TRT Podcast #83: It's all about taking gradual steps Lindsay was a fierce balanced literacy advocate ... until everything she knew didn't help her son learn to read. You'll love hearing how Lindsay educated herself and began tutoring her son, who has severe dyslexia. He's now a successful, avid reader! Full episode transcript Find Lindsay here The Science of Reading: First Steps (blog post)Free PD for ... Read More
From balanced to structured literacy: A conversation with Heidi Jane
TRT Podcast #82: You're not alone: A conversation with Heidi Jane In this episode I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Heidi Jane, who has blown up Instagram and TikTok with her incredible science of reading content. Listen in to learn about Heidi's journey and the safe space she's created for teachers to keep learning about this important subject. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Find Heidi ... Read More
From balanced to structured literacy: A conversation with Christina Winter
TRT Podcast #81: Just start with one thing: A conversation with Christina Winter In this episode I had the joy of meeting Christina Winter, a brilliant educator with a heart for helping teachers. Get Christina's best advice for getting started with the science of reading! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript The Purple Challenge Video Find Christina here Getting Started with ... Read More
From balanced to structured literacy: Chatting with Savannah Campbell
TRT Podcast #80: It's all about the kids: A conversation with Savannah Campbell In this episode I have the privilege of chatting with Savannah Campbell from Campbell Creates Readers. She shares her journey from balanced to structured literacy and helps us put it all in the proper perspective. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Find Savannah here Campbell Creates Readers ... Read More
An introduction to our Balanced to Structured Literacy Interview series
TRT Podcast #79: An Introduction to our Balanced to Structured Literacy Interview Series Beginning next week I'm sharing a ten-week interview series! We'll be learning what led prominent educators to transition from a balanced to structured approach. Along the way we'll get helpful tips for teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, and more. Stay tuned! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Our ... Read More
Should we use running records?
TRT Podcast #78: Rethinking running records ... should we be using something else instead? Should we use running records? In today's episode we'll talk about why the running record isn't the useful tool I once thought it was. We'll also share resources you can use instead ... and what to do if your school still requires that you use running records. Full episode transcript Related blog ... Read More
What teachers should know about dyslexia
Do you suspect that one of your students may have dyslexia? Here's what every teacher should know! As I look back to the students that I taught, I can picture one particular little boy who I'm sure had dyslexia. He was a bright, articulate, and kind first grader. On one particularly rough day of teaching, he gave me a little blue gem shaped like a heart. "This is for you, because you're the nicest teacher ... Read More
Whole class vocabulary activities to make those words STICK
TRT Podcast#77: Whole class vocabulary activities to make those words STICK These simple activities will help your students make new words part of their expressive vocabulary ... and they take just a few minutes each! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources Do's and don'ts for teaching vocabulary (blog post) Bringing Words to Life, by Beck & Beck Word Nerds, ... Read More
A simple template for reading comprehension lessons
TRT Podcast#76: A simple template for reading comprehension lessons So - you're reading an on-grade-level text with the whole class. How can you make this reading comprehension lesson interesting, engaging, and useful for ALL your students? Today's episode will give you a simple template you can follow to make these lessons a success! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related ... Read More
What is explicit instruction?
How do you teach students with dyslexia? With explicit instruction. But what IS explicit instruction anyway? In their book, Anita Archer and Charles A. Hughes tell us that explicit instruction is systematic, direct, engaging, and success oriented. If you have a few minutes, check out this helpful video from Anita Archer. It feels a little weird to use the word explicit when talking about teaching because ... Read More
