Shanahan on Literacy

This podcast explores a parent's homework complaint. Her first grader is to do a 1-minute read each evening, and parents are to time it and calculate words correct per minute. Is this a good idea or something more nefarious? Tune in and find out.

Usually reading seatwork is work aimed at keeping kids busy rather than teaching them. This podcast suggests some ways to make seatwork a plus rather than a minus when it comes to reading achievement.

Explore the intriguing balance between the science of reading and the art of teaching. Discover how scientific research shapes educational practices while emphasizing the importance of empathy and personal connection in the classroom. Learn how these two elements can coexist and enhance student learning, creating a more holistic approach to literacy.

There are arguments in reading circles about the best way to teach phonics -- should the focus be on decoding from print to speech (like someone sounding out a word) or from speech to print (like someone trying to spell). This podcast will explore the evidence on both sides.

Discover the concept of 'graficacy' and its critical role in education. The discussion reveals how students can learn to interpret graphics in subjects like science and social studies. Explore the potential distractions visuals may pose for early readers. Learn how integrating graphics can enhance reading comprehension and lead to more enriching classroom discussions. This insightful conversation emphasizes the importance of teaching both textual and visual analysis skills for deeper learning.

Discover the significance of oral reading fluency in education and why it matters. Learn effective strategies for teaching fluency, including how to select the right texts. Get tips on pairing kids for reading practice and understanding the level of fluency required. This insightful dialogue emphasizes a renewed focus on fluency instruction in classrooms, ensuring educators have practical advice at their fingertips.

This discussion dives into the complexities of engaging above grade-level readers in classrooms. Strategies like literature circles and project-based instruction are highlighted to meet their advanced needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of challenging texts, even for those who already excel in reading. Insights into school policies reveal their impact on instructional methods. The goal is to ensure all students are supported without neglecting the advanced learners who thirst for more challenging material.

Many school districts are shifting to a four-day week, pondering its impact on reading achievement. The discussion highlights how fewer instructional days could potentially affect learning, yet improved attendance and teaching quality might offset negative effects. It dives into the critical role of effective classroom time and urges a reevaluation of traditional teaching methods. Listeners are encouraged to consider research that challenges the status quo, aiming for more targeted and impactful educational strategies.

Many phonics proponents claim that the best way to teach phonics is multi-sensorilly with tracing and similar activities. This podcast reveals what research studies have to say about those claims.

The discussion dives into the effectiveness of choral reading in developing oral reading fluency. Teachers share their positive and critical experiences, highlighting the need for personalized reading strategies. Practical tips for enhancing choral reading practices are also offered, sparking a debate on its true value in literacy instruction.