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

Why is reading fluency important? Dr. Heather Kenny from Unleashed Innovation joins me to unpack the critical role of fluency in reading development. Together, we explore why fluency is often described as the bridge between word recognition and language comprehension, discuss research-backed insights, and share actionable strategies to address fluency challenges. Dr. Kenny’s expertise provides clarity on how fluency integrates accuracy, rate, and prosody to drive skilled reading, making this a must-listen episode for all educators.Key Takeaways:Fluency as a BridgeComponents of FluencyChallenges of FluencyIdentifying Fluency StrugglesActionable Fluency StrategiesResources Mentioned:Sounder and Friends AppSounder and Friends on YouTubeReally Great Reading’s Heart Word MethodTop 10 Tips Webinar: A practical webinar for K-2 teachers focused on improving fluency outcomes.FREE Fluency Resource PackWhere to Find Dr. Heather Kenny:Website: Unleashed InnovationUnleashed Innovation: Instagram | FacebookSounder and Friends: Instagram | FacebookEmail: hkenny@unleashed-innovation.comUpcoming Webinar: Top 10 Tips for Building Fluency in Grades K-2This episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies for addressing fluency challenges in the classroom. Tune in to learn how to support your students in becoming skilled, fluent readers!Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

What is reading fluency? Jessica Farmer, a literacy advocate and professional learning facilitator, joins me to discuss the essential role of fluency in reading development. Together, we explore what fluency truly means, why it’s much more than speed, and how teachers can assess and improve fluency in their classrooms. Packed with practical strategies, research-based insights, actionable tips, AND A FREEBIE, this episode is your go-to guide for understanding fluency in the Science of Reading framework.Key Takeaways:Fluency DefinedComponents of FluencyORF (Oral Reading Fluency)Practical Fluency StrategiesResources Mentioned:Jan Hasbrouck and Gerald Tyndall’s National Norms for Oral Reading Fluency (ORF): Reading RocketsDr. Jan Hasbrouck’s Fluency Webinar with The Reading LeagueEmily Hanford’s Article: "At a Loss for Words" Top 10 Tips Webinar: A practical webinar for K-2 teachers focused on improving fluency outcomes.FREE Fluency Resource PackWhere to Find Jessica Farmer:Website: Farmer Loves PhonicsInstagram: @FarmerLovesPhonicsFacebook: @FarmerLovesPhonicsTikTok :@FarmerLovesPhonicsYouTube: @FarmerLovesPhonicsTPT Store: Farmer Loves PhonicsEmail: Jessica@farmerlovesphonics.comUpcoming Webinar: Top 10 Tips for Building Fluency in Grades K-2This episode is perfect for educators who want to better understand fluency and how to implement research-based strategies to support student success. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration!Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

What do you do when reading skills aren’t clicking for your students? Join me and the incredible Naomi O’Brien from Read Like a Rockstar Teaching as we tackle this critical question. Naomi shares her expertise in foundational skills in a structured literacy setting to help educators shift their instruction and support every reader. Whether you’re struggling to meet the needs of diverse learners or looking to deepen your understanding of evidence-based methods, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Naomi’s practical tips and inspiring insights will leave you feeling empowered to make a difference in your classroom to make sure the learning sticks!Key Takeaways:Why Reading Skills Don’t Stick: Naomi explains how faulty methods like memorization can hinder progress and why explicit, systematic phonics instruction is essential for long-term success.The Importance of Trusting the Process: Learn why building foundational skills may feel slow initially but creates lasting reading proficiency.Engaging Strategies for Phonological Awareness and Phonics: Naomi shares fun, interactive methods to boost student engagement and build essential reading skills.How to Address Gaps: Tips for identifying and filling in missing pieces for struggling readers, even if they’re starting behind.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!Resources Mentioned:Naomi O’Brien’s Membership: Systematic Phonics & Phonological AwarenessPhonological Awareness Resources & Information on Naomi’s Website: https://readlikearockstarteaching.com/phonological-awareness/"The Truth About Reading" Documentary: https://www.johncorcoranfoundation.org/watchStanislas Dehaene’s Research: How the Brain Learns to Read on YouTubeStanislas Dehaene’s Book: Reading in the BrainNaomi’s Book: You’ll Never Guess What I’m Thinking AboutNaomi’s Book: You’ll Never Guess What I’m SayingJan Hasbrouck Oral Reading Fluency NormsWhere to Find Naomi O’Brien:Instagram: @readlikearockstarteachingWebsite: https://readlikearockstarteaching.com/Email: readlikearockstarteaching@gmail.comConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

If you’ve been shifting to a Science of Reading approach, you might be wondering: What do I do with all the leveled texts in my classroom library? Should I toss them? Let them collect dust? Fear not—this episode is here to help! Today, we explore 6 practical and intentional ways to repurpose your leveled readers so they align with structured literacy principles. These tips will help you use those books in meaningful ways while staying grounded in the Science of Reading research.Key Takeaways:Reorganize for Knowledge BuildingUse Books as Mentor TextsCover the Words for StorytellingInspire Writing in Small GroupsTeach Grammar & Syntax with Mentor SentencesTap into Vocabulary-Building OpportunitiesConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Elizabeth Doherty, known as The Reading SLP, joins us to discuss the critical role oral language plays in reading development. As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with extensive experience, Elizabeth shares her insights into how oral language connects to reading comprehension, the importance of addressing oral language challenges, and actionable strategies to support language development in schools and at home. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or SLP, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for supporting literacy through the lens of oral language.Key Takeaways:What is Oral Language?Signs of Oral Language ChallengesThe Role of SLPs in Literacy DevelopmentStrategies for Supporting Oral LanguageResources Mentioned:The Critical Role of Oral Language Deficits in Reading Disorders: Reflections on Snowling and Hulme (2021) - Hugh W. CattsLENA: Conversational Turns Build BrainsNELI Language Screening Tool (UK-based initiative by Dr. Margaret Snowling and Dr. Charles Hume)ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Language MilestonesMs. RachelReally Great Reading Vocabulary TrainingSpeech to Print by Louisa MoatsThis 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!Where to Find Elizabeth Doherty:Instagram: @Elizabeth_ReadingSLPWebsite: TheReadingSLP.comElizabeth’s Courses:The Pre-Reading SLP CourseThe Reading SLP CourseThe Dyslexia SLP CourseMultisyllabic Words CourseConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Small group reading instruction is where the magic happens! In this episode, we dive into five actionable tips to help you make the most of your small group time. Whether you're working on phonics, fluency, or comprehension, these strategies will ensure your instruction is intentional, impactful, and student-centered. Get ready to streamline your process and make a bigger difference for your readers this year!Key Takeaways:Tip 1: Prioritize SchedulingTip 2: Follow a Consistent StructureTip 3: Balance Teacher Talk and Student WorkTip 4: Keep Groups Short and SweetTip 5: Build Your Teacher ToolkitResources Mentioned:The Colorful Literacy Toolkit MembershipConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Happy New Year’s Eve! As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and set intentional goals for your teaching practice. In this episode, we’ll turn your passion for the Science of Reading into actionable, achievable goals that will set you and your students up for success in the new year. Together, we’ll reflect on wins and challenges, pick a “Word of the Year” to guide us, and craft SMART goals that will help turn resolutions into results.Whether you’re new to the Science of Reading or a seasoned educator looking to grow, this episode is packed with strategies to help you make 2025 your best teaching year yet!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why setting goals for your Science of Reading journey matters.How to reflect on your 2024 wins and challenges to guide your focus.The importance of choosing a “Word of the Year” as your professional compass.How to craft SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to bring structure and intention to your teaching practice.A step-by-step example of creating a SMART goal tailored to expanding your teaching toolkit with Science of Reading strategies.Links & Resources:Download the FREE Canva Template to create your “Word of the Year” Vision Board as a phone background!Learn more about my upcoming course on orthographic mapping, Word Mapping Mastery!Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

It's Christmas Eve! In today’s special holiday-themed episode, we’re bringing a little winter magic to phonological awareness. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just looking for a festive and educational activity, this interactive episode is for you! Together, we’ll play with sounds and words, engaging in fun phonological awareness activities that include rhyming, blending, segmenting, and so much more—all with a cozy winter theme. While this is just for fun and not aligned with targeted phonics skills, it’s a great way to spark joy and engage in wordplay with your kids or students.Activities Included:Rhyme ProductionSound Isolation (Beginning and Ending Sounds)Blending (Compound Words, Syllables, and Sounds)Segmenting (Syllables, Onset-Rime, and Individual Sounds)SubstitutionSentence SegmentationGrab a cup of cocoa, play along, and enjoy a bit of winter-inspired wordplay!Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

In this heartfelt, powerful, and impactful episode, I am joined by Dr. Jasmine Rogers, a leading national voice in literacy instruction and a trailblazer in culturally competent teaching practices. Dr. Rogers specializes in approaches that affirm Black Language (Black English) in the classroom and has dedicated her career to revolutionizing literacy instruction by honoring every student's linguistic heritage.With nine years of classroom experience in charter and DC Public Schools, Dr. Rogers witnessed firsthand how traditional reading instruction often left Black Language-speaking students behind. Her groundbreaking research at American University’s School of Education challenges long-held misconceptions and shows that even minimal training on Black Language significantly improves teacher effectiveness.In this episode, Dr. Rogers shares insights from her research, discussing how recognizing and celebrating Black Language—rather than correcting it—is essential to honoring students' identities and supporting their academic growth. She explains how Black Language is not a dialect or slang but a fully developed linguistic system with its own phonology, morphology, and syntax, and why we must celebrate this diversity in our classrooms.We dive deep into misconceptions about Black Language, explore the difference between deficit-based and asset-based approaches, and discuss how educators can integrate culturally responsive literacy practices into their teaching - especially in the Structured Literacy classroom. Dr. Rogers introduces the concept of the "Revolutionary Love Response" as a powerful teaching move, emphasizing the importance of affirming students’ linguistic choices while still guiding them toward proficiency in generalized English.This episode is a clarion call for educators to reflect on their teaching practices, embrace linguistic diversity, and create classrooms where every student’s language and identity are celebrated. Dr. Rogers’ mission is clear: to transform literacy instruction by affirming students' linguistic heritage, and in this conversation, she equips us with the knowledge & tools to get us started.Resources Mentioned:Linguistic Justice by Dr. April Baker Bell Black Communications and Learning to Read by Terry Meier Revolutionary Love: Creating a Culturally Inclusive Classroom by Kamania Wynter-Hoyte, Eliza Braden, and Michele Meyers Dr. Megan-Brette Hamilton’s WebsiteDr. Megan-Brette Hamilton’s Podcast: Honeybee Connection Podcast by MBDr. Dionna Latimer-Hearn’s WebsiteDr. Dionna Latimer-Hearn’s Podcast: The Culture We SpeakThis 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!Where to Find Dr. Jasmine Rogers:DC Reading ClinicWebsite: www.jasminerogers.com LinkedIn: Jasmine RogersTwitter/x: @drj_indc IG & Threads: @drj_indc

We’re wrapping up this Literacy Coaching Conversations series with my good friend and colleague, Alison Kantor, a literacy coach and Orton-Gillingham trainer, to discuss the unique and impactful role of a literacy coach. Alison shares her journey from classroom teacher to literacy coach, her daily responsibilities, and her strategies for supporting teachers as they navigate the shift from Balanced Literacy to Structured Literacy. Whether you’re a new coach or a seasoned veteran, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.Key Takeaways:A Day in the Life of a Literacy CoachBuilding Trust with TeachersImpactful Coaching MomentsResources Mentioned:Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Center for Dyslexia StudiesHeggerty Phonemic Awareness ProgramTools for Literacy Coaches:Google Calendar: Alison’s top recommendation for staying organized and following through on commitments.A Mobile “Tackle Box”: Filled with literacy materials like letter cards, mini whiteboards, and manipulatives to model strategies with teachers.Professional Development: Resources like blogs, podcasts, and coaching communities to stay up-to-date and continue learning.Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership