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Join Dr. Gina Pepin on this laugh-out-loud episode of “Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher” as she shares an unforgettable compliment from a first-grade student: “You look so beautiful—just like a clown!” Dive into the unpredictable world of honest student feedback, the art of accepting compliments (no matter how colorful!), and the value of authenticity and joy in teaching. Whether you’ve been called a clown or a superhero by your students, this episode will have you smiling and reflecting on those magical, unfiltered classroom moments. Tune in for stories, strategies, and lots of laughs as we celebrate the unique ways students help us see ourselves—and our profession—through fresh eyes!

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Ever wondered what those Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) scores truly reveal? In this episode, Dr. Gina Pepin breaks down how RAN points to a child’s processing speed and automaticity, risk for reading challenges—including dyslexia—and early signals for reading fluency issues. Learn what RAN predicts, how it fits with other reading assessments, and what it can’t tell you about your students. Walk away with new tools to tailor your support and spot risks early—before reading frustrations set in. Tune in and feel more empowered with your assessment data!

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Join Dr. Gina Pepin as she unpacks the hot topic of nonsense words in early literacy! Originally created as an assessment tool to gauge students' decoding skills, nonsense words have made their way into daily instruction—but is this really best for our young readers? In this episode, Dr. Pepin explores the history, purpose, and unintended consequences of practicing nonsense words, including how it can affect the developing brain and even slow down progress for fluent readers. Tune in to learn why meaningful, authentic reading experiences are essential and discover actionable strategies for supporting your students’ real reading growth. If you’re ready to reflect on your instructional toolkit and do what’s best for kids, this episode is for you!

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"Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher with Dr. Gina Pepin"—the podcast created by educators, for educators!

Join Dr. Gina Pepin each week as she shares practical tips, creative strategies, and real classroom stories designed to inspire and support teachers at every stage. From hands-on literacy tools like Wikki Stix to classroom management ideas and everything in between, Dr. Pepin breaks down relevant topics in a conversational, relatable way. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you’ll find actionable insights, encouragement, and plenty of “teacher-to-teacher” wisdom in every episode.

Tune in, connect, and grow your teaching toolkit with Dr. Gina Pepin!

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Timed one-minute benchmark assessments have become a cornerstone of literacy instruction, but are we getting the full picture for students with speech impairments? In this episode, Dr. Gina Pepin explores how these common assessments can blur the lines between decoding difficulties and speech challenges.

Listen as she unpacks strategies for fair and accurate assessment, discusses collaboration with speech-language pathologists, and offers practical tips to ensure every reader’s abilities are truly understood.

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In this episode, Dr. Gina Pepin explores the critical role of authentic texts in early reading development. Rather than relying solely on scripted or predictable practice readers, authentic texts—such as storybooks, poems, and real-world materials—offer young learners meaningful language experiences, richer vocabulary, and deeper comprehension.

Join Dr. Pepin as she discusses how incorporating real books and materials into your reading instruction not only builds foundational skills but also sparks a lifelong love of reading. Perfect for educators seeking practical strategies and inspiration for nurturing confident, engaged readers from the very start!

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Join Dr. Gina Pepin as she tackles one of the most common confusions in the literacy world: the difference between nonfiction and informational text. In this episode, you’ll learn why not all nonfiction serves the same purpose and how understanding these distinctions can help you choose the best resources for your students.

Dr. Pepin breaks down the features, purposes, and examples of each type, giving practical tips for classroom instruction and text selection. Perfect for educators who want to sharpen their literacy toolkit and build stronger reading experiences for every learner!

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What happens when students have the freedom to browse and interact with a wide variety of texts—no matter the level, genre, or format? In this episode, Dr. Gina Pepin explores the transformative power of book exploration in the classroom. From recipe cards and sports trading cards to comic books, graphic novels, and beyond, discover how letting students preview, hold, and truly experience different forms of text fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine love of reading. Tune in for practical tips on creating meaningful book exploration opportunities that go far beyond the limitations of leveled reading. Perfect for educators who want to inspire joyful, lifelong readers—one discovery at a time!

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