Some students can sound out every letter in a word… but still not read it. In this episode, literacy interventionist Beth Gaskill helps us unpack why that happens and what to do about it. We’re talking about the “fuzzy middle” between phonemic awareness and fluent reading, and why simple, consistent, multisensory routines can make all the difference.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why some kids can sound out words but still can’t blend.
• The role of working memory in decoding struggles.
• Simple multisensory activities (like socks, beans, and chairs!)
• What to try before reaching for letter tiles.
• How to support students who freeze when it’s time to blend.

Show Links

Big City Readers Website // Instagram // Podcast
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What if Tier 2 didn’t feel like a last-ditch effort—but your most powerful tool for early reading success? In this episode, I sit down with Linsey, a school-based SLP who built a Tier 2 intervention program that’s catching struggling readers before they fall behind. Short, targeted, and backed by real results—you’re going to want to hear how she’s doing it.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• What makes most Tier 2 interventions ineffective—and how to fix it.
• A simple framework for high-impact small group instruction.
• The role of adaptive instruction and visual supports in closing gaps.
• How early data collection leads to better outcomes.
• Why collaboration across roles is the secret to success.

Show Links

Linsey's Website
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If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

You know the type—students who can read every word but still have no idea what they just read. In this episode, literacy expert Dr. Tim Shanahan breaks down why this happens and what you can do about it. Get ready for myth-busting moments and practical tools you can use in your classroom tomorrow.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why kids who read fluently may still struggle to comprehend.
• The myth of “just right” texts—and what to do instead.
• How vocabulary, background knowledge, and morphology support comprehension.
• Sentence-by-sentence questioning that rewires student focus.
• Writing and read-aloud strategies that strengthen understanding.

Show Links

Shanahan on Literacy Blog
"Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives" by Dr. Tim Shanahan
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Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow

If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!