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

Join me as we explore the Language Comprehension side of Scarborough’s Reading Rope, a critical yet often under-discussed component in the Science of Reading. While Word Recognition gets much of the spotlight, Language Comprehension is equally vital for developing skilled readers. We’ll unpack the five strands of this half of the rope—Background Knowledge, Vocabulary, Language Structures, Verbal Reasoning, and Literacy Knowledge—and discuss how they work together to foster deep reading comprehension.Five Strands of Language Comprehension:Background KnowledgeVocabularyLanguage StructuresVerbal ReasoningLiteracy KnowledgeRelated Episodes:Episode 7: Unraveling Scarborough’s Rope: Word RecognitionResources Mentioned:The Simple View of Reading (from Reading Rockets)Scarborough’s Reading Rope (from Really Great Reading)The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy HennessyShifting the Balance for Grades 3-5 by Katie Egan Cunningham, Jan Burkins and Kari YatesThis 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 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 welcomes Alicia Drozd, a literacy coach and leader at the Rutgers University Center for Literacy Development, to discuss the art of delivering meaningful and well-received feedback to teachers. They explore the nuances of giving feedback that not only supports growth but fosters trust and collaboration. Alicia shares her insights on the importance of ongoing communication, how to handle resistance from teachers, and why building relationships is the key to successful coaching. Whether you're a coach looking to improve your feedback strategies or a teacher interested in receiving feedback more effectively, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Alicia's coaching journey began and what inspired her to pursue literacy coaching.Why having an open mind and curiosity are two of the most important qualities a coach can have.Practical advice for delivering feedback that is both meaningful and well-received by teachers.How to ensure feedback is specific, actionable, and implemented effectively.The role of ongoing communication in maintaining strong coaching relationships throughout the year.Strategies for handling resistance or defensiveness when delivering feedback.Key Takeaways:Feedback Should Be a Conversation: It’s not a monologue of what a teacher did right or wrong. Engage teachers in a dialogue where they reflect on their instruction, and together, create a plan for improvement.Ongoing Communication is Essential: Coaching is built on relationships, and staying connected with teachers throughout the year fosters trust and openness to feedback.Handle Resistance with Empathy: If a teacher is defensive, pause and assess. Understand why they might be resistant and find a way to meet them where they are.Resources Mentioned:Tim Shanahan's BlogTim Shanahan’s Podcast: Shanahan on LiteracyJohn Hattie’s Research on Effect SizesRutgers Center for Literacy DevelopmentRutgers Center for Literacy Development’s Leader Leaders Institute Tools for Literacy Coaches:A Personalized Coaching Toolkit: Alicia’s gold zip pencil case filled with sharpies, flare pens, Post-its, and reference sheets—her essential tools for every coaching session.Mentor Texts and Current Research: Coaches should always stay on top of new research and have a go-to list of trusted resources.An Open Mind: Flexibility and curiosity are key tools in every coaching scenario. Alicia emphasizes the importance of being receptive to learning from the teachers you coach.Where to Find Alicia:Instagram: @literacytipstersRutgers Center for Literacy DevelopmentEmail: adrozd.coach@gmail.comThanks for tuning in to this episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode, and stay connected for more expert insights on coaching and literacy development.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

Let’s dive deep into the intricacies of Scarborough’s Reading Rope, focusing specifically on the Word Recognition side. I break down how phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition work together to form the foundation of skilled reading. With insights into each strand, practical examples, and research-based explanations, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of what’ Word Recognition truly encompasses.Key Takeaways:Scarborough’s Reading Rope Explained: Learn how this model, developed by Dr. Hollis Scarborough, show how various subskills of Word Recognition and Language Comprehension intertwine.Phonological Awareness: Discover the different components of phonological awareness, from word and syllable awareness to onset-rime and phonemic awareness, and why these skills are essential for decoding and spelling.Decoding and the Alphabetic Principle: Understand how systematic phonics instruction builds decoding skills and why recognizing the relationship between letters and sounds is foundational for reading success.Sight Recognition: Get clarity on what it means to have words orthographically mapped in the brain, turning high-frequency and other words into instantly recognizable sight words, and how this process supports reading fluency.References Mentioned:The Simple View of Reading (from Reading Rockets)Scarborough’s Reading Rope (from Really Great Reading) David Kilpatrick’s Book:Equipped for Reading Success (re: Orthographic Mapping)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!Thank you for tuning in, and stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll explore the Language Comprehension side of Scarborough’s Rope!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

Michelle sits down with Erin McBride, a seasoned literacy coach who has worked in various educational settings. Together, they explore the power of coaching cycles—how they work, why they're essential, and how they differ from traditional coaching.Erin shares her experiences navigating different coaching environments, from district-wide roles to her current work with the Rutgers Center for Literacy Development. Whether you're a coach, administrator, or teacher, this episode offers practical insights into the role of coaching cycles in driving instructional growth and student success.In this episode, you’ll learn:What a coaching cycle is and why it’s a powerful tool for teacher and student growth.How coaching cycles differ from traditional coaching approaches.Step-by-step guidance on how to run an effective coaching cycle, from goal setting to follow-up.How to prioritize which teachers or grade levels get coaching cycles when your schedule is packed.Tips for working with teachers who may be resistant to coaching or hesitant to engage in a cycle.Key Takeaways:Coaching Cycles are Collaborative: They involve setting mutually agreed-upon goals between coaches and teachers, focusing on both teacher and student development.Rinse and Repeat: Coaching cycles are ongoing processes that include demo lessons, co-teaching, and observation, providing continual feedback and support.Focus on Relationships: Building trust with teachers is key to making coaching successful—teachers are more likely to engage when they feel supported, not judged.Resources Mentioned:Rutgers Center for Literacy DevelopmentRutgers Center for Literacy Development’s Leader Leaders Institute Tools for Literacy Coaches:Bright Colored Paper/Post-its: A fun way to make sure your resources stand out and get noticed by teachers.Mentor Texts: A collection of rich, engaging texts to support teachers in literacy instruction.A Network of Coaches: Connect with other coaches to share ideas, vent, and collaborate—Erin mentions the importance of building this network for support and inspiration.Where to Find Erin:Instagram: @literacytipstersRutgers Center for Literacy DevelopmentThanks for listening to this episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you found this episode helpful.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 episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast, Michelle shares the story and inspiration behind her platform, The Colorful Classroom. From her background in color and design to her passion for literacy, Michelle explores what it means to have a "colorful" classroom. She introduces the acronym COLORFUL: Captivating Our Learners on Reading Fluently and Understanding Language, and dives into three powerful ways to bring color—both literally and figuratively—into literacy instruction. Discover how intentional use of color, language, and energy can create a vibrant, engaging learning environment for students.In this episode, you’ll learn:The backstory behind The Colorful Classroom and how Michelle’s journey in color design influenced her teaching.What it truly means to have a “colorful” classroom in literacy instruction, beyond just the visual aspect.Three strategies to create a COLORFUL classroom:Color Coding for Clarity: Using color to organize information, such as marking phonics patterns, morphemes, or even text comprehension cues.Using Colorful Language: Modeling rich, descriptive language to enhance listening and reading comprehension.Infusing Lessons with Joy and Energy: Captivating students with expressive read-alouds, songs, and movement to make literacy come alive.Resources Mentioned:Carla Siravo from IMSE, known for fun phonics songs on YouTube: We Don’t Talk About Bruno Parody

In this Coaching Conversation, Michelle chats with Hannah Irion-Frake, a first-year literacy coach who shares her inspiring journey from classroom teacher to instructional coach. They discuss the challenges and rewards of her new role, how her background prepared her, and the importance of building trust with teachers. Hannah offers valuable insights for coaches just starting out, including tips for managing time, supporting teachers, and using data to drive instruction. Whether you're new to coaching or simply interested in the perspective of a first-year coach, this episode is packed with relatable and practical advice.In this episode, you’ll learn:What inspired Hannah to transition from a third-grade teacher to a literacy coach.How her experience as a LETRS facilitator and former balanced literacy teacher prepared her for her new role.The strategies she uses to build relationships with teachers and establish trust.Some of the biggest challenges she has faced in her first few months, including time management and balancing responsibilities.The importance of data-driven instruction and the power of early intervention for students.Coaching resources and tools that have been instrumental in Hannah's first year.Key Takeaways:Building Relationships: Establishing trust with teachers is key. Be approachable, collaborative, and present in the classroom to support teachers.Data-Driven Instruction: Effective literacy coaching involves using data to tailor instruction and interventions for students in need.Time Management: Balancing coaching responsibilities requires a solid organizational system and the ability to set realistic goals.Resources Mentioned:Download Hannah’s FREE Lesson Planning Templates LETRS Training95 Percent Group's Top 10 ToolsStephanie Stollar’s Reading Science AcademyThe Reading LeagueInternational Dyslexia AssociationAcadience Learning: Professional DevelopmentMust-Have Tools for Literacy Coaches:Organizational System: Find a system that works for you—Hannah uses a Google Sheets template to manage her schedule and to-do list.Data to Instruction Knowledge: Learn how to turn assessment data into actionable instruction. Acadiance training was highly recommended.Second Computer Monitor: A practical but essential tool for handling data and managing multiple tasks efficiently.Where to Find Hannah:Instagram: @readingwithmrsifWebsite: readingwithmrsif.comEmail: readingwithmrsif@gmail.comThanks for tuning in to today’s episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful, and stay tuned for more conversations with amazing literacy coaches in our bonus series: Coaching Conversations!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 episode, we get into some heat about the Reading Wars. While Balanced Literacy aims to create a joyful reading experience, Structured Literacy provides the explicit instruction necessary for students to actually learn how to read. —But can’t we have BOTH joy & proficiency when implementing the Science of Reading research?We explore why it’s essential to bridge evidence-based practices with creativity and passion to ignite both competence and a love of reading in students.Michelle reflects on the historical tension between balanced literacy’s focus on fostering a love of books and structured literacy’s emphasis on foundational skills. She explains why both the science and the creativity of teaching are critical in today’s classrooms, and offers three practical steps for teachers looking to bridge the two into their practice.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why balanced literacy captured hearts but failed many students in terms of teaching them how to read.How Structured Literacy with its focus on phoneme-grapheme correspondence and explicit instruction, lays the foundation for literacy success.The role of relationships, responsive teaching, and creativity in bridging the gap between evidence-based instruction and a love for reading.Key Takeaways:Start with the Science: Learn the foundations of reading instruction rooted in decades of research, and then infuse your own creativity into how you teach.Build Relationships: Relationships and trust with students are vital for meaningful learning and long-term literacy development.Be Responsive: Great teachers adjust their methods based on the needs of their students, blending the science of reading with the art of teaching to create memorable learning experiences.Resources Mentioned:Book: Reach All Readers by Anna GeigerDr. Zaretta Hammond’s WebsiteBook: Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta HammondThis 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!Are you ready to bridge the gap between evidence and creativity in your teaching? Subscribe to Literacy in Color and leave a review with your thoughts on this episode! And if you’re passionate about building both strong readers and a love for reading, share this episode with a fellow teacher.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

Welcome to the Coaching Conversations Bonus Series of The Literacy in Color Podcast! In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to "coach with heart". I share three essential tips to help you succeed as a literacy coach. Whether you’re just starting out or already in the thick of it, these tips focus on building trust, fostering collaboration, and maintaining confidentiality to ensure effective and supportive coaching relationships. Administrators, teachers, and aspiring coaches will all find value in this heartfelt approach to coaching!In this episode, you’ll learn:Why approachability is more important than content knowledge when it comes to building trust with teachers.The importance of asking teachers what they want to be coached on, instead of offering unsolicited advice.How respecting confidentiality is crucial to fostering a safe and non-evaluative coaching environment.How small gestures of kindness and positive feedback can build strong relationships with teachers. Resources Mentioned:Download this Literacy Coaching Menu Freebie  to explore a variety of ways you can offer support to teachers in your school.Stay tuned for upcoming guest interviews with expert literacy coaches sharing their insights and experiences throughout our Coaching Conversations Bonus Series!Thank you for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes, and if you found this helpful, share it with a fellow coach or teacher!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

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Literacy in Color, where we’re diving into the rich world of words and why you should become a fellow logophile (literally ‘lover of words’) on this journey with me! Celebrating my 37th birthday today, I feel a renewed sense of purpose to tackle the literacy crisis in our classrooms. As educators, we have the extraordinary power to transform lives—our students' and our own—by cultivating a love for language through phonics, morphology and vocabulary.This episode explores how these three components are not just separate entities but vital, interconnected parts of the literacy puzzle. Phonics teaches students the relationship between sounds and letters, while morphology reveals the structure and meaning of words, and vocabulary builds a rich understanding of language. When taught together, they empower students to decode, comprehend and truly engage with words, fostering deeper connections and confidence in their reading journey.Join me as we delve into why mere decoding isn't enough, how comprehension starts at the word level and why a multifaceted approach to word knowledge can revolutionize literacy instruction. Let’s embrace the intricate beauty of language together and transform how we teach literacy in our classrooms!In this episode, I share:My mission to address the literacy crisis and empower teachers in literacy instructionKey components of literacy instruction - phonics, morphology and vocabularyDefinitions and explanations of phonics, morphology and vocabularyLiteracy models and frameworksWhy integrated instruction is so important and effectiveReasons to embrace word-level knowledgeResources Mentioned:Free Guide: Phonics and Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to Know 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

🎙 Welcome to The Literacy in Color Podcast! 🎙Hosted by Michelle Sullivan, your go-to structured literacy BFF, this podcast is here to guide teachers through evidence-based practices while making learning colorful, engaging, and effective. With over a decade of experience as a reading interventionist and literacy coach, Michelle is on a mission to equip educators with the tools they need to help every child succeed in literacy.In this trailer episode, you’ll hear why phonics isn’t boring, why English isn’t crazy, and why this is NOT just another pendulum swing in education. Spoiler alert: our nation is in a literacy crisis, and the Science of Reading research shows that 95% of all children can be taught to read by the end of 1st grade—if they receive the right instruction.What can you expect from this podcast?Deep dives into structured literacy strategiesPractical tips for integrating multisensory teachingA breakdown of the Science of Reading researchStrategies to build teacher confidence and equip you to meet all learners’ needsConversations about how to balance evidence-based practices with creative, joyful teachingIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by literacy research or unsure how to bring these powerful methods into your classroom, this podcast is for you!Michelle is here to handle the research while you bring your creativity, ensuring you can show up for your students with vibrancy, brilliance, and confidence.Subscribe today, and let’s change the narrative together, creating a brighter path to literacy for every child!Ready to color outside the lines?Hit subscribe and join us on this journey! 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