Reading Teachers Lounge

What's really happening when students struggle to stay on task, complete assignments, or transition between activities? In this illuminating conversation with literacy experts Dr. Matt Strader and Dr. Douglas Fisher, Shannon and Mary delve into the complex world of executive functioning and its impact on classroom performance.  Executive functioning isn't just about behavior—it's about cognitive processes happening in the brain's prefrontal cortex. Both guests help us understand the crucial distinction between the neurological processes of executive functioning and the observable skills of self-regulation. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. McGraw-Hill Science of Literacy Library:
   A free resource hub containing blogs, videos, research reports, and more— designed to connect teachers with practical classroom resources and Professional Learning tips.
2. Dr. Douglas Fisher's website
3. Dr. Matt Strader on LinkedIn
4. Executive Skills and Reading Comprehension:  A Guide for Educators by Kelly Cartwright and Nell Duke *Amazon affiliate link
5. Center on the Developing Child from Harvard University
6. Deborah Phillips-EF as the "air traffic control system"
7. Lynn Meltzer- mountain versus trees (cognitive flexibility)
8. Amy Berry- Teacher expectations on engagement
9. Timothy Shanahan's blog from 2022 on Executive Functioning and Reading
10. Center on the Developing Child (Harvard University):  EF- video
11. Unmasking Autism by Devon Price *Amazon affiliate link*
12. FCRR: Alphabet Arc
13. Promoting Executive Functioning in the Classroom by  Lynn Meltzer   *Amazon affiliate link*
14. Cognitive Challenges  article by Stephen Chew and William Cerbin
15. Bandura-outcome expectations
16. Understood.org:  What is neurodiversity?

• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Free Rubrics Guide created by us
• Finding Good Books Guide created by us

Support the show

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon
• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Buy us a coffee
• Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

What's really happening when students struggle to stay on task, complete assignments, or transition between activities? In this illuminating conversation with literacy experts Dr. Matt Strader and Dr. Douglas Fisher, Shannon and Mary delve into the complex world of executive functioning and its impact on classroom performance.  Executive functioning isn't just about behavior—it's about cognitive processes happening in the brain's prefrontal cortex. Both guests help us understand the crucial distinction between the neurological processes of executive functioning and the observable skills of self-regulation. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. McGraw-Hill Science of Literacy Library:
   A free resource hub containing blogs, videos, research reports, and more— designed to connect teachers with practical classroom resources and Professional Learning tips.
2. Dr. Douglas Fisher's website
3. Dr. Matt Strader on LinkedIn
4. Executive Skills and Reading Comprehension:  A Guide for Educators by Kelly Cartwright and Nell Duke *Amazon affiliate link
5. Center on the Developing Child from Harvard University
6. Deborah Phillips-EF as the "air traffic control system"
7. Lynn Meltzer- mountain versus trees (cognitive flexibility)
8. Amy Berry- Teacher expectations on engagement
9. Timothy Shanahan's blog from 2022 on Executive Functioning and Reading
10. Center on the Developing Child (Harvard University):  EF- video
11. Unmasking Autism by Devon Price *Amazon affiliate link*
12. FCRR: Alphabet Arc
13. Promoting Executive Functioning in the Classroom by  Lynn Meltzer  *Amazon affiliate link*
14. Cognitive Challenges  article by Stephen Chew and William Cerbin
15. Bandura-outcome expectations
16. Understood.org:  What is neurodiversity?

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

Shannon and Mary talk with Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez about supporting Multi-Language Learners, exploring language development, daily classroom language demands, and practical strategies to help MLLs thrive. The information presented is relevant for teachers, administrators, and support staff seeking practical tools to enhance instruction for multilingual learners.

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. Our Season 5 Episode 2: Supporting English Language Learners
2. McGraw-Hill Science of Literacy Library:
   A free resource hub containing blogs, videos, research reports, and more— designed to connect teachers with practical classroom resources and Professional Learning tips.
3. Vanderbilt University:   Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez
4. Edutopia:  Using SIOP with English Learners
5. Savvas Learning Company:  SIOP Model Professional Learning
6. Impact of Multilingualism and Learning Patterns on Student Achievement in English and other subjects by Raees Calafato and Kevin Simmonds
7. WIDA Can Do Descriptors for various grade levels
8. Reading Rockets:  What Does Research Tell Us About Teaching Reading to English Language Learners?
9. Academic Language and ELLS: What Teachers Need to Know
10. Reading Horizons:    What's the Difference Between ESL, EFL, ESOL, ELL, MLL, and ESP?

• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Free Rubrics Guide created by us
• Finding Good Books Guide created by us
• Information about our Patreon membership

Support the show

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon
• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Buy us a coffee
• Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

Shannon and Mary talk with Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez about supporting Multi-Language Learners, exploring language development, daily classroom language demands, and practical strategies to help MLLs thrive. The information presented is relevant for teachers, administrators, and support staff seeking practical tools to enhance instruction for multilingual learners.

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. Our Season 5 Episode 2: Supporting English Language Learners
2. McGraw-Hill Science of Literacy Library:
   A free resource hub containing blogs, videos, research reports, and more— designed to connect teachers with practical classroom resources and Professional Learning tips.
3. Vanderbilt University:   Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez
4. Edutopia:  Using SIOP with English Learners
5. Savvas Learning Company:  SIOP Model Professional Learning
6. Impact of Multilingualism and Learning Patterns on Student Achievement in English and other subjects by Raees Calafato and Kevin Simmonds
7. WIDA Can Do Descriptors for various grade levels
8. Reading Rockets:  What Does Research Tell Us About Teaching Reading to English Language Learners?
9. Academic Language and ELLS: What Teachers Need to Know
10. Reading Horizons:    What's the Difference Between ESL, EFL, ESOL, ELL, MLL, and ESP?

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

Shannon chats with Laura Stewart (from 95 Percent Group) about bold moves that literacy leaders can take to transform the literacy practices in their learning communities.    Laura provides stories and strategies relating to successfully implementing best practices informed by the Science of Reading into schools and classrooms, and Shannon shares some real-life examples of what she's learned to do and not to do as a literacy leader.   Listen and also download the recommended resources from the show notes to be empowered in your transformation efforts.

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. The Courage to Lead: 10 Bold Moves for Transformational Change by Laura Stewart ebook (download link from our Google Drive)
2. bio for Laura Stewart, 95 Percent Group's Chief Academic Officer
3. Becoming a Literacy Leader by Jennifer Allen *Amazon affiliate link*
4. Cox Campus Structured Literacy training
5. The Courage to Teach:   Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's life by Parker Palmer *Amazon affiliate link
6. Science of Reading 2.0 ebook from 95 Percent Group
7. Uphill Climb article by Laura Stewart
8. NIRN Hub
9. EdWEb.net Recording with Laura Stewart and Ken Kirby regarding Professional Learning in 2025
10. 95 Percent Group on IG
11. 95 Percent Group on Twitter/X
12. 95 Percent Group on Facebook
13. Morpeheme Magic
14. Science of Reading Defining Guide (The Reading League)

• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Free Rubrics Guide created by us
• Finding Good Books Guide created by us
• Information about our Patreon membership

Support the show

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon
• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Buy us a coffee
• Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

Shannon chats with Laura Stewart (from 95 Percent Group) about bold moves that literacy leaders can take to transform the literacy practices in their learning communities.    Laura provides stories and strategies relating to successfully implementing best practices informed by the Science of Reading into schools and classrooms, and Shannon shares some real-life examples of what she's learned to do and not to do as a literacy leader.   Listen and also download the recommended resources from the show notes to be empowered in your transformation efforts.

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. The Courage to Lead: 10 Bold Moves for Transformational Change by Laura Stewart ebook (download link from our Google Drive)
2. bio for Laura Stewart, 95 Percent Group's Chief Academic Officer
3. Becoming a Literacy Leader by Jennifer Allen *Amazon affiliate link*
4. Cox Campus Structured Literacy training
5. The Courage to Teach:   Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's life by Parker Palmer *Amazon affiliate link
6. Science of Reading 2.0 ebook from 95 Percent Group
7. Uphill Climb article by Laura Stewart
8. NIRN Hub
9. EdWEb.net Recording with Laura Stewart and Ken Kirby regarding Professional Learning in 2025
10. 95 Percent Group on IG
11. 95 Percent Group on Twitter/X
12. 95 Percent Group on Facebook
13. Morpeheme Magic
14. Science of Reading Defining Guide (The Reading League)

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

Shannon and Mary welcome Dr. Timothy Shanahan to the Reading Teachers Lounge to quiet the noise within the literacy community and help us all realize the MOST important things we should be doing for our learners according to the reading research.    Listeners will find out what practices and activities they should prioritize to improve their students' reading achievement.

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives:  How Students' Reading Achievement Has Been Held Back and What We Can Do About It by Timothy Shanahan (available for PreOrder) *Amazon affililate link
2. Dr. Shanahan's website (Shananan on Literacy)
3. Dr. Shanahan's blog
4. Connect with Dr. Shananan via Facebook
5. Dr. Shanahan's blog post about Comprehension (mentions text cohesion)
6. Are We Teaching Reading Comprehension Part II:   6 Things Every Teacher Should Know (blog post by Dr. Shanahan)
7. 30 Second Mysteries *Amazon affiliate link
8. McGraw-Hill Science of Literacy Library:
   A free resource hub containing blogs, videos, research reports, and more— designed to connect teachers with practical classroom resources and Professional Learning tips. 

• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Free Rubrics Guide created by us
• Finding Good Books Guide created by us
• Information about our Patreon membership

Support the show

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon
• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Buy us a coffee
• Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

Shannon and Mary welcome Dr. Timothy Shanahan to the Reading Teachers Lounge to quiet the noise within the literacy community and help us all realize the MOST important things we should be doing for our learners according to the reading research.    Listeners will find out what practices and activities they should prioritize to improve their students' reading achievement.

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives:  How Students' Reading Achievement Has Been Held Back and What We Can Do About It by Timothy Shanahan (available for PreOrder) *Amazon affililate link
2. Dr. Shanahan's website (Shanahan on Literacy)
3. Dr. Shanahan's blog
4. Connect with Dr. Shananan via Facebook
5. Dr. Shanahan's blog post about Comprehension (mentions text cohesion)
6. Are We Teaching Reading Comprehension Part II:   6 Things Every Teacher Should Know (blog post by Dr. Shanahan)
7. 30 Second Mysteries *Amazon affiliate link
8. McGraw-Hill Science of Literacy Library:
   A free resource hub containing blogs, videos, research reports, and more— designed to connect teachers with practical classroom resources and Professional Learning tips. 

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon

Shannon and Mary chat with Brandi Dugal from The Fidget Game, featured on Shark Tank, about unique ways to engage and motivate students to learn.   They share methods for gamification, brain breaks, and other strategies teachers can use to increase student engagement.  Listen for ideas to make reading more fun and how to help motivate even the most reluctant readers to get excited about their learning.

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. The Fidget Game website
2. Fidget Game TikTok account
3. Shannon's favorite (FREE) growth mindset activities via TpT-lower grades
4. Shannon's favorite (FREE) growth mindset activities via TpT-upper grades
5. The Fidget Game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link
6. King Komodo game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link
7. SquishyLand game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link
8. The Vocabulary game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link
9. ASCD:  New Thinking about Student Engagement

• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Free Rubrics Guide created by us
• Finding Good Books Guide created by us
• Information about our Patreon membership

Support the show

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon
• Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app
• Bonus episodes access through Patreon
• Buy us a coffee
• Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

Shannon and Mary chat with Brandi Dugal from The Fidget Game, featured on Shark Tank, about unique ways to engage and motivate students to learn.   They share methods for gamification, brain breaks, and other strategies teachers can use to increase student engagement.  Listen for ideas to make reading more fun and how to help motivate even the most reluctant readers to get excited about their learning.

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:

1. The Fidget Game website
2. Fidget Game TikTok account
3. Shannon's favorite (FREE) growth mindset activities via TpT-lower grades
4. Shannon's favorite (FREE) growth mindset activities via TpT-upper grades
5. The Fidget Game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link
6. King Komodo game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link
7. SquishyLand game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link
8. The Vocabulary game for purchase *Amazon affiliate link
9. ASCD:  New Thinking about Student Engagement

• Get Literacy Support through our Patreon