Igniting the Science of Reading

 Tina sits down with 2nd-grade teacher Kristy Owens and Melissa and Lori from the popular Melissa and Lori Love Literacy podcast. Together, they dig into how BPS teachers can trust the process of vocabulary instruction in a knowledge-building curriculum like Wit & Wisdom—and share practical, high-impact tips for strengthening vocabulary instruction across classrooms. Melissa and Lori also share some helpful resources. 

• The Literacy 50 includes a full chapter on vocabulary. Plus ready-to-use tools such as the Vocabulary Planner, Five-Step Routine, and Knowledge and Vocabulary Log—perfect for teacher teams to study together
• Vocabulary Listening Guide
• Blog Post: The Best Books to Teach Vocabulary

Tina visits with Centennial Elementary principal Jessica Nichols, teachers Stephanie Theim, Lacey Plfeger, Eliza Bullock and instructional coach Rhonda Goetz.  Centennial staff was able to attend the Explit Instruction training with Dr. Anita Archer in Fargo ND back in March.  The team shares what they learned, what they have implemented immediately, and what improvements they are seeing in student engagement and learning already.

Tina meets with the Silver Ranch Elementary team to discuss their implementation of the Wit & Wisdom resource and the overall adoption of the ELA curriculum. Participating in the discussion are Principal Sarah Jordan, Instructional Coach Elsie Sheldon, 2nd Grade Teacher Kylie Scholand, 4th Grade Teacher Lacey Mettler, and Library Media Specialist Lynae Palczewski. They reflect on their instructional approach this year, the progress they’ve seen in students, and their plans for support as they prepare for year two. This is a true testament to teamwork! 

Tina visits with Kari Schneider from Great Minds (Wit & Wisdom).  Kari discusses how the Language Comprehension strands of Scarborough's Reading Rope align with the Wit & Wisdom resource.  Kari has also shared additional resources from Great Minds on each Language Comprehension Strand. 

Science of Reading:https://greatminds.org/english/blog/witwisdom/the-science-of-reading-and-high-quality-ela-materials?state=show-all

Background Knowledge: https://greatminds.org/english/blog/witwisdom/examining-scarboroughs-rope-background-knowledge?state=show-all

Vocabulary:https://greatminds.org/english/blog/witwisdom/examining-scarboroughs-rope-vocabulary?state=show-all

Language Structures:https://greatminds.org/english/blog/witwisdom/examining-scarboroughs-rope-language-structures?state=show-all

·Verbal Reasoning:https://greatminds.org/english/blog/witwisdom/examining-scarboroughs-rope-verbal-reasoning?state=show-all Literacy Knowledge:https://greatminds.org/english/blog/witwisdom/examining-scarboroughs-rope-literacy-knowledge?state=show-all 

Tina visits with Bismarck Special Education teacher Heidi Halderman.  Heidi shares her experiences with providing modifications and accommodations to her students as they engage in the Wit & Wisdom curriculum.

Tina recently caught up with three amazing 3rd grade teachers—Taylor Wangler from Pioneer, Jill Super from Murphy, and Camille Ahlgren from Solheim. They shared their exciting journey and the incredible progress their students are making. It's inspiring to hear how their dedication is making a real difference in their classrooms! 

Tina visits with 4th Grade teachers Erika Schmidt from Centennial, Sara Bitz from Pioneer and Suzanne Ternes from Silver Ranch.  They share some insights into what they are seeing their 4th grade students do now that they are implementing new ELA curriculum resources.  All three teachers are fairly new to teaching 4th grade.  

Tina visits with Brianna Cozzi from Miller and Emily Flach from Highland Acres.  Brianna and Emily share their experiences, surprises, learning and advice for their second grade colleagues throughout Bismarck Public Schools.

Tina visits with BPS EL Department Coordinator Lisa Symens, Multilingual Learner teachers Brianna Ahrens from Moses, Brandy Gelholf from Grimsrud and Rebecca Andvik who travels to Sunrise, Lincoln and Pioneer.  These educators share some ideas on ways we can support our students learning a new language and literacy at the same time, and how common resources will benefit teachers and students. A few sound effect glitches- but well worth the listen!

Tina visits with first grade teachers Kelly Suchy from Miller, Mandy Sioringas from Solheim, Amy Leingang from Liberty and Stephanie Leingang from Grimsrud.  Listen to the uplifting messages about the progress they are seeing with students, how they are attacking the challenges of implementing a new curriculum and the utilizing collaboration with team members.