S8 E 5 The Literacy Block
In this episode, Mary and Shannon welcome back first-grade teacher and literacy expert Lindsay Kemeny to discuss her new book, Rock Your Literacy Block. Lindsay shares practical, data-driven strategies for structuring an effective literacy block, emphasizing clear routines, smooth transitions, and frequent student responses. She also reflects on how her son’s dyslexia reshaped her approach to teaching. Listeners will hear actionable tips for phonics, spelling, high-frequency words, and ways to integrate science and social studies into daily literacy instruction.
S8 E 1 New Season, New Stories
Shannon and Mary open Season 8 of The Reading Teachers Lounge with stories and strategies every elementary reading teacher can use. They reflect on the podcast’s journey, share how a former student with dyslexia is thriving as he gets ready for college, and highlight practical ways to teach morphology and word study using Canva. The episode includes summer tutoring takeaways, phonics, and structured literacy strategies for struggling readers, and tips for balancing teaching with family life. Shannon and Mary also preview upcoming episodes packed with best practices from the science of reading, as well as opportunities for listeners to connect with other reading teachers through our exclusive bonus episodes.