Research doesn’t magically happen just because students are handed a topic and a Chromebook. In this episode of Creating Readers, Savannah Campbell is joined by Katie Walker (@katie_walker_resources) to unpack why research must be explicitly taught, carefully scaffolded, and thoughtfully supported in upper elementary classrooms.

• Why research is a taught process, not an independent free-for-all

• How to help students select meaningful topics and develop strong research questions

• The role of background knowledge in making research “stick”

• Why note-taking skills deserve explicit instruction and ongoing practice

• How graphic organizers can support organization and comprehension

• The importance of scaffolding and regular check-ins during research projects

• How research fits best when embedded into larger units of study

• Practical ways AI can support (not replace) the research process

If research feels chaotic or overwhelming in your classroom, this episode is your reminder that it doesn’t have to be. With clear structure, intentional scaffolds, and ongoing support, students can learn to research with confidence and purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

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Morphology is often taught as a weekly prefix or suffix list, but when it’s treated that way, we miss its real power. In this episode, Savannah explains why morphology isn’t just about spelling or quizzes and how it can become one of the most effective word-learning strategies we give students.

• Why morphology is often misunderstood and underutilized in classrooms

• How English works as a morphophonemic language, preserving meaning over sound

• How morphology supports vocabulary growth and helps students tackle unfamiliar words

• A step-by-step look at how Savannah explicitly teaches morphology, including daily review, spelling, reading, and word work

Morphology is more than a checklist of prefixes and suffixes. When taught intentionally, it connects decoding, spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension in powerful ways. If you’re ready to move beyond word lists and start using morphology as a true meaning-making tool, this episode will give you a clear place to start.

Resources Mentioned:

FREE Morpheme Deck

Dictation Lists

Fluency Grids

Morphology Interactive Notebook

Many teachers hear the phrase “all teachers are reading teachers” and instantly panic. Don’t worry, this episode isn’t about turning math class into phonics or adding more to your already full plate. Instead, Savannah breaks down what the phrase actually means and how every content-area classroom is already positioned to boost comprehension in meaningful, doable ways.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why background knowledge matters more than most people realize and how science, social studies, and even resource classes naturally build it.

• How to teach vocabulary (Tier 2 + Tier 3) in ways that make words stick without overwhelming your lessons.

• Simple writing routines that strengthen understanding and help students show what they truly know.

If you teach reading, this episode will help you think differently about content texts. If you teach content, it will help you make your instruction even more powerful—without adding extra work.