodable texts support the development of decoding habits. High impact, repeatable routines maximize cognitive energy for learning. Explicit instruction benefits all students, including English learners. Utilizing students' home language can enhance learning. Oral language is a vital scaffold for English learners. Visual aids and graphic organizers support comprehension. Realia provides tangible experiences to enhance vocabulary. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Literacy and Instruction 01:29 Understanding Skills vs. Strategies in Reading 03:26 Oral Reading Fluency: Accuracy and Comprehension 06:10 Supporting English Language Arts Instruction 11:13 The Importance of Decodable Texts About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children's books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company's One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit:
The TeacherCast Podcast – The TeacherCast Educational Network
Welcome to Literacy with Laura, a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss the importance of professional development in literacy education. They address questions from listeners about summer training for new literacy roles and foundational knowledge for secondary teachers in reading intervention. The conversation emphasizes the significance of structured literacy and the need for continuous professional learning to support educators in their roles as reading teachers. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways Professional development is crucial for literacy educators. Summer training can enhance skills for new roles. Resources like Top 10 Tools by 95% Group are valuable. Secondary teachers need foundational knowledge in reading. Every teacher plays a role in teaching reading. Relentless focus is needed for struggling readers. Low literacy can lead to serious life outcomes. Structured literacy is essential for effective teaching. Intervention should be proactive and preventative. Continuous learning is key for educational success. View Our Episode on YouTube Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Professional Development in Literacy 01:14 Summer Training for New Literacy Roles 04:38 Foundational Knowledge for Secondary Reading Intervention 08:33 Looking Ahead: Instruction and Assessment About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children's books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company's One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com....
The TeacherCast Podcast – The TeacherCast Educational Network
Welcome to Literacy with Laura, the first in a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this inaugural episode, Laura tackles one of the most common questions about the Science of Reading: Is it just a fad? Laura explains that unlike educational trends of the past, the Science of Reading represents a vast interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research spanning five decades and multiple disciplines. She clarifies that it's not just about phonics instruction, but rather a comprehensive approach that informs all aspects of reading and writing development. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways The science of reading is a comprehensive body of research. Phonics is a crucial part of the science of reading. Implementation science is key to bridging knowledge and practice. Teaching involves both science and art. Evidence-based practices must be deeply rooted in research. The science of reading encompasses multiple disciplines. Professional development is essential for educators. Resources are available for further exploration of the science of reading. Educators should continue to share their passions with students. View Our Episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ZJ0UoreXR0E Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Literacy with Laura 01:28 Understanding the Science of Reading 07:04 Evidence-Based Practices in Education About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children's books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company's One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com. Links of Interest...
The latest nation's report card shows that American children's reading skills reached new lows, while there is a debate about the best way to teach reading in school. Maya Payne Smart is a writer, parent educator, and literacy advocate argues that America's reading crisis begins well before children enter kindergarten. She says it starts at birth, which is why she wrote a step-by-step guide for parents to do what it takes to set their children up to thrive as readers from day one to early elementary school. The name of the book is “Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child.”
Episode 228 If you've ever wondered how to help your students decode longer words, this episode is for you! We're joined by literacy researcher and professor Devin Kearns to talk all about teaching multisyllabic words.Many phonics programs focus on single-syllable words, but what happens when students hit big words and get stuck? Devin unpacks the research behind why that happens and what we can do instead. We talk about:flexible decoding strategies,when and how to teach syllables and morphemes,and what “set for variability” really looks like in the classroom (spoiler: it's not guessing!).You'll walk away with practical, research-backed ideas to help your students read longer words with confidence.Devin M. Kearns, Ph.D., is the Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Early Literacy at NC State, where he studies early reading and collaborates with experts in psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience to explore the brain basis of reading.RESOURCESHelping Students With Dyslexia Read Long Words: Using Syllables and Morphemes by Devin M. Kearns and Victoria M. WhaleySyllable Division: New Data that Can Inform Intervention by Joanne Marttila Pierson, Ph.D., CCC-SLPOn Eating Elephants and Teaching Syllabication by Tim Shanahan We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library https://governorsfoundation.org/Link to enroll - https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/?#selectedCountry=UShttps://imaginationlibrary.com/news-resources/parent-resources/www.GovernorsFoundation.org@GovEarlyLitTNNo content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC's Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.
Oregon's June Economic and Revenue Forecast was released on Wednesday, May 14. This is the final Forecast of the 2023-25 biennium. The report showed that Net General Fund and Lottery resources available for the 2025-27 biennium are down $798 million from the March 2025 forecast. It further showed that projected revenue from the Corporate Activities Tax, which is the funding source for the Student Success Act, is down $44.4 million. In addition, the state's reserve accounts decreased by over $400 million and are currently projected to sit at $5.09 billion at the end of the 2023-25 biennium. What this means is that the Legislature has less discretionary revenue with which to make new investments in the 2025-27 biennium. That, coupled with ongoing uncertainty about federal funding to states for a variety of initiatives and programs, will likely limit additional support being directed to K-12 education. It also underscores the need to vigorously advocate for a State School Fund allocation of $11.4 billion, and for the programs that assist districts in supporting vulnerable students as well as those helping students reach graduation: the Student Success Act/Student Investment Account, Measure 98 - High School Success, Early Literacy, Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education, and Regional Inclusive Services. This Forecast confirms that HSD made prudent choices in budgeting conservatively for the 2025-26 school year. And while reducing expenses by $20 million is not what anyone would choose, we are grateful that - at this moment - we are not looking at having to make additional reductions. Congratulations are in order for HSD's 93 Class of 2025 Valedictorians and Salutatorians! These students are our highest achievers, and deserve recognition for their hard work and commitment to academic excellence. We honored the students and their accomplishments over a pizza lunch held at Hidden Creek Community Center on Thursday, May 15. Students received congratulations and words of wisdom from Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace, Washington County Chamber President & CEO Deanna Palm, Hillsboro Schools Foundation Executive Director Aron Carleson, and Superintendent Reiman. At the end of the event, students were asked to share one piece of advice for incoming freshmen; that advice can be found on our website. There will be no school for all students on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. Hot News is produced and emailed to HSD families and staff each week school is in session. Please add the address to your “safe sender” list to make sure you always receive the latest issue. Please also bookmark our district website: hsd.k12.or.us to stay informed about what's happening in our district and schools.
“The library really exists for the community. So we want people to come and take advantage of our services. We want people to let us know if there's something that they think that we could be helping with that they need.” -Laura Polak Today's guest is Laura Polak, the Early Literacy Coordinator at St. Louis County Library. Laura sat down with Staci to discuss the positive impact an early exposure to reading has on a child, what the library has to offer beyond books, and the community programs that SLCL has to help keep everyone engaged in reading at any age.
Dr. Cory Koedel, the Show-Me Institute's new director of education policy, joins Susan Pendergrass to discuss the biggest challenges facing Missouri's public education system. They cover declining student outcomes, the role of accountability and testing, and the promise of school choice. Koedel shares insights from his research on school funding models—highlighting Tennessee's student-centered formula—and breaks down what Missouri can learn from states that are improving early literacy. They also examine controversial policies like early grade retention and open enrollment, and Koedel outlines his priorities for education research in Missouri. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Education Policy Challenges in Missouri 03:10 The Role of School Choice in Improving Outcomes 05:48 Funding Formulas and Their Implications 08:52 Early Literacy and Reading Instruction 12:05 Retention Policies and Their Effectiveness 15:04 Open Enrollment and Its Impact on Rural Schools 17:58 Future Directions for Education Policy in Missouri Produced by Show-Me Opportunity
Send us a textLiteracy in Community with LINC NYCThe powerful influence of early language on later reading suggests that language intervention programs combining phonological, morphological and semantic activities may help to reduce the incidence of reading problems.Article- Journal of Research in Reading - Wiley Online Libraryhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/1467-9817.12312LINC Guests: Josh Barocas, Director of Early Literacy at LINC, where he works with his team to develop and deliver literacy workshops for parents and educators. As a college student, Josh developed an interest in neuroscience, psychology and linguistics and spent most of his time interning on various research projects across these fields. A job managing a language development laboratory revealed his passion for working with children, and he soon began teaching elementary school. Under the mentorship of a veteran learning specialist, Josh's interests coalesced into a career in early literacy. After several years teaching as a literacy specialist and completing a master's in literacy, Josh moved out of the school setting to work as Program Director at CUNY Reading Corps, where he trained college students, graduate students, teachers and Universal Literacy coaches in research-based reading interventions. He is grateful to bring his experience to the community setting in his work with LINC.Laura Walsh, Chief Program Officer is a seasoned leader in the non-profit sector and a dedicated literacy specialist with a Master's Degree in Special Education and Literacy from St. John's University. With deep expertise in early literacy, adult learning theory, and educator training, she has spent her career championing equity through literacy access for all—starting with our youngest learners. Laura has trained Universal Literacy Coaches across New York City and served as a Program Manager for the Literacy Trust, where she worked to strengthen early literacy initiatives. Currently, as Chief Program Officer at Literacy Inc. (LINC), she leads innovative programs that invest in children, families, and entire communities—including educators—to create a culture of reading. LINC's Professional Development Info session on Weds, April 9th at 6pm https://zoom.us/meeting/register/kxsbUU4ARCaz80IHv1a32QEmail contact:jbarocas@lincnyc.orglwalsh@lincnyc.orghttps://www.lincnyc.org/ No BS Literacy View Consulting Services with Judy and Faith are now available ! Please check out all of our offerings at- Services – The Literacy View. You can also contact us at FaithandJudy@gmail.comTo visit the entire website, go to The Literacy View Tumbleweed Publishing-DecodablesLink to order or contact our Friends at Tumbleweed Publishing for their amazing decodables! You can also text or call Christina Rodriguez, the author and publisher directly at (401)441-3353. She will help you with all order related questions. Support the showThe Literacy View is an engaging and inclusive platform encouraging respectful discussion and debate about current issues in education.
→ 20% off Duncan and Stone's keepsake journals→ Prayer Calendar→ Our book recommendationsLearning to read is one of the most pivotal milestones in a child's life—and yet, it's often clouded with pressure, comparison, and confusion. On this episode, we explore what it really means to be “reading ready” by drawing from research-backed methods, personal parenting experiences, and biblical principles. We'll help you understand how to foster early literacy in a way that honors both the child's pace and God's design. With insights on vocabulary development, phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, and even the fourth-grade slump, this conversation equips parents with practical tools and the reassurance to trust the process—while never losing sight of the joy of reading and the power of God's Word.Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] – Introduction: Why reading matters and how it shapes lifelong success[00:06:00] – Proven strategies for reading readiness: Language-rich environments and daily life learning[00:13:00] – Breaking down the components of reading: Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension[00:18:00] – Understanding the fourth-grade slump: How vocabulary impacts academic success[00:25:00] – Tips for reluctant readers: Observing interests and introducing engaging materials3 Takeaways:Reading is a developmental process that unfolds naturally over time - Parents are encouraged to resist comparison and pressure, instead creating rich, contextual environments where children can grow at their own pace—supported by love, conversation, and daily experiences.Vocabulary is the single greatest predictor of long-term reading comprehension and academic success - From infancy through early elementary years, exposing children to diverse, rich language—through conversation, books, songs, poetry, and storytelling—is essential.Reading readiness is not just about decoding words. True literacy includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - These components are best developed through daily living, joyful interaction, and exposure to meaningful content, especially scripture and high-quality literature.Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: themindofachildpodcast@gmail.com The Mind of a Child is an early child development podcast that exists to encourage and equip parents to raise their kids to love God and love others. If you're looking for Biblical principles, practical parenting solutions, and science-backed research, our discussions are specifically tailored for you. Our hosts are Leslie Dudley Corbell and Diane Doucet Matthews, who each have a combined 50+ years of experience in the early child parenting space.
Send us a textJoin us on this episode for a fun look into our upcoming Preschool Enrollment Fair on Saturday, April 5. Principal Jackie Plantner is our guest on Petey Podcast, and she shares all the great things she and her staff have planned for that day.On April 5, parents can take a tour of the Early Childhood Village (EECV)--see the classrooms, meet the staff and see for themselves what makes EECV preschool so special. (Psst! Rumor is, they're also having cookies and milk!)Don't miss out on this chance to secure your preschooler's spot for the fall – we're looking forward to meeting you and your little one! It's a great day to be a Pioneer! Thanks for listening. Find Elyria Schools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!
John Maytham speaks with Kaathima Ebrahim, CEO at the Mikhulu Trust, about the importance of early literacy, the impact of book sharing, and how reading with kids strengthens parent-child bonding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, I'm joined by Beck Goodman who is an early childhood learning expert specializing in early literacy. Her company's mission is to end the preschool power struggles around learning by equipping grownups with the tools they need to use play-based approaches that foster connection, not conflict. We discuss joy and child interest as the cornerstone to supporting early literacy development. Highlights: Silliness as a Tool for Engagement: Beck emphasizes the power of silliness—whether it's making up ridiculous words with magnetic letters or engaging in playful language games. Children are naturally silly—let's embrace that playfulness. Using Children's Interests to Drive Learning: Both Beck and Laura discuss the importance of leaning into a child's interest and disinterest. Whether it's saying yes to a request for ketchup at mealtime or experimenting with different ways to engage a child during literacy activities, honoring what excites them can build trust and create more opportunities for learning. Letting Children Take the Lead: Learn how to avoid power struggles and encourage more collaborative problem-solving. Laura and Beck discuss how giving children a voice in problem-solving situations can help build autonomy and investment in the learning process. If you've ever wondered how to meet children where they are and embrace their interests and silliness, this episode is for you. Beck's strategies will help you navigate the delicate balance between structured learning and free play, ultimately creating an environment where children feel empowered to explore language and literacy on their terms. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Connect with Beck: Instagram: @growwithbeck Website: growwithbeck.com
Have you ever had a student who struggles to pronounce words clearly—or one who seems to have trouble following directions or understanding new vocabulary? You might be seeing early signs of speech and language difficulties, which can directly impact reading success.In this episode, I sit down with pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun to explore the critical connection between oral language development and literacy. We break down how speech and language delays affect phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and spelling—and, most importantly, what teachers can do to provide effective support.You'll learn:The difference between speech and language difficulties—and why both matter for reading.How to spot early signs that a student may need extra support.Why a multidisciplinary approach is key to ensuring students don't fall through the cracks.Show Links Wine With Wita PodcastRita Shamoun Speech Pathology WebsiteFollow Rita on Instagram Join Malia on InstagramBecome a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
Dr. Terri McFadden is a pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding and a professor of pediatrics at Emory University. She earned her nickname, Georgia’s ‘Godmother of Literacy,' by promoting childhood literacy to improve pediatric health and development. McFadden does this work as a medical director at Reach Out and Read Georgia, an initiative that provides books to children during their doctor’s appointments. She talks with Rose about the program, her decades-long work to transform the lives of children through books and her ongoing efforts to close Georgia’s literacy gap for young readers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transforming The Toddler Years - Conscious Moms Raising World & Kindergarten Ready Kids
Worried about your kids learning to read and write?Stacy Benge, author, early childhood speaker and mother of two, joins me to discuss howorganic conversations and child-led play sets children up for success for literacy. We also give you permission tostop worrying about your toddler knowing their ABC's and 123's.Be sure to check out Stacy's new book The Whole Child Alphabet and learn more about her work here:https://www.stacybenge.com including her free trainingDoes Crawling Matter?Teachers and ECE Professionals- what type of professional development would you benefit most from?I do early childhood education trainings, pre-service, in-service and everything in between and would love to connect with you on a 1:1 call to see how I can be of service to you and the littles you work with.Book your complimentary connection callhere.February 13, 2025Episode 220Early Literacy - How kids Actually Learn to Read and Write with Stacy BengeAbout Your Host:Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed is mom to three girls, a Vermont based Early Childhood Educator and the founder of Core4Parenting. She is the passionate mastermind behind the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™, a birth-to-five, soul and science based framework that empowers toddler parents and educators to turn tantrums into teachable moments. Through keynotes, teacher training, and her top-ranking podcast, Transforming the Toddler Years, she's teaching the 5 Executive Functioning Skills kids need to navigate our ever-changing world.Ready to raise world-ready kids who change the world?Visit www.caratyrrell.com to begin your Collaborative Parenting journey!
202: Dr. Brent Conway, school superintendent, and Jen Hogan, curriculum coordinator, have written a fascinating white paper, Early Literacy and the Balanced Literacy Hangover. Even though more schools and teachers are embracing the science of reading, "lingering beliefs and practices have become like a bad hangover that is tough to shake." In this episode, Brent and Jen identify these beliefs and practices and share specific ways that teachers can move forward.Click here for this episode's show notes.Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with Anna here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)
Send us a textThe Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning, in partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Public Education, is excited to announce the second round of funding for the Early Literacy Alignment Mini Grants. These grants aim to support local school systems and child care programs in their efforts to enhance early literacy outcomes by providing targeted professional development for educators on the science of reading. Joining us today are Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and Jaclyn Colona, Director of Grant Strategies at the Georgia Foundation for Public Education. Support the show
This week on The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy and U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng interview Dr. Kymyona Burk, Senior Policy Fellow at ExcelinEd and former state literacy director for Mississippi. Dr. Burk shares insights from her remarkable career in K-12 education reform. She discusses her journey from classroom teacher to leading transformative literacy initiatives in […]
This week on The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy and U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng interview Dr. Kymyona Burk, Senior Policy Fellow at ExcelinEd and former state literacy director for Mississippi. Dr. Burk shares insights from her remarkable career in K-12 education reform. She discusses her journey from classroom teacher to leading transformative literacy initiatives in Mississippi that resulted in groundbreaking improvements in early literacy and NAEP reading scores. She examines the strengths and weaknesses of teaching approaches like “whole language” and phonics and emphasizes the importance of early childhood education, leadership, and high-quality reading materials in fostering young readers. Reflecting on Mississippi's successes and the broader national learning loss exacerbated by COVID-19, Dr. Burk offers actionable advice for state policymakers to help students recover and thrive with the science of reading.
This episode is part of the National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).In this podcast episode, Karen Dudek-Brannan, joins us to talk about early literacy assessments, reading interventions, and the importance of collaboration in schools. The conversation covers a range of topics from RTI implementation to the science of reading and the challenges of supporting struggling readers in upper grades. Karen emphasizes the interconnection between reading skills, language development, and executive functioning, and provides advice for principals on fostering collaboration among specialists and teachers.Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Sign up HERE for a FREE Consultation and learn more about how I can help you with one-on-one coaching.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Resources from Dr. Karen:Blog post/pod episode with a list of evaluations for reading, language, and EFAdvocating for the Right to Read and Becoming a Literacy LeaderWhat is Texting Doing to Spelling and Reading Skills Ultimate Guide to Sentence Structure Follow De Facto Leaders for the literacy month series
Jean-Mari Dagarin, from The Early Childhood POV, joins me today to talk about a growing concern in early education: 'schoolification'—the push to bring formal academic practices into early childhood spaces. With over 30 years of experience as an early childhood advocate, administrator, college professor, and developmentally appropriate practice expert, Jean Marie has seen firsthand how these pressures impact young learners. Today, we're unpacking what schoolification means, why it's problematic, and, more importantly, how educators can combat it while staying true to developmentally appropriate practices. Highlights: Defining Schoolification: Jean Marie breaks down the concept of "schoolification" in early childhood, discussing how academic pressures are being pushed down to younger ages and why this is often developmentally inappropriate. Examples of Inappropriate Early Literacy Practices: Jean Marie shares specific examples of early literacy practices that do not align with developmentally appropriate principles, highlighting the need for a child-centered approach. Laura shares some that she did before she knew better Natural Literacy Development in Play-Based Learning: Jean Marie and Laura provide insights into how early literacy skills can unfold naturally through play, offering practical strategies for fostering language and literacy in a way that supports children's developmental stages. If you want to think deeper about early literacy, what's often done wrong, and how teachers can nurture children's natural literacy development through play, this episode is for you! So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's jump into this eye-opening conversation with Jean-Mari. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Learn more with the Play-Based Literacy Masterclass Connect with Jean-Mari: Instagram: @the.early.childhood.pov Website: earlychildhoodpov.com Learn more with DAP 101
The time has come to kick off a new school year! We are so excited to have teachers here preparing to welcome students back next week. Visit the friendly link on our website: hsd.k12.or.us/backtoschool to access electronic versions of back-to-school packets, supply lists, and more. For the academic calendar, please visit hsd.k12.or.us/calendar. Busing information is available on the “MyBus” app. Please note that as students continue to register for school, route times will be adjusted. Please check the app frequently through the first week of school for the most current information. Later this week and primarily on Wednesday, August 28, staff will be reaching out to families to make connections and to see if there are any supports they or their students may need to have a successful year. The first day of school for students in grades 1 through 6, 7 and 9 is Wednesday, September 4th. Students in grades K, 8, and 10 through 12 will join them on Thursday, September 5th. Keep in mind that on Wednesdays, all schools follow an “academic seminar” schedule. This schedule shortens the regular school day by 30 minutes so that staff have time to collaborate, analyze data, learn, and plan. For students in elementary school, this means their school day ends 30 minutes earlier than normal; for students in middle and high school, this means their school day begins 30 minutes later than normal. Our featured event is a visit from Oregon Department of Education Director, Dr. Charlene Williams. On Wednesday, July 31st, Dr. Williams visited the elementary Bilingual Enrichment Program at Imlay Elementary School. This program was one of several that were offered to HSD students this summer, made possible in large part by $1.5 million in Summer Learning Grant funds that were approved by elected officials in the 2024 Legislative Session. Across all summer programs - including the secondary BEP at Century, credit attainment programs at our comprehensive high schools, Early Literacy programs, Extended School Year, and more - HSD served over 2,800 students. Many thanks to all of the staff, students, and families who participated and made these programs such a success! Superintendent Reiman welcomes students and families back to the 2024-25 school year in a video message, highlighting our support for each and every student, as well as our commitment to providing safe, welcoming, and enriching learning environments in our schools. Watch the video on our website. Hot News is produced and emailed to HSD families and staff each week school is in session. Please add the address to your “safe sender” list to make sure you always receive the latest issue. Please also bookmark our district website: hsd.k12.or.us to stay informed about what's happening in our district and schools.
In the fourth part of our podcast series ‘Teaching Reading in the First Year of School', we delve into the intricacies of teaching reading in the first year of school. Hosted by Phil and Diane, this episode tackles the often oversimplified narrative that there are only two types of reading instruction: those who teach phonics explicitly and those who don't. They emphasise that teaching reading is a multifaceted process requiring a comprehensive approach.Phil expresses frustration with the media's misrepresentation of reading instruction, which can lead to misconceptions among parents and educators alike. Diane highlights the importance of professional development and statewide programs, like the Early Literacy in Service Course (ELIC), which equipped teachers with the knowledge and skills needed for effective reading instruction.They discuss the critical role of parents in fostering a love of reading at home, noting that children who are read to frequently tend to perform better in school. Diane offers practical advice for parents, including a curated list of recommended books, which will be available in the show notes.The episode also explores the significance of a well-organised classroom library and the impact of children having access to a variety of books. Phil and Diane stress that having individual book boxes and a diverse classroom library helps children develop a daily reading habit and fosters a sense of ownership over their learning.High-frequency words and phonics are central topics, with Diane explaining the different methods for teaching these skills. She underscores the importance of teaching children to recognise and write high-frequency words through engaging and interactive methods. Additionally, Diane highlights the need for children to understand the meaning and structure of words, rather than relying solely on rote memorization.In addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged schools, they shared a poignant story about a boy in Year 7 who lacked access to books, underscoring the need for equitable resources in education. She advocates for making school libraries accessible to both students and parents to bridge this gap.Ultimately, this episode emphasises the complexity of teaching reading and the need for a balanced, comprehensive approach. Phil and Diane advocate for professional development, parental involvement, and equitable access to resources as key components in fostering literacy and a love of reading among young learners.NEW TEACHIFIC RESOURCESThe Comprehensive Reading Curriculum 2024Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words F-1, 2024Learning About Letter-Sound Relationships to Read Words F-1, 2024The Usefulness of Onsets and Rimes When Reading and Writing F-2, 2024Comprehension in Foundation - Strategies, Instruction, Assessment F, 2024TEACHIFIC RESOURCESCourse: Understanding English OrthographyPicture books for 5-6 year oldsAlphabet books for 5.6 year oldsNursery Rhymes and SongsJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
What are some creative things you can add to your daily routines to support your toddler a little later when they start big school? In this enlightening episode, we welcome back Gabrielle Holt, Infant Toddler Program Coordinator at Montessori Country Day School in Houston, Texas. Gabby is a trainer for Montessori teachers across the country and works as a research assistant at the Lilac Lab at the University of Texas at Dallas. Join us as we dive into the world of early literacy and explore practical tips for parents to foster learning at home. Topics Discussed: Defining Early Literacy The Power of Storytelling Engaging in Storytelling Early Literacy Activities Supporting Writing Skills Practical Tips for Parents Here's the show notes where you'll find lots more helpful information! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ann-mckitrick/support
For whatever reason, parents seem to think if their preschooler can't name all the alphabet letters by the end of preschool, then the year was a loss. Or maybe you've even had an administrator that sees letter recognition as the key early learning goals for literacy!It can be frustrating because, as preschool teachers, we know that early literacy is so much more than just memorizing letters!This poses an important question though. What should we be teaching in this emergent literacy stage?Tune in to find out exactly which skills we should be focusing on when it comes to early literacy.Topics Discussed:4 early literacy skills you should focus onAdditional resources to help you incorporate a holistic approach to early literacyResources Mentioned:Beyond the ABC's Free ChallengeFREE List of Skills Every Emergent Reader Must Have to Lay the Literacy FoundationConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Really Great Reading.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Join us for an insightful panel discussion exploring the pivotal role of early literacy in laying the groundwork for success in K-12 education. Our panelists have a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience in building early literacy initiatives and programs.Key Takeaways:Impact of pre-k literacy on Skilled ReadingStrategies to foster oral language development in a student-centered, fun, and engaging wayThe necessary steps to build an effective pre-k literacy programProfessional development's greater impact on pre-K early childhood educatorsThis edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
Renada and Marisela talk about early literacy and why it is essential.
Today we're interviewing Barberton Preschool (BPS) and learning how they make magic happen with our youngest readers. As one of only two districts in our region taking part in Ohio's Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant, BPS was able to identify what was working well: collaboration, culture, leadership and then use the CLSD resources to build upon those areas while also strengthening areas that may not have been as strong. BPS has been able to build their understanding of structured literacy with high-quality professional development, successful family engagement programs and resources for classrooms. Co-Host: Pam Kennedy, SST8 Regional Literacy Specialist Guests: Sheila McGhee, Director Barberton Preschool; Raetina Giovanini, Intervention Specialist
Coming out and being out is challenging enough. Then add to the mix your challenges with mental health and it could be potentially too much. So what do you do? You choose to thrive. A great example of this is our guest today, Dr. Zachary Stier who is thriving beyond his bi-polar diagnosis and embracing his life daily as a gay man, step-by-step, day-by-day. About Dr. Zachary Dr. Stier has been the director of Children's Services at Ericson Public Library in Boone, Iowa since October 2011. He has revolutionized services at the library for children and families through the expansion of early literacy programming, the redesign of space to emphasize play, family engagement initiatives, enhanced community partnerships with community, state, and national partners, after-school STEAM programming, to name a few. He was project director for NASA@My Library, is the Project Director for the library's equity project, Activating Community Voices, and Project Director for the library's piloted mobilized family engagement program, Little Engines. He recently became an independent consultant for the Space Science Institute and is the lead researcher on a project focused on STEM and Quality of Life. In 2011, Stier opened Mr. Z and Company, LLC, a consultancy firm for educators and librarians. He is also an adjunct lecturer for the University of Illinois Champaign iSchool graduate program teaching Early Literacy and Public Library Partnerships, a course he recently developed. He serves on numerous state and national boards and was recently selected to be part of the Fred Rogers Institute program, The Educators Neighborhood. He is a published author. He holds degrees from Des Moines Area Community College, Grandview University, Drexel University, and Concordia Portland, as well as postgraduate studies in Early Childhood from Erikson Institute, and a Doctorate in Education from Concordia Chicago. Connect With Dr. Zachary LinkedIn
The literacy space has become increasingly polarizing since the reading wars began.There are a number of debates and questions that continue, including:Will kids learn to read “naturally”? What did the whole language approach get right, if anything?Is explicit phonics instruction just a pendulum swing (and is focusing on phonics enough)?Are we teaching kids to read too early? When we talk about “early literacy” instruction, what are we actually recommending and how does that look? I invited Jane Gebers, veteran speech-language pathologist and author to episode 157 De Facto Leaders to discuss these questions. I entered the field right around the time the National Reading Panel study was published, so there was a fair amount of research on evidence-based literacy intervention when I started practicing. But when Jane started practicing, much of this research hadn't been done, and she had the experience of watching the fields of education and reading instruction evolve. She was also one of the early adopters of many approaches that are common practice today, and it was an honor to hear about her work. Jane L. Gebers is the author of the popular resource, Books Are for Talking, Too! (Link here: https://www.slpstorytellers.com/2023/09/11/slp-author-book-books-are-for-talking-too-by-jane-gebers/), first published in 1990, and now in its 4th edition as of March 2023. A practicing speech-language pathologist for over 40 years, she has worked in public school, hospital, private, and clinical settings. She has been an adjunct professor at St. Mary's College of California and other universities where she taught Language Development, Assessment, and Intervention courses to students pursuing special education credentials. She currently holds a private practice in Northern California.In this conversation, Jane and I discuss:✅Everyone's talking about “scaffolding”, but what does this word actually mean?✅Reading practices that have stood the test of time, despite attempts to disprove their effectiveness.✅The battle between play-based learning and “sight words”; and how to emphasize the right skills at the right time.✅When building language skills, do we focus on a developmental hierarchy or environmental demands? ✅Mapping language to print symbols and what to address in the early years to set the stage for reading and writing. You can connect with Jane on her website here: https://soundingyourbest.com, and find her book, Books Are for Talking, Too! here: https://www.slpstorytellers.com/2023/09/11/slp-author-book-books-are-for-talking-too-by-jane-gebers/ The following resources were mentioned in this episode:Some of the work done by Dr. Carol Westby, Ph.D. (Link here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/152574019902100107)The Neuroscience of Reading with Dr. G. Reid. Lyon (Link here: https://irrc.education.uiowa.edu/blog/2023/05/neuroscience-reading-dr-g-reid-lyon)Teachers' Use of Scaffolds within Conversations During Shared Book Reading (Dekshmukh, R.S., Pentimonti, J.M., Zucker, T.A., & Curry, B.) (Link here: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2021_LSHSS-21-00020)In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/I also mentioned The School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers guide their teams to support students' executive functioning across the day. This program will help you plan direct therapy, but will also help you lead change management on your team, no matter your job title. You can learn more about the School of Clinical Leadership here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments
It takes a community to support early readers in building foundational literacy skills.In this episode, kindergarten teacher Melissa Hawkins joins us from Hawai'i to discuss how she communicates with families to ensure students are practicing skills rooted in the Science of Reading, even when they aren't in school. Plus, she shares strategies to make foundational literacy skills fun for students in person and online. Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Discover the transformative strategies that Dr. Martha Butler, a seasoned literacy coach, is using to revolutionize early literacy development in our schools, especially post-pandemic. This episode is a treasure trove for educators and parents alike, as Dr. Butler opens up about the all-encompassing approach her school takes to ensure foundational skills are not only targeted in small groups but also woven seamlessly into whole-group learning and RTI sessions. This method promises to maintain a sense of grade-level appropriateness while building student confidence and literacy capabilities.Join us, Danielle and Sari, as we share our enlightening conversation with Dr. Butler and explore the significance of creating a supportive, 'all hands on deck' learning environment. Whether you're seeking actionable techniques to enhance your literacy coaching or simply want to gain deeper insights into the world of early literacy, this episode is sure to leave you with valuable knowledge and inspiration to support the growth and learning of young readers.Visit the Blog: CurriculumAssociates.com/blogFollow us on Twitter: @CurriculumAssocFollow us on Instagram: @MyiReadyHave feedback, questions, or want to be a guest? Email ExtraordinaryEducators@cainc.com to connect with us!
In this episode, we are joined by Professor Susan Neuman to explore early literacy and how parents can best support their young children. Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding the science of reading and highlights key skills that contribute to a child's success as a reader. The conversation delves into various aspects of early literacy, such as phonological awareness, representational language, and the significance of play. Susan encourages parents to engage in activities that align with their child's interests and emphasizes the need for a balance between structured learning and maintaining the joy of childhood. A specific focus is placed on evaluating school reading programs, especially in the context of New York City's changes in literacy education. Susan advises parents to look for structured reading programs while being cautious of excessive time spent on specific activities, ensuring that children still have time for play and diverse learning experiences. We also speak about the importance of the home-school connection.
On today's podcast, a Japanese company is designing digital clones to interact in place of their owners; a study says melting ice in Antarctica threatens emperor penguins; learn about our Early Literacy series followed by our program on teaching English comprehension; then eateries on Route 66.
On today's podcast, an unlikely partnership between an American baseball player and a British artist; then a discussion about VOA Learning English's Early Literacy series followed by the this week's episode on teaching English vocabulary; then listen to the first part of our Route 66 series.
On today's podcast, the state of Georgia brings new legal charges linked to the 2020 election dispute against former President Donald Trump; then, an introduction to our “Early Literacy” series followed by how to teach English fluency; then hear about Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska.