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Amie Burkholder

Route2Reading

A How To and Education podcast

#164 in How To · 🇳🇱 #166 in How To · 🇨🇦
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About the show

A step-by-step roadmap guides you through a reader's journey—at every level. This podcast was made for you if you're ready to, get clear on what structured literacy is and the science behind it. Join me to learn precisely what your struggling readers need and find ways to reach them.

Newest episodes

Why Vocabulary Isn't What We've Been Teaching with Dr. Margaret McKeown

37 min

What does it actually mean for a student to know a word? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Margaret McKeown, whose groundbreaking research has shaped how educators understand vocabulary instruction, reading comprehension, and deep word knowledge. We move beyond vocabulary lists, definitions, and Friday quizzes to talk about what robust vocabulary instruction really looks like—and what it takes for students to understand words deeply enough to recognize, use, and apply them across contexts. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

From Struggling Readers to Engaged Readers: Rethinking Decodable Text with Sue Marasciulo

32 min

What makes a decodable text effective—and does "decodable" have to mean boring? In this episode, I sit down with author and educator Sue Marasciulo to talk about her journey from the classroom to creating Pat & Pals, a graphic novel series designed to give developing readers the practice they need without sacrificing engaging stories. We talk about what Sue learned from working with struggling readers and students with dyslexia, why she chose graphic novels as the format for her decodable books, and what teachers should really be looking for when choosing and using decodable texts.   CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Are Reading Levels Holding Students Back? with Tim Shanahan

48 min

For years, teachers have been told to meet students where they are—find their instructional reading level, put them in a just-right text, and group them with other students reading at a similar level. But what if that approach is actually limiting how much students can learn? In this episode of Route2Reading, I sit down with literacy researcher and author Dr. Tim Shanahan to talk about reading levels, small-group instruction, grade-level text, and what the research actually tells us about supporting struggling readers. Tim brings nearly 60 years of experience in reading education to this conversation—as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, professor, researcher, and former Director of Reading for Chicago Public Schools. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Similar podcasts

All episodes

Why Vocabulary Isn't What We've Been Teaching with Dr. Margaret McKeown

37 min

What does it actually mean for a student to know a word? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Margaret McKeown, whose groundbreaking research has shaped how educators understand vocabulary instruction, reading comprehension, and deep word knowledge. We move beyond vocabulary lists, definitions, and Friday quizzes to talk about what robust vocabulary instruction really looks like—and what it takes for students to understand words deeply enough to recognize, use, and apply them across contexts. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

From Struggling Readers to Engaged Readers: Rethinking Decodable Text with Sue Marasciulo

32 min

What makes a decodable text effective—and does "decodable" have to mean boring? In this episode, I sit down with author and educator Sue Marasciulo to talk about her journey from the classroom to creating Pat & Pals, a graphic novel series designed to give developing readers the practice they need without sacrificing engaging stories. We talk about what Sue learned from working with struggling readers and students with dyslexia, why she chose graphic novels as the format for her decodable books, and what teachers should really be looking for when choosing and using decodable texts.   CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Are Reading Levels Holding Students Back? with Tim Shanahan

48 min

For years, teachers have been told to meet students where they are—find their instructional reading level, put them in a just-right text, and group them with other students reading at a similar level. But what if that approach is actually limiting how much students can learn? In this episode of Route2Reading, I sit down with literacy researcher and author Dr. Tim Shanahan to talk about reading levels, small-group instruction, grade-level text, and what the research actually tells us about supporting struggling readers. Tim brings nearly 60 years of experience in reading education to this conversation—as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, professor, researcher, and former Director of Reading for Chicago Public Schools. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The Science We Know, The Change We Still Need: A Conversation with Louisa Moats

43 min

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Louisa Moats, one of the leading voices in reading research and literacy education, to talk about her journey from feeling completely unprepared to teach students with reading difficulties to becoming a lifelong advocate for science-based reading instruction. Dr. Moats shares the experiences that shaped her work—from her early years as a teacher and psychologist to her doctoral research, work with leading reading researchers, and the development of LETRS Professional Development. We talk about what we already know about how children learn to read, why that knowledge still hasn't consistently made its way into teacher preparation and classrooms, and what it will take to move education toward becoming a true profession driven by science. We also get practical as Louisa shares what she would look for if she walked into a primary classroom tomorrow, why spelling deserves far more attention, and the advice she would give to teachers entering the profession for the first time. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Using Data to Make Better Instructional Decisions with Brennan Chandler

46 min

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brennan Chandler, Assistant Professor of Dyslexia at Georgia State University, to talk about how schools can move beyond simply collectingliteracy data and actually use it to make better instructional decisions. We dig into what a meaningful data deep dive looks like—from looking at schoolwide benchmark data to identifying grade-level patterns, examining specific subtests, and ultimately determining what instruction students actually need. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Stop Planning Activities. Start Building Systems.

22 min

Why do so many literacy initiatives start with excitement but struggle to produce lasting results? In this episode, I dive into one of the most common literacy mistakes happening in schools today: disconnected instruction. Too often, Tier 1 instruction, small groups, intervention, tutoring, and progress monitoring all operate as separate systems. Teachers are working incredibly hard, but when instruction isn't aligned, students are left trying to navigate different routines, expectations, and approaches throughout the day. The problem usually isn't a lack of effort—and it isn't always the program. The problem is often the system. Join me as I explore why alignment matters more than effort, how consistent instructional routines support struggling readers, and what schools can do to create a more cohesive approach to literacy instruction. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Repeatable Instructional Routines that Matter

18 min

Before you start buying new resources, rewriting your literacy block, or planning every detail of next year, there is one thing that matters more than all of it: reflection. In this episode, I share why the most effective teachers don't begin summer planning by searching for new programs or activities. Instead, they start by examining what actually worked, what didn't, and which instructional routines truly supported student growth throughout the year. If you've ever felt pressure to completely reinvent your literacy instruction every summer, this episode will help you step back, simplify, and focus on what matters most. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Building Stronger Family-School Partnerships in Literacy with Maya Smart

32 min

In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, I sit down with Maya Smart to explore how we can build stronger, more meaningful partnerships between schools and families to support early literacy. Maya brings a powerful parent perspective to this conversation, helping us rethink how we communicate with families, what parents truly need to know, and how we can better invite them into the literacy process. We talk about shifting from "sending work home" to building real partnerships, simplifying communication, and helping parents understand not just what to do—but why it matters. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

How Parents Can Support Reading at Home (Without Overwhelm) with Pryor Rayburn

34 min

In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, I sit down with Pryor (Orton Gillingham Mama) to talk about how parents can support their young readers at home using simple, effective, and realistic strategies. Drawing from her experience as both an Orton-Gillingham educator and a mom, Pryor shares what actually makes a difference—and what doesn't—when it comes to helping children learn to read. We break down what parents need to understand about how reading develops, how to make the most of just 10 minutes a day, and how to support children emotionally when reading feels hard. If you're a parent, or you work with families who want to help but aren't sure how, this episode will give you clear, doable next steps. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

From Sounds to Words: Fixing the Missing Link in Early Reading Instruction with Katie Pace Miles

37 min

In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, I sit down with Katie Pace Miles to unpack one of the biggest challenges in early literacy—why phonemic awareness and phonics instruction don't always translate into real reading and spelling success for struggling readers. Katie shares insights from her extensive work in literacy research, teacher education, and intervention, along with the development of her program, Reading Ready. We dig into what's often missing in classroom instruction, how to intentionally build transfer from sounds to words, and what effective, efficient instruction actually looks like in real classrooms. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Literacy Across the Globe: What We Can Learn From International Classrooms with Treasa Bowe

39 min

In this episode, I sit down with Treasa Bowe, an educator from Ireland, to talk about literacy instruction across countries. We unpack the differences between Ireland and the U.S., what's contributing to teacher overwhelm, and what actually matters most when it comes to supporting students. This conversation is a good reminder that we don't need to do more—we need to be more intentional with what we choose to focus on. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Why Writing Feels So Hard and What Actually Helps with Barbara Friedlander

51 min

If you've ever thought, "My students just can't write," this episode is for you. Writing is one of the most misunderstood parts of literacy instruction — and often one of the most frustrating for teachers and students alike. In today's conversation with Barbara Friedlander, we unpack what's really happening beneath the surface when students struggle with writing — and what actually makes a difference. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Making the Shift to Structured Literacy with Educators from PS152Q

1 hr 4 min

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by educators from PS152Q in Queens to talk about what it really looks like to shift a school toward structured literacy. We dive into how their team moved away from practices that weren't serving all students and began building a literacy block grounded in explicit phonics, intentional routines, and strong Tier 1 instruction. What makes this conversation so powerful is that it's not theoretical—it's the story of teachers and leaders doing the hard work in real classrooms, navigating challenges, analyzing data, and watching students begin to thrive as instruction becomes clearer and more aligned. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

What Spelling Errors Reveal and Why They Matter with Sydney Bassard

31 min

In this episode, I sit down with speech-language pathologist Sydney Bassard to unpack one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) tools in literacy instruction: spelling error analysis. Together, we explore how spelling, reading, and writing are deeply interconnected—and why looking beyond percent correct can completely change how we support students. Whether you're a classroom teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or SLP, this conversation will help you see student spelling errors not as mistakes, but as meaningful data. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Small Groups, Big Results with Julia Lindsay

42 min

In this episode, I'm joined by literacy researcher, former classroom teacher, and author Julia Lindsay for a powerful conversation about small group reading instruction—what works, what doesn't, and how we can rethink small groups in a way that actually supports students and teachers. Julia shares insights from her brand-new book, Small Groups, Big Results, and brings clarity to one of the most debated topics in literacy right now. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Choosing a Reading Curriculum with Dr. Maria Murray, Founder & CEO of The Reading League

46 min

In today's episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Maria Murray, founder and CEO of The Reading League, to talk about one of the most consequential decisions schools make: choosing a reading curriculum. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by programs, sales pitches, reviews, or state requirements, this conversation is a breath of fresh air. Dr. Murray shares her story—from researcher to reading scientist to starting The Reading League—and explains why knowledge-building and ongoing support are essential for schools implementing evidence-aligned reading instruction. Together, we unpack what curriculum decision-makers really need to know, what red flags to watch for, and why implementation matters just as much as the curriculum itself. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Resetting your Literacy Block for the New Year with Lindsay Kemeny

35 min

In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to turn the Science of Reading into daily classroom practice. From observing other teachers, to tightening routines, to managing time inside overloaded programs, this conversation is all about building a literacy block that actually works. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Supporting Struggling Readers: What Schools, Teachers, and Families Need to Know

29 min

In This Episode, We Cover Understanding Dyslexia and Misconceptions What dyslexia actually is Why eligibility labels alone are not enough How co-occurring needs (like ADHD) influence support Why early identification matters What Effective Support Looks Like Why intervention is not one-size-fits-all The myth of relying on brand-name programs instead of strong interventionists How to individualize minutes, intensity, and instructional needs Why waiting is the most damaging "intervention" CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Bringing Everyone to the Table: How The Teachers Table Is Transforming Teacher Support

28 min

Today, I am joined by the brilliant and beloved Elise Lovejoy, author of Express Readers, creator of high-quality decodables, longtime classroom teacher, and founder of The Teachers Table — a growing professional learning platform designed to give every educator access to vetted, practical, research-based literacy support. In this episode, Elise shares her journey from classroom teacher to curriculum creator to entrepreneur, and opens up about the moment she realized teachers needed more than scattered resources and social media tips — they needed a trusted, community-centered space where research meets real classrooms. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Strengthening Early Writing Through Foundational Skills with Amy Siracusano

38 min

In this episode, we sit down with writing expert and longtime educator Amy Siracusano to unpack what early writing instruction should look like—and why so many teachers struggle with it. From handwriting and stroke formation to moving students from oral language to letters, words, and eventually sentences, Amy brings clarity to a process that often feels overwhelming in K–2 classrooms. Together, we explore why writing has been left out of the Science of Reading conversation, how foundational skills set students up for success, and practical ways teachers can support young writers without frustration or shutdowns. Amy shares actionable steps, classroom routines, and scaffolds that make writing more accessible, especially for multilingual learners and students who need more explicit support. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Tips and Tricks for Building Reading Fluency in Grade K- 2 with Jan Hasbrouck

50 min

In today's episode, I sit down with literacy legend Dr. Jan Hasbrouck — researcher, author, consultant, and co-creator of the widely used Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) norms. Known for her unmatched expertise in reading fluency, assessments, instructional coaching, and dyslexia, Dr. Hasbrouck brings decades of wisdom to this powerful conversation. Together, Jan and I unpack myths about learning to read, the truth behind the "95% of kids can learn to read" statistic, what dyslexic learners really need, how fluency develops, and why teachers are essentially performing "brain surgery by instruction." This episode is packed with clarity, encouragement, and inspiration for educators at every level. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Writing Your Own Decodables with Brooke Vitale: Turning Research Into Engaging Stories

25 min

Have you ever wondered what it takes to write your own decodable books—or how to make them both phonics-aligned and fun to read? In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, Amie sits down with Brooke Vitale, former children's book editor turned author and co-creator of Charge Mommy Books, to talk about how she began writing decodable texts during the pandemic and what she's learned along the way. Brooke shares her journey from working with top publishers like Penguin and Disney to creating her own line of decodable readers that blend phonics progression, story engagement, and authentic language. Together, Amie and Brooke unpack practical tips for teachers who want to fill gaps in their phonics sequence or even try writing their own decodables. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

6 Common Mistakes Teachers Make with Decodable Texts (and How to Fix Them)

12 min

Are you using decodable books the right way? In this episode, we're breaking down six of the most common mistakes teachers make with decodable texts—and how to fix them. You'll learn how to align books to your phonics lessons, prep students before reading, balance decoding with meaning, and know when it's time to move beyond decodables. Practical, honest, and grounded in the Science of Reading—with insights from experts like Wiley Blevins, Heidi Anne Mesmer, and Jeanne Chall. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Morphology Made Easy: Building Word Power in K- 2 with Michelle and Sarah

50 min

What if I told you morphology isn't too advanced for young readers—it's actually the missing piece that makes decoding, spelling, and vocabulary stick? In this episode, I'm joined by two of my favorite literacy leaders, Michelle Sullivan and Sarah Paul, to talk all things morphology. We unpack what it is, why it matters from the very start of reading instruction, and how to make it engaging and approachable for even our youngest students.   CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

Beyond the Rules: Teaching Syllables with Flexibility with Savannah Campbell

30 min

Syllables can feel "big" or confusing—but they don't have to be. In this episode, I chat with reading specialist Savannah Campbell (Campbell Creates Readers) about how to make syllable instruction clear, doable, and effective from k–5. We cover the six syllable types, how (and whether) to teach division patterns, set-for-variability, and simple multisensory tools that help kids read and spell multisyllabic words with confidence. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

How to Implement the Science of Reading with Young Learners

28 min

In this episode, I'm excited to share a conversation I originally had on the Triple R Teaching Podcast with Anna Geiger (The Measured Mom). Together, we dive into my book Literacy Unlocked: How to Implement the Science of Reading with Young Learners and explore how to bridge research with practical classroom application. We cover the real-life challenges teachers face when it comes to foundational literacy skills and the shifts required to move from balanced literacy to the science of reading. This episode is packed with actionable ideas that you can take straight into your classroom. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Why Language is the Heart of Literacy with Susan Lambert

30 min

In this episode of Literacy Unlocked, I'm joined by Susan Lambert, host of the Science of Reading: The Podcast by Amplify, to dig into one of the most essential—and often overlooked—components of reading success: language. Susan shares personal stories and professional insights that make a powerful case for elevating language development right alongside decoding. We explore: Why word recognition is necessary but not sufficient The importance of oral language in early grades How syntax, vocabulary, and background knowledge support writing and comprehension What teachers can do tomorrow to build stronger language routines How oral discussion and sentence-level writing set the stage for later literacy success FULL SHOW NOTE HERE

Letter Sounds That Stick: 8 Research Backed Strategies that Actually Work

20 min

In today's episode, Amie breaks down eight essential, research-backed strategies for teaching letter sounds in ways that are practical, effective, and rooted in the science of reading. These aren't trendy tricks or rigid programs—they're flexible, powerful routines that actually work in real classrooms with real kids. From why we should teach letter names and sounds together, to what letters to teach first, and how to move beyond the outdated "letter of the week" model, this episode will walk you through the what, why, and how of early alphabet instruction. You'll also learn simple ways to embed multisensory routines, keep the pace moving, and build automaticitythrough daily review—without burning out or overcomplicating your day. See Full Show Notes Here

Teaching the Alphabet with Intention: Dr. Shayne Piasta

33 min

In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Shayne Piasta — a developmental psychologist, early literacy researcher, and professor at The Ohio State University. Her work has deeply influenced how I think about alphabet instruction, and I couldn't wait to sit down with her to talk about what the research actually says about teaching letter names, sounds, and formation — and how to make it practical for real classrooms. So many teachers are told conflicting things: Should I teach letter names or sounds first? Uppercase or lowercase? Do I teach handwriting at the same time? Is "letter of the week" okay? Dr. Piasta brings clarity to all of those questions and more. She breaks down the current research and provides thoughtful insights that help us move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Whether you're using a boxed curriculum, piecing together resources, or trying to adjust instruction for student needs, this episode will help you feel more confident and informed. See Full Show Notes Here  

Why I Wrote Literacy Unlocked — And Why It's the Book I Wish I Had as a New Teacher

20 min

In this heartfelt episode, Amie Burkholder takes you behind the scenes of her new book, Literacy Unlocked. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the nonstop buzz around the Science of Reading or unsure how to turn research into real-life instruction, this episode is for you. Amie walks through each chapter of the book, sharing how Literacy Unlocked bridges the gap between research and classroom practice — one step, one strategy, and one student at a time. You'll hear stories, classroom examples, and why this book is packed with not just knowledge, but tools you can use tomorrow. Whether you're a K–2 teacher, a literacy coach, an interventionist, or a parent looking for clarity, Literacy Unlocked was written with you in mind.   FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Interview with Shannon Moore

49 min

Whether you're supporting readers in your classroom, after school, or during summer tutoring, intervention doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with literacy coach and intervention specialist Shannon Moore, Ed.S., to talk about what actually makes intervention effective—both in school and out. We break down the core components of strong intervention systems, what to focus on when analyzing data, how to progress monitor in a meaningful way, and how to communicate all of this clearly with parents. Shannon also shares her journey from classroom teacher to private tutor to literacy coach—and offers encouragement (and practical advice!) for educators thinking about tutoring this summer.   FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

5 Small Group Reading Must-Haves Every Teacher Needs

21 min

Episode Summary Small group time is where the most powerful reading growth can happen — but if you're feeling overwhelmed by what to use, how to organize it, or whether you have the "right stuff," this episode will give you clarity (and a deep breath). I've spent years trying all the things — leveled tubs, centers, flashcards, flip charts… you name it. But over time, I realized the most effective small group reading block didn't require more. It just needed the right few tools and the routines to go with them.   Full Show Notes Here

Yvette Manns: An Author's Journey

37 min

Episode Summary: In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Yvette Manns — educator, certified dyslexia practitioner, and the creative mind behind the Phonics Readalouds series. If you've ever wished your phonics lessons could be more engaging and aligned with the science of reading, you're in for a treat. Yvette shares how her teaching experiences and structured literacy background led her to write decodable-aligned readalouds that bring tricky phonics concepts to life — from Bossy R pirates to silent letter ghosts. We talk about the power of story to make phonics memorable, how to keep instruction joyful and research-aligned, and why engagement is never fluff. You'll also hear about what's next for her growing literacy universe, including upcoming books, hardcover releases, digital resources, and exciting national (and international!) teacher events. In This Episode, We Cover: Why Yvette started writing phonics readalouds — and how they support decoding and language comprehension The inspiration behind student favorites like The Not-So-Lazy Schwa and The Very Talented Silent E How to use phonics readalouds meaningfully in your instruction Advice for making phonics fun without sacrificing instructional integrity How multimodal routines and strong classroom systems create space for joyful learning What's coming next: new books, teacher trainings, and her vision for growing the Phonics Readaloud universe Resources & Links Mentioned: 🌐 Phonics Readalouds Website — Get Yvette's free ebooks when new books launch (available for 48 hours only!) 📚 Yvette's Author Website — Explore all of her titles, including non-phonics books 📧 Contact: info@phonicsreadalouds.com 📸 Instagram: @phonicsreadalouds | @thelitteacher 🛍️ Books available on Amazon (hardcover editions coming soon!) Upcoming Events with Yvette: Presenting at The Reading League in Chicago this fall International speaking engagements this summer The Elevate Your Classroom Conference – happenin...

Five Ways to Move Away from Sound by Sound Reading and Build Fluency

20 min

Episode Summary: If you've ever had a student who reads "c...a...t..." and by the time they finish the sentence, they can't remember what it was about, this episode is for you! Today, we're diving into a super common (and totally normal!) stage of early reading: sound-by-sound decoding — why students get stuck there, and how to help them move into smoother, more confident word reading. You'll walk away with simple, practical steps you can start using tomorrow to bridge the gap from choppy decoding to fluent reading. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why students get stuck in sound-by-sound reading How to check and strengthen decoding foundations Blending strategies that actually make reading easier How to use blending lines for daily fluency practice What comes next after students move past sound-by-sound reading Key Takeaways: ✅ Accuracy always comes before speed — strengthen the foundation first ✅ Teach and model blending explicitly (traditional, successive, and continuous) ✅ Use blending lines daily for structured, targeted practice ✅ Celebrate small wins — fluency is built word by word! Resources Mentioned: Printable version of this episode (Message me @literacyedventures on Instagram to grab it!) Stay tuned for Episode 2, where we'll cover sentence- and passage-level fluency strategies like echo reading, fluency pyramids, phrase-cued reading, and more! Connect With Me: Instagram: @literacyedventures Website: Literacy Edventures If You Loved This Episode: Would you leave a quick review or share this episode with a teacher friend? Your support helps me reach more educators and keep these episodes coming!  

MTSS for Reading Improvement

45 min

🎙 Episode Title: Bridging MTSS and the Science of Reading with Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown 📚 Episode Summary: In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant minds behind the upcoming book MTSS for Reading Improvement — Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown. These two powerhouses bring decades of experience supporting schools in implementing the Science of Reading within an MTSS framework, and I could not be more excited for the practical, systems-level support their new book provides. We dive into what MTSS really looks like when done well, common roadblocks schools face, and how to build sustainable systems that actually move the needle for student achievement. Whether you're a literacy coach, classroom teacher, or school leader, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and encouragement. ✨ In this episode, we cover: Why the Science of Reading alone isn't enough — and how MTSS brings it to life at the system level Common misconceptions about MTSS (Spoiler: it's not just about interventions) How to strengthen Tier 1 instruction and use data to make the right decisions Practical strategies school leaders can implement right now Tips for fostering collaboration and building trust within school teams How to bridge the gap between research and daily instruction 📘 About the Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Sarah Brown and Stephanie Stollar is available for pre-order now and officially releases on May 5, 2025. This book is designed for school leaders, coaches, and educators who want to create meaningful, lasting change in literacy outcomes by building a solid MTSS framework that aligns with the Science of Reading. 💡 Bonus Insight: Sarah shares a powerful end-of-year strategy involving extra practice folders that helped close gaps just in time. Stephanie offers a must-do action step: schedule your cross-grade data meetings now! 👥 About Today's Guests: Stephanie Stollar Founder of the Reading Science Academy and a consultant helpin...

From Scribbles to Sentences – Helping Young Writers Grow

27 min

Episode Summary: In today's episode, we're tackling one of the biggest transitions in early literacy—helping students move from writing individual letters to constructing full sentences. If you've ever wondered how to bridge the gap between handwriting and confident writing, this episode is for you! We'll walk through: ✅ How to transition from letter formation to writing words ✅ The role of phonemic awareness and sound-to-letter mapping in writing ✅ Scaffolded word-building to strengthen encoding skills ✅ Sentence structure—teaching kids what makes a complete thought ✅ Engaging strategies like "Who/Do" sentences and The Missing Piece Game ✅ Why dictation and shared writing are essential for early writers ✅ How to make writing meaningful and connected to real-life experiences By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear, step-by-step approach to support your students as they grow into confident writers! FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Foundations of Writing: Why Letter Formation Matters

26 min

Episode Summary: Handwriting often gets pushed aside, but it's a game-changer for literacy success. In this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ Why handwriting matters for reading and spelling ✔️ Research-backed strategies to build fluency ✔️ The 5 essential components of writing success ✔️ Simple, effective ways to fit handwriting into your day By the end of this episode, you'll have practical strategies to help students move from letters to words to full sentences with confidence! FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Leading the Way: Supporting Teachers with the Science of Reading

31 min

All About Lisa Russo: Administrator in New York Public Schools at P.S. 152. Became a teacher in 2022 at P.S. 152 and taught for 13 years in a variety of grades. Pursued a masters and became assistant principal at P.S. 152 for seven years - the same school she grew up in! Now serves as the principal at P.S. 152.   You mention that you have former students who return as staff members or with their own children.  Can you talk about that? It's so incredible and unique - a true family. It makes my job more important because I have a great connection with the families, staff, and kids.  I grew up alongside them! Having my own students come back or have their children is just so special.   FULL SHOW NOTES HERE  

Mastering Small Group Instruction

34 min

Small group instruction: where the magic happens.   It's here where we get to see those long-awaited lightbulb moments.  But with so many  needs and so little time, it can feel overwhelming.  Today, we will help you simplify your planning, chat about why small groups are so important, and give you all the tools you need to make your small group instruction successful.   Why Small Groups Matter Small groups allow us to meet them where students are and provide targeted support.   In fact, research supports that this time is one of the most effective ways to boost reading success.   But with so much planning, what do we do? We follow a structure and this three-part framework: Warm-up with cumulative review Explicit teaching Application.   Following a framework takes the guessing out of planning and ensures that your lessons are aligned with the science of reading.  This framework works because it's digestible, it's consistent, it's aligned with the science of reading, it's efficient for teachers, and gives students a confident path towards reading.   FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

The Importance of Decodable Text with Elise Lovejoy

30 min

LE Podcast #52  The Importance of Decodable Text with Elise Lovejoy   All About Elise Lovejoy: Former teacher and currently serves as an probono interventionist at a nearby school. Runs Express Readers, a foundational skills reading program as well as a decodable book series. Passionate about the science of reading. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Podcast #51: New Year, New Goals: Using Data to Reset and Plan for 2025

33 min

LE Podcast #51  New Year, New Goals: Using Data to Reset and Plan for 2025   What's the most important question we can ask ourselves as teachers and reading specialists and coaches?  That's easy: How do we teach reading in a way so that we can reach every student and every need?  The answer may not be what you think!  It all starts with assessments.  Analyzing data we get from assessments can completely transform our reading instruction and help us reach every student.  Today, we're doing a deep dive into assessments and why we need them to drive our reading instruction. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

LE Podcast #50: Moving Students From Letter Sounds to CVC Words: The Secret Sauce

29 min

I want to share with you essential building blocks that can help your students move from letters to reading CVC words.  Before we begin, let's start with some vocabulary we'll use during these show notes today. Phonemic awareness - the ability to blend, segment, and manipulate phonemes.  This is oral and doesn't involve letters or print. Phonemes - our smallest units of sound. Alphabetic principle - taking the sounds and connecting it to written letters.   The Checklist That Students Need Before Reading CVC Words These foundational skills must be in place if we want to support our students efficiently. Letter name knowledge - They have to be able to look at the letter and know the name and sound of that letter. Automaticity - Simply knowing their sounds isn't enough.  Students must be able to say their letter sounds automatically, which is what will help them blend and decode words. Phonemic awareness - blending and segmenting is critical for our students. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Interview with Anna Geiger

35 min

All About Anna Geiger: Author of Reach All Readers: Using the Science of Reading to Transform Your Literacy Instruction. Former teacher in 1st-4th grades. Currently serves educators through her website, www.themeasuredmom.com. Shares tons of hands-on lessons, thoughtful articles, and printable resources and has been doing so since 2013. Hosts a weekly podcast called Triple R Teaching and presents at various summits and conferences.   FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Yearlong Phonics Pacing Guide

21 min

Podcast #48 - Yearlong Phonics Pacing Guide Show Notes You guys - it's here!  My Yearlong Phonics Pacing Guide for Grades K-2 is designed to help you plan and implement effective phonics instruction throughout the school year. Here,  we'll share tips on how to make the most of this invaluable resource in your classroom. Plan Ahead: Take Control of Your Phonics Instruction Ensure a smooth and successful school year by planning ahead. Benefits of planning ahead: You have organization and clear goals and timelines to keep you on track. You have consistency to ensure a logical progression of skills. You have flexibility because you're able to see ahead and adjust the framework as needed. Start by mapping out your phonics instruction for the entire year. Use the pacing guide to outline your weekly goals and objectives. Doing so will help you stay organized and, best of all, reduce stress throughout the entire year. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE  

Interview with Neena Saha

33 min

All About Neena Saha: Neena earned her master's degree in educational neuroscience from Columbia and has a PhD in special education from Vanderbilt. Her doctoral work on decoding resulted in a patent and her research can be found in journals like The Journal for Learning Disabilities and The Reading and Writing Interdisciplinary Journal. Upon graduating, Neena founded Elemeno, which helps bridge the research practice gap in early literacy. Meta Metrics acquired Elemeno and Neena joined their team to help build out early literacy products, tools, and services. Neena also continued the Reading Research Recap, which is a newsletter aimed at translating recent research into useful information for teachers. Currently, she's exploring better ways of translating research for all. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Structuring Literacy Blocks

27 min

Scheduling literacy blocks and finding enough time in a day is an ever-present challenge in our classrooms.  How do we do it, and where do we start?  Today, we'll go over some of the challenges we face, what to do about them, and how we can get in the time we need to teach literacy.   The Challenges of Literacy Blocks Not enough time Teachers are interrupted many times a day with student needs, broken copiers, announcements, and so on. There's sometimes simply not enough time in our day to implement literacy blocks in the way we'd like. Overload of materials You may have a phonics program, fluency program, a comprehension program, etc.  All of these materials are simply too overwhelming.  And when we get overwhelmed and don't know where to start, what actually happens is that we don't end up starting at all.  Over-adopting curriculum With the rise of the science of reading (yay!), many districts have adopted new curriculums.  Although the intention is good, this leads to an overwhelming amount of resources. When we over-adopt curriculum, start valuing quantity over quality. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Interview with Meghan Hein

26 min

All About Meghan Hein: Proudly been in education for 20 years with jobs as a 2nd grade teacher as well as a math coach. Eventually transitioned into a literacy intervention teacher and served there for 5 years. She's now back in the classroom using the skills and knowledge she learned as a literacy interventionist. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Letter Formation

22 min

The Complexity of Letter Formation Letter formation is the foundation for literacy development. This is because practicing letter formation helps students with shapes and sounds of letters, which is important for foundational reading skills.   Students also need fine motor skills in order to accomplish appropriate letter formation.  Good letter formation needs good fine motor skills. Writing by hand engages the parts of the brain that enhance memory and learning.  When students are writing the letter and saying the sound, we're helping them make the sounds stick.   One study found a significant correlation between letter recognition and handwriting fluency in students who were practicing their letter formation and had handwriting fluency.  This proves that children who practice writing letters become more familiar with their shapes and sounds. Another study showed that explicit instruction in letter formation is effective.  As educators, we need to guide students through the correct strokes, use correct visual aids, and even teach students chants so they can understand how to write each letter.    FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

Alphabet Quest

27 min

The Birth of Alphabet Quest During the pandemic, I was asked to leave my literacy coaching role and teach kindergarten.  When I went back to the classroom, I discovered that we were in desperate need of speeding up and enriching how we learned our alphabet. My time in the classroom was what birthed a really fun and effective idea I had:  Alphabet Quest!  Alphabet Quest is the idea of teaching the alphabet in an intense, systematic (and faster) way.  I returned to my literacy coaching role and introduced Alphabet Quest to my co-workers.   Instead of teaching one letter a week and spending 26 weeks inside the alphabet, Alphabet Quest was designed for children to learn their alphabet and letter sounds in only 5 weeks' time.     FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

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