Season 2 Episodes
Shannon and Mary catch up after their Season 2 hiatus to discuss Quarantine Life, Home Learning, and what's next.
Are you familiar with the FCRR? They have done incredible work making free effective research-based literacy activities. The centers include directions for teachers and all the necessary materials. They are mostly print-and-go activities requiring minimal teacher prep!
Shannon and Mary speak with consultant and literacy specialist Alison from Learning at the Primary Pond all about spelling tests and best practices in phonics instruction.
Shannon and Mary discuss another pillar in the Balanced Literacy Series: Shared Reading. Shared reading is interactive reading with teacher-guided support. This is essential for helping struggling readers build their fluency and expression as well as explicitly modeling how proficient readers approach the text. It can be done in whole groups, small groups, or with individualized instruction. Sometimes you will see shared reading experiences modeled with big books or books that are projected for the whole class to share.
Shannon and Mary discuss the recent discussions in the news and educational circles related to the reading wars. Additionally, based on listener questions we recommend some resources for teachers who want to implement more structured literacy into their classroom practices.
Mary describes the differences between Balanced Literacy vs. Structured Literacy. There have been a lot of comments and editorials in the last few weeks about the “phonics folks” from some prominent figures in the literacy world. Let’s break it down without any name-calling over here. We recommend structured, explicit, strong phonics-based approach to reading - just don’t throw the baby out with the bath water?!
Shannon and Mary continue the conversation about balanced literacy elements by discussing supporting students' independent reading in the classroom and at home. They share ideas about goal setting, making time for reading, reading conferences, and helping students develop literacy preferences.
Shannon and Mary share their tips and tricks for one of the most enjoyable experiences of reading with young readers: Read Aloud! We share professional resources, essential tips for working with struggling readers, and how parents can make reading aloud at a home a treasured time for any type of reader.
Shannon shares how guided reading groups are the non-negotiable element in her daily classroom. In this episode Mary and Shannon weigh in on the importance and power of small group teaching of guided reading.
Mary discusses the concept of the alphabetic principles and strategies for teaching blending.
Great news! Shannon is here to help address more listener questions about Lucy Calkins, comprehension strategies, and professional development for reading specialists.
Mary shares about a student she is working with who flies under the radar in his general education classroom. In this discussion, she poses the question "Who are kids who fly under the radar? How can we better address their needs?" This episode will engage listeners to consider their own students and reflect on who and why kids "fly under the radar."
Mary responds to listener questions about time management and the components of a tutoring session.
Mary discusses a brief that has been put out by the International Literacy Association that shares information about how phonics instruction must be systematic and explicit as part of an overall efficient, effective, and timely reading curriculum.
This is the beginning of season 2! Shannon and Mary catch up about what they have been up to during the summer and how they're getting ready for the new school year.