Explore every episode of the podcast Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ® | Science of Reading for Teachers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Assessment Done Right with Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn | 23 oct. 2026 | 00:56:06 | |
Episode 263 In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn to talk about their book, Reading Assessment Done Right, and why more assessment data hasn't necessarily meant better outcomes for students. Stephanie and Kate explain how matching one strong, evidence-based tool to each purpose, screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, and outcomes, can simplify a system without losing anything that matters. We discuss why running records may be costing schools more time than they're worth, how a screener works like a thermometer to flag risk rather than diagnose it, and why oral reading fluency can serve as a reliable stand-in for comprehension in the early grades. Stephanie and Kate also talk through how to use screening data to have honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about tier one instruction at the classroom, grade, and school level. This conversation offers a clear way to think about assessment: not as a compliance task, but as information that should change what happens in the classroom. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] Undiagnosed: The Ugly Side of Dyslexia with Ameer Baraka | 16 oct. 2026 | 00:32:47 | |
Episode 207 from Oct 11 2024 Imagine facing not only the struggles of growing up in a challenging environment, but also battling a learning difference that went undiagnosed for years. Ameer will discuss:
By the end of this episode, you'll see how Ameer’s journey not only sheds light on the challenges of dyslexia but also highlights the incredible strength it takes to overcome adversity.
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Reading Instruction Done Right with Nancy Blair and Pat Roberts | 09 oct. 2026 | 00:51:29 | |
Episode 262 In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Blair and Pat Roberts, co-founders of AIM Academy and the AIM Institute for Learning & Research, to talk about how a school built on research came to be. Nancy and Pat share the story of meeting as parents of newly diagnosed daughters, and how that friendship grew into a non-profit school and a research institute that is celebrating its 20th year. We discuss the early warning signs of dyslexia that too many families are told to wait out, why oral language and vocabulary deserve attention well before kindergarten, and how AIM's classrooms shifted over the years toward a fully integrated literacy model. Nancy and Pat also talk about AIM's ongoing partnership with literacy researchers, their free annual research symposium, and a forthcoming book meant to help any school or teacher follow a similar path. This conversation is a fitting way to open Dyslexia Awareness Month, and a reminder of how much faster research and classroom practice can move when they move together. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] Trauma and Reading with Dr. Steven Dykstra | 02 oct. 2026 | 01:16:32 | |
Episode 100 from April 1, 2022 Over time, the chronic trauma of not being successful with reading wears down many students. It has devastating effects. In our official 100th episode, Dr. Steven Dykstra discusses trauma and reading. He explains the connection between not being taught to read using evidence-based practices and the subsequent, unnecessary trauma this causes in children’s lives. This is a pervasive problem happening everywhere. Dr. Steven Dykstra is a psychologist, advocate, and troublemaker in the reading world. His passion for reading comes from the recognition that the thousands of children he has served often pay the highest price for our failures and mistakes. Resources:
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Phonics Routines Teachers Can Use Tomorrow with Caitlin Lucas | 25 sept. 2026 | 00:34:45 | |
Episode 261 In this episode, Caitlin Lucas shares innovative routines for kindergarten literacy instruction, emphasizing consistency and active participation to build foundational skills. Caitlin also uses sign language as part of her routines and shares easy ways teachers can use it too. Resources Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] Research-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills with Julia Lindsey | 18 sept. 2026 | 00:43:51 | |
In this episode, we talk with Julia Lindsey about her book, Reading Above the Fray: Reliable, Research-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills. Julia shares why decoding is one of the most important skills we can help students develop and how research-based instructional routines can make that learning more efficient, effective, and joyful. Together, we explore the foundational skills that support decoding, the role of purposeful practice, and how consistent routines help students know what to expect as they build confidence with sounds, words, and increasingly complex texts. Decoding isn't the end goal of reading! It's the gateway. When students develop strong decoding skills, they gain the independence needed to tackle new words, access meaning, and fully engage with reading. Whether you're a classroom teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or school leader, this conversation is packed with practical, research-based ideas you can put into practice right away. Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Routines for Differentiating Phonics Instruction with Wiley Blevins | 11 sept. 2026 | 00:49:11 | |
Episode 260 In this episode, Wiley Blevins shares practical strategies for differentiating phonics instruction in both whole group and small group settings. We explore high impact routines, effective use of decodable texts, and how to meet diverse student needs efficiently. Wiley walks us through how to design routines that are expansive enough to serve everyone in whole group, while using small group for the high-intensity, targeted practice that takes kids further faster. Differentiation does not have to happen only in small group. It can live right inside the phonics routines you are already using every day. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Research-Backed Spelling Routines That Work with Brennan Chandler | 28 août 2026 | 01:06:42 | |
Episode 259 In this episode, we’re joined once again by literacy researcher and educator Brennan Chandler for a practical, teacher-friendly conversation all about spelling routines that support students as spellers and writers. Brennan walks us through a sequence of short, research-based routines including
Free scripts and printables for all six routines are here: Spell Squad We talk about how these routines build from sounds to patterns to words to sentences, helping students move toward applying spelling knowledge in authentic writing. Throughout the episode, Brennan shares clear examples teachers can try right away, along with ideas for scaffolding instruction, providing immediate feedback, and making spelling practice more engaging and meaningful for students. We also discuss the importance of cumulative review, sentence-level practice, and transfer into real writing, especially for students who continue to need spelling support in upper elementary and beyond. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] What About Spelling? with Richard Gentry | 21 août 2026 | 00:57:09 | |
Episode 96 from 3/4/2022 We’re bringing back one of our most requested conversations about spelling and the important role it plays in reading development. In this episode, we revisit our conversation with literacy expert J. Richard Gentry, author of Brain Words , to explore how spelling supports automatic word recognition and stronger reading and writing overall. Throughout the conversation, Richard explains how spelling connects directly to students’ speech and language systems. He also shares practical, science of reading-aligned strategies teachers can use to make spelling instruction more intentional. Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| The Science of Spelling with Brennan Chandler | 14 août 2026 | 00:57:34 | |
Episode 258 In this episode, we sit down with literacy researcher Brennan Chandler to talk about the science of spelling instruction and why spelling deserves a much bigger role in science of reading conversations. Brennan explains how spelling supports stronger writing, more precise word knowledge, and better reading outcomes. We discuss why spelling should be taught explicitly rather than left to chance, why patterns matter more than memorized rules, and how phonology, orthography, and morphology all work together when students learn to spell. Brennan also shares why morphology belongs in the early grades, how retrieval practice strengthens spelling knowledge, and why traditional Friday spelling tests often fail to lead to lasting learning. This conversation is full of practical insights for teachers who want to move beyond isolated spelling activities and toward instruction that truly supports literacy development. And this is just part one. Brennan will be back in our next episode focused entirely on practical spelling routines teachers can use right away in the classroom. Brennan mentioned his TAP model of spelling instruction (Teach, Practice, Apply) in this episode. He's built six routines that put it into practice, called Spell Squad. Each one comes with scripting and a timer so you can teach it straight from the screen. Free teaching scripts and printables are on his site: Spell Squad Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Live from SSSR: What Reading Science Research Says Right Now | 07 août 2026 | 00:56:45 | |
In this bonus episode, we're bringing you research right from the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading (SSSR) conference, one of the biggest gatherings of reading researchers in the world. We break down the key takeaways, emerging trends, and standout research that caught our attention, and talk about what it all means for your classroom. If you want to know where the science of reading is headed next, this one's for you. Resources Mentioned
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Helping Every Reader Move Past the Decoding Threshold with Rebecca Kockler | 31 juil. 2026 | 00:49:38 | |
Episode 257 Why do so many students appear to thrive in early literacy, only to stall by middle school? In this episode, we talk with Rebecca Kockler to unpack what literacy data from Louisiana revealed about a common but often misunderstood pattern: strong early reading results followed by flat or declining comprehension growth in later grades. At the center of the conversation is the concept of the Decoding Threshold: the point at which students can read words accurately and automatically enough to access grade-level text and grow in comprehension. Rebecca explains:
You’ll walk away with practical strategies to support multisyllabic decoding, vocabulary and spelling development, integrated fluency practice, & tier 1 instruction that adapts to increasing language complexity. If you’ve ever wondered why students who “learned to read” struggle later — this conversation will reshape how you think about literacy instruction in elementary and middle school. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Routines for Reading & Spelling Big Words with Faith Howard | 24 juil. 2026 | 00:54:06 | |
Episode 256 Faith Howard shares practical strategies for improving literacy skills in middle and high school students, focusing on decoding multisyllabic words, spelling routines, and fluency practices. This episode offers actionable insights for educators aiming to enhance reading comprehension and word attack skills. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] Helping Students Read Multisyllabic Words with Devin Kearns | 19 juil. 2026 | 00:53:03 | |
If you’ve ever wondered how to help your students decode longer words, this episode is for you! We’re joined by literacy researcher and professor Devin Kearns to talk all about teaching multisyllabic words. Many phonics programs focus on single-syllable words, but what happens when students hit big words and get stuck? Devin unpacks the research behind why that happens and what we can do instead. We talk about:
You’ll walk away with practical, research-backed ideas to help your students read longer words with confidence. Devin M. Kearns, Ph.D., is the Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Early Literacy at NC State, where he studies early reading and collaborates with experts in psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience to explore the brain basis of reading. RESOURCES
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Connect with us! Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Making Sense of Multisyllabic Words with Don Compton & Laura Steacy | 10 juil. 2026 | 00:52:20 | |
Episode 255 Experts Don Compton & Laura Steacy explore the complexities of multisyllabic word reading and the decoding challenges older readers encounter, especially those with dyslexia. They discuss how readers navigate complex words using different decoding strategies, the role of morphology and “set for variability” in reading development, and how tools like the DELP database help predict word difficulty. The episode offers practical insights into supporting literacy development and improving instruction for struggling readers. Resources Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Word Chaining for Building Phonemic Awareness with Anjanette McNeely | 26 juin 2026 | 00:42:39 | |
Episode 254 In this episode, we sit down with kindergarten teacher Anjanette McNeely to take a close look at one powerful instructional routine: word chaining. Anjanette walks us through exactly what word chaining looks like in her classroom, from the materials she uses to the language she says, and explains why this routine is such an effective way to build both phonemic awareness and phonics at the same time. We also explore how word chaining supports orthographic mapping, why connecting sounds to print matters, and how small instructional shifts, like continuous blending and interleaving, can have a big impact on student learning. Whether you're new to word chaining or looking to refine your practice, this episode offers practical ideas you can try right away. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] What Research Says About Phonemic Awareness Instruction with Matt Burns | 19 juin 2026 | 00:45:15 | |
We’re revisiting this episode with Matt Burns because it offers one of the clearest explanations of phonemic awareness and how it fits into reading instruction. In this conversation, Matt helps unpack what the research actually says and what that means for what we prioritize in the classroom. He explains why phonemic awareness is not a standalone precursor to reading, but develops alongside it, and why decoding should take center stage as students move into the upper elementary grades. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how phonemic awareness fits into your instruction, or what to focus on as students progress, this episode brings clarity and practical direction. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Research-Based Shifts to Strengthen Phonemic Awareness with Marianne Rice | 12 juin 2026 | 00:48:03 | |
Episode 253 In this episode, we talk with Marianne Rice about key findings from a Tennessee report examining how well early literacy materials align with research on phonemic awareness and early reading instruction. Marianne walks us through five essential practices that can help teachers make the most of their instructional time:
Throughout the conversation, Marianne shares practical ways teachers can evaluate and adjust their current curriculum without starting from scratch. The big takeaway: small instructional shifts, especially connecting sounds to print and focusing on blending and segmenting, can have a big impact on helping students become strong readers and spellers. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Supporting Readers as Texts Get More Complex with Luke Morin | 22 mai 2026 | 00:57:26 | |
Episode 252 What actually happens when students encounter a complex text? In this episode, we’re joined by Luke Morin to discuss his article "Wading Into the Deep End: What Reading Actually Requires When the Text Gets Hard." Luke shares a powerful classroom moment where students applied reading strategies before tackling a tough text and still couldn’t make sense of a single sentence. That experience led him to rethink what it really means to teach reading. In this conversation, we explore:
Luke challenges the idea that comprehension can be reduced to checklists or isolated skills. Instead, he offers a vision of instruction that prepares students to wade into deep water with support, intention, and growing independence. RESOURCES
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] Why Knowledge Matters for Comprehension with Daniel Willingham & Barbara Davidson | 15 mai 2026 | 01:00:51 | |
Episode 139 As we continue our focus on comprehension this month, we’re revisiting one of our most essential conversations. In this episode, we explore a foundational truth about reading: comprehension depends on knowledge. We’re joined by cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham, who explains why background knowledge is one of the strongest drivers of reading comprehension and why strategies alone can’t compensate for gaps in knowledge. We also talk with Barbara Davidson, Executive Director of the Knowledge Matters Campaign, about the role strong, knowledge-building curriculum plays in helping students access complex text. Whether this is your first listen or a return, this episode remains foundational. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| To Read Stuff, You Have to Know Stuff with Kelly Gallagher | 08 mai 2026 | 00:55:38 | |
Episode 251 One of the most consistent findings in reading research is this: how much you know determines how far you can go as a reader. In this episode, we’re joined by Kelly Gallagher, author of To Read Stuff, You Have to Know Stuff, to explore why knowledge is central to comprehension and what that means for classroom instruction. Kelly helps us rethink the long-standing emphasis on isolated reading strategies and instead focus on building knowledge at multiple levels: word, sentence, passage, article, and book. Kelly offers clear examples and practical thinking that will help you reflect on how knowledge is built over time and how we can design instruction that goes deeper, not just wider. RESOURCES
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Vocabulary Strategies to Boost Word Learning with Melissa Cheesman Smith, Savannah Campbell, & Tim Rasinski | 24 avr. 2026 | 01:01:08 | |
Episode 251 In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman, and Savannah Campbell, authors of The Megabook of Vocabulary, to talk about practical, classroom-ready strategies that actually work. We dig into the biggest misconceptions about vocabulary instruction, where vocabulary words should come from, how many exposures a word truly needs, and how to move words from simple recognition to confident use in speaking and writing. You’ll hear about:
This conversation bridges research and practice, showing how vocabulary connects to decoding, fluency, and comprehension in meaningful ways. If you’re looking for high-impact routines that support all learners. This episode will leave you with actionable ideas you can use right away. Vocabulary doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can be powerful, generative, and deeply connected to everything else we teach. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] Ten Vocabulary Moves Backed by Research with Blythe Anderson | 17 avr. 2026 | 00:47:10 | |
What does the research really say about effective vocabulary instruction—and how can we translate it into daily classroom practice? In this episode, we’re joined by literacy expert Blythe Anderson to unpack vocabulary moves grounded in research that make a measurable difference for students. From intentional word selection to meaningful student talk, Blythe shares practical, classroom-ready strategies that help educators move beyond “word of the week” and into instruction that builds deep, lasting word knowledge. Together, we explore:
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation will leave you with concrete, research-backed practices you can implement immediately. Tune in to learn how small, intentional shifts in vocabulary instruction can lead to big gains in student word learning and comprehension. Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| The Research on Vocabulary Instruction with Margaret McKeown | 10 avr. 2026 | 00:52:03 | |
Episode 250 In this episode, we’re joined by Margaret McKeown, a leading researcher in vocabulary and language development, to explore what effective vocabulary instruction really looks like in practice. Margaret helps us unpack common misconceptions about vocabulary teaching, including the pressure to ensure students “master” every word and the belief that vocabulary instruction must always be formal and pre-planned. She explains the power of informal instruction words “running through the classroom” and why repeated exposure over time supports deep word learning. We also dive into:
Margaret reminds us that vocabulary learning is more like climbing a ladder than crossing a finish line. Not every word requires deep instruction, but thoughtful, strategic choices can make a meaningful impact on comprehension. If vocabulary instruction has ever felt overwhelming, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical insight for making it manageable and effective. Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Small-Group Interventions That Actually Work with Kerry Cusick & Erin Sharon | 27 mars 2026 | 00:53:44 | |
Episode 248 There’s a saying we hear often in literacy work: you don’t want to try to intervene your way out of a Tier 1 problem. Real change happens when classroom instruction and small-group support are aligned. In this episode, we’re joined by Kerry Cusick and Erin Sharon, two reading interventionists, who share how aligning Tier 1 instruction with the small-group work they lead every day transformed both their approach and student outcomes. While their work lives in intervention, the routines and decision-making they describe are just as relevant for classroom teachers running small groups. In this conversation, we explore:
Kerry and Erin share practical examples from their MTSS work, including how they use data to form groups, align with classroom scope and sequence, and design small-group instruction that builds accuracy, automaticity, and meaning. RESOURCES
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] Maximizing Small-Group Reading Instruction | 20 mars 2026 | 01:05:58 | |
Episode 143 This conversation remains one of our most downloaded episodes and for good reason. As we focus this month on small-group instruction, we’re revisiting this important discussion with a team of authors who published the article Maximizing Small-Group Reading Instruction. In this episode, we explore: If you’re rethinking how small-group time fits within strong Tier 1 instruction, or wondering how to make those minutes count, this episode offers research-informed clarity. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Small Groups, Big Results with Julia Lindsey | 13 mars 2026 | 00:53:48 | |
Episode 247 Small-group instruction can feel powerful and overwhelming at the same time. Questions about grouping, time, routines, and impact come up constantly. In this episode, we’re joined by Julia Lindsey, author of Small Groups, Big Results, to talk about what actually makes small-group instruction work. Julia helps break down small groups into manageable, intentional practices that don’t require more time or complexity, just clearer purpose. In this conversation, we discuss:
Whether you’re new to small groups or looking to refine your approach, Julia offers clarity, research, and realistic guidance. RESOURCES
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Top Fluency Strategies Teachers Love from K–8 Classrooms | 20 févr. 2026 | 00:50:59 | |
Episode 246 Fluency looks different across grade levels, but it always matters. In this special mashup episode, Melissa and Lori bring together voices from seven classroom teachers, spanning first grade through eighth grade, to show how fluency comes to life in real classrooms. Each teacher shares a best practice they use to support accuracy, automaticity, and expression, always grounded in meaningful reading. You’ll hear about a range of approaches, including:
This episode is full of practical ideas, classroom insight, and teacher wisdom, whether you’re teaching in the primary grades or supporting older readers. Resources:
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Read Like Us: Building Fluency Through Repeated Reading & Challenging Texts with Jake Downs & Chase Young | 06 févr. 2026 | 00:48:12 | |
Episode 245 In this episode, Melissa and Lori are joined by researchers Jake Downs and Chase Young to discuss Read Like Us, a research-backed fluency routine designed to help students reread challenging texts with purpose. Jake and Chase share the findings from their recent study, explain how the routine works in real classrooms, and explore why fluency grows when students have multiple supported opportunities to read connected text. The conversation unpacks:
You’ll also hear why the study showed especially strong results for fourth-grade readers and how teachers can think about applying this work across grade levels. This episode offers both a clear explanation of the research and practical insights teachers can use as they plan fluency instruction that supports real reading where skills come together in text. Resources:
Contact Chase Young at https://lfcreading.com/podcast with your questions! Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Rock Your Literacy Block with Lindsay Kemeny | 30 janv. 2026 | 00:56:52 | |
Episode 244 Lindsay Kemeny shares her insights on effectively managing a literacy block in a primary classroom. She discusses her daily schedule, emphasizing the importance of routines in phonics instruction, close reading strategies, and writing lessons. Lindsay also highlights the importance of small group instruction for differentiation and explains how to manage center work for students! She encourages teachers to focus on progress rather than perfection, sharing practical tips and strategies for enhancing literacy instruction. Lindsay's Book, Rock Your Literacy Block, is available now! Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Building Your Scientifically-Based ELA Block with Jamey Peavler | 16 janv. 2026 | 00:49:38 | |
Episode 243 Jamey Peavler discusses the importance of recognizing the varied learning needs of students in all grades! She emphasizes the distinction between comprehension and word recognition skills, advocating for differentiated instruction to better support each student's unique learning journey. Key Takeaways
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| How Learning Happens: Principles Every Teacher Should Know with Carl Hendrick | 02 janv. 2026 | 00:58:16 | |
Episode 242 In this episode, Carl Hendrick emphasizes the critical role of timely feedback in the educational process, highlighting how immediate responses to misconceptions can significantly enhance student learning. He discusses the challenges teachers face in providing effective feedback and the importance of checking for understanding, interleaving, and retrieval practice to ensure that students grasp the material being taught. Check out this resource we made just for you to accompany the content in this episode! Evidence-Based Practices to Make Learning Stick One-Pager Key Takeaways
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Making Sentences Make Sense with Nancy Hennessy and Julia Salamone | 05 déc. 2025 | 00:56:24 | |
Episode 241 Nancy Hennessy and Julia Salamone discuss the often-overlooked topic of syntax and its critical role in reading comprehension. With Melissa & Lori, they discuss the architecture of sentences, the importance of understanding parts of speech, and the interconnectedness of syntax and meaning. The conversation highlights effective teaching strategies, the challenges posed by complex sentences, and the necessity of integrating background knowledge for comprehension. Nancy and Julia share practical instructional moves, emphasizing the need for explicit instruction and cognitive preparation to enhance students' understanding of sentence structures. Takeaways
Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Placing Text at the Center of the Primary Classroom with Meghan Hein | 21 nov. 2025 | 00:40:00 | |
Episode 240 Primary teacher Meghan Hein shares how she keeps the text front and center of learning. She discusses the shift from a skills-based focus to an approach where meaning-making drives instruction. The conversation highlights practical strategies for teachers to build knowledge through texts and create a more authentic learning experience. Meghan's insights reflect a commitment to continuous learning and adapting teaching practices to better serve students' needs. ✨ You’ll definitely want to listen to the podcast that inspired this conversation! Episode 37 with Sue Pimentel and Meredith Liben dives into their article Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom. Takeaways
Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] Placing Text at the Center of the ELA Classroom (Updated) | 14 nov. 2025 | 00:59:19 | |
Episode 37 The article Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom is a must-read — before or after you listen to this episode! Meredith Liben and Sue Pimentel join us to unpack the true intentions behind the Common Core State Standards and how they’ve sometimes been misinterpreted in practice. They share what they’ve observed in classrooms and schools — both when high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) are in place and when they’re not. We also ask them some tough (and important!) questions:
Meredith and Sue are smart, funny, and incredibly relatable — you’ll love this conversation. It’s truly a must-listen episode! 📖 Read the article that inspired this episode:
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Helping Students Read Entire Books with Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, and Erica Woolway | 07 nov. 2025 | 00:53:47 | |
Episode 239 Experts Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, and Erica Woolway join Melissa & Lori to tackle one of the biggest questions in teaching today: What happened to reading whole books in school? From the pull of digital distractions to the rise of skill-focused instruction, they explore why diving into full texts matters more than ever. You’ll hear inspiring ideas for making books come alive in the classroom, the magic of read-alouds, and the power of close reading. Plus, each guest reveals their favorite book to teach. Reading entire books ignites curiosity, builds stamina, and so much more. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Why Morphology Matters for Word Reading and More with Melissa Orkin and Alex Osburn | 24 oct. 2025 | 01:09:42 | |
Episode 238 What if the “secret sauce” to reading big words isn’t just syllables, but also morphemes? In this episode, Melissa Orkin and Alex Osburn share why morphology is essential, especially in grades 3–6, and how it bridges word reading, vocabulary, and comprehension. They dig into practical strategies for teaching morphology, from explicit routines to vocabulary activities like the Frayer model, and show how to weave it all into real texts so students connect meaning to print in powerful ways. You’ll hear how morphology instruction can be integrated with content areas, supported by oral language practice, and used to spark stronger engagement and deeper learning. Resources Mentioned
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Research-Based Routines for Multisyllabic Word Reading with Jessica Toste and Brennan Chandler | 10 oct. 2025 | 01:00:02 | |
Episode 237 Teachers know the challenge: students hit multisyllabic words and suddenly reading slows down. In this episode, researchers Jessica Toste and Brennan Chandler share research-based routines that make multisyllabic word reading easier, more automatic, and more effective. You’ll hear practical strategies rooted in the research to help your students tackle big words! 📚 Resources Mentioned Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Reading Interventions for Upper Elementary with Catlin Goodrow | 26 sept. 2025 | 00:43:06 | |
Episode 236 Catlin Goodrow discusses her role as a literacy coach and interventionist for older students, focusing on assessing student needs, implementing effective interventions, and the logistics of providing support in the classroom. She shares insights on decoding challenges, comprehension strategies, and the importance of engaging students with appropriate texts. She also emphasizes the significance of flexibility in instruction and offers practical tips for teachers to support struggling readers. Check out her new book 'Reading Beyond the Routines,' which provides research-informed strategies for teaching literacy in grades 2 through 6. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| How to Make Every Intervention More Effective with Matt Burns | 12 sept. 2025 | 00:45:08 | |
Episode 235 Matt Burns discusses effective interventions for students struggling with learning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the learning hierarchy, identifying where breakdowns occur, and matching interventions to individual student needs. The conversation highlights the significance of modeling in teaching, shares a success story of a kindergartner's progress, and explores the application of the framework to writing and comprehension. Additionally, Burns provides insights on using assessment data effectively and offers resources for teachers to implement these strategies in their classrooms. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Making Sense of Reading Assessments with Michelle Hosp | 29 août 2025 | 00:53:54 | |
Episode 234 Michelle Hosp joins us to break down the different types of literacy assessments within an MTSS framework in the most approachable way. We talk:
Most importantly, we talk about when and why to use each one. Michelle helps us shift the question from “Which test should I give?” to “What do I need to know to help my students grow?” We also dig in to the power of curriculum-based measures (CBM), what makes assessment data meaningful, and how schools can align their resources to actually make a difference. If you're feeling overwhelmed by data or unsure how to use it effectively, this episode will help you think more clearly about assessments and walk away empowered to use your data to help all your students become readers. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Kindergarten Intervention That Gets Results | 15 août 2025 | 00:45:58 | |
Episode 233 In this episode, we sit down with speech-language pathologist Linsey Jones, who’s leading groundbreaking work in her district by delivering smart, targeted, and manageable literacy interventions to kindergarten students. Linsey shares how her background in speech-language pathology led her to create a data-driven, highly responsive tier 2 intervention program. She walks us through how she uses assessments (think: letter-sound knowledge, early phonemic awareness, and real-time data tracking), what her 15-minute intervention sessions really look like, and how thoughtful collaboration with classroom teachers has created system-wide change. We also talk about how her work has been influenced by literacy expert Julia Lindsey and how their entire district is now seeing almost no students falling behind by the end of kindergarten. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| MTSS for Reading Improvement with Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown | 01 août 2025 | 00:52:51 | |
Episode 232 We know MTSS can feel like one more acronym and maybe one more thing on your plate. But what if it was the thing that helped everything else run more smoothly instead? In this episode, we chat with Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown, authors of MTSS for Reading Improvement, who help us rethink what strong systems of support actually look like. Together, we explore how to move beyond one-off interventions and start building aligned, school-wide systems that support every reader. You’ll hear:
RESOURCES
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Scaffolding Challenging Texts for All Readers with Christina Cover | 18 juil. 2025 | 00:46:32 | |
Episode 231 Working with students who struggle to make sense of complex texts? You’re not alone! Christina Cover, a high school special educator, interventionist, English teacher, and literacy coordinator, is here to help! In this episode, Christina shares real-world, research-based strategies she uses to help her students break down and make sense of challenging texts. From her go-to routine Getting the Gist to building vocabulary and using morphology instruction in context, Christina walks us through what works in her classroom. You’ll hear:
If you teach in grades 3 and up, this episode is full of tools and inspiration you can take straight back to your classroom. Resources:
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| The Power of Text Sets with Freddy Hiebert | 11 juil. 2025 | 00:39:49 | |
Bonus Episode In this episode, Melissa and Lori sit down with Freddy Hiebert, founder of Text Project, to dive deep into the critical role texts play in reading instruction. They explore how the types of texts provided to students not only shape their reading practice but also influence their self-perception as readers. Freddy shares her expertise on understanding text features and the vital role of repetition in vocabulary acquisition. The conversation highlights how background knowledge supports comprehension and the thoughtful development of decodable texts to support early readers. They also discuss exciting advancements like the use of AI for generating reading materials and the importance of designing engaging, relevant texts for middle and high school students. Freddy unpacks the significance of morphological families, polysemy, and semantic mapping, stressing how teachers must grasp these complexities to support deeper word learning and understanding. She underscores the importance of offering students a diverse “text diet” to build vocabulary and comprehension skills. Listeners will come away with fresh insights on creating engaging texts for diverse learners and innovative strategies for vocabulary teaching that combine context, repetition, and thoughtful text design. Visit TextProject.org for more info. Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| What the Research Says about Difficult Texts with Kristin Conradi Smith, John Strong, & Steve Amendum | 04 juil. 2025 | 00:52:34 | |
Episode 230 In this episode, we discuss this article and the vital role of difficult texts with three experts: Kristin Conradi-Smith, John Strong, and Steve Amendum. They explore how thoughtful scaffolding and motivation help students confidently tackle challenging materials, clarifying the difference between text complexity and text difficulty. Listeners will hear practical strategies for assessing student needs and differentiating instruction, ensuring every learner can thrive. We also discuss key literacy components including activating prior knowledge, the importance of decodable texts in early grades, and the power of read-alouds for K-1 students. Drawing from research, expert guests highlight ongoing developments in understanding text complexity and stress the need for strong professional learning opportunities to equip educators with effective tools. This conversation is packed with insights and actionable ideas for supporting diverse learners on their reading journeys. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Making Words Stick with Molly Ness and Katie Pace Miles | 20 juin 2025 | 00:51:01 | |
Episode 229 In this episode, Katie Pace Miles and Molly Ness define and explain orthographic mapping as a crucial cognitive process for reading fluency and comprehension. They discuss the importance of mapping words in long-term memory, the difference between memorization and mapping, and the trifecta of phonology, orthography, and meaning that supports effective word learning. They share a four-step protocol from their new book, Making Words, Stick, for supporting orthographic mapping. They provide insights into effective teaching strategies and resources available for educators. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Helping Students Read Multisyllabic Words with Devin Kearns | 06 juin 2025 | 00:53:03 | |
Episode 228 If you’ve ever wondered how to help your students decode longer words, this episode is for you! We’re joined by literacy researcher and professor Devin Kearns to talk all about teaching multisyllabic words. Many phonics programs focus on single-syllable words, but what happens when students hit big words and get stuck? Devin unpacks the research behind why that happens and what we can do instead. We talk about:
You’ll walk away with practical, research-backed ideas to help your students read longer words with confidence. Devin M. Kearns, Ph.D., is the Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Early Literacy at NC State, where he studies early reading and collaborates with experts in psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience to explore the brain basis of reading. RESOURCES
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| Revisiting Fluency Instruction and Assessment with Jan Hasbrouck | 30 mai 2025 | 00:53:58 | |
Episode 227 In this episode, Jan Hasbrouck discusses the critical components of reading fluency, focusing on automaticity and its measurement through words correct per minute (WCPM). The discussion highlights the relationship between fluency and comprehension, the role of oral reading fluency in assessing student progress, and the importance of frequent assessments in the classroom. Jan also reflects on recent research findings from NAEP scores that challenge previous assumptions about fluency and automaticity, emphasizing the need for educators to adapt their understanding and practices based on evolving research. The discussion also touches on the debate between repeated reading and wide reading, advocating for an approach to reading instruction that incorporates both methods. Hasbrouck encourages educators to embrace continuous learning and adapt their teaching strategies based on evolving research. Resources
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||
| [Listen Again] Building Fluency with POSSUM with Maryanne Wolf and Melissa Orkin | 23 mai 2025 | 00:50:12 | |
Episode 211 from December 6, 2024 Fluency is a crucial aspect of reading. It involves automaticity and the ability to connect different aspects of word knowledge. In this episode, Maryanne Wolf and Melissa Orkin discuss:
Big Takeaway: Fluency is essential for comprehension and has social-emotional implications for struggling readers. The POSSUM approach can help students make the needed connections to be able to read fluently. Want to Learn More?
Looking for more literacy support and resources? Explore all of our podcast episodes, free listening guides, and classroom tools at literacypodcast.com. Interested in bringing Melissa & Lori Love Literacy to your school or event? Email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org. | |||