Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ™

Episode 228 If you’ve ever wondered how to help your students decode longer words, this episode is for you! We’re joined by literacy researcher and professor Devin Kearns to talk all about teaching multisyllabic words.Many phonics programs focus on single-syllable words, but what happens when students hit big words and get stuck? Devin unpacks the research behind why that happens and what we can do instead. We talk about:flexible decoding strategies,when and how to teach syllables and morphemes,and what “set for variability” really looks like in the classroom (spoiler: it’s not guessing!).You’ll walk away with practical, research-backed ideas to help your students read longer words with confidence.Devin M. Kearns, Ph.D., is the Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Early Literacy at NC State, where he studies early reading and collaborates with experts in psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience to explore the brain basis of reading.RESOURCESHelping Students With Dyslexia Read Long Words: Using Syllables and Morphemes by Devin M. Kearns and Victoria M. WhaleySyllable Division: New Data that Can Inform Intervention by Joanne Marttila Pierson, Ph.D., CCC-SLPOn Eating Elephants and Teaching Syllabication by Tim Shanahan We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Episode 227In this episode, Jan Hasbrouck discusses the critical components of reading fluency, focusing on automaticity and its measurement through words correct per minute (WCPM). The discussion highlights the relationship between fluency and comprehension, the role of oral reading fluency in assessing student progress, and the importance of frequent assessments in the classroom. Jan also reflects on recent research findings from NAEP scores that challenge previous assumptions about fluency and automaticity, emphasizing the need for educators to adapt their understanding and practices based on evolving research.  The discussion also touches on the debate between repeated reading and wide reading, advocating for an approach to reading instruction that incorporates both methods. Hasbrouck encourages educators to embrace continuous learning and adapt their teaching strategies based on evolving research.Resources Hasbrouck Tindal 2017 ORF Norms Chart2018 NAEP Oral Reading Fluency Study by White, S., et. al. Listen to more Melissa & Lori podcast episodes on Fluency!  We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

In this engaging discussion, renowned author Maryanne Wolf, a leader in dyslexia research, joins former teacher Melissa Orkin, who has collaborated with Wolf for 15 years. They delve into the vital concept of reading fluency, emphasizing its impact on comprehension and social-emotional well-being, especially for struggling readers. They introduce the innovative POSSUM approach, which integrates various aspects of word knowledge, helping educators adopt holistic strategies for teaching reading and ensuring that students thrive in their literacy journeys.

Virginia Quinn Mooney, a dedicated first-grade teacher, dives into the essentials of reading fluency for young learners. She emphasizes the significance of fluency in enhancing comprehension and shares dynamic strategies, like partner reading and engaging read-alouds. Virginia highlights the power of expression and prosody, recommending the incorporation of songs and poems for richer reading experiences. Her insights are invaluable for educators seeking to foster confident, independent readers in their classrooms.

Aaron Grossman, a fourth-grade teacher passionate about enhancing reading skills, shares insights on transforming fluency instruction. He introduces a structured five-day protocol using Reader’s Theater, which boosts student engagement through performance-based learning. The discussion covers how repeated reading fosters fluency, the value of students creating their own scripts, and effective strategies for varying reading levels. Listeners will uncover actionable tips for making literacy skills more dynamic and accessible in the classroom.

In this engaging discussion, Chase Young, an author and literacy researcher, dives into the transformative power of Reader's Theater in the classroom. He advocates for structured practice to enhance fluency and expression while exploring how this method can integrate with various subjects. Young highlights the importance of choosing challenging texts and the role of repetition in scaffolding skills. He also shares strategies for tackling vocabulary, using the tale of 'Rumpelstiltskin' as a case study, making reading both fun and effective for students.

Episode 224 Helping students become fluent, confident readers isn’t always easy—especially when they’re still sounding out words and struggling with comprehension. That’s why Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques (SPORT) is a game-changer.In this episode, we’re joined by Jake Downs, assistant professor at Utah State University and host of the Teaching Literacy podcast, to break down: ✅ What SPORT is and why it works ✅ How to implement it tomorrow with minimal prep ✅ The research behind fluency, comprehension, and confidence gainsIf you're looking for a practical, evidence-based way to help students become stronger readers, this episode is for you! 🎧RESOURCES "Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques: Supporting Developing Readers in Connected Text" by Jake Downs and Kathleen Mohr   We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Julie Washington, a UC Irvine professor and expert on language and literacy, shares her insights into the intersection of language variations and reading instruction. She emphasizes that language diversity, particularly African American English, should be seen as a strength in literacy education. The discussion covers strategies for embracing students’ linguistic backgrounds to improve comprehension and engagement. Julie advocates for high expectations while addressing the biases educators may hold, ultimately aiming to empower diverse learners through inclusive practices.

Antonio Fierro, a literacy expert focused on English learners, and Gabi Bell Jimenez, a specialist in language and literacy development, share invaluable insights on effective reading instruction. They emphasize the need to embed language development in literacy teaching from the start, avoiding the trap of oversimplification. The duo discusses practical strategies like using vivid imagery and real-world connections to enhance comprehension. They believe in building language skills incrementally, ensuring all learners thrive through rigorous, engaging content.

Episode 222In this episode, teacher coach Margarita shares effective strategies for leveraging students' native languages to enhance their learning in the classroom. She discusses the importance of making cross-linguistic connections, structured routines like QSSSA for speaking, and vocabulary strategies that include cognates. She also explains writing techniques such as the APE method and reading comprehension strategies like STAR, all aimed at supporting emergent bilinguals in their academic journey. Margarita shares her insights on effective reading routines, the importance of language functions, and strategies for grouping students in intervention blocks. She emphasizes the role of teacher training and support in enhancing student learning, particularly for multilingual learners. The discussion also covers the structure of intervention blocks and the significance of familiar topics in language acquisition. Margarita concludes with practical tips for educators working with diverse language backgrounds. We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.