In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with Alejandra Ramirez, a seasoned bilingual educator, reading coordinator, and literacy leader, to explore one of the most important questions in today’s classrooms: Is the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners?

With over a decade of experience in dual language programs and extensive training in LETRS and Esperanza, Alejandra brings a nuanced and equity-centered lens to structured literacy. In this episode, Alejandra unpacks common misconceptions, explores the importance of oral language, and discusses how foundational skills instruction can be adapted to support bilingual and multilingual learners.

Key Takeaways: 

• Why Structured Literacy is for multilingual learners
• The importance of cross-linguistic connections
• The role of explicit instruction, teacher mindset, and instructional equity

Resources & Notable Figures Mentioned:

• Esperanza Dyslexia Program
• LETRS Training
• Book: Aprender a Leer by Stanislas Dehaene, neuroscientist
• Claude Goldenberg 
• Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
• Book: Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction by Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
• Dr. Antonio Fierro
• Dr. José Medina

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 Alejandra Ramirez:

• Instagram: @stuffaboutreading

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• 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

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by my dear friend, Christina Winter from Lead in Literacy. Together, we dive into one of the hottest topics in structured literacy: small group instruction.

While some Science of Reading conversations debate whether small groups have a place in the literacy block, Christina reminds us that when done correctly—grounded in assessment, efficiency, and aligned routines—small groups can be one of the most powerful tools to differentiate instruction and target students’ exact needs.

Christina walks us through her ABC Framework for small groups:

• A — Assess
• B — Be Efficient
• C — Cut the Fluff

We also discuss how to fit small groups into busy schedules, what effective routines look like, how to handle pacing, and why teachers don't need to feel guilty about not seeing every student every day.

Key Takeaways:

• How small group instruction supports differentiated, targeted reading instruction.
• The importance of assessment-driven groupings based on universal screeners (Acadience, DIBELS, i-Ready, etc.)
• Why consistent instructional routines reduce teacher overwhelm and student anxiety.
• High-impact routines for small group instruction: phonemic awareness, word mapping, high-frequency words, blending, decodable text, comprehension, dictation, and word awareness.
• Teachers should prioritize students below benchmark for daily small groups while others can be seen less frequently.

Resources Mentioned:

• Christina's Free Small Group Toolkit (downloadable resource with lessons & templates)
• Book: A Fresh Look at Phonics by Wiley Blevins
• Dr. Julia Lindsey’s Instagram Post
• Stephanie Stollar’s Reading Science Academy
• Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear

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 Christina Winter:

• Website: https://leadinliteracy.com/
• Instagram: @lead.in.literacy 
• Christina’s Membership Site: Leaders of Literacy

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• 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

In this powerful episode of Literacy in Color, we are joined by Dr. Molly Ness to explore the deep impact of read-alouds, particularly think-alouds, as well as book access.. Dr. Ness, educator, author of Read Aloud for All Learners, and host of the End Book Deserts podcast, brings her research, experience, and passion to this conversation about how language comprehension is often overlooked, but absolutely essential in the Science of Reading-centered conversations.

Dr. Ness shares what the research says about read-alouds, how teacher planning (or lack thereof) affects instructional impact, and what educators can do to be more intentional in their read-aloud routines.

We also unpack the concept of book deserts, areas where children lack access to books in their homes, schools, and communities. Dr. Ness shares creative ideas and solutions for bringing books to the kids who need them most.

Key Takeaways:

• The concept of book deserts and why book access is an equity issue
• Creative ways to distribute books in under-resourced communities
• The physiological and emotional benefits of read-alouds for all ages
• What research tells us about the power of read-alouds for language comprehension
• How think-alouds support comprehension beyond simple questioning
• Planning read-alouds with intentionality: modeling, stopping points, & strategy alignment

Resources Mentioned:

• Read Aloud for All Learners by Dr. Molly Ness
• Research: What Are Teachers Reading and Why?: An Analysis of Elementary Read Aloud Titles and the Rationales Underlying Teachers' Selections - Conradi-Smith, Craig Young, and Jane Core Yatzeck
• White paper on Language Comprehension written by Dr. Molly Ness
• Making Words Stick (newly released book by Dr. Molly Ness & Dr. Katie Pace Miles)

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 Dr. Molly Ness:

• Website: https://www.mollyness.com/
• Website: https://www.dirigoliteracy.com/
• LinkedIn: Molly Ness, PhD
• Instagram: @a_reading_mother
• BlueSky: ‪@mollyness.bsky.social‬
• End Book Desert Podcast
• End Book Desert Website

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• 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

In this special episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle is joined by her brilliant friend, Sarah Paul, to officially unveil their new course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator.

Together, Michelle and Sarah share the backstory behind their collaboration (Logos Literacy Academy), reflect on their own morphology journeys, and talk candidly about the challenges teachers face when trying to make sense of morphemes, word parts, and all things structural literacy.

Whether you're brand new to morphology or ready to go deeper, this episode is equal parts strategy, story, and heart.

Key Takeaways:

• Why morphology is the missing puzzle piece for many literacy classrooms
• How morphemes support struggling readers, gifted students, and everyone in between
• Practical entry points for teaching morphology—without needing to be a linguist
• A behind-the-scenes look at their course series and why it’s designed as a multi-course journey

Resources Mentioned:

• Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator - Morphology Course #1 (comprehensive & in-depth knowledge to build a solid foundation)
• Course #2 - Coming Fall 2025 will be geared for K-2 Educators (more curriculum-based)
• Course #3 - Coming Winter 2025 will be geared for 3-5 Educators (more curriculum-based)
• Logos Literacy Academy on IG: @logosliteracyacademy
• Etymonline 

Connect with Sarah Paul:

• Website
• Instagram
• TPT Store

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• 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

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
• 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

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Danielle “Nell” Thompson shares her powerful journey from a small town in North Dakota to Bush Alaska, all the way to becoming a transformational coach and the founder of the Big Sky Literacy Summit. Together, we explore how language is the foundation of literacy—not just for academic success, but for human connection, dignity, and transformation.

We also dig into the intersection of language and leadership, discussing how deep systems change, intentional leadership, and relationship-driven instruction can move the literacy needle—not just for individual students, but entire school communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Why oral language is both a risk factor and a protective factor in literacy development
• How early language experiences shape long-term life outcomes 
• What true transformational leadership looks like in school settings
• Powerful tools for screening early oral language & providing intervention
• A heartfelt case study from Bush Alaska that will leave you inspired

Resources Mentioned:

• Big Sky Literacy Summit 2025: Language is Everything
• Book: Speech to Print - Dr. Louisa Moats
• Book: Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills - Birsch & Carreker
• Book: Unlocking Literacy - Marcia Henry
• Hugh Catts: Viewing A Phonological Deficit within a Multifactorial Model of Dyslexia
• Book: Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experiences of Young American Children – Hart & Risley 
• Book: 30 Million Words: Building a Child’s Brain – Dr. Dana Suskind
• The Abecedarian Project – Early childhood longitudinal study
• Podcast Episode 19: Oral Language & Reading with Elizabeth Doherty, The Reading SLP
• LanguageScreen – Oral language screener by Maggie Snowling & Charles Hulme
• Let’s Know! – FREE language curriculum developed by the Language and Reading Research Consortium (available via Ohio State)
• NELI (Nuffield Early Language Intervention) – Oral language program (includes the LanguageScreen Assessment)
• Story Champs & ECHO – Language intervention tools from the Language Dynamics Group
• Book: It’s All About Language - Grigorenko, Shtirov, McArdle
• Book: Annual Growth for All Students, Catch-Up Growth for Those Who Are Behind - Fielding, Kerr, & Rosier
• Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement - Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown

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 Dr. Nell:

• Dr. Nell's Website: The Transformative Reading Teacher Group
• Big Sky Literacy Summit Website
• Email: [email protected] 
• LinkedIn: Dr. Danielle “Nell” Thompson
• Facebook: Big Sky Literacy Summit
• Facebook: The Transformative Reading Teacher Group
• Join The Reading League Montana

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• 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

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m chatting with Heidi Martin—also known as Droppin’ Knowledge with Heidi—to unpack what research says about effective alphabet instruction. Together, we explore common debates, research-based tips, and engaging strategies to teach the alphabet more effectively.

From ditching letter-of-the-week traditions to embracing articulation and embedded mnemonics, this episode is packed with classroom-ready ideas and practical insights grounded in cognitive science. Heidi also shares why repeated and distributed practice is the key to building strong alphabet knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

• Alphabet knowledge is a strong predictor of reading success
• What the research says about “letter of the week”
• Teach letter names and sounds together
• Teach uppercase and lowercase together
• Incorporate explicit handwriting instruction
• Use embedded mnemonics and articulation cues
• Advice about target picture(s)
• Alphabet knowledge should be joyful, not just rote

Helpful Resources:

• Register for Science of Reading Mini-Con (July 10th, 2025 in Racine, Wisconsin)! 
• Piasta & Wagner’s 2010 meta-analysis of Alphabet Learning & Instruction
• P is for Paint: A Mnemonic Alphabet Adventure! – Heidi’s embedded mnemonic alphabet book
• Decodable Adventure Series – Heidi’s decodable books
• Heidi & Adam Martin’s New Activity Book: Droppin' Knowledge on Foundational Skills: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Exercises Aligned to the Science of Reading
• Heidi & Adam Martin’s New Activity Book: Droppin' Knowledge on Sight Words and Word Mapping: High-Frequency Word Exercises Aligned to the Science of Reading
• Heidi & Adam Martin’s New Activity Book: Droppin' Knowledge on Phonics: Spelling and Phonics Activities Aligned to the Science of Reading
• Helpful Instagram Post from Heidi on the Alphabet

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 Heidi Martin:

• Website: https://droppinknowledge.com/
• TikTok - @droppinknowledgewheidi
• IG - @droppinknowledgewithheidi
• FB - Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• 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

In this insightful episode, I sit down with literacy expert, Amy Siracusano, to unpack the critical role that transcription skills play in early writing development. Together, we explore why handwriting, spelling, and fine motor skills aren’t just mechanical tasks—they’re foundational tools that unlock a child’s ability to communicate their thoughts effectively.

Amy breaks down the research, shares practical strategies, and shines a light on the often-overlooked building blocks that impact a child’s writing journey. Teachers will walk away with actionable tips and a deeper understanding of how transcription skills influence cognitive load, executive functioning, and writing fluency.

Key Takeaways:

• Why automaticity in transcription is non-negotiable for freeing up cognitive resources for composition
• How explicit handwriting instruction supports both reading and writing fluency
• The connection between the writing brain and reading brain
• Practical ways teachers can integrate transcription skill-building into their literacy block

Resources Mentioned:

• The Not-So-Simple View of Writing model
• The Handwriting Collaborative
• Handedness Research Institute
• National Handwriting Association
• University of Iowa (Clifter and Lifter materials)
• “Strengthening the Mind’s Eye” by Dr. Virginia Berninger
• “Handwriting in a Modern World” by William Van Cleave
• Dr. Berninger’s PALS program
• Informal assessments by Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter (Readsters)

Practical tools Amy recommended:

• Short pencils
• Plastic sleeves/page protectors with 3-lined paper inside
• Thin, short dry erase markers
• Appropriate writing utensils (soft lead pencils, crayons for early writers)
• Three-lined paper for handwriting until automaticity is achieved

Connect with Amy Siracusano:

• LinkedIn: Amy Siracusano
• Instagram: @amysiracusano
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Amy at Upcoming Conferences:

• Big Sky Literacy Summit
• The Reading League Conference
• Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning Conference

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• 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

In this solo episode of Literacy in Color, we’re cutting through the confusion around sight words, high-frequency words, and orthographic mapping. You’ll get a clear, research-backed understanding of how the brain actually learns words — and why traditional memorization strategies just don’t cut it.

Michelle breaks down why every word "wants to grow up and become a sight word" and shares how teachers can make smart instructional moves that build strong, fluent readers by honoring what we know from the Science of Reading.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Should I still send home sight word flashcards?
• What’s orthographic mapping actually mean?
• How can I organize my high-frequency instruction around phonics skills?

...this episode will answer ALL of that (and more!) in a practical, empowering way.

Key Takeaways:

• The difference between sight words and high-frequency words (hint: they're not the same)
• What orthographic mapping is—and why it’s not an activity
• How words become mapped for instant recognition
• Why explicit instruction—not memorization—is key to building fluent readers
• How to group high-frequency words by phonics features for better transfer and mastery

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Making Words Stick: A Four-Step Instructional Routine to Power Up Orthographic Mapping (The Science of Reading in Practice) by Dr. Katie Pace Miles & Dr. Molly Ness

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!



Other Helpful Resources:

• High Frequency Words Sorted Phonics by Skill, Mapped in Sound Boxes
• Seasonal Word Mapping Boards
• Blog Post: Why Orthographic Mapping is Important when Teaching High Frequency Words
• FREE Guide: Phonics & Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to Know

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• 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

What can spelling errors really tell us about a student’s literacy development?

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Sydney Bassard, speech-language pathologist and founder of The Listening SLP, to dig into the power of spelling error analysis. Sydney breaks down the five types of spelling errors teachers should be aware of, explains what these errors reveal about processing, and shares how this analysis can drive smarter, more responsive instruction.

We also talk about language variation, hearing loss, articulation differences, and how educators can work alongside SLPs to deepen their understanding of language and literacy.

Whether you’re new to analyzing spelling or ready to go beyond “right or wrong,” this conversation will shift your lens and strengthen your practice.

• Why spelling errors are a gold mine for instructional decision-making
• The five key categories of spelling errors: phonological, orthographic, mental graphemic, morphological, and semantic
• How hearing and language variation impact spelling
• How to incorporate spelling error analysis into your routine without burning out
• Why collaboration with SLPs can level up your structured literacy instruction

• FREE PVM Chart (Place Voice Manner) Download
• Blog Post from The Literacy Nest: “Taking a Close Look at Spelling Errors: How a Spelling Assessment Can Inform Your Instruction”
• AI Hack: Use ChatGPT to run quick spelling error diagnostics (just double-check it!)

• Website: https://www.thelisteningslp.com
• Instagram: @thelisteningslp
• Facebook: The Listening SLP
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• 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