TRT Podcast #114: What we got wrong (and right) with balanced literacy Today we hear from Dr. Nathaniel Swain, a researcher and speech-language pathologist interested in language, literacy, and learning. In this episode we discuss the problems with balanced literacy ... and where to go from here. This was such a fun conversation! Full episode transcript ... Read More
How to build oral language fluency – with Martha Kovack
TRT Podcast #113: How to build oral language fluency - with Martha Kovack We talk a lot about phonemic awareness and phonics - but what about oral language? In this episode we talk about how we can recycle old balanced literacy practices to build oral language fluency. Full episode transcript ... Read More
What teachers need to know about DLD – with Martha Kovack
TRT Podcast #112: What teachers need to know about DLD - with Martha Kovack We talk a lot about dyslexia. But what about DLD? DLD, or developmental language disorder, interferes with learning, understanding, and using oral language at the sentence level. It's time for teachers to get to know this disorder so they know how to help! Full episode transcript ... Read More
My response to Jan Richardson and Michele Dufresne, Part 3
TRT Podcast #111: My response to Jan Richardson & Michele Dufresne, Part 3 111: Jan Richardson is still defending three-cueing. Here's my response. Please note: Jan Richardson kindly sent a written response to this series, and I've responded to her points in this pdf. I appreciate that she's open to a conversation! Full episode transcript This episode is in response to: Getting the Facts Straight on ... Read More
My response to Jan Richardson & Michele Dufresne, Part 2
TRT Podcast #110: My response to Jan Richardson & Michele Dufresne, Part 2 In this episode, I respond to Michele Dufresne's defense of using leveled A and B texts in guided reading lessons. Please note: Jan Richardson kindly sent a written response to this series, and I've responded to her points in this pdf. Full episode transcript This episode is in response to: Getting the Facts Straight on Guided ... Read More
My response to Jan Richardson & Michele Dufresne, Part 1
TRT Podcast #109: My response to Jan Richardson & Michele Dufresne, Part 1 Jan Richardson and Michele Dufresne, guided reading gurus, recently shared a presentation in which they stated that the media is misinterpreting the science of reading and giving guided reading a bad rap. Were they correct? Is traditional guided reading worth saving? Here's my reaction to their presentation. Please note: Jan Richardson ... Read More
6 Things to remember about the science of reading
TRT Podcast #108: 6 Things to remember about the science of reading It's exciting to see enthusiasm around the science of reading and research-based practices. But there are six important things that some people are getting wrong. Full episode transcript Mentioned in this episode Using Research and Reason in Education, by Paula J. Stanovich & Keith F. Stanovich Translating Science to Practice, with ... Read More
What order should we teach the letters of the alphabet?
TRT Podcast #107: What order should we teach the letters of the alphabet? Should we teach upper or lowercase first? Which letters should come first in the sequence? And what does the research say, anyway? Get the answers in today's episode! Full episode transcript Mentioned in this episode Dr. Stephanie Stollar's Reading Science Academy (highly recommended!) Last week's episode: Should we teach letter ... Read More
What’s the best order to teach letters?
I'm often asked, "What's the best order to teach letters?" The answer is: it depends. Keep reading to find out my recommendations! Many teachers and parents wonder what's the best order for teaching letters of the alphabet. Should we go in alphabetical order? Should we start with uppercase or lowercase? What does the research say? Well, here's the first thing to know: As I stated in the first post of ... Read More
Should we teach letter names or sounds first?
TRT Podcast #106: Should we teach letter names or sounds first? When teaching the alphabet, should we teach letter names or sounds first? Everyone seems to have an opinion ... what does the research say? Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Articles to read Foulin, J.N. (2005) Why is letter-name knowledge such a good predictor of learning to read? Reading and Writing 18:129-155. Piasta, S.B. ... Read More