Best Science of Reading Advocate Podcasts (2025)

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69: What Are Kindergarten Reading Levels? The Hidden Problems Behind Levels A–D 21:12

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17h ago21:12

21:12

In this solo episode, we take an honest, unflinching look at what are traditionally called Kindergarten Reading Levels: Guided Reading Levels A, B, C, and D — and why these levels do not reflect how children actually learn to read. If you’re a kindergarten teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or a parent of a beginning reader, this episode wil…

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14 // Gifts for Crocheters Who Are in DIRE NEED of Self Care (15+ Creative Gifts for Women) 30:56

6d ago30:56

30:56

When’s the last time you bought yourself a gift? In today's episode, I’m giving you permission to get something for yourself for Christmas! I’m going to share 15+ gifts for crocheters (really any creative woman) who is in DIRE NEED of some self care. These are some of my favorite things that I use for my own self care practices AND things that I’ve…

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Rethinking Bipolar Disorder with Sean Blackwell 41:49

8d ago41:49

41:49

Send us a text Disclaimer: This is not to be taken as a therapy directive, but rather this is for learning and entertainment purposes only! Please consult with your physician and/or mental health care team to decide whether this approach is appropriate for you. Sensitive topics such as trauma and SA are discussed in this episode. What if the loudes…

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68. It’s Never Too Late: Helping Older Struggling Readers Succeed with Linda Farrell & Michael Hunter of Readsters 1:07:44

9d ago1:07:44

1:07:44

In this powerful episode, Michelle is joined by legendary reading experts Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter, Founding Partners at Readsters. With more than 40 years of experience helping struggling readers — from kindergarten through adulthood — Linda and Michael break down what effective intervention truly looks like, why older learners often conti…

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13 // How to Crochet Gifts for Christmas Without the Stress: 7 Tips to Reduce Guilt and Overwhelm 18:18

13d ago18:18

18:18

Do you ever feel guilty for not finishing crochet gifts on time — or overwhelmed trying to make something perfect for someone else? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about how to crochet gifts for Christmas without the stress and how to reduce the guilt and overwhelm that can sneak into your craft. You’ll learn 7 simple tips to help …

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From Burnout To Balance: Supporting Caregivers Of Neurodivergent Loved Ones with Eleonora Magri 41:55

15d ago41:55

41:55

Send us a text We explore why caring for caregivers of neurodivergent people must come first and how small, consistent habits can reverse burnout. Eleonora Magri shares practical sensory strategies, community resources, and a mindset shift that prioritizes human needs over rigid protocols. • expanding caregiving beyond elder care • why caregiver we…

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67. Small Groups, Big Results with Dr. Julia B. Lindsey 59:26

15d ago59:26

59:26

In this episode, Michelle talks with Dr. Julia Lindsey about her brand-new book “Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading ”, a practical guide to designing effective small-group instruction with the Science of Reading in mind. Julia shares her journey to researcher and author, and explains why the “leveled-text …

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12 // Overwhelmed by All the Things? Try this 3-Word Journaling Prompt 14:28

20d ago14:28

14:28

Are you overwhelmed by all the things? If you feel like you are drowning in a never ending to do list, you have to try this journaling prompt. It's just THREE WORDS and I use it almost every week to help me gain clarity on what’s making me feel overwhelmed and how to move forward without getting stuck in overwhelm paralysis. In today's episode we w…

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66. Writing Instruction: When You Have the Strategies but Not the System with LaNesha Tabb 42:03

22d ago42:03

42:03

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed teaching writing, you’re not alone. In this episode, Michelle sits down with educator, author, and founder of Reimagine Writing, LaNesha Tabb, to talk about her framework in building confident, independent writers. For years, LaNesha admits she either “barely taught writing” or avoided it altogether — not because she…

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Aging in America: Ep. #3 - Alisa West Cahill, LSW Admin. - Positive Aging 55:15

24d ago55:15

55:15

Ms. Alisa West Cahill, LSW is a licensed social worker with an administrative specialty. Her education and skill set encompass program development, prioritizing data-driven policy and practice, and transdisciplinary collaboration. She leads the Division of Aging Services at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. This…

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11 // How Crochet Heals the Mind: The Science Behind Why It’s Good for Your Brain, Anxiety, and Mood 12:40

27d ago12:40

12:40

If you’ve ever picked up your crochet hook and instantly felt calmer, you’re not imagining it. Crochet isn’t just a creative hobby — it’s a powerful form of self-care that can calm anxiety, ease depression, reduce stress, and even support your brain health. Yes, you heard that right! It’s one of those rare activities that helps your mind, body, and…

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65. Supporting Students with Dyslexia Online with Michelle Breitenbach, Read to Rewire (Dyslexia Awareness Month) 1:02:30

26d ago1:02:30

1:02:30

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and today’s conversation shines a light on the power of online instruction to reach and teach our one in five students with dyslexia. In this episode, I’m chatting with Michelle Breitenbach, founder of Read to Rewire, certified dyslexia practitioner, and creator of the Online with Ease Academy, where she trains …

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How Systematic Reading Instruction Transforms Dyslexia And Dysgraphia with Daniela Feldhausen 46:42

30d ago46:42

46:42

Send us a text Struggle with reading doesn’t mean a child can’t learn; it means they haven’t been taught in a way their brain can use. We sit down with Daniela Feldhausen—who left a 25-year law career to build Kids Up Reading Tutors—to unpack how precise screening and science-backed instruction turn confusion into clarity for students with dyslexia…

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64. My SOR Betrayal List (and the Podcast's 1st Birthday!) 24:50

29d ago24:50

24:50

Literacy in Color is officially ONE year old! I’d like to start this anniversary episode from a place of gratitude with a huge THANK YOU to my Top 10 Guest Episodes of the Year: Dr. Stephanie Stollar, Justin Browning, Lindsay Kemeny, Sarah Paul, Fiona Hamilton with Rebecca Loveless, Dr. David Kilpatrick, Dr. Molly Ness, Dr. Treasa Bowe, Christina W…

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10 // Understanding Anxiety: The Reason You Think You're Not Good Enough 11:55

1M ago11:55

11:55

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m just not good enough”? In this episode, we’re diving into how anxiety actually works, why it tries to “protect” us by overthinking everything, and how those anxious thoughts can quietly shape the way we see ourselves. Using the movie Inside Out 2 as a visual example, I share what happens when anxiety tak…

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63. The Power of Parent Advocacy with Melanie Brethour, Soar with Dyslexia (Dyslexia Awareness Month) 35:24

1M ago35:24

35:24

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and every Friday Michelle is highlighting voices who are changing the landscape for students with dyslexia and their families. In this episode, Michelle sits down with Melanie Brethour, a Montreal-based resource teacher, founder of Decoding Dyslexia Quebec, and the voice behind Soar With Dyslexia. Inspired by he…

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Silent Battle, Shared Hope 45:22

1M ago45:22

45:22

Send us a text Trigger Warning: Suicide The hardest part isn’t finding the perfect words—it’s showing up without judgment. We sit down with Helping Heroes founder Tony DeMaio to share a clear, compassionate playbook for preventing suicide among veterans, first responders, and anyone you love who might be slipping into isolation. From the earliest w…

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62. The Science of Learning: What Every Teacher Needs to Know with Dr. Shane Saeed 45:13

1M ago45:13

45:13

How does the brain actually learn or remember something new? In this fascinating episode of Literacy in Color, Dr. Shane Saeed joins Michelle to break down the Science of Learning in a way that’s simple, practical, and classroom-ready. Shane is an Elementary ELA Curriculum Coordinator, national presenter, and author who has spent years helping teac…

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9 // How to Discover and Live Out Your Values & Why it Changes EVERYTHING 15:19

1M ago15:19

15:19

Hey friend, If you want to live a life you love, knowing your values is a good place to start. If you don't know your values (or you don't follow them) you could feel incomplete; like something's missing, or that you've lost your identity. When I became a mom, my identity shifted to solely being a mom. Everything I did was to contribute to that pur…

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61. From Screening to Support: Coaching Teachers to Reach Every Learner with Jean Peake (Dyslexia Awareness Month) 56:34

1M ago56:34

56:34

In this Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by Jean Peake, Lower School Literacy Specialist and Orton-Gillingham Practitioner. Jean shares about the importance of early screening, diagnostic assessments, and data-driven interventions – especially for those with dyslexia. Jean’s insights are both practical and hea…

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60. Making Reading Research Accessible with Dr. Neena Saha 42:39

1M ago42:39

42:39

Research should guide our teaching, but too often, it feels locked away in academic journals, filled with jargon, or disconnected from classroom realities. In this episode of Literacy in Color, I talk with Dr. Neena Saha: educator, researcher, EdTech innovator, and creator of the Reading Research Recap. She’s on a mission to make reading research c…

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8 // Crocheting in the Dark for Curiosity and Creativity - Mystery Crochet Along #1 12:06

2M ago12:06

12:06

Hey friend, I am so excited for today's episode!! Today we’re going to crochet for curiosity so head over to your craft room because you’re about to dig into your stash. Whether you're feeling down in the dumps or you just need an excuse to play with yarn, this episode is for you. Listen to this episode when you have about an hour to yourself. If y…

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59. Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis with Casey Harrison, The Dyslexia Classroom (Dyslexia Awareness Month) 44:23

2M ago44:23

44:23

What does it really mean to teach beyond the diagnosis? In this inspiring Dyslexia Awareness Month conversation, I sit down with Casey Harrison—Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, Certified Academic Language Therapist, and founder of The Dyslexia Classroom®—to unpack how we can meet the academic needs of students with dyslexia and nurture their confidence…

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58. Teaching Phonemic Awareness: A Guide for Educators with Dr. Jane Ashby 51:03

2M ago51:03

51:03

Phonemic awareness (PA) interestingly is one of the most debated areas of literacy instruction. Should it be taught with letters, without letters, or both? Which tasks matter most? And how much is enough? In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with Dr. Jane Ashby, professor, researcher, and first author of Teaching Phonemic Awaren…

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We Put Wheels on Inclusion (And Yes, They’re at Target) with Drew Ann Long 20:16

2M ago20:16

20:16

By Sonia Krishna Chand | Autism and Neurodivergent Mental Health Coaching Expert

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7 // 4 Surprising Ways Reading Fiction Helps Calm Anxiety & Reduce Stress 16:51

2M ago16:51

16:51

Hey friend! If I simply told you to read a book, what would you say? If you're already a reader, you probably already know the major benefits it has on your mental health. But if you're not, it’s either because you don’t have time to read or you just don’t enjoy it. In today’s episode, I’m going to try and convince you otherwise. We will talk about…

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57. What Does Dyslexia Really Look Like – and What Can We Do About It? with Heather O'Donnell, New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring (Dyslexia Awareness Month) 44:32

2M ago44:32

44:32

We’re kicking off Dyslexia Awareness Month with a conversation that every educator and parent needs to hear: what does dyslexia really look like – and what can we do about it? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Heather O’Donnell, founder of New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring, Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, and Associate-level Orton-G…

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56. Coaching Outside the Box: Creative Ways to Support Teacher Growth with Christina DeCarbo (Literacy Coaching Conversations) 47:43

2M ago47:43

47:43

In this Coaching Conversation, I sit down with Christina DeCarbo, a Pre-K–5 literacy coach, teacher, national presenter, and curriculum author from Northeast Ohio. Christina is also known as Miss DeCarbo, and her work is fueled by a passion for making professional learning engaging, joyful, and practical. Christina shares her journey from first-gra…

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6 // 11 Mindset Shifts that Transformed my Mental Health from Chaos to Calm 31:14

2M ago31:14

31:14

Hey friend, I'm so excited to be back! I've learned a lot about myself and how I view the world while I've been away. So what would be better than talking about mindset on the day the podcast relaunches?! Today I'm sharing 11 mindset shifts that have GREATLY improved my mental health over the past two years. We will talk about: overcoming perfectio…

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Uncovering the Real You: Life Beyond the Bottle with Joshua Case 54:59

2M ago54:59

54:59

Send us a text What happens when the executive with the corner office is hiding a devastating secret? Joshua Case, former VP at a Fortune 500 company, pulls back the curtain on his double life—corporate success by day, battling alcohol addiction by night. Joshua's raw conversation reveals how childhood trauma, including sexual abuse and a complicat…

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55. What Real Implementation Looks Like with Justin Browning, SOR for More 1:05:47

2M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

We all know the saying “when you know better, you do better.” But what happens when we know better…and still don’t see the needle move in reading outcomes? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Justin Browning, national literacy consultant and founder of SoR for More, to talk about the missing piece: implementation. Justin draws fro…

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54. Blending Strategies 17:56

2M ago17:56

17:56

Have you ever had a student rattle off the sounds in a word—/b/… /a/… /t/, only to say “tab,” “balloon,” or even “chicken”? If so, you’re not alone. And here’s the thing: these blending errors aren’t always decoding issues. Often, they’re tied to working memory. In this solo episode of Literacy in Color, we unpack why blending matters, what researc…

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53. The High Frequency Word Project with Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton 1:00:18

3M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

What if high-frequency words aren’t “irregular” after all? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Rebecca Loveless and Fiona Hamilton, co-authors of The High Frequency Word Project, to dig into the stories behind some of the most common words in English. Too often, these little “function words” get handed to students on flashcards wi…

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The Publisher Behind the Scenes with Dominick Domasky 41:03

3M ago41:03

41:03

Send us a text Dominick Domasky's story reads like a masterclass in resilience. From losing half a million dollars in a failed restaurant venture in his twenties to founding a publishing company that's helped hundreds of authors worldwide, his journey embodies the power of perseverance and reinvention. "I went bankrupt. I was broke. I was in my ear…

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The Compassion of My Foster Mother - The Late Mrs. Ruth A. Cox 7:26

3M ago7:26

7:26

✨ In March of this year, to celebrate Social Work Month 2025 – Highlighting this year’s theme – “Social Work – Compassion + Action”, I Wrote an essay in Memory of My Foster Mother, the late Mrs. Ruth Alexandra Cox. The essay was featured nationally in the "New Social Worker Magazine" (https://www.socialworker.com/extras/2025-social-work-month-proje…

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52. Phonemic Awareness Research Unpacked with Dr. David Kilpatrick 1:11:44

3M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

In this pivotal episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle is joined by psychologist, professor, and reading researcher Dr. David Kilpatrick to untangle some hotly debated ideas surrounding phonemic awareness in the Science of Reading community. This conversation isn’t about taking sides in the “with letters vs. without letters” debate. It’s about gett…

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When Everything Changed: From Speaker to Award-Winning Songwriter 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Send us a text Who believes one story has the power to change someone's life? I know I certainly do, and you know who else does? No other than the Wendy Babcock, Founder of WHEN stories. As we all are well aware, 2020 changed the world. Many of our work schedules changed, as we had to make that transition from going to a workplace to having to use …

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51. Rethinking Sight Words with Pryor Rayburn, Orton Gillingham Mama 38:12

3M ago38:12

38:12

In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with THE Orton Gillingham Mama, Pryor Rayburn to take a deep dive into the hot-button world of sight words and high-frequency word instruction. Pryor busts through common myths, clears up confusing terminology, and explores brain-based practices for teaching high frequency words through the l…

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EP. #2 Michele Woodard's Dual Caregiver Role - "Aging in America" 49:22

3M ago49:22

49:22

Today’s Guest for Episode #2 of our series entitled “Aging in America - The New Realities” Series is Ms. Michele Woodard.Ms. Woodard shares her unique situation that has her serving as the primary caregiver for two immediate family members. In this episode she shares some of the challenges and joys that she experiences personally in this dual role.…

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50. The Truth About Progress Monitoring: Myth Busting with Shannon Moore, Moore Literacy Leaps 47:26

3M ago47:26

47:26

In this episode, Michelle is joined by instructional coach and literacy specialist Shannon Moore of Moore Literacy Leaps to bust four major myths about progress monitoring in reading instruction. Together, they tackle what progress monitoring really is (and what it’s not), how it fits into the MTSS framework, and why all students, not just those be…

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49. Set for Variability with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz, Informed Literacy 35:48

4M ago35:48

35:48

What does it really mean to be “set for variability”? In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz of Informed Literacy to break down this complex-sounding but classroom-friendly concept. Together, they demystify set for variability, explore its role in decoding, and share practical classroom examples. If you’ve ever wondered h…

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M. Woodard - Aging Series Trailer Ep.#2 3:05

4M ago3:05

3:05

Kelsunn Communications invites you to look and listen to this trailer advertising the 2nd Episode in our new series entitled "Aging in America - The New Realities". Listen as Ms. Michelle Woodard shares her challenges and joys as a primary care-giver for her mother and another elderly family member.

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Escaping Toxic Love with Lindsay Abernathy 1:15:30

4M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

Send us a text Lindsay Abernathy shares her powerful journey through domestic abuse and offers practical guidance for survivors trying to rebuild their lives after toxic relationships. • Abuse can hide behind the appearance of a perfect life with fancy houses and cars • Many victims don't identify their situation as abuse because it doesn't match s…

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48. SOR Mini-Con 2025 Recap with Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer & Yvette Manns 53:56

4M ago53:56

53:56

In this heartfelt roundtable episode, Michelle is joined by her Science of Reading sidekicks, Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer, and Yvette Manns to reflect on the very first Science of Reading Mini-Con! From spark-filled sessions to swag bags and sound baths, this conversation is full of gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt takeaways. They revisit each s…

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47. Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters—Especially for Black Boys with Tiffany Obeng, Sugar Cookie Books 34:38

4M ago34:38

34:38

In this powerful episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by lawyer-turned-author Tiffany Obeng, founder of Sugar Cookie Books. Together, we unpack the significance of representation in children’s literature, especially for Black boys, and how her “Andrew Learns” series is challenging the traditional narratives and creating space for all kids to fe…

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46. Making Words Stick with Dr. Molly Ness on Orthographic Mapping 38:44

4M ago38:44

38:44

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Dr. Molly Ness, literacy researcher, educator, and co-author of “Making Words Stick”, the latest release from the Scholastic Science of Reading in Practice series. Together with Dr. Katie Pace Miles, Molly has created a teacher-friendly guide to help educators understand orthographic mapping and implement a…

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45. A Global Lens on Morphology, Etymology & Literacy Instruction with Dr. Treasa Bowe 58:10

4M ago58:10

58:10

In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re heading across the pond to Ireland for a powerful conversation with Dr. Treasa Bowe, an international literacy leader and passionate advocate for morphology, etymology, and meaningful instruction. With over two decades of teaching experience in both Ireland and the U.S., Dr. Bowe brings a truly global len…

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Why Gen Z's Struggle Isn't Just About Social Media 1:03:24

5M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Send us a text Trigger Warning: Suicide and SA was discussed. What if everything we think we know about the Gen Z mental health crisis is incomplete? In this eye-opening conversation, suicide survivor, author, and mental health advocate Aly Vredenberg challenges conventional wisdom by revealing four interconnected factors driving declining mental h…

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44. 4 Warm-Up Drills for Effective Phonics Instruction 18:54

5M ago18:54

18:54

In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re diving into 4 quick, high-impact phonics drills that spark engagement and build automaticity, without eating up your entire lesson time. These warm-ups aren’t about “drill and kill.” Instead, they’re short, intentional routines that help students review and retrieve previously taught phonics content. Whet…

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Rewiring the Brain: The Power of Neurofeedback 30:34

5M ago30:34

30:34

Send us a text By now, everybody has heard of traditional going to therapy and taking medications, if necessary. However, what role does neurofeedback play in treating mental health? Meet Meg Stuppy, founder of the Los Angeles Neurofeedback Center and co-founder of Clarity Direct Neurofeedback, who joins us to illuminate how neurofeedback technolog…

Science Of Reading Advocate Podcasts