From Research to Recess: The Science Behind Great Teaching

Number talks are one of the most powerful routines you can build in a K-2 classroom, but getting them right takes more than picking a problem and hoping kids share. In this episode, Deedee and Hilary break down what actually makes math talk work, from problem selection to handling wrong answers without shutting kids down. In This Episode Effective number talks aren't just about math. They'...

Growth mindset is everywhere in schools. Posters, phrases, morning meetings. But does telling kids they can improve actually make them better learners? The research is more complicated than the buzzword suggests, and in this episode, we dig into what works and what doesn't. In This Episode Carol Dweck's 2006 research sparked a movement, but recent studies are questioning whether a mindset...

This episode is about summer slide — what it is, how it shows up differently in math versus reading, and what teachers and parents can realistically do to help kids hold onto what they've learned. We also get into books, games, journals, and why letting kids pick what they read matters more than you might think. Summer learning loss isn't equal across subjects. Math takes a harder hit than...

Kids are growing up with screens, and most of us are figuring it out as we go. This episode gets into what digital media actually does to children — their sleep, their attention, their social skills — and what parents, teachers, and community members can do about it. Pediatricians and experts weigh in with real, specific guidance. I've been teaching long enough to watch this shift happen in real t...

Mastering Subitizing and Number Sense in Early Math Education In this episode, we dig into the concept of subitizing – the quick recognition of small quantities – and its big role in developing number sense from pre-K through elementary grades. We explore practical classroom strategies, the importance of games and visual tools, and how to build flexible math thinking that lasts beyond the early ye...

In this episode, we discuss two big areas in early education — dialogic reading techniques that deepen comprehension and strategies for building self-regulation skills, especially in post-pandemic classrooms. Both topics have a direct impact on how kids engage, bounce back, and learn. Main Topics: The science and application of dialogic reading to improve student comprehension Practical prompts an...

Play-Based Learning in Kindergarten is Making a Comeback In this episode, Deedee Wills and Hilary Statum talk through a recent Education Week article on why play-based learning is returning to kindergarten classrooms. They cover the pressure of standardized testing, the rise of scripted curricula, and why guided play can be more effective than rigid instruction for young learners. Key Takeaways Pl...

Beyond the Treasure Box: How to Promote the Intrinsic Desire to Learn In this episode, Deedee Wills and Hilary Statum talk about how to motivate students without over-relying on external rewards like treasure boxes, clip charts, and prizes. They cover the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, what research says about both, and how teachers can build classroom conditions that suppo...

Helping Students Feel Ready for the Next Grade In this episode, Deedee and Hilary talk about how to help students feel emotionally ready for the next grade. They cover the worries children have during transitions, like unfamiliar routines, new teachers, making friends, and feeling safe, and share practical ways teachers and parents can support that shift. Key Takeaways Transition anxiety is normal...

Is It Behavior… or Language? What We Might Be Missing In this episode, Deedee and Hilary look at a common classroom challenge: when student behavior may actually be a sign of language-processing difficulty. They talk through how directions, sentence complexity, working memory, and pacing can affect whether students appear to be off task, defiant, or overwhelmed, and what teachers can do to help. K...

This episode looks at the social and emotional skills children need before entering kindergarten. Drawing on recent research and practical tips for parents and teachers, we talk through how foundational skills shape learning and development for years to come. In this episode: Why social emotional skills are the foundation for future success How kindergarten readiness has changed over the past 20 y...

In this episode, we look at the role of bilingualism in literacy development for multilingual learners. Drawing on recent research, we share practical strategies for educators to build on students' linguistic strengths and create inclusive classrooms that welcome language diversity. Key Topics: Why multilingualism should be the guiding principle in literacy education, not a barrier The benefit...

In this episode, Deedee Wills and Hilary Statum we talk about how gross motor activities can work inside kindergarten math lessons. Movement doesn't just get kids up and moving — it affects engagement, motivation, and how well students actually hold onto math concepts. If you're looking to make math lessons more effective without adding a lot of prep, this one is worth a listen. In this ep...

What if some of the most powerful tools for academic success are the ones we’re already using every single day? In this episode, we’re talking all about fine motor skills… and why they matter for so much more than handwriting. Yes, pencil grip is important. But it goes way beyond that. Fine motor development is closely connected to reading, math, number sense, and overall cognitive growth. Isn’t t...

If you’ve ever felt like vocabulary instruction turns into worksheet after worksheet… you’re not alone. It can start to feel a little heavy. And honestly? Not all that effective. But here’s the good news. Vocabulary can be one of the easiest ways to boost comprehension… when we approach it differently. In this episode, we’re digging into why vocabulary matters so much. Especially in those early ye...

In this episode of From Research to Recess , we’re diving into Chapter 6 of Next Steps in Literacy Instruction … and we’re talking all about comprehension. Such a big topic. And honestly? One that can feel a little overwhelming. But here’s the thing. Comprehension isn’t something we “get to later.” It starts right from the very beginning. We chat about how comprehension develops and how it connect...

Come join us for this episode of From Research to Recess as we dig into reading fluency… and why it is so much more than just reading fast. Fluency is really about smooth, confident, expressive reading. It’s that moment when a child isn’t stuck on every word and can actually enjoy the story. Yes. Even our kindergarten and early first grade friends can start building this! In this episode, we’re sh...

Come join us for this episode of From Research to Recess as we dig into Chapter 4 of Next Steps in Literacy Instruction . This one is all about phonics… and there is a lot to unpack in the best way. We’re talking about the pieces that really matter for building strong readers. Encoding. Decoding. Word recognition. All those parts that come together to help our students feel confident when they see...

Phoneme awareness is one of those topics that can feel a little tricky… but it is so important for early readers. In this episode of From Research to Recess , we’re diving into phoneme awareness using Next Steps in Literacy Instruction as our guide. We’re breaking it all down in a way that feels manageable and actually doable in your classroom. We start by clearing up a common point of confusion....

In this kickoff episode of our book study series, we’re diving into the introduction of Next Steps in Literacy Instruction . I know… the introduction. It’s the part we’re all tempted to skip, right? But stay with us on this one. It is FULL of those “Oh wow… I needed that reminder” moments. We walk through the different types of assessments and what they actually mean for your classroom. Not just t...

Welcome to the very first episode of From Research to Recess ! 🎉 We are so excited you’re here. In this kickoff episode, we’re sharing a little bit about why we started this podcast… and what you can expect each week when you hit play. Because honestly? We kept coming back to the same idea again and again. There is SO much great research out there, but it doesn’t always feel easy to bring it into...