Reading Teachers Lounge

Shannon and Mary discuss the revised Ladder of Reading and Writing that was recently updated by Nancy Young.   [Note: Our podcast has explicit permission from Nancy Young to use her Ladder infographic image and information with our audience.]  In this episode we compare the updates to the Ladder to its original form and discuss the changes and how they may impact literacy instruction. Episode Reso...

Shannon and Mary chat with Anna Boldog from Bookr Class about the Importance of Storytelling.   They share their own memories and experiences with stories as readers and teachers. And they talk about what research shares about how storytelling impacts language and literacy development.    This discussion should prompt your own memories of stories and how they've impacted your life, your instr...

Shannon and Mary chat with LaMonica Williams, Director of Programs for Teaching Matters, about how to support reading teachers and their students through intensive but supportive coaching and literacy training.    Episode Links for Resources mentioned: Jumpstart program Webinars & Trainings Twitter @teachingmatters Contact Teaching Matters : inquiry@teachingmatters.org Early Reading Assessment...

Shannon chats about the different strands of Scarborough's Reading Rope with Tess Kraft.   They talk about all the many different skills that weave together into skilled reading and share ideas about transferring the science of reading into effective literacy instruction. Episode Links for Resources mentioned: Overview of the Reading Rope Reading Rope padlet 20 years of Reading Rope recording...

Shannon and Mary chat with Heidi Martin about her journey into learning about the Science of Reading.   Heidi has been documenting her literacy transformation on Tiktok (@learningwithheidi) and Instagram (@droppinknowledgewithheidi).    Episode Links for Resources mentioned: Heidi's website Science of reading YouTube video  Science of Reading Blog and video series Science of Reading Comprehen...

Shannon and Mary chat with literacy expert Wiley Blevins about the scope and sequence of phonics instruction.  Episode Links for Resources mentioned: ILA Brief Meeting the Challenges of Early Phonics Instruction by  Blevins  Our Previous episode  about Wiley's ILA Brief A Fresh Look at Phonics by Blevins * Choosing and Using Decodable Texts by Blevins * Teaching Phonics & Word Study in th...

In their Season 4 opener, Shannon & Mary update listeners on their summer activities and their plans for the upcoming school year and podcast season.   They share what they've been reading and learning about lately, which leads to a discussion about differentiating for students at various points on the Reading Ladder. Episode Links for Resources mentioned: Link to our MAP episode from Sea...

In this episode, Shannon closes out the third podcast season. She describes the struggles from the 2020-2021 school year and shares what's coming next for the podcast in Season 4.     Resource Links: 1.    Boundaries podcast episode (We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle) 2.    Ross on Friends ("Pivot!") 3.    How to Set Boundaries as a Teacher (Cornerstone for Teachers) 4.    Te...

This title continues our multi-sensory series.   In this episode, Shannon shares the characteristics of auditory learners.    She gives some strategies and resources for incorporating more auditory practice in your literacy instruction. Resource Links: Is your Child an Auditory Learner? Working with Auditory Learners Tips for Auditory Learners The Auditory Learner Auditory Learning Style Explained...

Shannon and Mary chat with Maria Halkias about her on-line reading instruction.  They talk about parent engagement with virtual instruction, teaching challenges during these unprecedented times, and what resources have been most helpful when teaching virtually.   Maria shares about the community of inquiry and how she's using that framework to provide structure to her reflective teaching prac...

Shannon and Mary continue the discussion about multisensory reading instruction.   This episode focuses on strategies for visual learners. Resource Links: New Girl Youtube clip (Visual Learning chant) The Visual Learner Tips for Visual Learners Jennifer Serravallo Reading Strategies book   (This is an Amazon affiliate link, where we would make a small commission amount on your purchase.) Main Idea...

Multisensory learning is something we have been preaching for a long time. It's time it deserved it's own episode.  Shannon and Mary discuss the importance of when and how to implement multi sensory learning strategies. Resource Links: Multisensory Learning: Types and Strategies IMSE What is Multisensory Learning: Waterford.org Multisensory Overview Literacy Nest Multisensory Part 1  Emi...

Shannon and Mary explore how to start conversations about sensitive topics surrounding race, inequality, apathetic attitudes and apologism related to books.   They discuss the controversy surrounding Dr. Seuss.  Dr. Seuss is a prolific children’s book author and global icon. And Dr. Seuss has a history of racial baggage that educators should understand when introducing his writing to their student...

Shannon and Mary open the season with a discussion about the importance of books to represent the diversity of our students giving them an opportunity to see themselves in books and opportunities to view other cultures, family structures and values.  Resource Links: THE Actual Paper that started this discussion  Building a Diverse Book Collection Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors Librarian Profe...

Shannon and Mary catch up after their Season 2 hiatus to discuss Quarantine Life, Home Learning, and what's next. RESOURCE LINKS:  COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Our Website Facebook Instagram Shannon's TpT Store 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...

Are you familiar with the FCRR?    They have done incredible work making free effective research-based literacy activities.    The centers include directions for teachers and all the necessary materials.   They are mostly print and go activities requiring minimal teacher prep!  In this episode, Shannon and Mary share their favorite FCRR reading center activities.  They give ideas for storage and o...

Shannon and Mary speak with consultant and literacy specialist Allison from Learning at the Primary Pond all about spelling tests and best practices in phonics instruction. Resource Links: blog post by Alison at Learning At the Primary Pond Literacy website by Alison Blog post about Best Practices in Phonics by Allison Words Their Way Primary Spelling Inventory Best Practices in Literacy Instructi...

Shannon and Mary discuss another pillar in the Balanced Literacy Series: Shared Reading. Shared reading is interactive reading with teacher guided support. This is essential for helping struggling readers build their fluency and expression as well as explicitly modeling how proficient readers approach text. It can be done in whole group, small group, or with individualized instruction. Sometimes y...

Shannon and Mary talk about the recent discussions in the news and educational circles related to the reading wars. Additionally, based on listener questions, they recommend some resources for teachers who want to implement more structured literacy into their classroom practices. Resource Links: Emily Hanford APM Reports Educate Podcast  New Salvos in the Battles over Reading Instruction  Emily Ha...

Mary describes the differences between Balanced Literacy vs. Structured Literacy. We have been doing a series on Balanced Literacy which might confuse some of our listeners. RTL wants to bring best practices to our conversations. If you, like us, believe that a strong phonics practice is essential, you will want to help your school transition to using a stronger structured literacy approach to wor...

Shannon and Mary continue the conversation about balanced literacy elements by discussing supporting students' independent reading in the classroom and at home.   They share ideas about goal setting, making time for reading, reading conferences, and helping students develop literacy preferences.  "Teaching children to read and providing them with something worthwhile to read is not a job...

Shannon and Mary share their tips and tricks for one of the most enjoyable experiences of reading with young readers: Read Aloud! We share professional resources, essential tips for working with struggling readers, and how parents can make reading aloud at a home a treasured time for any type of reader. Resource Links: NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, we earn a small amount from your qualifyi...

Shannon shares how guided reading groups are the non-negotiable element in her daily classroom. In this episode Mary and Shannon weigh in on the importance and power of small group teaching of guided reading. Resource Links: NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, we earn a small amount from your qualifying purchases. We'd appreciate if you would use our links to help support the podcast.* Guid...

Mary discusses the concept of alphabetic principle and strategies for teaching blending. Resource Links: NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, we earn a small amount from your qualifying purchases. We'd appreciate if you would use our links to help support the podcast.* Reading Rockets Blending and Segmenting Strategies The Alphabetic Principle from Phonological Awareness to Reading Words Wha...

Great news! Shannon is here to help address more listener questions about Lucy Calkins, comprehension strategies and professional development for reading specialists. Resource Links: NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, we earn a small amount from your qualifying purchases. We'd appreciate if you would use our links to help support the podcast.* Lucy Calkins Writing Units of Study The Writin...