I’m joined by the one and only Jake Daggett—educator, foundational literacy director, and all-around engagement strategist. If you've ever seen his viral phonics videos, you already know the energy and intentionality he brings to instruction. But there’s more to Jake than claps and chants—he’s deeply rooted in brain-based research and committed to helping all learners access joyful, responsive Tier 1 instruction.

We unpack how retrieval practice, frequent response opportunities, and cognitive science principles make instruction stick—and why fun isn’t fluff when it’s grounded in purpose. From neurodivergent inclusion to flexible phonics lessons, Jake shares practical, actionable ways to create highly engaging classrooms that promote success for every learner.

Whether you’re sing-songy or soft-spoken, you’ll walk away with real strategies to elevate your Tier 1 instruction tomorrow.

Key Takeaways:

• The relationship between achievement and joy in learning
• Why retrieval practice and at-bats are essential for building automaticity
• The role of pitch, motion, and repetition in recall and engagement
• Flexible strategies that honor teacher style AND student need

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Explicit Instruction- Dr. Anita Archer 
• Book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching - Zach Groshell
• Book: Harnessing the Science of Learning - Nathaniel Swain
• Book: Why Don’t Students Like School? - Dan Willingham
• Book: Differentiating Phonics Instruction for Maximum Impact - Wiley Blevins
• Book: 7 Mighty Moves - Lindsay Kemeny
• Book: 7 Mighty Moves: Reading Resources - Lindsay Kemeny
• Book: Rock Your Literacy Block - Lindsay Kemeny
• Book: Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning - Peter C. Brown
• Dan Willingham’s Website
• Timothy Shanahan’s Website – Shanahan on Literacy

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Jake Daggett:

• Instagram: @jake_daggett
• Facebook: Engage with Jake
• TikTok: @jake_daggett
• X:  @jake_daggett
• Website: https://www.engagewithjake.com/

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
• Join our Facebook Community
• Sign up for my Newsletter
• Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
• Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
• Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

• Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator