TRT Podcast #195: How to train future reading teachers - with Dr. Carrie PfeiferDr. Carrie Pfeifer shares how her structured literacy clinic and redesigned coursework prepare future reading teachers. Students get hands-on tutoring experience while mastering evidence-based teaching methods. It's a win for everyone!Listen to the episode hereFull episode transcriptResources ... Read More
Going deep beneath the surface of words – with Sue Hegland
TRT Podcast #194: Going deep beneath the surface of words - with Sue HeglandOne of my favorite education books is Beneath the Surface of Words, by Sue Hegland - it's a truly mind-blowing book that opened my eyes to the sense behind English spelling. Even though I've always been a strong speller, this book led to understandings that make me a better teacher of spelling. In this episode I sat down with Sue Hegland to ... Read More
Specific ways to teach morphology in the lower grades – with Fiona Hamilton
TRT Podcast #193: Specific ways to teach morphology in the lower grades - with Fiona HamiltonIf you're looking for specific ways to teach morphology in the primary grades - starting in kindergarten - THIS is the episode for you. Fiona Hamilton breaks it all down for us, even giving us the exact words to say. This episode is a must-listen for any lower grades teacher who's ready to get started with morphology ... Read More
Structured Word Inquiry – with Dr. Pete Bowers
TRT Podcast #192: Structured Word Inquiry - with Dr. Pete BowersDr. Pete Bowers explains "structured word inquiry," an exciting type of instruction that engages learners of all ages in making sense of our (surprise!) logical spelling system. In this episode, Dr. Bowers shares the research behind morphology, explains why words typically called "irregular" are usually not, and advocates for morphology instruction even ... Read More
An introduction to Morphology – with Michelle Sullivan
TRT Podcast #191: An introduction to morphology - with Michelle SullivanThis episode begins an exciting series about morphology! Michelle Sullivan, of The Colorful Classroom, defines basic morphology terms and gives practical ways to begin morphology instruction across the grades.Listen to the episode hereFull episode transcriptRecommended books about morphologyConnect with Michelle ... Read More
How to use morphology to improve students’ spelling
I don't know about you, but the word morphology was completely new to me five years ago. And, frankly, it sounded boring and weird. I wasn't interested.Fast forward a few years, and I've learned that morphology is absolutely key for making sense of English spelling. In fact, we can start teaching it to kindergartners! Morphology knowledge grows with our students, and even morphology experts will tell you they have ... Read More
What is the science of learning? – with Dr. Nathaniel Swain
TRT Podcast #190: What is the science of learning? - with Dr. Nathaniel SwainThe science of reading tells us what to teach; the science of learning tells us how. Dr. Nathaniel Swain, author of the new book, Harnessing the Science of Learning, debunks common myths about how students learn and helps teachers understand how to improve their craft so all students learn.Listen to the episode hereFull episode ... Read More
Understanding the Orton-Gillingham Approach – with Pryor Rayburn
TRT Podcast #189: Understanding the Orton-Gillingham Approach - with Pryor RayburnPryor Rayburn, a teacher and Fellow in Training with the Orton-Gillingham Academy, shares education resources through her website, The Orton Gillingham Mama. In today's episode she explains the principles of Orton-Gillingham, discusses what elements are not yet supported by research, and shares an effective routine for ... Read More
How to apply reading research to classroom teaching – with Harriett Janetos
TRT Podcast #188: How to apply reading research to classroom teaching - with Harriet JanetosHarriet Janetos, an author and reading specialist, has a gift for sorting through reading research and understanding how to apply it in day-to-day teaching. In this episode we discuss practical insights from her book, From Sound to Summary.Listen to the episode hereFull episode transcriptResources: ... Read More
The ultimate guide to phonics rules and patterns
I'm often asked about where someone might find a master list of phonics rules or a phonics rules cheat sheet. I've put this post together so you have a place to find the most important phonics rules and patterns. Let's dive in! Note: In this post, letters written between slash marks represent sounds. For example: /sh/ represents the sound you hear at the beginning of the word chef. Letters written between small ... Read More