Shanahan on Literacy

Latest Episodes:

AI and Reading Comprehension May 09, 2026

Show notes

What role should AI play in reading comprehension instruction? This first-of-two-parts podcast explores ways in which AI may undermine reading comprehension learning rather than promoting it.

How Would You Schedule Reading Instruction? May 02, 2026

Show notes

Teachers often wonder how to schedule reading instruction. Often they are advised to make sure they include certain activities every day. My advice is to focus on the what needs to be accomplished rather than on the activities that might be used to reach those goals.

How Important is Reading Rate? Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

How important is the speed of reading? This far reaching examination of rate considers how fast language must be for comprehension to result, the silent reading speeds of students in the various grade levels, speed reading, and what role instruction should play in improving reading rate.

Essential Fundamentals of Spelling Instruction with a Little Help from My Friends Apr 11, 2026

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Do you want to know how to teach spelling? This engaging episode brings together the views of several spelling experts (Don Bear, Peter Bowers, Richard Gentry, Steve Graham, Louisa Moats). Lots of practical insights about how spelling should be handled in the classroom.

How Can Effective Teaching Do Harm? Mar 28, 2026

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Research suggests that Reading Recovery instruction somehow penalizes students. Those who get the help do less well in ensuing years than similar kids who don't. This podcast explores possible explanations for this -- explanations that point up important lessons to be drawn from remedial interventions.

How Can We Take Advantage of Reading-Writing Relationships? Mar 21, 2026

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Reading and writing are closely related. Teaching them together can have a powerful impact on both. This podcast explores three major ways that reading and writing can be combined in the classroom to increase students' literacy proficiency.

The Why and How of Research and the Science of Reading Mar 14, 2026

Show notes

Despite all the interest in the "science of reading" (SOR) there are still some serious misunderstandings when it comes to recognizing and using research evidence. Even many proponents of SOR, in their zeal to get their way, misuse research as more of a rhetorical device than as a method for determining what would be best for children.

How Should We Plan Reading Comprehension Lessons? Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

A teacher asks how to plan a reading comprehension lesson. Tim Shanahan talks about the research and then suggests a series of steps that should be taken to plan a reading comprehension or to revise the lesson provided by your district.

Are We Teaching Too Much Phonics? Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

Over the past decade there has been a public outcry for more phonics instruction in our schools. This has resulted in legislation across the country. Now, the discussion seems to be shifting -- reading authorities who played a significant role in this movement are complaining that we are overdoing the phonics thing. This podcast explores how much phonics there should be.

What Are the Best Fluency Learning Targets? I Think My School is Overdoing It. Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

Many schools have adopted fluency learning targets based upon fluency norms. Recent research shows that students are able to comprehend text reasonably well even with lower fluency levels. Does that mean that we are overdoing it with fluency instruction? The answer may surprise you.

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