What does it really mean to be “set for variability”? In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz of Informed Literacy to break down this complex-sounding but classroom-friendly concept. Together, they demystify set for variability, explore its role in decoding, and share practical classroom examples.

If you’ve ever wondered how to support students in correcting their own mispronunciations or how to help them flex vowel sounds when the code doesn’t quite match the pronunciation, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies.

Key Takeaways:

What “set for variability” actually means (in teacher terms)
Why strong decoding is the first step—and flexibility is the second
When and how to support struggling readers using this approach
How SSV differs from guessing or 3-cueing
How to build flexibility through small-group cues, hand motions, and sentence context
Why “the world is not decodable”—and what that means for our instruction

Resources Mentioned:

Informed Literacy Blog Post: What is Set for Variability and Why is it Important?
Informed Literacy Decodables: Jen & Wendy are offering a coupon code: COLOR2025 for one month (until September 2025) just for you! When you purchase a set of their hardcopy decodables, you will get our Supplemental Resource pack for free (You need to put the decodables and the supplemental resource pack into the cart and enter the coupon code: COLOR2025)
Informed Literacy Decodable Book Freebie

Helpful References:

Connect with Jen & Wendy from Informed Literacy:

Website: InformedLiteracy.com
Instagram: @informedlit
Informed Literacy on YouTube
Facebook: @informedlit
Pinterest: @informedlit
Informed Literacy Decodables: Use coupon code: COLOR2025 for one month (until September 2025) for a free Supplemental Resource pack when purchasing their hardcopy decodables. (You need to put the decodables and the supplemental resource pack into the cart and enter the coupon code: COLOR2025)
Informed Literacy Decodable Book Freebie
Email: support@informedliteracy.com

Connect with Michelle:

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