Episodios

  • 86. Multisyllabic Spelling Made Simpler: 3 Strategies for Spelling Longer Words

    86. Multisyllabic Spelling Made Simpler: 3 Strategies for Spelling Longer Words
    Mar 24 2026
    Spelling longer words can feel overwhelming for students - even for those who can read them with ease. In this episode, I unpack why multisyllabic spelling is such a leap and, more importantly, what we can do to support students through it.Rather than relying on memorization alone, this episode explores how spelling is deeply connected to the structure of our language. You’ll walk away with three practical strategies that help students approach longer words with confidence.From breaking words into syllables, to leveraging morphology and word relatives, to using a “spelling voice,” this episode offers a toolkit teachers can immediately bring into their instruction.Key Takeaways:Spelling multisyllabic words requires more than phonology; students need access to structure and meaning as well.Syllabication helps reduce cognitive load by chunking words into manageable parts.Every syllable has at least one vowel (ESHALOV): a helpful anchor for spelling longer words.Morphology provides stability; morphemes maintain consistent spellings even when pronunciation shifts.Word relatives can unlock tricky spellings (i.e. preside → president).A spelling voice can support memory by making less obvious spellings more transparent.Strong spellers use metacognition; they choose strategies flexibly depending on the word.English spelling is not random: it reflects the interaction of phonology, morphology, and etymology.Resources Mentioned:Building BRIDGES: A Design Experiment to Improve Reading and United States History Knowledge of Poor Readers in Eighth Grade - O’Connor, Beach, Sanchez, Bocian, & Flynn - ESHALOV principle (Every Syllable Has At Least One Vowel)Helping Students With Dyslexia Read Long Words by Devin Kearns & Victoria WhaleyLogos Literacy AcademyCourse: Mastering MorphologyCourse & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMorphology Membership (Coaching Calls & Resources)Book: Seven Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny (Spelling Voice Strategy mentioned)Multisyllabic Words Skill Explainer from Reading UniverseThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.Instagram: @_readingcomYouTube: ReadingComFacebook: Reading.comPinterest: Reading_comConnect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos LiveMentioned in this episode:Reading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!
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    22 m
  • 85. How to Use Decodable Books (and When to Move Beyond Them) with Elise Lovejoy, Express Readers

    85. How to Use Decodable Books (and When to Move Beyond Them) with Elise Lovejoy, Express Readers
    Mar 17 2026
    In this episode, Elise Lovejoy tackles one of the most important topics in early literacy instruction: how to use decodable books effectively – and how to thoughtfully bridge students from controlled text into authentic reading.Elise explains why decodable texts are such a critical tool for early reading development. She also, though, emphasizes an important truth: decodables are not the entire literacy experience; they are one piece of a larger instructional puzzle.In this episode, you’ll hear Elise discuss practical ways teachers can maximize decodable books for phonics practice, build comprehension within decodable texts, and scaffold students toward more complex and authentic reading experiences.You’ll also gather actionable routines teachers can use during small-group instruction, how to help students develop flexibility when encountering unfamiliar spellings, and the signals that students may be ready to move beyond tightly controlled text.Key Takeaways:Why decodable texts are essential for practicing newly taught phonics skillsThe difference between using decodables intentionally vs. using them like leveled readersWhy comprehension should still be addressed within decodable textsPractical small-group routines for using decodable books effectivelyHow to help students develop flexibility with spelling and pronunciationSigns that students are ready to move beyond tightly controlled textWhy teachers should use decodable texts and authentic texts side-by-sideResources Mentioned:The Teachers TableLyn Stone’s Book: Foundations for LifeConnect with Elise Lovejoy of Express Readers:Website: Express ReadersInstagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.Instagram: @_readingcomYouTube: ReadingComFacebook: Reading.comPinterest: Reading_comConnect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos LiveMentioned in this episode:Reading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!
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    45 m
  • 84. Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn

    84. Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn
    Mar 10 2026
    Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn, co-authors of Reading Assessment Done Right unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in literacy instruction: assessment. Rather than viewing assessment as something teachers must check off their to-do list, they explain how high-quality reading assessments can empower educators and transform instruction. When assessment data is used thoughtfully and linked directly to instruction, it becomes a powerful tool for identifying student needs, targeting support, and ultimately changing reading outcomes.This episode is a must-listen for teachers, literacy coaches, interventionists, and school leaders who want to better understand how to use assessment data to drive meaningful instructional change.Key Takeaways:How assessment data can transform classroom decision-makingCommon mistakes schools make when using assessment dataWhy schools must sometimes de-implement ineffective assessmentsThe four key types of reading assessment and how they work together: Universal Screening, Diagnostic Assessments, Progress Monitoring, Outcome AssessmentsHow teachers can interpret assessment data and trends over timeResources:Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate WinnBook: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)FREE Resource: The Reading MTSS Reflection Guide Previous Podcast Episode with Dr. Stollar: Episode 28. Clearing up Misconceptions around MTSSPrevious Podcast Episode with Dr. Stollar: Episode 80. MTSS for Reading ImprovementThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Dr. Stephanie Stollar:Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademyFacebook: Stephanie Stollar ConsultingLinkedIn: Stephanie StollarJoin Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy MembershipThe MTSS CollectiveConnect with Kate Winn:Podcast: Reading Road Trip from IDA OntarioWebsite: http://thismomloves.ca/Instagram: @katethismomlovesThank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today.Instagram: @_readingcomYouTube: ReadingComFacebook: Reading.comPinterest: Reading_comConnect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos LiveMentioned in this episode:Reading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!
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    40 m
  • 83. How to Make Read-Alouds More Powerful: Joyful Learning in Action with Yvette Manns, Phonics Read-Alouds

    83. How to Make Read-Alouds More Powerful: Joyful Learning in Action with Yvette Manns, Phonics Read-Alouds
    Mar 3 2026
    In this conversation, Michelle is joined by literacy advocate and author Yvette Manns to explore the power of read-alouds: both for instruction and for joy.Key Takeaways:The difference between reading for pleasure and instructional read-aloudsHow read-alouds build oral language, vocabulary, and connectionPractical instructional moves to make read-alouds more impactfulThe TAPES Method (Tell, Act, Point, Explain, Show) for vocabulary instructionThe origin story of the Phonics Read Alouds seriesInformation on how to celebrate National Schwa Day on April 7th!The launch of a brand-new Morphology Read-Aloud seriesThis episode is both inspiring and deeply practical, full of classroom-ready ideas.Phonics Read-AloudsCreated by Yvette Manns, the Phonics Read Alouds series blends explicit phonics instruction with rich storytelling. Characters like Bossy R, Magic E, and the Schwa bring abstract phonics concepts to life.Website: www.phonicsreadalouds.comInstagram: @phonicsreadaloudsNational Schwa DayFounded by Yvette Manns, National Schwa Day is celebrated annually on April 7th.Why April 7th? Listen to the episode to hear the reasoning behind it!What you’ll find in the free Educator Guide:Classroom activitiesSchwa parade word cardsDigital blending board activities (sponsored by Blend)Celebration ideasDownload the FREE Educator guide: www.nationalschwaday.orgExciting News: Morphology Read-Aloud SeriesMichelle and Yvette announce the launch of a brand-new Morphology Read Aloud collection — beginning with:The Always-Finished Suffix -EDThis story brings the three sounds of -ed to life through time travel, character development, and embedded word study.🎉 Use code COLORFUL1 for 15% off (valid through 4/26/26)!Additional Books Mentioned:Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John SteptoeI Am Every Good Thing by Derrick BarnesCityrella by Yvette MannsThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Yvette Manns:Website: https://www.yvettemanns.com/Instagram: @phonicsreadalouds & @the_lit_teacherFacebook: Phonics Read-AloudTikTok :@PhonicsReadAloudsEmail: info@phonicsreadalouds.comThank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Connect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls:
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    1 h y 16 m
  • 82. Inside an Upper-Elementary Reading Intervention Toolkit with Sara Marye, Stellar Teacher Company

    82. Inside an Upper-Elementary Reading Intervention Toolkit with Sara Marye, Stellar Teacher Company
    Feb 24 2026
    Sara Marye, founder of The Stellar Teacher Company, joins Michelle to unpack what effective upper-elementary reading intervention can actually look like in the general classroom setting. Together, they explore why students in grades 3–5 may continue to struggle with decoding, how phonics gaps impact both reading and writing, and what classroom teachers can realistically do to support older students who still need foundational skill support.Sara shares the thinking behind the Stellar Reading Intervention Toolkit, including its intentional structure, focus on multisyllabic words, and commitment to dignity-preserving, age-appropriate materials for older students.Key TakeawaysReading challenges do not end in second grade and they don’t resolve themselves without explicit instructionUpper-elementary students often struggle not because they can’t learn phonics, but because they were never explicitly taughtShort, systematic, and well-structured lessons are more likely to be used consistently by classroom teachersIntervention should feel connected to Tier 1 instruction, not isolated or “in a box”It is never too late to address reading gaps, but supports become harder to access as students get olderResourcesStellar Reading Intervention ToolkitThe Stellar Literacy Collective MembershipConnect with Sara MaryeEmail: sara@stellarteacher.comPodcast: The Stellar Teacher PodcastInstagram: @thestellarteachercompanyYouTube: @thestellarteachercompanyWebsite: stellarteacher.comLinkedIn: The Stellar Teacher CompanyThank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Connect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos LiveMentioned in this episode:Express ReadersGet your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/Reading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!
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    48 m
  • 81. Articulatory Gestures and Early Literacy: What the Research Actually Says with Deirdre O'Toole, The Playful Classroom

    81. Articulatory Gestures and Early Literacy: What the Research Actually Says with Deirdre O'Toole, The Playful Classroom
    Feb 17 2026
    Deirdre O’Toole’s doctoral research focuses on early literacy acquisition, specifically around articulatory gestures and attention to speech production. In recent years, we hear a lot about Sound Walls being “aligned to the Science of Reading”. In this episode, Dee shares what we know from research, what we don’t yet know, and how small instructional shifts (like simply saying “Look at my mouth”) can make a meaningful difference in early reading instruction.Key Takeaways: What phonemic awareness really means (and why “conscious awareness” is key)Articulatory gestures refer to how speech sounds are physically produced (lips, tongue, jaw, airflow, voicing)Research supports articulatory-based interventions (like Lindamood-Bell LIPS), but evidence does not show they are superior to other high-quality interventionsWhat the research says (and does not say) about sound wallsThe impact of visual speech cues (including research during COVID on masked instruction)Practical teacher language for supporting spelling and phoneme-grapheme connectionsDee also shares insights from her work organizing the Right to Read Ireland conference and advocating for evidence-informed literacy instruction across Ireland.Resources Mentioned:Right to Read Ireland Conference / IG: @righttoreadirlThe Teacher’s Table / IG: @attheteacherstableFacebook: Science of Reading Discussion for Irish TeachersLindamood BellOpen Access: Seeing the Mouth: The Importance of Articulatory Gestures During Phonics Training - Novelli et. al., 2023A Meta-Analysis on the Optimal Cumulative Dosage of Early Phonemic Awareness Instruction - Erbeli et. al., 2024Connect with Deirdre O’Toole:https://playfulclassroom.ie/Instagram: @playful_classroomFacebook: Playful ClassroomTPT: Playful ClassroomThank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Connect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos LiveMentioned in this episode:Express ReadersGet your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/Reading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!
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    52 m
  • 80. MTSS for Reading Improvement with Dr. Stephanie Stollar & Dr. Sarah Brown

    80. MTSS for Reading Improvement with Dr. Stephanie Stollar & Dr. Sarah Brown
    Feb 10 2026
    MTSS can serve as a true system of support, not just a sorting mechanism, for improving reading outcomes and Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown share how. Drawing from their book MTSS for Reading Improvement (published under Solution Tree), the conversation bridges the Science of Reading with practical systems-level decision making that supports teachers and students alike.Rather than treating MTSS as a checklist of structures, Drs. Stollar & Brown emphasize fidelity to outcomes, prevention-first thinking, and instructional coherence across Tier 1, intervention, and leadership practices.Key Takeaways:Why MTSS often fails when it becomes a sorting system instead of a support systemHow schools unintentionally undermine reading improvement by focusing on individual students too earlyHow the Simple View of Reading and the five essential reading skills can guide both prevention and interventionWhat kinds of data actually support instructional decision-making, and which ones don’tThe role of leadership in creating a culture of vulnerability, collaboration, and shared responsibilityWhy asking better questions leads to better instructional solutionsResources:Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)FREE Resource: The Reading MTSS Reflection Guide Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Dr. Stephanie Stollar:Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademyFacebook: Stephanie Stollar ConsultingLinkedIn: Stephanie StollarJoin Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy MembershipThe MTSS CollectiveConnect with Dr. Sarah Brown:Website: https://systemimpactconsulting.com/Contact Dr. Sarah Brown on her WebsiteLinkedIn: Sarah Brown Ph.D.Join Dr. Brown’s MTSS Data AcademyDr. Brown also offers Virtual Coaching Sessions!Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc.Connect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos LiveMentioned in this episode:Reading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!Express ReadersGet your Free Decodable...
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    57 m
  • 79. No Fluff, Good Stuff - Gearing Up for the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026 with Heidi Martin & Friends

    79. No Fluff, Good Stuff - Gearing Up for the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026 with Heidi Martin & Friends
    Feb 3 2026
    In this special Science of Reading Mini-Con hype episode, Michelle Sullivan is joined by the presenters behind the Science of Reading Mini-Con to give listeners an inside look at what makes this conference unlike any other.From powerful sessions and hands-on learning to beachside sound baths, mocktails, and real talk about implementation, this episode is your invitation into a literacy experience that blends research, practice, joy, and community.Meet the Voices Behind Mini-Con:Heidi Martin – Founder of the Science of Reading Mini-Con @droppinknowledgewithheidi & @scienceofreadingminiconJessica Farmer: @farmerlovesphonicsYvette Manns: @phonicsreadalouds & @the_lit_teacherJake Daggett: @jake_daggettLindsay Kemeny: @lindsaykemenyMichelle Sullivan: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomMeQuel Bolden (she was there in spirit!): @mequelboldenconsultingWhat You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhat each presenter is most fired up about solving in literacy right nowSneak peeks into Mini-Con sessionsIntroducing Mychal Threets as the Keynote Speaker!!!What makes the experience specialThe Big Takeaway: Science of Reading Mini-Con is about bridging research to practice, that’s engaging and effective!Learn More & Register:Visit www.scienceofreadingminicon.com for tickets & all the details!A BIG thank you to Reading.com for being the Premier Sponsor of the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026!Connect with Michelle:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit MembershipWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos LiveMentioned in this episode:Reading.comVisit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!
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    50 m