The Lit Lab

In this episode of the Lit Lab, Rhonda and Brandt discuss the One School One Book initiative with Mary Katherine Walker, an assistant principal at Pendleton Elementary School. The program aims to foster a love of reading among students, families, and the school community. Mary Katherine shares her experiences implementing the program, the challenges faced, and the creative strategies used to engag...

In this episode of the Lit Lab, host Rhonda Hayes interviews retired educator April Gailey about her passion for instilling a love of reading in children. April shares her extensive teaching experience, the importance of reading aloud with enthusiasm, and the challenges she faced in engaging students. She emphasizes the significance of knowing students' interests and finding the right materials to...

In this episode, Rhonda and Brandt have a follow-up conversation with their grandson Mac, who has started kindergarten. They discuss the books Mac has been reading, including one about a goldfish and another about a frog. Mac shares his favorite books and talks about his teacher. He also mentions that he has learned about listening and following instructions in school. The conversation ends with a...

Today we interviewed my 5-year-old grandson. He tells us all about what he expects for kindergarten and what they will learn. We chatted about his teachers and what they had at his school. Use this episode to help teach you how to interact better with your younger students. Expect another great episode from The Lit Lab!

In this Q&A episode, Rhonda answers a kindergarten teacher's question about incorporating a sound wall with her alphabet. She explains that a word wall is a student's first exposure to using a resource like a dictionary, and it helps children learn letter sounds and patterns. She suggests having an exemplar word for each letter sound combination on the word wall. Rhonda also discusses...

Lester Laminack, a retired college professor and children's book author, discusses the benefits of incorporating read-alouds into literacy instruction. He emphasizes that reading aloud helps build vocabulary, expand perspectives, and develop empathy. Laminack also provides guidelines for making the read-aloud experience engaging, including using tone, pacing, intensity, and mood to bring stori...

Today we interview my Aunt.

Having intentional conversations with students matters because if you can find out what students are interested in, then you can more thoughtfully plan and design instruction that includes students' interests, therefore, increasing student engagement.

This episode is the finale of season 1 of the Lit Lab. In today's episode, we interview Vicki Davis. She truly is a top educational influencer. She's an educator and IT Director at Sherwood Christian Academy in Albany, GA. She travels and speaks worldwide with tech giants like Microsoft and Google. She hosts the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and interviews teachers around the world. THANKS, VI...

Dive into the enchanting world of literature with our latest episode on the Lit Lab podcast! In this captivating installment, we explore the art of enhancing read-aloud sessions and book club discussions by adding a touch of magic through meaningful mementos connected to the featured book. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind transforming ordinary reading experiences into unforgettable journey...

Today we talk all about poetry workshop...

Discover the profound impact of storytelling and learn how it shapes not only writing skills but also the lives of young students. Brandt sheds light on how the writer's notebook serves as a haven for creative thoughts, rough drafts, and the seeds of future masterpieces. By incorporating the writer's notebook into your teaching toolkit, you can inspire a lifelong love of writing and encour...

Join us in this episode of Lit Lab as we embark on a thrilling exploration of the enchanting world of interactive read-alouds. Discover the transformative power of shared storytelling, and learn the art of turning every reading session into a dynamic, collaborative experience. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or avid reader, our episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring anecdotes, and...

Say goodbye to the once-a-year stress and embrace a continuous adventure in grades 3-6 classrooms. Discover practical insights, humor, and expert tips that transform testing into an engaging narrative, fostering resilience and positive learning throughout the entire school year. Season 1 Episode 5

Just a quick reminder to our listeners!!

Join us as we delve into the professional nuances of crafting book talks that inspire, fostering a reading community that transcends the ordinary. Whether you're an educator seeking to enhance your teaching approach or a parent interested in fostering a literary environment at home, this episode provides valuable insights for elevating the world of education through the magic of book talks. Tu...

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the captivating world of classroom libraries and their pivotal role in shaping young minds. Join us as we explore two essential aspects of fostering a love for reading and bolstering students' learning journeys: curating a diverse collection of books to build crucial background knowledge and the undeniable importance of decodable books in early liter...

Join us as we explore the power of classroom libraries and the crucial role of reading interest inventories. Discover how teachers curate diverse book collections to captivate young minds and learn how personalized reading profiles inspire a lifelong love for learning. If you're passionate about nurturing readers, this podcast is your essential guide. Tune in to "The Lit Lab" and unl...

Rhonda Hayes offers suggestions for teachers to consider when setting up a classroom. Co-host, Brandt McCurdy, Rhonda's grandson, gives a student perspective as a sixth-grade student.