8.7 Supporting Learning at Home

8.7 Supporting Learning at Home

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi January 23, 2026 Duration: 50:59

In this episode, we explore effective practices for supporting students with homework. Join us as we discuss strategies to foster a productive & stress-free homework environment. We cover the importance of EF, the advantages and challenges of traditional homework, & how to address post-COVID implications. Also, we share insights on balancing homework with students' SEL, creative engagement techniques, & practical communication tips for accommodations.

01:14 Supporting Learners at Home
02:20 The Role of Executive Functioning in Homework
05:27 Creative Homework Approaches
09:01 Simplifying Homework for Better Engagement
10:32 Flexible and Individualized Homework Strategies
19:24 Creating a Productive Homework Environment
25:28 Understanding Executive Functioning in Children
26:07 Dealing with Meltdowns and Connection Issues
27:37 Empathy and Minimal Help Strategies
28:07 Middle School Homework Challenges
29:28 Reaching Out to Teachers for Support
29:58 Effective Homework Breaks and Routines
36:55 Positive Feedback and Encouragement
43:52 The Role of Parents in Homework Success
44:22 Reading Logs and Encouraging Curiosity
46:59 Research on Homework Benefits
48:18 Conclusion and Resources

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE:

  1. Reading Rockets: What the Research Says About the Value of Homework
  2. Understood.org Homework Challenges & Strategies
  3. 11 Tips for Helping Your Child Manage Homework
  4. Why Nov. is Hard For Students and 7 Ways Parents Can Help
  5. Infographic: How Does Homework Actually Affect Students?
  6. Stanford Research Shows Pitfalls of Homework
  7. Copy of Mary's  Email
  8. Scripts to Use When Requesting Support 
  9. Effective Practices for Homework
  10. 5 Homework Strategies for Working with Students with Learning Disabilities 
  11. Tips for Parents
  12.  Timer * affiliate

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In the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi pull up a chair for a conversation that feels both deeply professional and warmly familiar. These two elementary reading teachers and Atlanta neighbors discovered a shared, fervent passion for literacy over a local dinner, realizing they were kindred spirits in their mission. That initial chat never really ended, and now it forms the heart of this podcast. Each episode invites you into their ongoing dialogue, where practical classroom strategies, reflections on what works, and thoughtful discussions about reaching every single learner are all on the table. It’s a space designed for fellow educators, dedicated parents, and anyone invested in how children learn to read, offering tangible ideas rather than abstract theory. The tone is collaborative and grounded in real classroom experiences, reflecting a joint belief that literacy is foundational. By tuning in, you gain access to their collective experience and earnest curiosity, all focused on the complex, rewarding world of teaching reading. This isn't about performance; it's about sharing a genuine professional conversation from their lounge to yours, making the Reading Teachers Lounge a unique podcast for those who live and breathe language education.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 129

Reading Teachers Lounge
Podcast Episodes
8.9 Teacher Preparation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Educator and author Erin Waters joins Shannon and Mary to discuss supporting the whole child through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Erin shares her teaching journey and highlights the crucial connection between SEL & l…
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In this episode, you're getting a preview of the types of conversations happening with educators in our bonus subscription episodes. This month, Shannon and Mary chat with Dr. Jasmine Rogers, a reading specialist and col…
8.2 Treasured Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:21
In this special episode of the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon and Mary have an engaging and insightful conversation with acclaimed children's author Kate DiCamillo about treasured stories. They explore Kate's jou…
8.1 New Season, New Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Shannon and Mary kick off the new season with reflections on how far the podcast has come, from family anecdotes to stories of former students thriving—like Rigby, a once-struggling reader now headed to college. They sha…
7.18 Season 7 Finale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:40
Shannon and Mary look back over Season 7 and reflect on what really matters for our reading students. "The right things for our learners" emerged as the unofficial theme of our seventh season. This phrase encapsulates wh…
7.17 Impactful Interventions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:13
Shannon and Mary chat with Dr. Katie Pace-Miles about MTSS and RTI, sharing practical tips for delivering effective reading interventions, choosing quality resources, and running efficient team meetings to support strugg…