TRT Podcast#42: The difference between balanced and structured literacy It’s time to take a good look at what we’re doing when we teach children to read. I considered myself a “balanced literacy” teacher for many years. It’s the approach I learned in graduate school, the approach I used as a classroom teacher, and the approach I (used to) teach on my website and in my online course. However, after a great deal of ... Read More
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Ready to help every student become a proficient reader? Join me for practical conversations about teaching reading well.
I'll bring you real talk about implementing the science of reading in your classroom, breaking down the research into steps you can take right away, and helping you build the confidence to reach all your readers. Whether you're navigating your own shift from balanced literacy or looking for strategies that work for diverse learners, you'll find support here.
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Do’s and don’ts for using decodable texts with beginning readers
TRT Podcast#41: Do's and don'ts for using decodable books with beginning readers For years I thought that decodable texts were a necessary evil ... I thought they were boring, stilted, and nonsensical. Now I know that quality decodable books are vital for helping young learners build a strong foundation. The good news is that there are many wonderful decodable books, and more are being published all the ... Read More
Should you use leveled or decodable books with beginning readers?
TRT Podcast#40: Should you use leveled or decodable books with beginning readers? Leveled books are predictable books with strong picture support. Decodable books feature words whose sound-spelling patterns have been explicitly taught. Which are best for beginning readers? Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Link to original Facebook Live presentation Video presentation Check out the full ... Read More
What’s wrong with three-cueing?
TRT Podcast#39: What's wrong with three-cueing? I never thought I'd be sharing an episode about what's wrong with three-cueing. After all, I've spent decades prompting kids to think about what makes sense, sounds right, and looks right when solving words! Listen to find why I (finally) changed my approach. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Link to original Facebook Live presentation Video ... Read More
What the science of reading is based on
TRT Podcast#38: What the science of reading is based on There are a lot of questions about what the science of reading truly is. Is it from a journalist? Is the science brand-new? How do we know that we can trust it? In today's episode I'll share the particulars! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Link to original Facebook Live presentation Video presentation Check out the full science of ... Read More
How the brain learns to read
TRT Podcast#37: A simple look at how the brain learns to read How exactly does the brain learn to read ... and why should teachers even care? In today's episode I simplify the science and share exactly why this understanding is important for K-2 teachers. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Recommended reading Language at the Speed of Sight, by Mark Seidenberg Overcoming Dyslexia, by Sally ... Read More