In this episode of The Writing Glitch, host Cheri Dotterer welcomes the founders of Crafting Minds, Sarah Gannon and Dr. Melissa Orkin, for an insightful discussion on structured literacy and fluency development. With backgrounds in literacy coaching and research, they share how evidence-based practices can transform reading instruction and support struggling students. This episode covers the science of reading, the integration of occupational therapy in literacy instruction, and how their resources—Decoding Duo and Morphology Anthology—help bridge gaps in phonics and fluency. Tune in to learn strategies that empower teachers, OTs, and intervention specialists to collaborate effectively and create meaningful learning experiences for all students.

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TIME STAMPS

00:00  Introduction to The Writing Glitch and today’s guests

02:00  Sarah and Melissa’s backgrounds in literacy research and classroom teaching

05:30  The importance of structured literacy and fluency in reading

10:00  Sarah’s personal journey: Realizing her daughter needed structured literacy instruction

14:00  How phonics, fluency, and morphology work together in reading development

18:30  Bridging the gap between phonics instruction and connected text

22:00  The role of occupational therapists in supporting literacy development

26:00  Decoding Duo & Morphology Anthology: A deep dive into their resources

32:00  The need for collaboration between teachers, OTs, and specialists

37:00  Crafting Minds’ upcoming web-based literacy tool for teachers

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BOOKS

Handwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd

 On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Br...

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Other ways to connect with Cheri

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• (02:00) - Sarah and Melissa’s backgrounds in literacy research and classroom teaching