Classroom Libraries with Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp

Classroom Libraries with Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi November 11, 2022 Duration: 32:44

Shannon and Mary chat with Donalyn Miller & Colby Sharp about their recently published Common Sense Guide to Your Classroom Library.    The reading teachers discuss how to set up and use the library to maximize its impact with kids.   This conversation provides the WHY behind decision making and instructional use of the classroom library.

Episode Resources:

  1. The Commonsense Guide to Your Classroom Library: Building a Collection that Inspires, Engages, and Challenges Readers by Donalyn Miller & Colby Sharp * Amazon affiliate link*
  2. Colby Sharp's Blog
  3. Nerdy Book Club (joint blog)
  4. Donalyn Miller's website The Book Whisperer.com
  5. Game Changer!  Book Access for All Kids by Donalyn Miller & Colby Sharp *Amazon affiliate link*
  6. Reading Rockets: Creating a Classroom Library
  7. Scholastic:  6 Tips to Help Set Up a Classroom Library
  8. Education to the Core:   Setting Up Your Classroom Library
  9. our episode about Books as Windows, Doors, and Mirrors
  10. Building an Effective Classroom Library by Susan Catapano, Jane Fleming, and Martille Elias (Journal of Language and Literacy Education 2009)
  11. Choice Literacy:    Creating a  Student-Organized Classroom Library
  12. ASCD:  Creating a Classroom Library Together  
  13. BookSource to Organize your Collection
  14. Regie Routman:  Organize an Outstanding Classroom Library 
  15. Booksourcebanter:    Resources for Building a Classroom Library  
  16. Follett Classroom Library Manager  
  17. The Yarn (Children's Literature Podcast by Colby Sharp and Travis Jonker)
  18. Colby's Youtube  description of a Book Pass 
  19. Twitter:  https://twitter.com/colbysharp
    https://twitter.com/donalynb

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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
Read Aloud to Boost Comprehension [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Shannon and Mary talk about why they love student mistakes. They share how to make mistakes meaningful in the ways they show insight into students' learning. They chat about establishing a trusting relationship with stud…
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Shannon and Mary host a returning guest to the Reading Teachers Lounge @MindfulTeacherRachel, who you heard in Season 5 on the Schwa episode. In this episode, Shannon, Mary, and Rachel talk about English word histories a…
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Duration: 38:06
Shannon and Mary meet again to begin the 6th season of the podcast. They recap their summer activities in both professional and personal lives, update the audience on the plans they're making for their reading students t…
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Shannon and Mary bring you a surprise bonus episode for Season 5. They chat with Dr. Amanda Alexander from Scholastic about statistics about summer reading. In the episode, they all share tips about how to make the most…
Season 5 Finale:   Ends & Beginnings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:16
Shannon and Mary meet up to review how season 5 of the podcast has gone. They share some of the things they learned during the season and list some of their favorite episodes and guests. They also chat about the school y…