#226 Skill vs Comprehension Reading Instruction

#226 Skill vs Comprehension Reading Instruction

Author: Jacob Chastain & Pam Ochoa March 12, 2025 Duration: 0:00

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching. 

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss Reading Instruction, “Should teachers focus on skills or comprehension in their lessons?”

Jacob explains how teachers through the Science of Reading or other such programs tend to be skills focused. He continues to share how skills are important and must be taught, so the question he poses is: “How much time for skills based instruction is necessary?”

Pam responds that they are both equally necessary.  She shares a few anecdotes regarding her grandchildren who are now learning to read and what she sees in their instruction.  She describes how she would revise the lesson to include both in her instruction.

Join Jacob and Pam as they meander through the sometimes controversial topics skills based or comprehension based reading instruction.



The post #226 Skill vs Comprehension Reading Instruction appeared first on Craft & Draft.


Jacob Chastain, from Teach Me, Teacher, and Pam Ochoa, an Abydos trainer, bring their combined classroom and coaching experience to every conversation on Craft & Draft. This isn't a theoretical lecture; it's a practical dialogue built on their specific Craft & Draft approach, designed to make the reading-writing workshop model work in real secondary classrooms. You'll hear them unpack the nuances of workshop teaching, from structuring effective mini-lessons to facilitating meaningful student conferences. They delve into the intentional separation of craft study and drafting time, offering actionable strategies for fostering independent, engaged writers and readers. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair in the teachers' lounge with two insightful colleagues who aren't afraid to discuss the challenges and celebrate the breakthroughs. The podcast serves as a steady resource for educators looking to move beyond theory and into the day-to-day reality of building a dynamic literacy workshop. Tune in for honest reflections, concrete examples, and the collective wisdom of two practitioners dedicated to refining their craft alongside their listeners.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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