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

In this episode, Kristina Harrill, founder of Sweet for Kindergarten, joins me to share her passion for phonemic awareness and hands-on learning. We discuss the importance of bridging phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, debunk the myth that phonemic awareness has to be done in the dark, and dive into engaging, multisensory activities teachers can implement right away. Whether you’re an educator or a parent, this episode is packed with practical tips and tools to make phonemic awareness fun and impactful.Key Takeaways:Myth Busting about Phonemic AwarenessConnecting Phonemic Awareness to Phonics3 Hands-On Activities for BlendingResources Mentioned:FREE 3-Day Video Series on the Power of Phonemic Awareness: www.sweetforkindergarten.com/power (Use code PODCAST for $5 off!)Griffith and Olson Article (1992) - “Phonemic awareness helps beginning readers break the code”Connect with Kristina HarrillWebsite: https://sweetforkindergarten.com/Instagram: @KristinaHarrill and @SweetforKindergartenTPT Store: Sweet for Kindergarten - Kristina Harrill Facebook: Kindergarten Tips & TricksEmail: kristina@sweetforkindergarten.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

Dr. Stephanie Stollar, co-author of 'MTSS for Reading Improvement' and founder of Reading Science Academy, dives deep into the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). She clarifies that MTSS isn't just an intervention model but a holistic framework for literacy improvement. Stollar discusses the importance of data-driven decisions and effective core teaching, while debunking myths about the system. The conversation also touches on proactive strategies for special education and the need for collaboration among educators to enhance student outcomes.

What exactly is the schwa sound, and why is it such an important part of the English language? Yvette Manns, author of the Phonics Read-Alouds series and founder of National Schwa Day, joins me to dive deep into everything schwa—what it is, how it functions in words, and why teaching it explicitly is a game-changer for reading and spelling instruction. We also chat about the official National Schwa Day, how teachers can celebrate, and fun, engaging strategies to help students understand this “not-so-lazy” vowel sound!Key Takeaways:What is the Schwa Sound?Why Teaching Schwa MattersHow to Teach Schwa EffectivelyCelebrating National Schwa Day!Resources Mentioned:FREE National Schwa Day Educator Toolkit (FREE 43-page resource!)  - Download the toolkit and celebrate National Schwa Day on April 7th!National Schwa Day Website: https://nationalschwaday.org/The Not-So-Lazy-Schwa Book written by Yvette MannsPhonics Read-Alouds Series Website – PhonicsReadAlouds.comPhonics Read-Alouds Series on AmazonThe Viral 44 Phonemes Video featuring Yvette Manns – Watch on YouTubeSlant System PassagesFrom Speech to Print - Dr. Louisa MoatsSee Yvette & I present at the Science of Reading Mini-Con Conference - July 10th, 2025 in Racine, WI!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 Yvette Manns:Website: https://www.yvettemanns.com/Instagram: @phonicsreadaloudsFacebook: Phonics Read-AloudTikTok :@PhonicsReadAloudsEmail: info@phonicsreadalouds.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

Morphology is one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, components of your literacy block. In this episode, I break down the basics of morphology and explain why it’s essential for structured literacy to help students read, spell, and understand words more effectively. If you’ve ever wondered why students struggle with multisyllabic words, spelling patterns, or vocabulary — morphology might just be the missing piece!Key Takeaways:What is Morphology?Different Types of MorphemesHow Morphology Supports Reading & SpellingWhy Morphology Matters in Structured LiteracyResources Mentioned:The Colorful Literacy Toolkit Membership Sue Hegland’s Book: Beneath the Surface of Words: What English Spelling Reveals and Why It Matters By Sue HeglandThis 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!Other Helpful Resources:FREE Word Matrix & Word Sums TemplateLatin Word Matrices BundleMEGA Morphology Growing BundleFREE Guide: Phonics & Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to KnowConnect 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

Brittany and Jackie from Hooked on Comics join us to discuss why decodable texts are essential for building foundational reading skills. We dive into what makes a text truly decodable, how these texts support structured literacy, and their unique approach to creating engaging decodable comics. Whether you’re new to using decodable texts or looking for creative ways to integrate them into your instruction, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration.Key Takeaways:What are Decodable Texts?Why Decodable Texts MatterWhat Sets Hooked on Comics ApartTips for Using Decodables in the Classroom:Resources Mentioned:FREE: Brittany & Jackie have 4 FREE comics available for download in their TPT store! Their comics have also been vetted and approved by the Reading League!Sold a Story PodcastFREE: UFLI Decodable PassagesThe Reading League’s Vetted Decodable Text ListIMSE (Institute for Multi-Sensory Education)’s Digital ResourcesActive View of ReadingWhere to Find Hooked on Comics:Website: https://www.hookedoncomics.org/Instagram: @Hooked.On.ComicsTikTok: @HookedOnComicsTeachers Pay Teachers Store: Hooked on ComicsEmail: phonicscomics@gmail.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 of the Literacy in Color podcast, Michelle Sullivan, Sarah Paul, and Savannah Campbell join forces for a morphology roundtable discussion! They’re answering some of your most pressing morphology questions from social media:Why does teaching morphology matter?When should we begin teaching morphology, and how can it be introduced to younger learners in developmentally appropriate ways?What is a Word Matrix? What are Word Sums?Is there a specific scope and sequence we should follow? Do you use the word “morpheme” with your students?What might a morphology lesson look like in action? Step-by-step?They not only share practical strategies & suggestions for teaching morphology, but they also provide recommended resources to help you deepen your knowledge about morphology as well.If you enjoyed this conversation, check out Michelle, Sarah & Savannah at the upcoming Unlocking SOR Conference this March 2025!Resources Mentioned:Savannah’s Book Recommendation: Everything You Want to Know & Exactly Where to Find It by William Van CleaveSarah’s Book Recommendation: Beneath the Surface of Words: What English Spelling Reveals and Why It Matters By Sue HeglandMichelle’s Book Recommendation: Teaching How the Written Word Works By Peter BowersSarah’s Morphology Blog: Understanding Morphology: Part 1Sarah’s Morphology Blog: Teaching Morphology to Beginning ReadersSavannah’s Morphology Resource: Morphology Interactive Notebooks BundleMichelle’s Morphology Resource: Greek and Latin Root of the Week Posters BUNDLEMichelle’s IG Posts - Breaking Down the Made-Up Words in Wicked (Part 1 & Part 2)Morphology Meta-Analysis: “The effects of morphological instruction on literacy skills: A systematic review of the literature” - Bowers, Kirby, & Deacon (2010) *Lives behind a paywall.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!Other Helpful Resources:Michelle’s FREE Word Matrix & Word Sums TemplateMichelle’s Latin Word Matrices BundleMichelle’s MEGA Morphology Growing BundleMichelle’s FREE Guide: Phonics & Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to KnowWord Works Kingston Website about Structured Word Inquiry (Pete Bowers)FREE: Morphology Matters by William Van CleaveEtymonlineNeil Ramsden FREE Mini Matrix-MakerConnect with Sarah Paul:WebsiteInstagramTPT StoreConnect with Savannah Campbell:Podcast: Creating Readers with Savannah CampbellWebsiteInstagramTPT StoreConnect 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

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_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

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_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

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_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 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_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