Shanahan on Literacy

Many kids only want to read graphic novels. Is that a problem? This podcast explores the pluses and minuses of graphic novels when it comes to learning to read. It includes practical suggestions for parents and teachers.

The podcast dives into the ongoing debate surrounding reading instruction methods. It questions the effectiveness of small group teaching compared to whole-class approaches. Research findings reveal surprising drawbacks of small group strategies, pushing educators to rethink their methods. The discussion highlights the importance of equitable learning opportunities, especially for disadvantaged students. Tune in for insights that challenge conventional wisdom and aim to reshape reading education.

Discover the vital role of summer reading in children's literacy development. Dive into creative strategies like forming book clubs and letter exchanges to keep young readers engaged. Learn how to leverage local resources such as libraries and parks to foster a love for reading. With book recommendations tailored for different age groups, this conversation inspires parents to cultivate an enriching reading environment at home. Join in on the fun of exploring both fiction and non-fiction during those sunny months!

Children on the autism spectrum (ASD) present some interesting challenges when it comes to reading instruction. Part 1 of this series considered the difficulties that these children may have with decoding -- despite the fact that there are a surprising number who have hyperlexia, especially good decoding ability. However, most of these students struggle more with comprehension than decoding and this podcast explores what their comprehension problems tend to be and how they might be addressed.

More and more kids are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum and this challenge has important consequences for learning to read. This podcast explores the implications this has for teaching reading -- both to kids on the spectrum and to everyone else.

These days there is much interest in reading fluency as educators have become aware of the important contribution it makes to reading proficiency. However, writing fluency is not accorded the same attention -- undermining writing development and what it can contribute to learning to read. This podcast explores writing fluency -- what it is, why it matters, and most importantly how to teach it successfully.

This podcast explores a series of question about sight vocabulary, its role in reading development, and how it is best dealt with in the classroom.

This podcast explores the relationship between phonics teaching and morphology instruction. Some authorities suggest that morphology should replace phonics, while others see it as a supplement to phonics that should be delayed until decoding is well in hand.

Discover innovative teaching practices that transform reading comprehension. Explore how knowledge, language structure, and strategic instruction can enhance students' understanding of complex texts. Uncover why traditional questioning formats fall short and learn effective routines that empower students to pinpoint key elements in texts. Emphasis is placed on the role of challenging reading materials in fostering growth and the impact of intentional instruction on comprehension skills.

There is new research into how much reading comprehension student are receiving. To carry out such studies requires the researchers to define what they mean by comprehension instruction... and that's where it gets interesting. This first of a two-part podcast explores what it means to teach reading comprehension in the Science of Reading era.