Reading Teachers Lounge

9.1 Teaching and Learning

Shannon and Mary meet up to start Season 9 of the podcast. They catch up on their summer activities and share their busy back-to-school schedules. They discuss their favorite games and instructional methods from their tutoring practices and review professional learning opportunities they're currently taking. 00:00 Season Catch Up 00:54 Escaping Overscheduling 02:17 Middle School Rhythm 03:40 Home Study Systems 04:22 Resetting With New Students 05:52 Structured Literacy Routines 06:54 Automaticity And Handwriting 11:44 Spell It Out Strategy 15:35 Executive Functioning Course 18:08 Summer Recap And Trips 19:04 Sentence Composing Tools 21:45 Color Coding Grammar 22:24 Weaning Off Supports 22:55 Word Origins Arrives 23:34 First Morphology Lesson 25:02 Scripted Yet Flexible 25:55 Morphology With Younger Kids 26:26 Program Pacing Tips 27:45 Building Teacher Confidence 29:07 Levels And Rollout Plan 29:46 Gamifying With SquishyLAND 31:07 New Game Tweezer 32:51 Executive Function Skills 35:13 Balance Health And Finch 36:44 CERI Class Progress 37:27 Favorite Free Resources 39:07 Season Wrap And Teasers RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: Spelling Out Orthography Cox Campus Structured Literacy Course Executive Functioning trainings from Sarah Ward Bubble map (Science of the Science) Word Origins SquishyLand *Amazon affiliate link Tweezer game Finch self-care app Reading Universe Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.10 Season Finale: Beyond Decoding

Shannon and Mary record their Season 8 finale, catching up on what they've been doing during the school year. They've both been busy with balancing personal and professional responsibilities, with work hours increasing for Shannon in tutoring and for Mary in advocacy work and supporting parents in IEP meetings. In their tutoring practices, they're both advancing beyond decoding work with many of their students, and during the discussion, they both realized they had adopted sentence-composing activities, inspired by 8.8's guest, Sara Lee. During the discussion, they detail how their students use literature-based model sentences and scaffolded imitation to build sentence skills, comprehension, and vocabulary. Shannon describes how she adds language support using English Linking Blocks and word lists. The discussion then highlights their excitement about UFLI's upcoming structured morphology curriculum, Word Origins (adapted from Australia). In the episode chat, they also touch on the AMIRA screener, Mary's recent SWI professional learning through Word Torque, and how they're both supporting students' math knowledge and skills in their tutoring. Listen in to catch up with these reading teachers and find out how their literacy instruction continues to evolve. 00:38 Life as Busy Parents 02:30 Tutoring and Advocacy Load 04:29 Discovering Sentence Composing 07:37 Harry Potter Hook 09:17 Linking Blocks Breakthrough 13:18 From Sentences to Writing 19:43 Structured Morphology Word Origins 22:58 Structured Morphology Wins 23:48 Curriculum Fidelity First 27:06 Word Origins Details 28:41 Australia Connections 31:17 Getting It Into Schools 32:15 Georgia Reading Screening 37:59 Math Fluency Intervention 40:22 Subitizing And Word Problems 47:12 Wrap Up Season Notes RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: UFLI Word Origins news updates form UFLI Word Origins Information Hands-On English Linking Blocks Word Torque website Word Inquiry In Action Reviews of Curriculum - The Reading League GA Dyslexia Handbook related to updated laws for HS 307 Math Their Way Aubree Teaches - conceptual, visual math Aubree Teaches - store (this is not an affiliated link) Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.9 Teacher Preparation

Shannon and Mary welcome Dr. Ellen Ballock and Julia D'Onofrio from Gordon College to talk about teacher preparation programs. Discover how they design and implement teacher prep programs focused on literacy instruction, the science of reading, and practical teaching methods. Our guests shed light on the importance of comprehensive training, common misconceptions in literacy education, and the roles of explicit instruction and evidence-based practices. They also delve into how their curriculum bridges gaps in teacher knowledge, ensuring future educators are well-equipped to foster student success. This episode will likely remind you of your own teacher training and inspire you, making you feel hopeful about the future of our field and for new teacher candidates. 01:16 Meet Today’s Guests 05:10 Teacher Prep Shifts Nationwide 10:54 Data Language and Decision Making 14:36 Unlearning Balanced Literacy 18:06 Teaching Phonemic Awareness to Adults 22:06 Modeling Explicit Instruction 25:39 Morphology and Word Study 29:49 Curriculum Partnerships and Fidelity 32:01 Adapting Curriculum with Scaffolds 35:50 Redesigning for Comprehension 38:13 Gateway Checks for Think Alouds 40:39 Coaching Struggling Candidates 43:53 Writing Methods and Sentence Work 48:22 Sentence Composing Mentor Models 52:11 Practicum Pathway and Feedback 01:03:04 Doctoral Program for Change Agents 01:07:19 Closing Thanks and Takeaways RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: Gordon College Sentence Composing (Don Killgallon) Grammar for Middle School: A Sentence Composing Approach by Don and Jenny Killgallon *Amazon affiliate link NCTQ Early literacy observation tool (Massachusetts) Moat's Survey of Teacher Knowledge How Spelling Supports Reading article by Louisa Moats Gordon College's Science of Learning Doctoral Program Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.8 Grammar and Syntax

In this episode of the Reading Teacher's Lounge, hosts Mary and Shannon welcome expert Sara Lee to discuss best practices for teaching grammar and syntax. They dive into how understanding sentence structure, grammatical functions, and modifiers can elevate both reading comprehension and writing skills for students of all ages. Sara emphasizes the importance of embedding grammar instruction within reading and writing activities, and provides practical strategies for making grammar engaging and relevant. Specific strategies, such as focusing on sentence nuclei, harnessing descriptive modifiers, and being mindful of students' language acquisition backgrounds, are discussed. Additionally, Sara emphasizes the importance of providing meaningful practice opportunities and underscores the value of understanding grammar as the structure of language. The episode is rich with actionable insights and resources to help teachers better support their students. NOTE FROM GUEST: Re: our discussion about adverbs at minute 33 in the episode, I want to make sure listeners understand that the word "so" can also modify adverbs (as adverbs can modify other adverbs), rather than thinking that adverbs can only modify adjectives. 01:38 Introducing Our Special Guest: Sara Lee 02:31 Diving into Grammar and Syntax 05:33 Understanding Grammatical Functions 07:55 Challenges and Resources for Teaching Grammar 10:04 Practical Applications and Student Engagement 12:41 The Importance of Sentence Structure 25:05 Using AI to Enhance Grammar Lessons 32:23 Supporting Multi-Language Learners 35:22 Challenges in Teaching Writing 36:38 Tips for Enhancing Writing Skills 39:34 Using Sentence Nucleus for Creativity 41:28 Grammar in Reading and Writing Instruction 44:30 Engaging Students in Grammar 48:41 Resources for Teaching Grammar 01:02:02 Making Grammar Fun and Approachable 01:03:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: The Literacy Doctor Sentence Composing (Don Killgallon) Grammar for Middle School: A Sentence Composing Approach by Don and Jenny Killgallon *Amazon affiliate link The Death of Practice (Sara's blog post) Grammarism Linguistics Girl Word Hippo Video from Dr. Bowers and Marie Foley (Nested Combinatorial Structure) Timothy Shanahan's blog post: Comprehension Instruction that Really Helps-Teaching Cohesion Evan Moor Daily Paragraph Editing book *Amazon affiliate link Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.7 Supporting Learning at Home

In this episode, we explore effective practices for supporting students with homework. Join us as we discuss strategies to foster a productive & stress-free homework environment. We cover the importance of EF, the advantages and challenges of traditional homework, & how to address post-COVID implications. Also, we share insights on balancing homework with students' SEL, creative engagement techniques, & practical communication tips for accommodations. 01:14 Supporting Learners at Home 02:20 The Role of Executive Functioning in Homework 05:27 Creative Homework Approaches 09:01 Simplifying Homework for Better Engagement 10:32 Flexible and Individualized Homework Strategies 19:24 Creating a Productive Homework Environment 25:28 Understanding Executive Functioning in Children 26:07 Dealing with Meltdowns and Connection Issues 27:37 Empathy and Minimal Help Strategies 28:07 Middle School Homework Challenges 29:28 Reaching Out to Teachers for Support 29:58 Effective Homework Breaks and Routines 36:55 Positive Feedback and Encouragement 43:52 The Role of Parents in Homework Success 44:22 Reading Logs and Encouraging Curiosity 46:59 Research on Homework Benefits 48:18 Conclusion and Resources RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: Reading Rockets: What the Research Says About the Value of Homework Understood.org Homework Challenges & Strategies 11 Tips for Helping Your Child Manage Homework Why Nov. is Hard For Students and 7 Ways Parents Can Help Infographic: How Does Homework Actually Affect Students? Stanford Research Shows Pitfalls of Homework Copy of Mary's Email Scripts to Use When Requesting Support Effective Practices for Homework 5 Homework Strategies for Working with Students with Learning Disabilities Tips for Parents Timer * affiliate Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.6 Deliberate Orthography

Shannon and Mary revisit the topic of Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) and discuss the importance of understanding the deliberate reasons for English spellings with guests Jennifer Petrich and Bradley Johnson. The conversation follows the hosts' and guests' experiences with SWI, detailing how it helps students understand and apply the structure of English spelling with its focus on word structures, etymology, and morphology. Emphasizing a shift from a phonics-only approach to one that also prioritizes morphology & etymology, the episode highlights the importance of starting with word meaning and developing scientific inquiry skills in literacy teaching. The journey into SWI is one of discovery, collaboration, & continuous learning. With the tools and strategies shared, educators can confidently embark on this path, helping their students gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry that is the English language. Join the conversation and dive into the world of SWI. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or a lifelong learner, there’s always more to uncover in the fascinating study of words. 01:01 Welcome to the RTL 01:44 Introduction to SWI 03:11 Meet the Guests: Jennifer Petrich and Bradley Johnson 04:25 Jennifer's Journey with Dyslexia and SWI 07:10 Bradley's Path to SWI 12:14 Explaining SWI to Teachers 21:59 Importance of Meaning & Morphology 34:25 Importance of Lifelong Learning 35:01 Introducing SWI 35:34 Overcoming the Fear of Not Knowing 36:12 Utilizing Curricular Modules and Materials 37:26 Inquiry-Based Learning in the Classroom 38:26 Developing Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Skills 40:33 The Role of Big Ideas in Teaching 42:43 Practical Applications and Teacher Experiences 43:18 Scientific Inquiry in Word Study 44:09 Integrating Phonics & Morphology 54:17 The Importance of Community & Collaboration 59:02 Final Thoughts & Resources RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: The Literacy Doctor website One Step Now Education Dyslexia Training Institute Pete Bowers's website Our Season 7 episode with Dr. Peter Bowers about SWI The High Frequency Word Project book by Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton *Amazon affiliate link The Literacy Doctor weekly drop-ins (on Wed. ) Investigating English Spelling by Bradley Johnson and Jennifer Petrich *Amazon affiliate link Structured Word Inquiry in the Classroom (FB group) Marie Foley's course Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.5 The Literacy Block

Mary and Shannon are joined by Lindsay Kemeny, a returning guest and 1st grade teacher. Lindsay discusses her latest book and shares insights into structuring an effective literacy block. During the chat, Lindsay stresses the importance of routines, transitions, and frequent student responses in her data-driven instruction. Lindsay also opens up about her personal journey, detailing how her son's struggles with dyslexia transformed her teaching methods. The conversation covers practical tips for teaching phonics, spelling, high-frequency words, and integrating content into literacy. Listen to the episode to learn valuable tips for optimizing your reading instruction. 01:17 Welcoming Back Lindsay Kemeny 01:49 Lindsay's Journey and New Books 03:36 Implementing Literacy Block Changes 07:04 Structuring the Literacy Block 08:53 The Importance of Data and Intervention 21:09 Green Chef Sponsorship 22:07 Phonics and Spelling Integration 28:20 Reflecting on Classroom Data 28:39 Optimizing Lessons and Routines 35:06 The Importance of Student Responses 37:08 Focusing on Progress, Not Perfection 39:55 A Personal Journey with Dyslexia 52:36 Final Thoughts and Resources RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: Our Season 6 episode with Lindsay: Best Reading Instruction Moves Our Season 7 episode: The Reading Team Lindsay's website Lindsay's podcast: Literacy Talks Rock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay Kemeny *Amazon affiliate link 7 Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny *Amazon affiliate link 7 Mighty Moves Reading Resources (companion book) by Lindsay Kemeny *Amazon affiliate link Reading Rockets: An Example of the 90 Minute Reading Block Ascend (Smarter Intervention): How Do I Fit It All In? Reading Rockets: What Does Your Literacy Block Look Like? It Depends. Timothy Shanahan: How Would You Schedule the Reading Instruction? Mississippi Dept of Ed: Suggested Instructional Routines for Teaching Reading First Through Fifth Grade Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.4 SEL Concerns

Educator and author Erin Waters joins Shannon and Mary to discuss supporting the whole child through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Erin shares her teaching journey and highlights the crucial connection between SEL & literacy development—because our students aren’t just learning to read; they’re learning who they are. They explore what SEL looks like in real classrooms: morning meetings that build community, read-alouds that spark emotional awareness, and simple coping strategies that help students manage anxiety and stress. The discussion also acknowledges the lasting impact of the digital age and the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ social-emotional well-being, as more children than ever are navigating big feelings.Erin introduces her book Wally Is Worried as a relatable resource for helping children understand and express their emotions. Listeners will walk away with practical tools, recommended texts, and encouragement to make SEL an intentional part of everyday literacy instruction. 01:40 Special Guest: Erin Waters on SEL 03:06 Defining SEL and Its Importance 06:03 Real-World SEL Classroom Experiences 11:41 Impact of Digital Age on SEL 16:18 Post-COVID SEL Challenges 21:43 Coping Mechanisms and Solutions 39:16 Final Thoughts and Resources RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: Wally is Worried by Erin Waters *Amazon affiliate link Our engagement episode Our technology episode Book list with SEL topics, curated by Love Grows Learning Big Little Feelings blog NEA (National Education Association): SEL Resources Reading Rockets: Classroom Strategies that Support SEL Reading with Relevance: a CASEL-certified SEL supplemental program CASEL.org Centervention: 95 Social Emotional Learning Activities Integrating SEL Into Your Reading Block Children's Institute: SEL Resources and Tools Erin Waters' website Connect with Erin via IG Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.3 Affirming Practices with Dr. Jasmine Rogers

In this episode, you're getting a preview of the types of conversations happening with educators in our bonus subscription episodes. This month, Shannon and Mary chat with Dr. Jasmine Rogers, a reading specialist and college educator, about her dual roles in literacy. Dr. Rogers discusses her research on African American English (AAE) and structured literacy, emphasizing the importance of affirming behaviors in promoting student motivation and effective communication. Drawing on personal experiences and professional expertise, she emphasizes the importance of affirming diverse dialects, including Black English, and fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. The episode also covers translanguaging and strategies for teachers to support multilingual students, highlighting the significance of creating a positive, inclusive, and affirming classroom environment. Tune in to learn more about effective teaching practices, the science of reading, and how teachers can better support students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. 0:00 Welcome to the Reading Teacher Lounge 01:09 Introducing Dr. Jasmine Rogers 02:37 Understanding Black Language in Education 04:34 Research on Affirming Student Language 07:32 The Importance of Cultural Awareness in Teaching 13:55 Personal Experiences and Reflections 15:48 Journey into Structured Literacy 17:37 Merging Identity with Teaching Practices 22:14 Reflecting on Teaching Practices 23:03 The Power of Translanguaging 24:57 Effective Communication Techniques 26:55 Building Positive Classroom Environments 30:04 Supporting Teachers and Students 31:29 The Importance of Authenticity in Teaching 32:59 Insights from Research 36:12 Morphology and Language Learning 39:50 Final Thoughts and Farewells RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Dr. Jasmine's website Connect with Dr. Jasmine Rogers through her website Connect with Dr. Jasmine Rogers through LinkedIn 44 Phonemes Video from RRFTS (Rollins Center for Language and Literacy) DC Public Schools Reading Clinic Frayer Model Strive for Five Conversations by Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell *Amazon affiliate link Education Week: What is Translanguaging and How Is it Used in the Classroom? Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box with our link Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.2 Treasured Stories

In this special episode of the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon and Mary have an engaging and insightful conversation with acclaimed children's author Kate DiCamillo about treasured stories. They explore Kate's journey as a writer, discussing the profound impact of her debut novel 'Because of Winn-Dixie,' the themes of her books, and the role of animals in her stories. Kate shares her thoughts on writing with empathy, the importance of ending stories with hope, and the joy of reading aloud. Highlights include listener questions about vocabulary development and character inspirations, and Kate's reflections on the magical connection formed between readers and stories. RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE: Ferris by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate link Kate DiCamillo's website Contact Kate via Candlewick Press Kate DiCamillo c/o Candlewick Press 99 Dover Street Somerville, MA 02144 Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate link The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate link The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate link The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate link Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate link Facebook page for Kate DiCamillo Story resources for teachers Mercy Watson Books by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate link Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate link Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate link our 6.16 Delightful Word Learning episode Bookworms reading curriculum Buy us a coffee Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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8.1 New Season, New Stories

Shannon and Mary kick off the new season with reflections on how far the podcast has come, from family anecdotes to stories of former students thriving—like Rigby, a once-struggling reader now headed to college. They share practical tips for using Canva to teach morphology, highlight successes from their summer tutoring, and discuss balancing work, rest, and family life. Additionally, they unveil exciting plans to feature more teacher voices in the show through their bonus episodes, available to all subscribers. RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE: Mary's husband's band Cherokee Ave Project Google form for teacher guests Marie Foley Visuals Morphology class Geodes decodables Handwriting Without Tears Bookworms Amplify CKLA Blossom & Root Buy us a coffee Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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7.18 Season 7 Finale

Shannon and Mary look back over Season 7 and reflect on what really matters for our reading students. "The right things for our learners" emerged as the unofficial theme of our seventh season. This phrase encapsulates what each of us strives for – cutting through the noise to identify the most impactful practices for the unique students in front of us. The conversations with our guests this season revealed a common thread: the need to simplify and focus on what's most important. In this episode, Shannon and Mary share some of their key takeaways from the discussions with the podcast guests over the course of the season. They also provide details about the professional learning they've done over the past year, changes they've made in their own teaching practices, and new resources they're using with their students. We want to hear from YOU in Season 8! If you're interested in joining us as a guest to discuss real classroom experiences, email us at team@readingteacherslounge.com or reach out through our social media handle @ReadingTeachersLounge LINKS FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Magic School AI Chat GPT (Mary uses for decodables) Dyslexia GA DOE resources Season 7 overall link SWI resouces Uncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide *Amazon affiliate link All About Spelling Spelling for Life by Lyn Stone *Amazon affiliate link Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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7.17 Impactful Interventions

Shannon and Mary chat with Dr. Katie Pace-Miles about MTSS and RTI, sharing practical tips for delivering effective reading interventions, choosing quality resources, and running efficient team meetings to support struggling readers. Whether you're a classroom teacher trying to support struggling readers, a specialist designing intervention programs, or a parent advocating for your child, this conversation provides clear, actionable guidance for making literacy interventions both manageable and truly impactful. LINKS FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Easy CBM Making Words Stick by Katie Pace Miles and Molly Ness *Amazon affiliate link* our episode with Molly Ness from Season 6 overview of MTSS/RTI from understood.org meeting norms FCRR Fast Phrases Wrights Law Caregiver Guide from Katie Pace Miles Letter Knowledge Guide from Katie Pace Miles The Reading Institute website The Reading Institute on IG The Reading Institute (LinkedIn) The Reading Institute (Facebook) Katie Pace Miles' website Connect with Katie through LinkedIn Find Katie on IG McGraw 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 app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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7.16 Executive Functioning Demands

What's really happening when students struggle to stay on task, complete assignments, or transition between activities? In this illuminating conversation with literacy experts Dr. Matt Strader and Dr. Douglas Fisher, Shannon and Mary delve into the complex world of executive functioning and its impact on classroom performance. Executive functioning isn't just about behavior—it's about cognitive processes happening in the brain's prefrontal cortex. Both guests help us understand the crucial distinction between the neurological processes of executive functioning and the observable skills of self-regulation. RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE: McGraw-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. Dr. Douglas Fisher's website Dr. Matt Strader on LinkedIn Executive Skills and Reading Comprehension: A Guide for Educators by Kelly Cartwright and Nell Duke *Amazon affiliate link Center on the Developing Child from Harvard University Deborah Phillips-EF as the "air traffic control system" Lynn Meltzer- mountain versus trees (cognitive flexibility) Amy Berry- Teacher expectations on engagement Timothy Shanahan's blog from 2022 on Executive Functioning and Reading Center on the Developing Child (Harvard University): EF- video Unmasking Autism by Devon Price *Amazon affiliate link* FCRR: Alphabet Arc Promoting Executive Functioning in the Classroom by Lynn Meltzer *Amazon affiliate link* Cognitive Challenges article by Stephen Chew and William Cerbin Bandura-outcome expectations Understood.org: What is neurodiversity? Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

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7.15 Language Demands

Shannon and Mary talk with Dr. Jeannette 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 Learners McGraw-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: Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez Edutopia: Using SIOP with English Learners Savvas Learning Company: SIOP Model Professional Learning Impact of Multilingualism and Learning Patterns on Student Achievement in English and other subjects by Raees Calafato and Kevin Simmonds WIDA Can Do Descriptors for various grade levels Reading Rockets: What Does Research Tell Us About Teaching Reading to English Language Learners? Academic Language and ELLS: What Teachers Need to Know Reading Horizons: What's the Difference Between ESL, EFL, ESOL, ELL, MLL, and ESP? Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Information about our Patreon membership Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

7.14 Literacy Leaders

Shannon 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 Officer Becoming a Literacy Leader by Jennifer Allen *Amazon affiliate link* Cox Campus Structured Literacy training The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's life by Parker Palmer *Amazon affiliate link Science of Reading 2.0 ebook from 95 Percent Group Uphill Climb article by Laura Stewart NIRN Hub EdWEb.net Recording with Laura Stewart and Ken Kirby regarding Professional Learning in 2025 95 Percent Group on IG 95 Percent Group on Twitter/X 95 Percent Group on Facebook Morpeheme Magic Science of Reading Defining Guide (The Reading League) Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Information about our Patreon membership Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

7.13 The Right Things for Our Learners

Shannon 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 link Dr. Shanahan's website (Shananan on Literacy) Dr. Shanahan's blog Connect with Dr. Shananan via Facebook Dr. Shanahan'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. Shanahan) 30 Second Mysteries *Amazon affiliate link McGraw-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 app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Information about our Patreon membership Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

7.12 Effective Student Engagement

Shannon 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 website Fidget Game TikTok account Shannon's favorite (FREE) growth mindset activities via TpT-lower grades Shannon's favorite (FREE) growth mindset activities via TpT-upper grades The Fidget Game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link King Komodo game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link SquishyLand game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link The Vocabulary game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link ASCD: New Thinking about Student Engagement Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Information about our Patreon membership Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

7.11 Structured Word Inquiry

Dr. 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 episode Pete 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 link Real Spelling Toolbox Active View of Reading Duke, Cartwright, 2021 Homophone Principle - described in this lesson David Share: Self teaching "Decoding the brain's dictionary: Scientists map how neurons encode word meanings" from Bigthink.com Spelling Out Orthography demonstration video from Dr. Bowers Document describing a SWI hunt for all the jobs of the final, non-syllabic <e> Video from Dr. Bowers with Marie Foley about The Nested Combinatorial Nature of English Spelling 2025 Reading League presentation from Dr. Bowers about Morphological Instruction and Language Comprehension Upcoming SWI Training in June 2025 with Pete Bowers and Rebecca Loveless Upcoming 4 day in-person training with Dr. Bowers in July 2025 on Wolfe Island Structured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for Teachers by Jennifer A Constantine and Kara B Lee *Amazon affiliate link Teaching How the Written Word Works by Peter Bowers (via www.wvced.com Store) de Jong et al. “Let’s Talk Evidence – The Case for Combining Inquiry-Based and Direct Instruction.” Educational Research Review, vol. 39, 2023 Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Information about our Patreon membership Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

Challenging Advanced Readers

How 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 link to usage permission information Chapter 2 of her book-free download Guided Inquiry Design SEM-R. School-wide enrichment model for reading William and Mary Center for Gifted Ed Resources Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing by Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck *Amazon affiliate link Contact Nancy via her website Acceleration Institute Curated resources regarding Academically Advanced/Gifted students on Nancy's website Subject-specific acceleration across grade grouping *Google drive file download Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Free Rubrics Guide created by us Finding Good Books Guide created by us Information about our Patreon membership Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link