RAR Podcast #246: The biggest mistake to avoid when building comprehension What’s the biggest mistake teachers make when building comprehension? In this episode, we explore why saving questions until the end of reading can leave comprehension gaps, and how using instructional questioning during reading can guide understanding, build meaning, and empower students as thinkers. Listen to the episode ... Read More
Welcome to the Podcast!
Ready to help every student become a proficient reader? Join me for practical conversations about teaching reading well.
I'll bring you real talk about implementing the science of reading in your classroom, breaking down the research into steps you can take right away, and helping you build the confidence to reach all your readers. Whether you're navigating your own shift from balanced literacy or looking for strategies that work for diverse learners, you'll find support here.
Subscribe for honest conversations, actionable teaching tips, and the encouragement you need to transform literacy instruction in your classroom.
Is comprehension even teachable?
RAR Podcast #245: Is comprehension even teachable? Is comprehension something we actually teach, or does it naturally develop once students can decode? In this episode, we unpack what comprehension really is, why it’s far more complex than a single “skill,” and where it fits within the science of reading. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript View my workshop, Building ... Read More
Structured Literacy Routines – with Dr. Melissa Orkin & Sarah Gannon
RAR Podcast #244: Structured Literacy Routines Dr. Melissa Orkin and Sarah Gannon share structured literacy routines from their book The Structured Literacy Playbook — including backward planning with decodable texts, vocabulary work even with CVC words, syntactic phrasing exercises, and more. Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript View my workshop, Building Comprehension ... Read More
How to assess comprehension – with Dr. Kelly Powell-Smith
RAR Podcast #243: How to assess comprehension Dr. Kelly Powell-Smith explains how to pinpoint specific comprehension issues using strategic diagnostic assessment—without over-testing your students! Listen to the episode here Full episode transcript Resources mentioned in this episode ... Read More
What every literacy teacher should know about assessing RAN – with Dr. Erin Pzinski
RAR Podcast #242: What every literacy teacher should know about assessing RAN Ever heard of RAN assessment but weren't quite sure what it was or what to do with it? Dr. Erin Pzinski breaks down rapid automatized naming and explains why it's like a "check engine" light. You'll learn what not to do with RAN assessment data and what really helps students with low RAN succeed. Listen to the episode ... Read More
Data-based decision making – with Angie Hanlin
RAR Podcast #241: Data-based decision making Literacy consultant Angie Hanlin helps us understand exactly what data-based decision making looks like. She describes what should be happening at data team meetings and what teachers should do as soon as those meetings are over. This inspiring and practical episode is a must-listen for any literacy teacher! Listen to the episode here Full ... Read More