Science of Reading: The Podcast

In this episode of Science of Reading: The Podcast, literacy coach (and podcast host in her own right) Amie Burkholder joins us to discuss her new book, Literacy Unlocked: How to Implement the Science of Reading With Young Learners. Amie talks through the origins of the book, how she structured it to be really actionable for educators, and what she hopes educators will take away from it. Amie and Susan also discuss some of the biggest recent changes to the Science of Reading movement, the areas Amie most often sees educators struggle when making the switch to research-based literacy instruction, and some tips educators can implement today—including a walkthrough of a classroom activity targeting phonemic awareness. Show notes:Access free, high-quality resources at our brand new, companion professional learning page: http://amplify.com/science-of-reading/professional-learning  Connect with Amie:Instagram: @literacy.edventures Listen to Amie’s podcast: Route2ReadingResources:Book: Literacy Unlocked: How to Implement the Science of Reading With Young LearnersDownload the Science of Reading: A New Teacher's Guide today!amplify.com/sorguide Join our community Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/scienceofreadingConnect with Susan Lambert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lambert-edd-b1512761/ Quotes: “Look to those that you trust to guide you.” —Amie Burkholder “If you try to change everything you're doing, you're not going to do anything well. Pick one area of your literacy block you’re really gonna nail. Once you nail that—add another one.” —Amie Burkholder“I want [the book] to follow the research, but I want it to be simple enough for teachers to execute, [and] also engaging enough for kids to want to do it.” —Amie Burkholder Episode timestamps*02:00 Introduction: Who is Amie Burkholder?07:00 Literacy Unlocked: How to Implement the Science of Reading with Young Learners11:00 Book Structure12:00 Phonemic awareness classroom activity walkthrough16:00 Learning while writing the book17:00 Strategy for getting the most out of conferences18:00 Favorite conferences19:00 Biggest changes to the science of reading movement20:00 Recommendation for people diving into the research for the first time 22:00 Implementation: Biggest struggle for teaching making the shift24:00 Ideal takeaway from the book25:00 Closing thoughts*Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute

Tim Shanahan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and a renowned literacy expert, delves into his book, 'Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives.' He challenges the effectiveness of leveled reading, arguing it often holds students back rather than helping them. Shanahan advocates for explicit instruction and practical strategies teachers can implement to enhance reading outcomes. He highlights the importance of tackling complex sentence structures for better comprehension and stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to literacy that addresses diverse student needs.

Sharon Vaughn, a leading researcher and Executive Director at the Meadow Center for Preventing Educational Risk, joins expert Hugh Catts from Florida State University to dive deep into the complexities of reading comprehension. They discuss reframing comprehension not just as a skill but as a multifaceted outcome influenced by vocabulary and background knowledge. The conversation emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions, selecting appropriate texts, and understanding that reading serves a purpose beyond mere comprehension.

Anne Lucas, former curriculum director and now Associate VP at Amplify, shares her expertise on the intricate nature of reading comprehension. She discusses why comprehension can be challenging to teach and introduces her K-8 digital program designed to enhance these skills. Lucas highlights the importance of micro skills and connective words in improving understanding. She also emphasizes how personal background knowledge influences reading comprehension, offering insights that can boost student learning.

Daniel Willingham, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Virginia and author of 'The Reading Mind,' discusses the crucial role of knowledge in reading comprehension. He dives into the limitations of comprehension strategies and emphasizes the importance of background knowledge for better text engagement. Willingham highlights the delicate balance between phonics and knowledge-rich curricula and explores how both are vital for critical thinking. Lastly, he offers insightful strategies to enhance literacy outcomes through well-rounded educational approaches.

Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in learning sciences and author, dives into the essentials of knowledge-rich curricula and its critical role in education. He challenges misconceptions about teaching in the 21st century, emphasizing how foundational knowledge fosters creativity and collaboration. The podcast also explores cognitive load theory, illustrating how effective teaching can enhance memory retention. Swain advocates for continuous learning and integration of evidence-based strategies to improve literacy and overall educational outcomes.

Join Steve Graham, a prominent scholar and writing expert from Arizona State University, as he dives into essential writing instruction. He emphasizes the profound connection between reading and writing, revealing how teaching both together enriches literacy. Graham discusses the need for clear feedback and how to enhance sentence structure, making writing more impactful. With practical strategies and insights, he inspires educators to foster confident, capable writers in their classrooms.

In this illuminating discussion, Jackie Relyea, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at North Carolina State University, shares her expertise on integrating background knowledge into teaching. She explains the power of read-alouds and word walls in building comprehension for multilingual learners. Jackie also emphasizes that vocabulary is just one aspect of conceptual knowledge. With a focus on creating a knowledge-rich curriculum, she highlights the joy of learning and engagement in literacy education.

Dr. Karen Betz, Assistant Professor of Literacy and Coordinator of Reading Science Programs at Marian University, shares her insights on improving teacher education for literacy success. She discusses her groundbreaking master's program in reading science and highlights the need for collaboration between universities and schools. Betz introduces a course alignment planning tool designed to ensure educators’ materials meet reading science objectives. She also encourages current teachers to actively participate in reforming higher education, fostering transparency and inquiry in educator preparation.

Claude Goldenberg, Ph.D., a Stanford professor and advocate for ending the reading wars, teams up with Susan Lambert to tackle listener questions. They discuss resolving the conflicting materials often faced by educators and strategies for supporting students significantly behind grade level. The duo emphasizes nurturing multilingual learners and the importance of integrating evidence-based practices in reading instruction. Auditory and visual systems' roles in reading development are also explored, alongside how to advocate for science-driven methods in classrooms.