Our Favorite Literacy Resources

Our Favorite Literacy Resources

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi October 14, 2022 Duration: 47:16

Shannon and Mary chat about their favorite free and low cost literacy resources to use in reading lessons and tutoring sessions.   They share links to:  complete phonics curriculum resources that include scope and sequences, decodable texts, vocabulary lists and activities, phonics and phonemic awareness activities, and strategies for teaching comprehension.   Check out the links in the show notes to find resources to use with your own reading students.


Episode Resources:

  1. our episode about favorite FCRR resources
  2. Florida Center for Reading Research Student Center Activities
  3. Open Source Phonics
  4. Tools4Teaching (formerly West Virginia Phonics)
  5. UFLI new reading resources (Univ. of Florida)
  6. CKLA Curriculum Resources
  7. Emily Gibbon's Literacy Nest -Also check out her podcast, TpT resources, and her Tuesday newsletter for tips!
  8. The Measured Mom
  9. This Reading Mama
  10. Walpole & McKenna Open Up Resources
  11. Academic Vocabulary Word Lists by Grade Level (Flocabulary)
  12. Get More Vocabulary.com: Shades of Meaning
  13. Reading Rockets: Semantic Gradients  
  14. Edison Literacy
  15. Readwritethink lessons
  16. Flyleaf Publishing Decodables
  17. Open Source Phonics Decodable Texts
  18. Free passages according to Lexile (Read Works)
  19. Jan Richardson's resources
  20. Emily Gibbon's Word List Builder
  21. ISME (Institute for Multi-Sensory Education) Digital Resources
  22. Getting Reading to Read Phonemic Awareness activities *Amazon affiliate link*
  23. How to Teach Spelling *Amazon affiliate link*
  24. Handwriting Joke book *Amazon affiliate link*

Support the show



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
Shared Reading [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:01
Shannon and Mary discuss another pillar in the Balanced Literacy Series: Shared Reading. Shared reading is interactive reading with teacher guided support. This is essential for helping struggling readers build their flu…
Reading Wars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:30
Shannon and Mary talk about the recent discussions in the news and educational circles related to the reading wars. Additionally, based on listener questions, they recommend some resources for teachers who want to implem…
Balanced Literacy versus Structured Literacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:41
Mary describes the differences between Balanced Literacy vs. Structured Literacy.We have been doing a series on Balanced Literacy which might confuse some of our listeners. RTL wants to bring best practices to our conver…
Independent Reading [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:29
Shannon and Mary continue the conversation about balanced literacy elements by discussing supporting students' independent reading in the classroom and at home. They share ideas about goal setting, making time for readin…
Read Aloud [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:04
Shannon and Mary share their tips and tricks for one of the most enjoyable experiences of reading with young readers: Read Aloud! We share professional resources, essential tips for working with struggling readers, and h…
Guided Reading [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:39
Shannon shares how guided reading groups are the non-negotiable element in her daily classroom. In this episode Mary and Shannon weigh in on the importance and power of small group teaching of guided reading.Resource Lin…
Alphabetic Principle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:46
Mary discusses the concept of alphabetic principle and strategies for teaching blending. Resource Links:NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, we earn a small amount from your qualifying purchases. We'd appreciate if you…
More Listener Questions Answered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
Great news! Shannon is here to help address more listener questions about Lucy Calkins, comprehension strategies and professional development for reading specialists.Resource Links:NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, w…
Kids Who Fly Under the Radar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:07
Mary discusses a student she is working with who flies under the radar in his general education classroom. In this discussion, she poses the question "Who are kids who fly under the radar? How can we better address their…
Listener Questions Answered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
Mary responds to listener questions about time management and the components of a tutoring session. Resource Links:OG Drill informationI <3 Emily Gibbon's materials at The Literacy NestOur episode on Executive Functionin…