What if reading isn’t just a skill we teach—but a right we protect?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall, a powerful voice in education who invites us to rethink what it really means to teach every child how to read. We go beyond the buzzwords and into the heart of why literacy matters—not just for achievement, but for identity, dignity, and opportunity.

This conversation will challenge you (in the best way), ground you in purpose, and give you the language to advocate for real change—without needing to overhaul your classroom.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• What it really means to honor literacy as a human right.
• How to spot the invisible barriers some students face.
• Why representation in literacy materials matters more than we think.
• What small shifts can make your instruction more inclusive.
• How to keep growing—without guilt, overwhelm, or perfectionism.

Show Links

Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall 's website // on LinkedIn // on X (formerly Twitter)
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You’ve heard all about the science of reading—but what about the science of writing? Most K–2 teachers are handed phonics programs with zero guidance on how to actually teach writing. That changes today.

In this episode, Joan Sedita pulls back the curtain on what your teacher prep program never taught you. She introduces her powerful Writing Rope framework, shares why oral language matters more than perfect spelling in the early years, and gives you permission to start where your students are—scribbles, drawings, and all.

Whether you're teaching kinders who can’t write a sentence or second graders stuck in short, choppy responses, this episode will transform how you think about writing instruction.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• The 5 strands of writing all K–2 teachers should be weaving into their day.
• Why “just wait until they can write” is the wrong advice for early learners.
• Easy ways to turn drawing and talking into real writing progress.
• How to make writing a daily routine—even in 15 minutes or less.

Show Links

Keys to Literacy
Joan Sedita's Books on Amazon
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What happens when a veteran teacher discovers that her reading instruction isn’t working—not even for her own son?

In this episode, Lindsay Kemeny, author of 7 Mighty Moves, shares the pivotal moment that changed everything and walks us through the practical shifts she made to align her classroom with the science of reading.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• The 7 Mighty Moves and how to apply them without a complete overhaul.
• Why decodable texts are helpful—but not forever.
• How to design a reading block that actually works for your students.
• The difference between engagement and entertainment.
• What to do if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

Show Links

Lindsay Kemeny Instagram // LinkedIn // Podcast // Website
7 Mighty Moves
Rock Your Literacy Block
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What if your MTSS system actually worked—and didn’t leave teachers or students overwhelmed?

In this episode, Dr. Joan Schumann shares the exact strategies she used to build a Multi-Tiered System of Support that’s practical, sustainable, and truly effective. Whether you're a classroom teacher, coach, or school leader, this conversation will help you rethink how you use data, strengthen Tier 1, and support interventionists—without burning everyone out.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• The #1 mistake schools make with MTSS (and how to avoid it).
• How to know if it’s a student issue… or a Tier 1 issue.
• A simple 75/75 rule that streamlines your intervention process.
• What to do when your Tier 2 students aren’t progressing.
• How to train and support interventionists (even if they’re brand new).

Show Links

Joan's website / LinkedIn
MTSS Association
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Some students can sound out every letter in a word… but still not read it. In this episode, literacy interventionist Beth Gaskill helps us unpack why that happens and what to do about it. We’re talking about the “fuzzy middle” between phonemic awareness and fluent reading, and why simple, consistent, multisensory routines can make all the difference.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why some kids can sound out words but still can’t blend.
• The role of working memory in decoding struggles.
• Simple multisensory activities (like socks, beans, and chairs!)
• What to try before reaching for letter tiles.
• How to support students who freeze when it’s time to blend.

Show Links

Big City Readers Website // Instagram // Podcast
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What if Tier 2 didn’t feel like a last-ditch effort—but your most powerful tool for early reading success? In this episode, I sit down with Linsey, a school-based SLP who built a Tier 2 intervention program that’s catching struggling readers before they fall behind. Short, targeted, and backed by real results—you’re going to want to hear how she’s doing it.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• What makes most Tier 2 interventions ineffective—and how to fix it.
• A simple framework for high-impact small group instruction.
• The role of adaptive instruction and visual supports in closing gaps.
• How early data collection leads to better outcomes.
• Why collaboration across roles is the secret to success.

Show Links

Linsey's Website
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If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

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You know the type—students who can read every word but still have no idea what they just read. In this episode, literacy expert Dr. Tim Shanahan breaks down why this happens and what you can do about it. Get ready for myth-busting moments and practical tools you can use in your classroom tomorrow.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why kids who read fluently may still struggle to comprehend.
• The myth of “just right” texts—and what to do instead.
• How vocabulary, background knowledge, and morphology support comprehension.
• Sentence-by-sentence questioning that rewires student focus.
• Writing and read-aloud strategies that strengthen understanding.

Show Links

Shanahan on Literacy Blog
"Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives" by Dr. Tim Shanahan
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Have you ever wondered why there is a silent W in the word two? In this episode, we explore a surprisingly powerful concept that helps students unlock word meaning just by noticing how a word is spelled. It is called a phonestheme, and once you understand it, you will start seeing these hidden clues everywhere.

We look at how sound clusters like TW, GL, and SN give hints about a word’s meaning and how this awareness helps students become more confident readers. You will also learn how to introduce these ideas in your classroom in a simple and meaningful way without needing a special curriculum or extra prep.

This episode connects spelling, meaning, and morphology in a way that is fun, easy to apply, and deeply engaging for young learners.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• How the word "two" evolved and what its spelling reveals.
• What phonesthemes are and how they work across many English words.
• Why this awareness supports vocabulary growth and decoding.
• How to introduce these concepts in early elementary classrooms using natural conversations.

Show Links

Phonesthemes Chart
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Rate, Review, and Follow

If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!