Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

In this solo episode, we take an honest, unflinching look at what are traditionally called Kindergarten Reading Levels: Guided Reading Levels A, B, C, and D — and why these levels do not reflect how children actually learn to read.If you’re a kindergarten teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or a parent of a beginning reader, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been craving.Key Takeaways: Where these levels came from and what they were actually designed to measureWhy predictable texts are more about the “illusion of reading” than actual readingWhy picture-cueing, pattern memorization, and MSV underlie these early levelsWhy a student can “read” a Level D text but not decode a CVC wordWhat proponents of Guided Reading say about finger-pointingWhy these texts are fundamentally misaligned with the reading brainWhat to do instead to support true early reading developmentAnd yes — we can absolutely preserve the joy of reading without predictable pattern books.If your school or district is beginning to shift away from Balanced Literacy, Kindergarten is a wonderful place to start. When we remove the pressure of arbitrary, misaligned “levels” and instead equip kids with the code of our language, we give them true access to reading — not the performance of it.Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

In this powerful episode, Michelle is joined by legendary reading experts Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter, Founding Partners at Readsters. With more than 40 years of experience helping struggling readers — from kindergarten through adulthood — Linda and Michael break down what effective intervention truly looks like, why older learners often continue to slip through the cracks, and how to use assessment, precision, and patience to help every student become a reader. This episode is filled with practical wisdom, honest insights, and encouragement for every educator working with older students who need foundational reading support.Key Takeaways:Why older readers still struggle despite “years of instruction”The purpose & power of diagnostic assessmentWhat effective intervention really looks likeWhy motivation & respect matter deeplyReassurance that “It Is Never Too Late”Resources Mentioned:Readsters Website: www.readsters.comFree Resources on their WebsiteBook: Working Memory and Learning by Susan Gathercole & Tracy Packiam AllowayThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Linda & Michael of Readsters:Website: www.readsters.comEmail Michael Hunter: michael@readsters.comEmail Linda Farrell: linda@readsters.comConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

In this episode, Michelle talks with Dr. Julia Lindsey about her brand-new book “Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading ”, a practical guide to designing effective small-group instruction with the Science of Reading in mind. Julia shares her journey to researcher and author, and explains why the “leveled-text ladder” needs to be left behind. Together they explore how to use small groups with purpose, the data that should drive them, and the mindset shifts teachers need to make every minute of instruction count.Key Takeaways:Small groups are most powerful when they’re targeted, built around clear goals, practice, and feedback.“Guided reading” levels don’t predict growth; what matters is matching instruction to the next skill students need.Data should reveal what to teach, not just who is behind. Group by need, not by label.Flexible groupings, short bursts of focused practice, and clear feedback create more learning in less time.The purpose of small-group instruction is not to fill a time block; it’s to accelerate access to grade-level learning.Resources Mentioned:Reading Above the Fray by Dr. Julia B. Lindsey (Scholastic’s Science of Reading in Practice Series)Small Groups, Big Results by Dr. Julia B. Lindsey (Scholastic’s Science of Reading in Practice Series)Beyond Decodables: free content-rich decodable textsRock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay Kemeny (Scholastic’s Science of Reading in Practice Series)This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Dr. Julia B. Lindsey:Website: juliablindsey.comInstagram: @juliablindseyFacebookLinkedInXConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed teaching writing, you’re not alone. In this episode, Michelle sits down with educator, author, and founder of Reimagine Writing, LaNesha Tabb, to talk about her framework in building confident, independent writers.For years, LaNesha admits she either “barely taught writing” or avoided it altogether — not because she didn’t care, but because it felt impossible to manage. That all changed when she created a simple yet powerful framework that turned chaos into clarity and helped her students finally thrive as writers.Key Takeaways:Why so many teachers feel underprepared to teach writingHow the science of writing and the science of learning informs her workWhat it means to have a framework — not just a bunch of strategiesHow checklists, chants, and routines can build independence in your writing blockWhy focusing on the process first helps students internalize everything elseConnect with LaNesha Tabb:Website: laneshatabb.comFree writing guide: https://laneshatabb.com/rock-the-writing-block/Reimagine Writing: www.reimaginewritingprogram.comInstagram: @lanesha_tabbConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and today’s conversation shines a light on the power of online instruction to reach and teach our one in five students with dyslexia.In this episode, I’m chatting with Michelle Breitenbach, founder of Read to Rewire, certified dyslexia practitioner, and creator of the Online with Ease Academy, where she trains teachers to bring multisensory, structured literacy instruction to life virtually. After leaving the classroom due to health challenges, Michelle discovered her purpose helping children and educators worldwide through high-quality, human-centered online tutoring.We discuss how to make virtual lessons feel just as personal and powerful as in-person ones — emphasizing connection, simplicity, and structure. Michelle shares heartwarming stories of students who have thrived online, and offers practical advice for teachers and parents alike.Key Takeaways:The prevalence of dyslexia and the urgent need for early identificationWhy online instruction can expand access and reduce barriers for familiesHow to create engaging, multisensory virtual lessons that feel humanCommon pitfalls of “the virtual highway” (and how to avoid them)Practical advice for teachers seeking flexibility and freedom through online workConnect with Michelle Breitenbach:Website: Read to RewireInstagram: @readtorewireFree Guide: From Teacher to Online with EaseFree Masterclass7-Day Access to her TrainingWaitlist to Join: Online with Ease🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

Literacy in Color is officially ONE year old!I’d like to start this anniversary episode from a place of gratitude with a huge THANK YOU to my Top 10 Guest Episodes of the Year: Dr. Stephanie Stollar, Justin Browning, Lindsay Kemeny, Sarah Paul, Fiona Hamilton with Rebecca Loveless, Dr. David Kilpatrick, Dr. Molly Ness, Dr. Treasa Bowe, Christina Winter, and Jake Daggett.To celebrate this milestone, I’m joining in on the “Betrayal Trend” and sharing my Science of Reading Betrayal List: 12 practices or ideas that, in my view, hold us back from truly moving literacy forward. Of course, I’ll unpack each one with context (and compassion).Here’s a sneak peek at what made my betrayal list:Rebalancing Balanced LiteracyMemorizing Lists of “Sight Words”Using Predictable Texts for Beginning ReadersSkipping Handwriting InstructionToo Much Teacher TalkSaying Morphology is just “Teaching Affixes”Forgetting About LanguageTelling a Student with Dyslexia to “Try Harder”Claiming Everything We Do Has to Be “Research-Based”Letting One Study Make Us Pivot EverythingFighting within Science of Reading CirclesCalling the Science of Reading a Pendulum SwingLooking forward to what’s next for Literacy in Color!Support the Show Here!Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and every Friday Michelle is highlighting voices who are changing the landscape for students with dyslexia and their families.In this episode, Michelle sits down with Melanie Brethour, a Montreal-based resource teacher, founder of Decoding Dyslexia Quebec, and the voice behind Soar With Dyslexia. Inspired by her son’s journey with dyslexia, Melanie has become a leading advocate for parent empowerment, teacher training, and evidence-based instruction.Key Takeaways:The power of parent advocacy and how to navigate systems that say “wait and see.”Why early identification and intervention are acts of equity.How parents and teachers can work together to support struggling readers.What Melanie has learned about balancing her teacher and parent lenses.Why reading is a human right and what needs to shift in schools and teacher prep programs to make that a reality.Resources Mentioned:National Center on Improving Literacy - Resources for FamiliesInternational Dyslexia Association (IDA) – Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should KnowDecoding Dyslexia – grassroots advocacy networkMelanie’s Link Tree - with a ton of resources!Connect with Melanie Brethour:Melanie’s Decoding Dyslexia - Quebec Facebook PageInstagram: @soarwithdyslexia LinkedInX🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

How does the brain actually learn or remember something new? In this fascinating episode of Literacy in Color, Dr. Shane Saeed joins Michelle to break down the Science of Learning in a way that’s simple, practical, and classroom-ready.Shane is an Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator, national presenter, and author who has spent years helping teachers translate research into action. Together, they explore how memory, retrieval, metacognition, and productive struggle shape student learning, and how teachers can design instruction that sticks.Key Takeaways:The difference between short-term, working, and long-term memoryThe importance of retrieval practice, as well as paced and interleaved practice to deepen understandingWhat metacognition looks like in the classroom (and why it’s critical for student ownership)How to design lessons that minimize cognitive overload and maximize retentionWhy “desirable difficulties” are the sweet spot between challenge and frustrationWhether you teach kindergarten phonics or high school history, this episode will leave you with practical takeaways and a renewed appreciation for how the brain learns best.Resources Mentioned:Powerful Teaching by Dr. Pooja Agarwal & Patrice BainSmart Teaching, Stronger Learning by Pooja AgarwalRetrieval Practice by Kate JonesOutsmart Your Brain by Dan WillinghamUncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, & Terrence SejnowskiHarnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel SwainThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Dr. Shane Saeed:Instagram:  @drshanesaeedTikTok: @drshanesaeedTwitter/X: @drshanesaeedCheck out her book: Be the FlameConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

In this Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by Jean Peake, Lower School Literacy Specialist and Orton-Gillingham Practitioner. Jean shares about the importance of early screening, diagnostic assessments, and data-driven interventions – especially for those with dyslexia. Jean’s insights are both practical and heart-centered, reminding us that literacy work is about more than data. It’s about protecting the hearts of the students we serve. Key Takeaways:Why universal screening for all students is essentialWhat to look for when analyzing assessment data beyond “on grade level” labelsPractical, high-impact classroom strategies that support dyslexic learners — and truly benefit all studentsHow to partner with parents in ways that are empathetic, clear, and empoweringResources Mentioned:International Dyslexia AssociationConnect with Jean:Instagram → @myreadingjeanieWebsite → https://myreadingjeanie.com/🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

Research should guide our teaching, but too often, it feels locked away in academic journals, filled with jargon, or disconnected from classroom realities.In this episode of Literacy in Color, I talk with Dr. Neena Saha: educator, researcher, EdTech innovator, and creator of the Reading Research Recap. She’s on a mission to make reading research clear, digestible, and actionable for teachers. So, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by academic papers, or wondered how to tell whether research is relevant, this episode will help you feel more confident as a critical consumer of evidence.Key Takeaways:Why accessing research is harder than it should be and the barriers teachers face.The different types of studies (correlational, experimental, randomized control trials) and how to interpret them.What “peer-reviewed” really means and why it’s only the starting line for credible research.Red flags to watch for when you hear claims like “everything I do is research-based.”Neena’s hopes for dismantling the wall between research and practice, and what needs to shift at the system level.Resources Mentioned & How to Connect with Dr. Neena Saha:Reading Research Recap on YouTubeNeena’s Top Reading Research Picks for July 2025Dr. Neena Saha on LinkedInConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator