In this episode, Cheri Dotterer shares a replay of a live webinar teaching three powerful math interventions proven to help students—from kindergarten to high school—retain and engage with math concepts more effectively. These strategies bridge the gap between cognitive science and classroom practice. Cheri breaks down the interventions into practical, hands-on activities, including the Locker Problem, the 120-Chart, and Paper Folding (Making Rectangles). She also highlights real-world case studies and the neuroscience behind these interventions, showing how as little as six minutes per week can change math outcomes.

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Products Mentioned

https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/cwsbp

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TIME STAMPS

0:48 – 2:15 How writing struggles connect to math struggles.
2:15 – 3:01 Introduction to Jonily Zupancic and Cheri's learning journey.
3:01 – 4:06 Cheri’s background, books, podcasts, and how writing is more than literacy.
4:06 – 6:56 Early number sense: how toddlers naturally engage with shapes and numbers.
6:56 – 7:57 Breaking the cycle of frustration and introducing today’s three interventions.
7:57 – 10:07 Research data showing how these interventions improved math scores.
10:07 – 11:18 First intervention: Division is Sharing — Introduction.
11:18 – 17:25 The Locker Problem — A math patterning activity to teach division and counting.
17:25 – 20:06 Second intervention: Subtraction is Distance — Using the 120-Chart to build number sense.
20:06 – 25:10 Third intervention: Multiplication is Rectangles — Teaching multiplication and fractions using paper folding.
25:10 – 26:57 AHA moments and reflection from webinar participants.
26:57 – 27:46 Why these interventions work and why you should try them.
27:46 – 30:12 Course bundle details and how to apply these interventions K-12.
30:12 – 33:21 Practicum, bonus offers, and course bundle available for listeners.

****************************************************************************

BOOKS

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

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

*****************************************************************************

SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast

*****************************************************************************

FREE WEBINAR

Special Offer coming in March. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

*************************************************************************

Other ways to connect with Cheri

 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridott...

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1...

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/

X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer

 ***********************************************************************

HASHTAGS

#TheWritingGlitch #cheri  #NeuroscienceOfLearning #CognitiveScience #BrainDevelopment #ExecutiveFunctioning #EducationPodcast 

In this episode of The Writing Glitch, host Cheri Dotterer explores the multisensory literacy system Sammy and the Magical Reading Chest from North Coast Educational Center. Unpacking puppets, tactile cursive cards, sign language visuals, and engaging student workbooks, Cheri highlights how this structured literacy program supports reading and writing development from a therapeutic and classroom perspective. She explains how the system aligns with structured literacy principles—systematic, explicit, cumulative, and multisensory—and how educators and therapists can creatively integrate it into their instruction.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment about your favorite literacy resources!

**************************************************************************

Products Mentioned

https://richardslearningsystems.com/

https://www.northcoasted.com/store

**************************************************************************

TIME STAMPS

00:30 Meet the puppets: Miss Alice, Ichabod Ick, Professor Underwood
01:30 Sample alphabet cards 

04:00 Tactile cursive cards with raised lettering
05:00 Inside Student Workbook 1:
08:00 Student Workbook 2

10:00 Student Workbook 3

13:00 Final thoughts: Structured literacy alignment and puppet integration
14:00 Therapy ideas using puppets and stuffed animals
****************************************************************************

BOOKS

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

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

*****************************************************************************

SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast

*****************************************************************************

FREE WEBINAR

Special Offer coming in March. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

*************************************************************************

Other ways to connect with Cheri

 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridott...

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1...

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/

X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer

 ***********************************************************************

HASHTAGS

#TheWritingGlitch #cheri  #NeuroscienceOfLearning #CognitiveScience #BrainDevelopment #ExecutiveFunctioning #EducationPodcast #Sammyandthereadingchest #RichardsLearningSystems

• (00:30) - Meet the puppets: Miss Alice, Ichabod Ick, Professor Underwood

Join host Cheri Dotterer in this insightful episode of The Writing Glitch as she speaks with Marion Waldman, the founder of Teach My Kid to Read. Marion shares her personal journey of navigating literacy challenges with her own child and how that experience led her to create a nonprofit dedicated to equipping librarians, educators, and parents with the tools they need to support struggling readers.

This episode also highlights Podcastathon, a global initiative amplifying nonprofit voices, and how Teach My Kid to Read is playing a pivotal role in shaping library-based literacy interventions. Learn how libraries can become literacy hubs, the science behind effective reading instruction, and how YOU can support dyslexia-friendly reading spaces in your community.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment about your favorite literacy resources!

**************************************************************************

Products Mentioned

1. Tier 1 Interventions Podcast
2. Disability Labs
3. Relief in 3d Subscription Box
4. Handwriting Brain Body DisConnect 
5. Monthly Math and Writing Webinar 
6. Teach My Kid to Read 
7. Online Membership Community 
8. Podcastathon 

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TIME STAMPS

00:21 What is Podcastathon?

01:00 Meeting Marion Waldman: The birth of Teach My Kid to Read

02:09 The struggle of librarians and educators

03:46 Understanding dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD 

06:40 Marion’s journey

08:11 The hidden gaps in literacy instruction and the science of reading

09:09 Finding Orton-Gillingham-based instruction

12:00 The role of decodable books 

14:49 How Teach My Kid to Read is transforming library programs

17:24The challenges of getting libraries 

20:00 How parents and caregivers can access free literacy resources

22:23 Bringing writing and math to the literacy conversation

27:02 Exploring Teach My Kid to Read’s online membership community

****************************************************************************

BOOKS

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

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

*****************************************************************************

SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast

*****************************************************************************

FREE WEBINAR

Special Offer coming in March. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

*************************************************************************

Other ways to connect with Cheri

 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridott...

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1...

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/

X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer

Ti...

In this episode of The Writing Glitch, Cheri reviews Decoding Duo and the Morphology Anthology from the Changing Minds Group. These structured literacy resources provide explicit, systematic, and multisensory strategies to improve phonics, spelling, and morphology instruction.

Join us as we explore:
 ✅ The scope and sequence of these resources
 ✅ How occupational therapists can integrate structured literacy into interventions
 ✅ Fun, movement-based learning activities to reinforce spelling and phonics
 ✅ Why using familiar classroom content enhances student engagement and retention

https://www.craftingmindsgroup.com/

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share this podcast with five friends who need these insights!

**************************************************************************

TIME STAMPS

📌00:00 Introduction to the episode & why literacy tools matter

📌01:00 Overview of Decoding Duo & its structured literacy routines

📌02:30 Key components of the Decoding Duo program: phonics, word reading, and dictation

📌04:00 How occupational therapists can use Decoding Duo in interventions

📌05:00 Exploring the Morphology Anthology: What is morphology?

📌06:30 Structured literacy in action: Greek & Latin roots, word structure, and multisensory learning

📌08:00 OT applications: Using spelling words in sensory activities

📌09:30 Movement-based learning: Kinesthetic techniques to reinforce spelling

📌10:30 Creative ways to use structured literacy in OT sessions

📌11:30 Final thoughts: The importance of fun, engagement, and emotional connection in literacy

📌12:00 Outro: Be awesome, be brilliant—you were put here for such a time as this!

****************************************************************************

BOOKS

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

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

*****************************************************************************

SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast

*****************************************************************************

FREE WEBINAR

Special Offer coming in March. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

*************************************************************************

Other ways to connect with Cheri

 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridott...

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1...

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/

X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer

 ***********************************************************************

HASHTAGS

#TheWritingGlitch #cheri  #NeuroscienceOfLearning #CognitiveScience #BrainDevelopment #ExecutiveFunctioning #EducationPodcast

• (01:00) - Overview of Decoding Duo & its structured literacy routines

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

****************************************************************************

BOOKS

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

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

*****************************************************************************

SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast

*****************************************************************************

FREE WEBINAR

Special Offer coming in March. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

*************************************************************************

Other ways to connect with Cheri

 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridott...

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1...

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/

X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer

 ***********************************************************************

HASHTAGS

#TheWritingGlitch #cheri  #NeuroscienceOfLearning #CognitiveScience #BrainDevelopment #ExecutiveFunctioning #EducationPodcast

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

Join The Writing Glitch podcast as we dive into the neuroscience behind dysgraphia. In this episode, Teresa Roderiques continues the discussion on Handwriting Brain-Body Disconnect (HWBBD) and explores how the brain’s structures—such as the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and limbic system—play a crucial role in handwriting. We’ll discuss the link between movement, memory, and executive functioning, uncovering how students process writing tasks at a neurological level. Whether you're an occupational therapist, teacher, or parent, this episode offers valuable insights into supporting struggling writers.
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TIME STAMPS
00:00 Introduction to The Writing Glitch and the HWBBD Study
02:00 Start with strengths
05:00 Dysgraphia and its connection to motor coordination disorders
10:00 How trauma affects the cerebellum and learning
15:00 The role of memory/the impact of sleep
20:00 The basal ganglia and its surprising connection to handwriting
30:00 Executive functioning skills and their development over time
40:00 Proprioception and vestibular systems in handwriting
50:00 How vision affects handwriting and reading
1:00:00 Connecting the sensory-motor pathway to writing success
****************************************************************************
BOOKS
Handwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd
 On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Br...
*****************************************************************************
SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE
AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast
*****************************************************************************
FREE WEBINAR
Special Offer coming in March. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com
*************************************************************************
Other ways to connect with Cheri
 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridott...
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1...
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/
X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer
 ***********************************************************************
HASHTAGS
#TheWritingGlitch #cheri  #NeuroscienceOfLearning #CognitiveScience #MotorSkills #Proprioception #VestibularSystem #SensoryProcessing #BrainDevelopment #HandwritingScience #ExecutiveFunctioning #EducationPodcast

• (02:00) - Start with strengths

As educators, we are always looking for tools that can effectively support our students’ writing development. Enter The Writing Revolution 2.0—a structured, research-based writing curriculum designed to help students master sentence formation, expository writing, and analytical thinking. But does it live up to its promise? In this post, we’ll review the curriculum, explore its benefits and drawbacks, and determine whether it’s the right fit for your classroom.

What Is The Writing Revolution 2.0?

The Writing Revolution is a method that teaches writing through explicit instruction, scaffolding, and structured literacy techniques. It is widely recognized for its evidence-based approach to improving student writing across all subjects, not just English Language Arts. The newest edition, Writing Revolution 2.0, refines its approach and expands on key instructional strategies.

Key Features of The Writing Revolution 2.0

1. 
   Explicit Instruction – Writing is taught systematically, starting from sentences and progressing to paragraphs and essays.
2. Cross-Disciplinary Application – This method can be used in various subjects, from science to social studies.
3. Integrated Grammar Instruction – Instead of isolated grammar lessons, students learn grammar in the context of their writing.
4. Assessment and Progress Monitoring – Built-in formative assessments allow teachers to track student progress.
5. Professional Development – Extensive training and resources are available for teachers to implement the method effectively.

Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:

• Research-backed and evidence-based
• Works across multiple grade levels
• Effective scaffolding for struggling learners
• Encourages structured, clear writing

❌ Cons:

• No creative writing component
• Requires teacher training for full implementation
• Some activities may feel repetitive for advanced students
• Best suited for structured writing rather than exploratory writing

Who Should Use This Curriculum?

• Teachers looking to improve students' structured writing skills
• School administrators seeking a school-wide writing approach
• Occupational therapists collaborating with teachers on sentence-building strategies

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Writing Revolution 2.0 is an excellent tool for educators who want a structured, systematic approach to writing instruction. While it lacks creative writing elements, its explicit focus on sentence and paragraph construction makes it invaluable for developing students' foundational writing skills. If you work in an environment that emphasizes expository writing, this curriculum could be a game-changer.

Would you like more curriculum reviews like this? Let me know in the comments!

Resources Mentioned

📘 The Writing Revolution 2.0 – The updated book outlines the Hochman Method

📂 FREE Downloadable Writing Templates & Classroom Resources – Available at thewritingrevolution.org.

FREE WEBINAR

Special Offer coming in March. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

**************************************************************************

TIME STAMPS

00:31 Overview of The Writing Revolution 2.0

01:00 The Six Core Principles of The Writing Revolution

02:15 Breaking down writing concepts into manageable segments

03:07 A 5-star curriculum? Key strengths of The Writing Revolution 2.0

04:26 Sentence-level scaffolding and writing clarity

05:00 Assessment, professional development, and accessibility

05:47 What’s missing? Why it doesn’t include creative writing

06:08 The importance of teacher training for full implementation

06:59 How OTs can support writing instruction using this method

08:01 Final thoughts and a call for listener feedback

****************************************************************************

BOOKS

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

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

*****************************************************************************

SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast

*****************************************************************************

FREE WEBINAR

Special Offer coming in March. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

*************************************************************************

Other ways to connect with Cheri

 Linked In:

🚀 Discover how writing is the key to unlocking deeper thinking skills in students of all abilities! In this episode of The Writing Glitch, Cheri Dotterer welcomes Christine Teahan, Co-Director of Academics at The Writing Revolution. Christine shares how the Hochman Method advances student thinking through structured writing instruction.
🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ What is The Writing Revolution? Learn about the Hochman Method and how it transforms student writing across all grade levels and subjects.
✅ Why Writing = Thinking – Find out how structured writing helps students process and retain information more effectively.
✅ Writing in Math? Yes! Christine shares why structured writing is a game-changer for explaining math reasoning and problem-solving.
✅ Bridging the Gap Between Writing and Oral Language – Strategies for helping students, including those with dysgraphia, improve their written expression.
✅ Study Skills & Organization – Learn how explicit instruction in note-taking, summarizing, and outlining makes learning more efficient.
✅ Tools & Free Resources – Get access to customizable templates, classroom strategies, and professional development courses from The Writing Revolution!
**************************************************************************
DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.

*****************************************************************************

Resources Mentioned

📘 The Writing Revolution 2.0 – The updated book outlines the Hochman Method.
📂 FREE Downloadable Writing Templates & Classroom Resources – Available at thewritingrevolution.org.
🖥️ Otter.ai – A speech-to-text tool for students struggling with writing.
🎓 Courses & Webinars from The Writing Revolution – Learn how to apply structured writing strategies in your classroom.
📝 The Pizza Problem eBook – A fun, engaging way to introduce math concepts through writing!
🚀 New Spanish-Language Templates & Resources – Available for bilingual classrooms!
**************************************************************************

TIME STAMPS

1:56 Christine’s background and journey into structured writing instruction

4:29 What is the Hochman Method? A breakdown of the key principles

6:26 The difference between handwriting instruction and structured writing

7:46 How The Writing Revolution bridges the gap between handwriting and advanced writing

9:50 Oral language as a precursor to written language

10:21 Writing instruction in math: How structured writing helps students justify answers

12:46 The connection between number sense and writing in math

15:01 Study skills: The importance of note-taking, summarizing, and outlining

18:46 The role of oral language in writing development

21:27 Technology and writing: How assistive tools can support students with dysgraphia

24:24 Free and paid resources from The Writing Revolution

25:04 How parents and occupational therapists can apply structured writing strategies

27:30 Strategies for students who struggle with both oral and written expression

29:37 How to access The Writing Revolution book and online courses

****************************************************************************

BOOKS

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

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

*****************************************************************************

SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast

*****************************************************************************

MISSION

Dotterer Educational Consulting, a Therapy Services, LLC company: To provide professional development to improve writing skills through efficient lesson planning for regular education classrooms.

************************************************************************

WORK WITH US:

Special Offer coming in January. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

*************************************************************************

Other ways to connect with Cheri

 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridott...

FB:

🚀 Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of literacy programs on the market? Wondering which ones actually work? 🚀

You’re not alone. With hundreds of educational tools promising to boost student literacy, how do you separate marketing hype from real research-backed solutions?

Meet Our Expert Guest: Dr. Rachel Schechter

Dr. Rachel Schechter is the founder of LXD Research, a literacy researcher, and former Director of Research at Lexia Learning and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. With over two decades of experience studying what works in literacy education, she has evaluated over two dozen literacy programs and products to ensure they deliver real classroom results.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ What “evidence-based” really means—and why it’s different from “research-based”
✅ The biggest mistakes schools make when selecting literacy programs
✅ How to verify if an educational product is truly backed by research
✅ Why characters & storytelling play a vital role in student engagement
✅ Where to find trusted resources like What Works Clearinghouse & Evidence for ESSA
**************************************************************************
DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.

*****************************************************************************

Resources Mentioned

1. LXD Research – Dr. Rachel Schechter’s company focused on literacy research and product evaluation. (Website: LXDResearch.com)
2. What Works Clearinghouse – A government resource for evaluating educational programs. (Website: whatworks.ed.gov)
3. Evidence for ESSA – A research review site run by Johns Hopkins University. (Website: evidenceforessa.org)
4. Reading Rockets – Parent- and teacher-friendly literacy resource by PBS. (Website: readingrockets.org)
5. Digital Promise – An organization that certifies research-based educational products. (Website: digitalpromise.org)
6. The Reading League – A nonprofit focused on literacy education and the science of reading. (Website: thereadingleague.org)
7. ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) – A government database of education research. (Website: eric.ed.gov)
8. Google Scholar & ResearchGate – Free databases for finding research studies.
9. ISTE EdTech Evaluations – A database for educational technology reviews. (Website: iste.org)

**************************************************************************
TIME STAMPS

01:43 Dr. Rachel Schechter’s background in child development and literacy research

02:20 The impact of Dora the Explorer on children’s learning

05:54 Do characters in educational content enhance learning?

07:47 How puppets and interactive elements help students engage

11:14 What makes a literacy resource truly evidence-based?

14:31 The difference between research-based and evidence-based programs

17:09 Trusted resources for evaluating literacy programs 

23:38 Understanding state reading laws and their impact on curriculum choices

29:56 What Works Clearinghouse vs. Evidence for ESSA: How to evaluate research credibility

35:52 Final thoughts and how to connect with Dr. Schechter

****************************************************************************

BOOKS

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

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

*****************************************************************************

SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast

*****************************************************************************

MISSION

Dotterer Educational Consulting, a Therapy Services, LLC company: To provide professional development to improve writing skills through efficient lesson planning for regular education classrooms.

************************************************************************

WORK WITH US:

Special Offer coming in January. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

*************************************************************************

Other ways to connect with Cheri

 Linked In:

Is there a way to make early reading intervention fun, effective, and accessible for all children? PlayRoly is proving that the answer is yes!

In this episode of The Writing Glitch, host Cheri Dotterer sits down with Lisa Sturdy, founder of PlayRoly, to discuss how this free literacy tool is helping young learners develop phonemic awareness engagingly and playfully.

**************************************************************************

DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.

*****************************************************************************

RESOURCES

Play Roly: Available for free at www.playroly.com

The Pizza Problem: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/the-pizza-problem-ebook

Professional Learning Series: https://disabilitylabs.com/

**************************************************************************

TIME STAMPS

00:30 Lisa’s background in commercial real estate and her transition to education

02:34 The inspiration behind PlayRoly and why early intervention matters

04:42 The challenges of early dyslexia intervention in Canada vs. the U.S.

07:41 British Columbia’s new kindergarten screening initiative

10:09 Expansion of structured literacy in Canadian provinces

11:10 How PlayRoly works, including free access and app features

14:37 Understanding phoneme blending and its role in literacy

17:39 Writing integration within PlayRoly and its impact on literacy

20:15 The role of movement in learning with PlayRoly (Roly ball activity)

21:24 Lisa’s personal connection to dyslexia and supporting her family

22:44 How teachers and parents can access PlayRoly

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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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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-glitch/id1641728130?uo=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rU9kLxjkqJE5GbyCycrHE

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/894b3ab2-3b1c-4a97-af60-b1f2589d271f

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritingGlitchPodcast

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MISSION

Dotterer Educational Consulting, a Therapy Services, LLC company: To provide professional development to improve writing skills through efficient lesson planning for regular education classrooms.

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WORK WITH US:

Special Offer coming in January. Sign up TODAY! https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com

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Other ways to connect with Cheri

 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridott...

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1...

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/

X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer

TikTok: