TRT Podcast #80: It's all about the kids: A conversation with Savannah Campbell In this episode I have the privilege of chatting with Savannah Campbell from Campbell Creates Readers. She shares her journey from balanced to structured literacy and helps us put it all in the proper perspective. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Find Savannah here Savannah's recommend ... Read More
An introduction to our Balanced to Structured Literacy Interview series
TRT Podcast #79: An Introduction to our Balanced to Structured Literacy Interview Series Beginning next week I'm sharing a ten-week interview series! We'll be learning what led prominent educators to transition from a balanced to structured approach. Along the way we'll get helpful tips for teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, and more. Stay tuned! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Our ... Read More
Should we use running records?
TRT Podcast #78: Rethinking running records ... should we be using something else instead? Should we use running records? In today's episode we'll talk about why the running record isn't the useful tool I once thought it was. We'll also share resources you can use instead ... and what to do if your school still requires that you use running records. Full episode transcript Related blog ... Read More
What teachers should know about dyslexia
Do you suspect that one of your students may have dyslexia? Here's what every teacher should know! As I look back to the students that I taught, I can picture one particular little boy who I'm sure had dyslexia. He was a bright, articulate, and kind first grader. On one particularly rough day of teaching, he gave me a little blue gem shaped like a heart. "This is for you, because you're the nicest ... Read More
Whole class vocabulary activities to make those words STICK
TRT Podcast#77: Whole class vocabulary activities to make those words STICK These simple activities will help your students make new words part of their expressive vocabulary ... and they take just a few minutes each! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources ... Read More
A simple template for reading comprehension lessons
TRT Podcast#76: A simple template for reading comprehension lessons So - you're reading an on-grade-level text with the whole class. How can you make this reading comprehension lesson interesting, engaging, and useful for ALL your students? Today's episode will give you a simple template you can follow to make these lessons a success! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related ... Read More
What is explicit instruction?
How do you teach students with dyslexia? With explicit instruction. But what IS explicit instruction anyway? In their book, Anita Archer and Charles A. Hughes tell us that explicit instruction is systematic, direct, engaging, and success oriented. If you have a few minutes, check out this helpful video from Anita Archer. It feels a little weird to use the word explicit when talking about teaching because ... Read More
6 ways to build fluency
TRT Podcast#75: 6 Ways to build fluency Without fluency, our students will struggle to comprehend what they read. Here are six ways to build fluency in a variety of settings. Let me know if you try the last one! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources ... Read More
6 strategies for reading multisyllable words
TRT Podcast#74: 6 strategies for reading multisyllable words Do you have students who struggle to read longer words? These six strategies will give you the tools you need to help. #4 is my favorite! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Related resources ... Read More
Recommended Science of Reading books
The science of reading is the body of research that has been conducted on how we learn to read and write. This research has been conducted over decades, but only recently has much of it been introduced to today's classroom teachers. It's important to note that as more research is conducted, we may need to revise our previous understandings. In addition, there is disagreement when it comes to translational ... Read More