Differentiation for Different Readers

Differentiation for Different Readers

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi June 17, 2022 Duration: 1:16:38

Shannon and Mary chat with Nancy Young, the creator of the Ladder of Reading & Writing,  about differentiated instruction for readers at different levels.      [Note: Our podcast has explicit permission from Nancy Young to use her Ladder infographic image and information with our audience.]  In this episode we discuss the equitable need for differentiation, in order to "offer children what they need based on where they are."   Strategies, examples, and activities are shared for teachers to modify their literacy instruction based on the unique needs of their readers.

Episode Resources:

  1. Nancy Young's website
  2. Nancy's blog post about her updates to the Ladder
  3. The Updated Ladder of Reading and Writing (in pdf form)
  4. Nancy Young's Structured Literacy Primer
  5. Ladder of Reading and Writing: Terms Defined
  6. Permission request to use the Ladder of Reading and Writing
  7. Resources from Nancy Young about the Ladder of Reading and Writing
  8. Our episode from Season 4 about the Ladder's updates
  9. Recording of Nancy Young's presentation about Differentiation 
  10. Carol Connors' Differentiation research
  11. Schoolwide Enrichment Model of Reading
  12.  Curriculum Compacting
  13. Secret Code Actions resource
  14. Secret Code Actions free downloads
  15. Vickie Gibson's Classroom Management resource

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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
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