Reading Wars

Reading Wars

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi January 24, 2020 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 implement more structured literacy into their classroom practices.


Resource Links:

  1. Emily Hanford APM Reports Educate Podcast New Salvos in the Battles over Reading Instruction 
  2. Emily Hanford APM Reports How a Flawed Idea is Teaching Millions of Kids to be Poor Readers
  3. Lucy Calkins' response: No One Gets to Own the Term "The Science of Reading"
  4. Need to practice Phonics instruction?   *Speech to Print Workbook by Louisa Cook Moats and Bruce Rosow *
  5. Shannon recommends *Phonics A to Z by Wiley Blevins*
  6. Shannon recommends *Teaching Phonics & Word Study in the Intermediate Grades by Wiley Blevins*
  7. Free webinars IDA Upper Midwest Branch
  8. IDA PDF Structured Literacy: Effective Instruction for Students with Dyslexia and Related Reading Difficulties
  9. Comprehensive List of Programs based on Structured Literacy 
  10. Mary recommends Equipped for Reading Success by David Kilpatrick
  11. our Encoding episode (Season 1, episode 22):  Encoding First, Decoding Second

NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, we earn a small amount from your qualifying purchases. We'd appreciate if you would use our links to help support the podcast.*


COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

Our Website
Facebook
Instagram

Shannon's TpT Store

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
Season 4 Opener: Back To School & Together Again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:45
In their Season 4 opener, Shannon & Mary update listeners on their summer activities and their plans for the upcoming school year and podcast season. They share what they've been reading and learning about lately, which…
Season 3 Finale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:07
In this episode, Shannon closes out the third podcast season. She describes the struggles from the 2020-2021 school year and shares what's coming next for the podcast in Season 4. Resource Links:1. Boundaries podcast epi…
Auditory Learners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:54
This title continues our multi-sensory series. In this episode, Shannon shares the characteristics of auditory learners. She gives some strategies and resources for incorporating more auditory practice in your literacy i…
Making the Most of Your Online Reading Instruction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:57
Shannon and Mary chat with Maria Halkias about her on-line reading instruction. They talk about parent engagement with virtual instruction, teaching challenges during these unprecedented times, and what resources have be…
Visual Learning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:37
Shannon and Mary continue the discussion about multisensory reading instruction. This episode focuses on strategies for visual learners.Resource Links:New Girl Youtube clip (Visual Learning chant)The Visual LearnerTips f…
Make It Multisensory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:36
Multisensory learning is something we have been preaching for a long time. It's time it deserved it's own episode. Shannon and Mary discuss the importance of when and how to implement multi sensory learning strategies. R…
It's Time to Talk About Dr. Seuss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:29
Shannon and Mary explore how to start conversations about sensitive topics surrounding race, inequality, apathetic attitudes and apologism related to books. They discuss the controversy surrounding Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss i…
Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Doors (Diverse Books) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:18
Shannon and Mary open the season with a discussion about the importance of books to represent the diversity of our students giving them an opportunity to see themselves in books and opportunities to view other cultures,…
Season 2 Finale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
Shannon and Mary catch up after their Season 2 hiatus to discuss Quarantine Life, Home Learning, and what's next.RESOURCE LINKS: COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION!Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramShannon's TpT StoreSupport the showG…
We love FCRR! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:22
Are you familiar with the FCRR? They have done incredible work making free effective research-based literacy activities. The centers include directions for teachers and all the necessary materials. They are mostly print…