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

Decodable texts are an important tool for helping readers apply their phonics knowledge, but are we squeezing everything we can out of them? Dr. Wiley Blevins – longtime educator, researcher, author, and one of the most recognized voices in phonics instruction – shares all about choosing and using decodable texts. When it comes to choosing decodable texts, Wiley shares the prevailing thinking around how decodable a text actually needs to be. We also tackle a question that doesn't always have a neat answer: When are students ready for less-controlled text? Wiley shares what he's currently exploring in his research, why that transition may look different from student to student, and why we shouldn't confuse being able to read a pattern with truly mastering it for spelling. We also get into using decodable texts for all they’re worth. In fact, decodables certainly can go far beyond simply getting students to practice a target phonics pattern. Wiley shares how he uses decodable texts across multiple days and throughout the literacy block to build oral language, fluency, vocabulary, syntax, writing, knowledge-building, and of course, comprehension. He walks us through practical routines teachers can use and explains how decodables can support differentiation for students who need additional practice with previously taught skills. Key Takeaways: Why decodable texts are a practice tool, fluency-building tool, and support for spelling What the research actually says (and doesn't say) about decodability percentages What makes a high-quality decodable text & why natural language matters How to scaffold grade-level decodables for students who need additional support How to get more mileage from a decodable after the first read Resources: Book: Differentiating Phonics Instruction for Maximum Impact by Wiley Blevins Book: Choosing and Using Decodable Text by Wiley Blevins Book: A Fresh Look at Phonics by Wiley Blevins Book: Phonics from A to Z by Wiley Blevins Book: The Megabook of Spelling (K-2) by Wiley Blevins Book: The Megabook of Spelling (3-5) by Wiley Blevins Book: Teaching Phonics & Word Study in the Intermediate Grades by Wiley Blevins Reycraft Books 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. Wiley Blevins: Website: http://www.wileyblevins.com/ LinkedIn Twitter/X Instagram Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

Before we get into what the research currently says about teaching phonological awareness and the alphabet, this episode begins by breaking down some key terminology. What makes a practice evidence-based? What’s the difference between research-based and research-tested? What should we consider when implementing instruction aligned with the Science of Reading? Dr. Shayne Piasta, Distinguished Professor at THE Ohio State University and Faculty Associate at the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, helps unpack what we know, what we’re still learning, and how educators can make evidence-informed decisions. We then dig into phonological and phonemic awareness. Dr. Piasta explains what research has established about the importance of PA, why phonemic awareness ultimately matters for reading and spelling, and where questions remain about exactly how PA should be taught. We discuss larger versus smaller units of sound, advanced tasks, group size, dosage, incorporating letters, and even differentiation. Next, we turn to alphabet learning and instruction. Research increasingly supports teaching names and sounds simultaneously. We also discuss what makes certain letters easier (or harder) to learn, the acrophonic principle, letter sequence and pacing, and what effective alphabet instruction can look like in a kindergarten classroom. Finally, Dr. Piasta shares trusted sources for evaluating evidence and reminds us why evidence-informed instruction requires research, professional expertise, and knowledge of the students sitting in front of us. *Please Note: We experienced some audio issues toward the very end of the episode. We did our best to improve the audio quality and appreciate your understanding. Key Takeaways: Evidence-based vs. evidence-informed literacy instruction The difference between research-based and research-tested practices What we confidently know about phonological and phonemic awareness What we still don’t know about the most effective way to teach PA Information about Project OPAL and the questions researchers are currently testing Whether letter names or letter sounds should be taught first Alphabet scope, sequence, and pacing What effective alphabet instruction can look like Information about CREATE-EBP and teacher-researcher collaboration How educators can become better consumers of literacy research Resources Mentioned: Project OPAL : Optimizing Phonological Awareness Learning CREATE-EBP : Collaborating Researchers & Educators Apply Technology to Establish Evidence-Based Practices Dr. Shayne Piasta's Early Literacy and Learning Lab , including research, current projects, opportunities to collaborate, and a newsletter The Early Literacy and Learning Lab Research Interest Survey Duke & Martin (2011) - 10 Things Every Literacy Educator Should Know About Research National Reading Panel Rice et al. (2022) - Phonemic Awareness: A Meta-Analysis for Planning Effective Instruction Erbeli et al. (2024) - A Meta-Analysis on the Optimal Cumulative Dosage of Early Phonemic Awareness Instruction Alphabet Learning & Instruction What Works Clearinghouse & Institute of Education Sciences Practice Guides Regional Educational Laboratories Best Evidence Encyclopedia Reading Rockets National Center on Improving Literacy The Reading League Florida Center for Reading Research Let's Know! / Let's Know! 2 - language-focused curriculum Connect with Dr. Shayne Piasta LinkedIn Dr. Shayne Piasta's Early Literacy and Learning Lab Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

What if one of the richest language opportunities in your literacy block is already hiding inside your phonics word list? Even the simplest decodable words can carry surprisingly rich meanings. A word like “cap” might be something you wear on your head, the top of a bottle, an action you perform when you cover something, or even part of the phrase “no cap.” Simple to decode doesn't necessarily mean simple in meaning. In this episode, I share a few simple ways to intentionally sprinkle meaning into the decoding and spelling practice you're already doing. Key Takeaways: Why multiple-meaning, or polysemous, words offer such rich opportunities for language development Why a quick contextual sentence during decoding or dictation is so important How "Word of the Day” and/or Multiple-Meaning Word Anchor Chart get students noticing interesting words across the school day Even while sprinkling in meaning, it’s still essential to keep the pace and offer repetitions students need during phonics It’s unnecessary to explore every potential meaning at once We know explicit & systematic phonics helps students unlock the code, but meaning gives them something worth unlocking. Want to go Beyond Phonics? Join Beyond Phonics Club : A Membership Community with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul (Logos Literacy Academy) Inside the Beyond Phonics Club , Michelle Sullivan and Sarah Paul have created ready-to-use lessons and resources, including lessons targeting multiple-meaning words, that help you expand phonics into richer work with meaning, morphology, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension in mind. Go beyond phonics – without leaving phonics behind! This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

What happens after students master single-syllable words in phonics, but the words in their books keep getting longer? Dr. Devin Kearns takes us for a deep dive into polysyllabic word reading and what the research tells us about helping students tackle increasingly complex words. He explains why the transition into longer words presents challenges that simply don't exist in single-syllable words, including the unpredictability of single-letter vowels, reduced vowels & schwa, and the growing prevalence of derivational suffixes. He also challenges some long-standing approaches to syllable division and explains why more rules and terminology aren't necessarily better for students. You'll learn about ESHALOV ("Every Syllable Has At Least One Vowel") as well as the “peeling-off strategy” for recognizing affixes and accessing the base of polymorphemic words. The conversation also explores lexical verification (i.e., set for variability): how readers adjust an initially decoded pronunciation until it connects with a word in their mental lexicon. Key Takeaways: What the research suggests about traditional syllable division rules How to use the strategy: ESHALOV for polysyllabic words How to use the “Peeling-off” strategy for polymorphemic words How lexical verification helps students move from a plausible pronunciation to a known spoken word What advanced decoding instruction might look like in the upper elementary classrooms Resources Mentioned: Phinder High-Frequency Syllables & Morphemes (compiled by Dr. Devin Kearns) The Word Complexity of Primary-Level Texts: Differences Between First and Third Grade in Widely Used Curricula by Devin Kearns & Elfrieda Hiebert Helping Students With Dyslexia Read Long Words by Devin Kearns & Victoria Whaley Building BRIDGES: A Design Experiment to Improve Reading and United States History Knowledge of Poor Readers in Eighth Grade - O’Connor, Beach, Sanchez, Bocian, & Flynn - ESHALOV principle (Every Syllable Has At Least One Vowel) Components of effective remediation for developmental reading disabilities: Combining phonological and strategy-based instruction to improve outcomes - Lovett, M. et al. - “Peeling Off” Strategy Connect with Dr. Devin Kearns: Website: https://www.devinkearns.com/ LinkedIn Instagram: @devin.kearns X: @devin_kearns This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

What does it actually mean for a word to become "stored" in the brain – and how do we design instruction that helps that happen for every student? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Katie Pace Miles, associate professor at Brooklyn College, founder of The Reading Institute, co-founder of CUNY Reading Fellows, and one of today's leading voices in reading science. She not only shares about the cognitive process of orthographic mapping, but also why understanding how words become permanently stored in memory changes the way we think about reading instruction and intervention. Dr. Miles also shares the fascinating origin story behind Reading Ready , the structured literacy intervention she originally created while teaching her own daughter to read during the pandemic, and explains how both Reading Ready and Reading Go have expanded to support thousands of students through The Reading Institute and CUNY Reading Fellows. She shares the dramatic literacy shifts happening across New York City Public Schools: from increased use of structured literacy and decodable texts to high-impact tutoring, universal screening, and stronger teacher preparation – and what still lies ahead. Key Takeaways: What orthographic mapping really is Why oral language is foundational for orthographic mapping The origin behind Reading Ready and Reading Go Why intervention dosage matters more than many educators realize How The Reading Institute and CUNY Reading Fellows are expanding access to high-quality literacy intervention The biggest shifts happening across New York City Public Schools Why teacher preparation must include authentic practice, not just coursework Resources Mentioned: The Reading Institute Reading Ready Reading Go 10-hour Science of Reading Micro-Credential CUNY Reading Fellows Brooklyn College: Advanced Certificate in Reading Science Book: Making Words Stick by Dr. Katie Pace Miles & Dr. Molly Ness Publications written by Dr. Katie Pace Miles 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. Katie Pace Miles: Instagram: @thereadinginstitutenyc LinkedIn: The Reading Institute Facebook: The Reading Institute Website: https://www.katiepacemilesphd.com/ This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

Transitioning from classroom teacher to literacy coach is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. How do you build trust? Support veteran teachers? Know when to offer advice...and when to simply listen? Today’s episode is part Coaching Conversation, as literacy coach Leah Ruesink shares about her transition to coach and what coaching really looks like behind the scenes. Leah shares some lessons she’s learned along the way, including how to build meaningful relationships, navigate imposter syndrome, and support teachers through instructional change. Then the conversation shifts into one of Leah's greatest passions: writing instruction. Leah introduces listeners to Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD), an evidence-based writing framework that explicitly teaches students how to plan, organize, and write – all while regulating themselves throughout the writing process. So, while this episode speaks directly to a literacy coach’s heart, classroom teachers will walk away with some really practical ideas and valuable insights for explicitly teaching writing in your classrooms. Resources Mentioned: Leah Ruesink's Literacy Coaching Hub Book: The Impact Cycle by Jim Knight Book: Better Conversations by Jim Knight SRSD - Self-Regulated Strategy Development Releasing Writers (Formerly Think SRSD) Releasing Writers Facebook Page Book: Executive Skills and Writing Instruction by Dr. Leslie Laud Book: Rock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay Kemeny TIDE chant and writing routines Book: The Writing Rope by Joan Sedita 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 Leah Ruesink: Instagram: @theearlyliteracycoach TikTok: @theearlyliteracycoach Literacy Coaching Hub Leah’s Stan.Store This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

One of the most influential voices around “the reading brain”, Dr. Maryanne Wolf, joins the show to tackle that very subject. Our brains were never wired to read. Reading is a learned, plastic circuit that develops through instruction – and how we teach profoundly shapes how that circuitry is built. Dr. Wolf explains dyslexia, why fluency is much more than reading quickly, and why decoding alone is not enough for deep comprehension. She shares the research behind her POSSUM framework and explains why integrating phonology, orthography, semantics, syntax, and morphology creates stronger, more fluent readers. The conversation also turns toward one of today's biggest challenges: the digital age. Dr. Wolf discusses how technology and AI are reshaping the reading brain, why deep reading matters now more than ever, and how parents and educators can intentionally cultivate what she calls a biliterate brain: one that can thrive in both print and digital environments. This episode offers a hopeful vision for building readers who don't simply decode words, but think deeply, read thoughtfully, and engage fully with language. Key Takeaways: How reading circuitry develops The evolving understanding of dyslexia Why fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehension The importance of multi-component literacy instruction Dr. Wolf's POSSUM approach: Phonology, Orthography, Semantics, Syntax, Understanding, and Morphology The research behind the RAVE-O intervention Why vocabulary and oral language matter for reading success The importance of deep reading in the age of AI How technology is changing the reading brain Practical advice for raising lifelong readers Resources Mentioned: Book: Proust and the Squid by Dr. Maryanne Wolf Book: Reader, Come Hom e by Dr. Maryanne Wolf Program: RAVE-O POSSUM Approach Nido Learning Reading Nest essays 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. Maryanne Wolf & Nido Learning: Website: https://www.nidolearning.com/ Email: david@nidolearning.com LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

Letter reversals are one of the most common concerns among parents and teachers. In this episode, we dive into what’s happening in the brain when it comes to letter reversals, when reversals may be expected, and 5 practical tips for fixing b/d reversals specifically. Resource Mentioned: Forthcoming Book: Developing Proficient Writers by Amy Siracusano & Michelle Sullivan (Solution Tree, expected late Spring 2027) This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

Fluency serves as the critical bridge between accurate word reading and deep comprehension, so how can we build it? In this episode, Michelle sits down with literacy scholar, author, and educator, Dr. Chase Young shares what fluency really is, why it matters, and how teachers can transform fluency instruction from repetitive practice into engaging, meaningful learning experiences. Chase shares the research behind performance-based fluency instruction, including Reader’s Theater, Poetry Slams, Teddy Talks, and his evidence-based intervention framework, Read Like Us. We discuss how fluency supports comprehension, why repeated reading works, and how teachers can create classrooms where students want to practice reading. Key Takeaways: What reading fluency actually is (and what it isn't) Performance-based fluency instruction and the research behind it (like Reader’s Theater, Poetry Slams, and Teddy Talks) The importance of complex texts during fluency instruction The Read Like Us intervention framework Ways to make fluency instruction engaging, authentic, and joyful Helpful Resources Resources from Podcast Reader’s Theatre Scripts (The Best Class) Professional Development Parent Resources Research Article: Read Like Me: An Intervention for Struggling Readers (Chase Young, Stacey Lagrone, Joyce K. McCauley) Research Article: Promoting Fluency Through Challenge: Repeated Reading with Texts of Varying Complexity (Jake Downs, Chase Young, Alycia Cole) Research Article: Promoting Reading Accuracy and Fluency Outcomes with Complex Texts: A Grade 3 Intervention Comparison (Jake Downs, Elfrieda Hiebert, Kristen Conradi Smith, Katie Martz) Connect with Dr. Chase Young: Email: chaser@literrific.com LinkedIn X: @ChaseJYoung1 Website: https://www.thebestclass.org/ Website: http://www.literacylive.org This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

The Science of Reading has transformed literacy instruction, but with that shift has come a new challenge: navigating the growing number of debates, disagreements, and hot topics within the field itself. Author, podcaster, and doctoral student Anna Geiger of Reach All Readers joins the show to explore the nuance behind some of the most talked-about conversations in literacy today. We discuss what research can (and cannot) tell us, why instructional decisions are not always black and white, and how educators can thoughtfully evaluate practices while keeping student outcomes at the center. From heart words and phonemic awareness to decodable texts, sound walls, and structured literacy approaches, this conversation offers a perspective that encourages teachers to think critically and embrace the complexity of literacy instruction. Whether you're new to the Science of Reading or deep into your own learning journey, this episode will leave you reflecting on what it means to be both evidence-informed and responsive to students. We Discuss: How teachers can navigate conflicting opinions in literacy education Heart words Whether any English word is truly irregular (with the role of etymology and morphology) The debate surrounding oral-only phonemic awareness Structured Linguistic Literacy vs. traditional phonics approaches Are we overdoing phonics? Syllable division Decodable texts versus authentic reading experiences Sound walls Why teaching remains both a science and an art How educators can become wise consumers of literacy research Resources Mentioned: Book: Reach All Readers by Anna Geiger The Right to Read Project Blog Post: What Do I Do with All These Predictable Books? by Margaret Goldberg Reading Science Academy with Dr. Stephanie Stollar 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 Anna Geiger: Email: anna@reachallreaders.com Website: https://reachallreaders.com/ Reach All Readers Podcast Reach All Readers Plus Membership This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

Happy 100th Episode!!! To celebrate this milestone episode, I share: 3 literacy hills I’d die on 3 things I hope we can leave behind, and 3 things I’m watching closely Thank you for helping make the first 100 episodes possible. Here's to the next 100! Favorite Episodes Mentioned: Playlist (if listening from your computer) Playlist (if listening from a podcast player) This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

What happens when a school decides that "business as usual" is no longer good enough? Principal Lisa Russo and the first-grade team at PS 152Q to discuss their remarkable literacy transformation. After years of using balanced literacy practices, the school shifted toward structured literacy, embraced the science of reading, and implemented a schoolwide intervention block supported by Dr. Katie Pace Miles' Reading Ready intervention program. The team shares their journey from seeing students struggle with foundational skills to creating a system that provides targeted instruction based on student needs. You'll hear how leadership, teacher buy-in, strategic grouping, and a commitment to following the research helped create meaningful change for young readers. Resources Mentioned: Reading Ready ( The Reading Institute ) Book: Making Words Stick by Dr. Katie Pace Miles & Dr. Molly Ness 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 Lisa Russo & PS 152Q: Website: https://www.ps152q.org/ Instagram: @ps152q & @littleextraliteracy This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

When educators discuss reading comprehension, the conversation often centers around vocabulary, background knowledge, and comprehension strategies, but what if we've been overlooking one of the most critical components of comprehension all along? Research scientist, Dr. Julie Van Dyke shares about the powerful role syntax plays in reading comprehension. Drawing from decades of research in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and language processing, Dr. Van Dyke explains why syntax is much more than word order; it's the system that helps readers determine who did what to whom and construct meaning moment by moment. We discuss what happens in the brain when we read, why comprehension occurs word by word rather than after a passage is finished, how Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) impacts reading, and practical ways teachers can begin supporting syntactic development in their classrooms. We also dive into Cascade Reading, an innovative tool designed to make sentence structure visible and support comprehension for all learners. Key Takeaways: Syntax is not simply word order. Comprehension happens continuously, word by word, as the brain integrates new information into what has already been processed. The brain relies on multiple systems during reading, including perception, language, and thought networks. Syntax serves as the foundation of language comprehension in much the same way phonology serves as the foundation of decoding. Explicit attention to sentence structure can be embedded into existing literacy instruction. Resources Mentioned: IDA Perspectives 2025: Volumes 1 & 2 - Syntax Comes First ( Available through the IDA ) FREE Tool: Cascade Reading Syntax Usage Survey Connect with Dr. Julie Van Dyke: Website: https://www.drjvandyke.net/ LinkedIn Stay tuned for her upcoming Substack: Decoding Syntax This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

Drawing from decades of experience in literacy, school psychology, systems-level leadership, and MTSS implementation, Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Kimberly Gibbons explain why strong universal instruction is the true foundation of student success. They explore what Tier 1 actually includes, why intervention alone cannot solve widespread literacy struggles, and how leadership, collaboration, fidelity, coaching, and systems-thinking all work together to improve outcomes for students. Key Takeaways: What Tier 1 really means inside an MTSS framework Why MTSS is about resources and systems, not “Tier 2 kids” or “Tier 3 kids” Why buying a new curriculum alone won’t solve literacy problems The role of leadership in sustaining effective instruction The importance of job-embedded coaching and ongoing support Why fidelity data matters (...and why it shouldn’t feel punitive) How collaborative teams build consensus and instructional coherence The power of strong questioning to uncover root causes Why prevention through effective Tier 1 instruction is more powerful than over-relying on intervention Practical first steps schools can take immediately to strengthen instruction Resources: Book: Effective Universal Instruction: An Action-Oriented Approach to Improving Tier 1 by Sarah Brown & Kimberly Gibbons Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon ) 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. Sarah Brown: Website: https://systemimpactconsulting.com/ Contact Dr. Sarah Brown on her Website LinkedIn: Sarah Brown Ph.D. Join Dr. Brown’s MTSS Data Academy Dr. Brown also offers Virtual Coaching Sessions! Connect with Dr. Kimberly Gibbons: CAREI Director CAREI at the University of Minnesota This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

Melissa Loftus and Lori Sappington from the Melissa & Lori Love Literacy podcast take their hosting hats off for the day to share their expertise around fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension – and why comprehension instruction is far more complex than simply teaching “strategies.” Melissa and Lori explain why comprehension is considered an unconstrained skill, how fluent word recognition frees up cognitive space for meaning-making, and why vocabulary and knowledge building are essential for students to truly understand text. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for Melissa & Lori’s email list and grab a free, fun fluency resource pack ! Book: The Literacy 50 by Melissa Loftus & Lori Sappington Five Step Vocabulary Routine (from the Literacy 50) Research: Spencer, Quinn, and Wagner tested 425,000 children from first through third grade on decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. Among those who had adequate decoding and adequate vocabulary, fewer than one per cent scored poorly on comprehension. Fewer than one in a hundred. Once the word-level problems are solved, the decoding and the vocabulary, comprehension takes care of itself in virtually every case. 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 Melissa Loftus & Lori Sappington: Melissa & Lori Love Literacy Podcast Website: literacypodcast.com/ Instagram: @literacypodcast Website: sorinpractice.com/ Instagram: @sorinpractice This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

Exciting news! Sarah & Michelle share their signature A4 Framework for teaching affixes inside of Logos Literacy Academy! Rather than treating prefixes and suffixes as isolated definitions to memorize, we explore how affixes function as meaningful structural units that help words grow and change across the English writing system. If you loved the BASE Framework episode , this conversation is the perfect companion episode! Key Takeaways: Affixes, defined Why affix instruction should connect meaning, structure, spelling, grammar, and pronunciation Common practices they see in affix instruction – and how their approach differs How they intentionally embedded affix instruction within a phonics progression How their A4 Framework supports transfer into reading and writing Resources Mentioned: K-2 Course & Curriculum from Logos Literacy Academy Save with a Bundle: Get Mastering Morphology AND our K-2 Course & Curriculum bundled together! Connect with Sarah & Michelle: Website: https://www.logosliteracyacademy.com/ Instagram: @logosliteracyacademy Logos Literacy Academy Beacons Page Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith, and Savannah Campbell join the show to discuss their newest resource, The Megabook of Vocabulary . They unpack why vocabulary is far more than a list of words to memorize. This conversation explores the research behind vocabulary instruction, why background knowledge matters, and how teachers can intentionally build language-rich classrooms without making vocabulary “one more thing.” The authors also introduce their WISE framework from the book: Word Consciousness Individual Word Learning Student Tools for Determining Meaning Exploration of Word Relationships You’ll even hear practical classroom ideas for morphology instruction, context clues, nuanced word study, playful word exploration, and how to move beyond rote memorization toward deep, meaningful word learning. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, interventionist, literacy coach, or school leader, this episode is packed with strategies and joyful ideas to help students become truly word conscious. Resources Mentioned: Book: The Megabook of Vocabulary FREE Download: Inside the Megabook of Vocabulary Book: The Megabook of Fluency 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 the Guests: Dr. Tim Rasinski’s Website: https://timrasinski.com/ Dr. Tim Rasinksi’s Email: trasinsk@kent.edu Melissa Cheesman Smith on Instagram: @melissa.cheesman.smith Savannah Campbell’s Website: https://www.campbellcreatesreaders.com/ Savannah Campbell on Instagram: @campbellcreatesreaders Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

We hear an awful lot about the importance of foundational literacy skills, but exactly belongs in that foundation? Educational linguist and author Lyn Stone discusses her newest resource: Foundations for Life — a structured literacy intervention manual designed for educators, interventionists, and parents supporting developing readers and writers. Lyn also shares her thoughts on the Science of Reading movement and considerations when it comes to thoughtful implementation. This conversation is equal parts intellectually rich, practical, and deeply hopeful for educators looking to better understand how the English writing system actually works – and how to teach it effectively. Key Takeaways Phonics is necessary, but not sufficient. Writing should begin immediately – not “later”, after reading develops. Graphemes spell morphemes; morphemes spell words. Word relatives help students build durable mental models of the writing system. We also get to hear a live demonstration of one of her lessons, exploring the word family for: one Resources Mentioned: Book: Foundations for Life More About “Foundations for Life" Book: Spelling for Life Book: Language for Life Book: Reading for Life Lyn Stone’s Courses through Lifelong Literacy 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 Lyn Stone: Website: https://lifelongliteracy.com/ LinkedIn: Lyn Stone Instagram: @lynstone8 Email: lynstone@lifelongliteracy.com Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

Linguist and author, Dr. Danny Bate brilliantly shares the fascinating history of the alphabet, while also uncovering some of the logic behind English spelling. You’ll hear about the surprising origins of letters (yes, <A> was once an ox’s head!), that vowels weren’t originally part of the alphabet, how the Great Vowel Shift transformed pronunciation, and of course, “ Why Q Needs U ”. This episode is a must-listen for educators, language lovers, and anyone who has ever wondered: Why is English spelled this way? Key Takeaways: The earliest alphabet was built on the acrophonic principle (symbols representing the first sound of a word) Early alphabets represented consonants only (vowels were added later by the Greeks) English spelling reflects both: Sound change over time AND Historical and cultural influences (i.e. Norman Conquest, Latin influence) The Great Vowel Shift dramatically changed pronunciation, but spelling stayed mostly the same So-called “irregularities” often preserve morphological and etymological meaning connections Connect with Danny Bate Website: https://dannybate.com/ Podcast: A Language I Love Is… Book: Why Q Needs U: A history of our letters and how we use them 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 Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026

Vocabulary may be just one pillar of literacy, but it’s also the thread that connects reading, writing, speaking, and thinking. In this episode, I’m breaking down why vocabulary truly changes everything when it comes to student learning – and why it deserves more intentional focus in our classrooms. I’ll also share 3 simple, high-impact shifts you can make right away to create a more language-rich environment for your students. Key Takeaways You can decode every word on a page, but without vocabulary, comprehension falls apart. Make Vocabulary Multisensory: Move beyond definitions and engage students’ senses (especially with images) to make meaningful connections Prioritize Expressive Understanding: Use sentence stems and structured prompts to push students to think with words, not just repeat them. Build Word Networks: Help students connect words through associations, morphology, and shades of meaning to deepen understanding and retention. Join us at the Science of Reading Mini-Con this June! Connect with Michelle: Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy Join our Facebook Community Sign up for my Newsletter Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul Join: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026