the Schwa

the Schwa

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi October 28, 2022 Duration: 39:27

Shannon and Mary chat with Mindful Teacher Rachel about the Schwa vowel sound and how to teach it to students.  She shares great stories from her classroom about teaching reading and all about her newly published book that can be used to introduce the Schwa to readers.   You'll want to listen in on this chat between reading teachers to get strategies and resources for working on the Schwa with your own reading students.


Episode Resources:

  1. Rachel's book Schwa in 1st Grade on Amazon
  2. Uncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide *Amazon affiliate link*
  3. Tools4Teachers Schwa information
  4. Phonics Hero The Schwa Explained and How to teach it
  5. Literacy Nest: How to Teach Schwa Part 1
  6. Literacy Nest: How to Teach Schwa Part 2
  7. Keys to Literacy: Teaching Schwa in Unaccented Syllables
  8. Five from Five: The Schwa
  9. Lists of Multi-Syllable Words with Schwa from Reading Rockets
  10. Schwa Words and Activities
  11. Rachel on Instagram @mindfulteacherrachel
  12. Rachel on Tiktok @teacherrachelsorsel


*We earn a small commission from the sales when you purchase the texts through our Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for taking the action to support the work of our show.*


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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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