Triple R Teaching

How to be a bridge builder: A conversation with Jan Burkins & Kari Yates Aug 08, 2022

088: Today we have the privilege of speaking with Jan Burkins and Kari Yates, the authors of the fantastic book, Shifting the Balance: Six Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom. Listen to find out how to be a bridge builder in your own teaching community!
Click here for this episode's show notes.

Structured literacy is for everyone: A conversation with Sarah Paul Aug 01, 2022

087: Today we have the privilege of hearing from Sarah Paul of Sarah's Teaching Snippets. Sarah is a reading interventionist and full of practical, engaging ways to implement structured literacy. Listen in to find meaningful activities you can start doing tomorrow!
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Becoming a Powerful, Respectful Voice for Change: A Conversation with Margaret Goldberg Jul 25, 2022

086: As a former balanced literacy teacher, Margaret Goldberg is a leader in the movement to help ALL students become successful readers. Her kind and respectful manner open the door wide open. I'm sure you'll love hearing from her as much I enjoyed this interview!
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Getting Help for Dyslexia: A Conversation with Gina from Get Literacy Jul 18, 2022

Today you'll hear from Gina, who shares both knowledge and laughs on her Instagram account, get_literacy. Not only will you hear how Gina is implementing the science of reading in her first grade classroom, you'll discover how she found help for her daughter with dyslexia. So much goodness in this episode!
Click here for this episode's show notes.

A look at small group phonics lessons: A conversation with Jessica Farmer Jul 11, 2022

084: Learn about Jessica's powerful small group phonics lessons - a central piece of her of science of reading-based instruction!
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It's all about taking gradual steps: A conversation with Lindsay Kemeny Jun 27, 2022

Lindsay was a fierce balanced literacy advocate ... until everything she knew didn't help her son learn to read. You'll love hearing how Lindsay educated herself and began tutoring her son, who has severe dyslexia. He's now a successful, avid reader!
Click here for this episode's show notes.

You're not alone: A conversation with Heidi Jane Jun 20, 2022

082: In this episode I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Heidi Jane, who has blown up Instagram and TikTok with her incredible science of reading content. Listen in to learn about Heidi's journey and the safe space she's created for teachers to keep learning about this important subject.
Click here for this episode's show notes.

Just start with one thing: A conversation with Christina Winter Jun 13, 2022

081: In this episode I had the joy of meeting Christina Winter, a brilliant educator with a heart for helping teachers. Get Christina's best advice for getting started with the science of reading!
Click here for this episode's show notes.

It's all about the kids: A conversation with Savannah Campbell Jun 06, 2022

080: In this episode I have the privilege of chatting with Savannah Campbell from Campbell Creates Readers. She shares her journey from balanced to structured literacy and helps us put it all in the proper perspective.
Click here for this episode's show notes.

An Introduction to our Balanced to Structured Literacy Interview Series May 30, 2022

079: Beginning next week I'm sharing a ten-week interview series! We'll be learning what led prominent educators to transition from a balanced to structured approach. Along the way we'll get helpful tips for teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, and more. Stay tuned!
Click here for this episode's show notes.

Should we use running records? May 23, 2022

078: In today's episode we'll talk about why the running record isn't the useful tool I once thought it was. We'll also share resources you can use instead ... and what to do if your school still requires that you use running records.
Click here for this episode's show notes.

Answers to FAQ's about our online course, Teaching Every Reader May 16, 2022

Bonus Episode: The doors to Teaching Every Reader are open through May 23! Get answers to frequently asked questions about our comprehensive reading course for K-2 educators.

Four simple ways to bring the science of reading into K-2 May 09, 2022

Bonus Episode: Learn four simple ways to bring the science of reading into K-2! Becky Spence and I will be sharing a free live workshop on May 16 or 17. To learn more and save your space, visit this link!

Whole class vocabulary activities to make those words STICK May 02, 2022

077: These simple activities will help your students make new words part of their expressive vocabulary ... and they take just a few minutes each!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

A simple template for reading comprehension lessons Apr 25, 2022

076: So - you're reading an on-grade-level text with the whole class. How can you make this reading comprehension lesson interesting, engaging, and useful for ALL your students? Today's episode will give you a simple template you can follow to make these lessons a success!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

6 ways to build fluency Apr 18, 2022

075: Without fluency, our students will struggle to comprehend what they read. Here are six ways to build fluency in a variety of settings. Let me know if you try the last one!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

6 strategies for reading multisyllable words Apr 11, 2022

074: Do you have students who struggle to read longer words? These six strategies will give you the tools you need to help. #4 is my favorite!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

5 ways to build the alphabetic principle Apr 04, 2022

073: The alphabetic principle is the understanding that printed letters represent sounds - it sounds simple, but not all kids grasp this concept. Without it, they can't learn to read! Here are five simple ways to build the alphabetic principle.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

How to keep the rest of the class learning while you meet with small groups Mar 28, 2022

Keep the rest of the class busy AND learning with these easy-prep, effective literacy center ideas!

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How to plan and teach small group phonics lessons Mar 21, 2022

071: How should you form your phonics groups? How often should you meet with each group? What specific activities should you include in your lessons? We've got the answers in this week's episode!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What phonics skills should students learn in each grade? Mar 14, 2022

070: In this episode I share the phonics skills we should teach by grade level. Do you agree with how I break it down?
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What you need to know about Orton-Gillingham Mar 07, 2022

#069: What IS Orton-Gillingham anyway? Is it backed by research? What do critics have to say? We'll answer these questions and more in today's episode.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What does phonics have to do with reading comprehension? Feb 28, 2022

#068: What does phonics have to do with comprehension? A lot! We lay it all out in this episode.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Do's and don'ts for teaching phonics Feb 21, 2022

067: Should we teach letter sounds before letter names? Do kids need to learn syllable division rules? We'll examine it all in this episode, the first in our new series about teaching phonics.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #10: Do Fountas and Pinnell REALLY want teachers to educate themselves? Feb 14, 2022

066: Fountas and Pinnell claim that administrators need to prioritize ongoing professional learning for teachers. But what happens when these teachers find out that what they're learning contradicts Fountas and Pinnell's approach?
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Response to Fountas & Pinnell #9: Do teachers know best? Feb 07, 2022

065: Fountas and Pinnell tell us that no literacy program can take the place of a teacher's expertise. And they're right! But expertise comes from knowledge, and that knowledge is not innate. In this episode I'll share online courses that will improve your understanding of the science of reading.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #8: Is structured literacy responsive? Jan 31, 2022

Fountas and Pinnell are proud to describe their approach as responsive; rather than follow a script, they make observations and tailor their instruction to meet individual needs. They insinuate that more structured programs don't allow teachers to adjust for individual students. Is that a correct assumption? Is structured literacy responsive?
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #7: Do Fountas and Pinnell promote "balanced literacy?" Jan 24, 2022

063: Fountas and Pinnell are steering clear of the label "balanced literacy." But should they? Do they deserve the label?
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #6: You can teach phonics AND language comprehension Jan 17, 2022

#062: Fountas and Pinnell caution against focusing "only on accuracy and decoding." If we do that, they say, students may not understand that what they read must make sense. But the science of reading community doesn't advocate phonics alone. Far from it!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #5: Here's why you SHOULD use decodable books Jan 10, 2022

061: Fountas and Pinnell aren't moving when it comes to decodable books. They believe these books are contrived and that decodable books teach children that their reading doesn't have to make sense. But decodable books are exactly what our beginning readers SHOULD be reading. Here's why.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #4: Here are the problems with guided reading Jan 03, 2022

For Fountas and Pinnell, guided reading is the key piece of the reading block. But there are some problems with the guided reading approach in K-2.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #3: Yes, you ARE teaching guessing Dec 20, 2021

059: No one likes to admit they're teaching kids to guess at words, but that's exactly what's happening when we teach beginning readers to use three-cueing. This short episode explains the connection.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #2: Fountas and Pinnell are wrong about three-cueing Dec 13, 2021

058: Despite the lack of evidence for three-cueing, Fountas and Pinnell aren't budging. In this episode I respond to their recent blog post in which they claim that we must help students use multiple sources of information to solve words.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Reaction to Fountas & Pinnell #1 - But you CAN have conversations about the science of reading Dec 06, 2021

057: Fountas and Pinnell tell us they're staying out of the current debate about teaching reading because it isn't productive. But there ARE safe, sane places to discuss the current research. Tune in to learn more!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Introducing a new series: Reacting to Fountas and Pinnell Nov 29, 2021

#056: Fountas and Pinnell are big names in the field of literacy education. But for years they've been accused of advocating methods that do not align with reading research. Fountas and Pinnell have finally responded to this criticism in a 10-part blog series called "Just to Clarify." This episode is the introduction to a 10-part series in which I respond to their blogs, one by one. It's my first "reaction" series, and I'm excited! I hope you are too.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

A simple process for teaching sight words Nov 22, 2021

#055: We've learned that teaching students to memorize sight words as wholes isn't the way to go. But what should we do instead? This episode will walk you through a simple process for teaching sight words.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

The most important thing to remember when teaching sight words Nov 15, 2021

#054: There's a lot of misinformation out there about teaching sight words. In this episode, we boil it down to the MOST important thing to get right.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

4 Common Misconceptions about Teaching Sight Words Nov 08, 2021

#053: Should we use the Dolch grade-level lists to help us decide which sight words to teach? Should we teach our students to memorize sight words as wholes? And should beginning reading instruction START with sight words? Get answers to these questions and more as we look at common misconceptions surrounding the teaching of sight words.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Science of Reading Q & A #2 Nov 01, 2021

#052: What should you do with all your leveled books? Is there any place for them in a science of reading classroom? What should you do when students just can't master their short vowel sounds? When do you move on? And what about assessing struggling readers? Should you use Fountas & Pinnell's benchmark assessment to find their reading level? Get answers to these questions and more in this science of reading Q & A episode!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Science of Reading Q & A: #1 Oct 11, 2021

#51: This past week Becky Spence and I shared a video workshop about the science of reading. Because of some technical difficulties, we weren't able to do our question and answer session live. Here are answers to questions submitted after the webinar. More to come next week!
Click here for the show notes.

SOR Bootcamp #6: How to structure the reading block in a science of reading classroom Oct 04, 2021

#050: Now that we've laid a strong foundation, it's time to apply the science of reading to your daily instruction. This episode will show you how to use what you've learned to schedule a powerful reading block that will meet the needs of all your students. Share this 6-week podcast series with friends who want to learn more about the science of reading. Also check out our online course, Teaching Every Reader! It opens for enrollment on October 4, 2021. Get the details here.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

SOR Bootcamp #5: What does research say about the Big 5? Sep 27, 2021

#049: We know that the science of reading isn't a curriculum, a fad, or a pendulum swing. It's a body of research. So what does this research tell us about the Big 5? What does the science of reading have to say about phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary? In this episode we'll examine the research and make practical applications to our teaching. Share this 6-week podcast series with friends who want to learn more about the science of reading. Also check out our online course, Teaching Every Reader! It opens for enrollment on October 4, 2021. Get the details here.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

SOR Bootcamp #4: What IS structured literacy, anyway? Sep 20, 2021

#048: Structured literacy is all the rage these days, but what exactly is it? Today we'll discuss the HOW and the WHAT of structured literacy. Share this 6-week podcast series with friends who want to learn more about the science of reading. Also check out our online course, Teaching Every Reader! It opens for enrollment on October 4, 2021. Get the details here.

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

SOR Bootcamp #3: The Simple View of Reading and Scarborough's Reading Rope Sep 13, 2021

#047: If you study the science of reading, it won't be long until you hear mentions of the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough's Reading Rope. What are they? And what do they have to do with how we teach reading? Today's episode will answer those questions. Share this 6-week podcast series with friends who want to learn more about the science of reading. Also check out our online course, Teaching Every Reader! It opens for enrollment on October 4, 2021. Get the details here.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

SOR Bootcamp #2: How we read and remember words Sep 06, 2021

#046: Orthographic mapping is one of the key concepts in the science of reading, but it can feel a little confusing at first. It's all about how we read and remember words, and this episode breaks it down into easy-to-understand language. Share this 6-week podcast series with friends who want to learn more about the science of reading! Also check out our online course, Teaching Every Reader! It opens for enrollment on October 4, 2021. Get the details here.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

SOR Bootcamp #1: 3 Reasons why there's so much disagreement around the science of reading Aug 30, 2021

#045: We're starting a science of reading bootcamp! Share this 6-week podcast series with friends who want to learn more. In today's episode we define "science of reading" and explore why there's so much disagreement around this topic. Also check out our online course, Teaching Every Reader! It opens for enrollment on October 4, 2021. Get the details here.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Books to read on your science of reading journey May 03, 2021

#044: This concludes our official science of reading series, but there's a lot more to learn! Check out my top recommendations for books that will help you understand the science AND apply it to your classroom. Also check out our online course, Teaching Every Reader! It's open for enrollment through May 10, 2021. Get the details here.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

3 Science of reading myths debunked Apr 26, 2021

#043: I fought the idea of structured literacy for a long time, and it's because I believed these three myths about the science of reading. How about you? Listen to find out how we can debunk these three common misunderstandings.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What's the difference between balanced and structured literacy? Apr 19, 2021

#042: It’s time to take a good look at what we’re doing when we teach children to read. I considered myself a “balanced literacy” teacher for many years. It’s the approach I learned in graduate school, the approach I used as a classroom teacher, and the approach I (used to) teach on my website and in my online course.

However, after a great deal of research into the science of reading, I now see things differently. I now advocate a structured literacy approach to reading instruction.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Do's and don'ts for using decodable texts with beginning readers Apr 12, 2021

#041: For years I thought that decodable texts were a necessary evil ... I thought they were boring, stilted, and nonsensical. Now I know that quality decodable books are vital for helping young learners build a strong foundation. The good news is that there are many wonderful decodable books, and more are being published all the time. Listen to find out my top tips for choosing and using decodable books.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Should you use leveled or decodable books? Mar 22, 2021

#040: Leveled books are predictable books with strong picture support. Decodable books feature words whose sound-spelling patterns have been explicitly taught. Which are best for beginning readers?
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What's wrong with three-cueing? Mar 15, 2021

#039: I never thought I'd be sharing an episode about what's wrong with three-cueing. After all, I've spent decades prompting kids to think about what makes sense, sounds right, and looks right when solving words! Listen to find why I (finally) changed my approach.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What the science of reading is based on Mar 08, 2021

There are a lot of questions about what the science of reading truly is. Is it from a journalist? Is the science brand-new? How do we know that we can trust it? In today's episode I'll share the particulars!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

A simple look at how the brain learns to read Mar 01, 2021

#037: How exactly does the brain learn to read ... and why should teachers even care? In today's episode I simplify the science and share exactly why this understanding is important for K-2 teachers.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

My reaction to the article that reignited the reading wars Feb 22, 2021

#036: When I first read Emily Hanford's article, "At a Loss for Words," I felt annoyed, angry and - in the end - dismissive. I've read the article many times since, and now my reaction is quite the opposite. Listen to find out what's changed!
Click here for the show notes to this episode.

What are the reading wars? Feb 15, 2021

#035: As we begin our discussion about the science of reading, we need to look back at the history of teaching reading in the United States. What exactly are the reading wars, and when did they begin? Where are we today? Join us for a brief and lively history of the debate.
Click here for the show notes to this episode.

Introducing our science of reading podcast series Feb 08, 2021

#034: I've been poring over the science of reading research, and I'm making shifts in how I approach teaching reading. You're invited to join me on this exciting journey!
Click here for the show notes to this episode.

Did you know? Feb 01, 2021

033: If you're enjoying this podcast, listen to this quick episode to learn where else you can find me!

My best kept secret Jan 25, 2021

032: Did you know that my affordable membership site will help you apply the science of reading to your teaching? Listen to this quick episode to find out what's included!

Favorite science of reading authors Jan 18, 2021

031: Have you ever bought a book about teaching reading - only to find out that it doesn't align with what you know to be true based on the science? Here are some authors you can trust!

Click here for the show notes to this episode.

Best books about teaching phonics Jan 11, 2021

030: Looking to build your science of reading library? Here are my favorite books about teaching phonics!

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Answers to decodable book FAQ's Jan 04, 2021

029: Why should we use decodable books? Who should be reading them? For how long? Get answers to these questions and more in today's episode!

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Must-watch science of reading YouTube channels Dec 14, 2020

027: Looking for free professional development? Here are my favorite YouTube channels for learning about the science of reading.

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What every teacher should know about dyslexia Dec 07, 2020

027: Do you suspect that one of your students has dyslexia? Here's what every teacher should know about this common learning disability!

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Common misconceptions about dyslexia Nov 30, 2020

026: Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, yet many people know very little about it – dyslexia myths abound! We're busting 12 of them in today's episode.

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

How to use a sound wall to teach new phonemes and graphemes Nov 23, 2020

025: So you have a sound wall. Now what? In today's episode you'll learn how to use it to teach new phonemes (sounds) and graphemes (letter or letters that represent sounds).

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

5 things to remember when getting started with a sound wall Nov 16, 2020

024: So you're thinking of adding a sound wall to your classroom ... amazing! Here are five things to keep in mind.

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What's a sound wall ... and do you really need one? Nov 09, 2020

023: Sound walls are all the rage in the science of reading world ... but what are they exactly? Are they a must-have? Get the answers in today's episode!

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Comprehension quick win Nov 02, 2020

022: Today's episode is a quick reminder about the difference between comprehension processes and products ... and why it matters!

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Vocabulary quick win Oct 26, 2020

021: "Example/Non-Example" is an easy way to help your students nail down new vocabulary words. Listen in so you can add this trick to your toolbox!

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Fluency quick win Sep 30, 2020

020: Here's how to boost your students' morphological awareness so they can read longer words and improve their reading fluency at the same time!

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Phonics quick win Sep 14, 2020

019: In today's quick win episode, we'll walk through an explicit, multisensory method for introducing a new letter with its sound.

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Phonological awareness quick win Sep 07, 2020

018: Today begins a 5-part series with short, actionable episodes about the Big 5. Up first: phonological awareness!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

How to organize a K-2 classroom library Jun 01, 2020

017: Are you moving away from a leveled classroom library but aren't sure how to organize your books? These tips will help!

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

More great decodable book series May 25, 2020

016: On the hunt for more decodable books for your classroom? If you have some room in your budget, these are my top picks!

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

The best decodable book series for a tight budget May 18, 2020

015: Do you want to build a decodable book library but find yourself limited by your budget? Here are the best decodable book series to purchase when funds are tight!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What makes a high quality decodable book? May 11, 2020

014: It used to be that we had very few options when it came to decodable books. But times are changing, and new decodable books are published all the time. How do you separate the good from the bad? Make sure your decodable books have these four qualities.

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Science of reading-aligned literacy centers Apr 27, 2020

013: You need to keep your students engaged while you teach small groups. But how? What literacy centers are best for a science of reading classroom? We've got you covered with five simple center ideas.
Click here for this episode's show notes.

Can the Daily 5 and the science of reading coexist? Apr 20, 2020

#012: The Daily 5 is a popular framework for managing literacy centers in primary classrooms. Can teachers committed to the science of reading keep using the Daily 5?

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Should we teach sight words to preschoolers? Apr 13, 2020

011: What should be the first step when teaching preschoolers to read? Should we jump right to sight words? Or should we avoid them altogether?
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

More books about the science of reading Apr 06, 2020

010: Ready to read some more meaty books about the science of reading? Try these!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Easy books to get you started with the science of reading Mar 30, 2020

009: Ready to start learning about the science of reading? Here are some books to get you started!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

4 things you can do to get started with the science of reading Mar 23, 2020

008: Does learning about the science of reading feel overwhelming? Here are four simple things you can do to get started!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What we can we learn about comprehension from the National Reading Panel? Mar 15, 2020

007: Is it worth our time to teach reading comprehension strategies? Here's some food for thought from the National Reading Panel.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Vocabulary and the National Reading Panel Mar 09, 2020

006: Our students learn at least 3000 words a year ... we can't possibly teach them that many words through direct instruction. So should we even bother? The National Reading Panel has the answer!
Click here for this episode's show notes.

What do we learn about fluency from the National Reading Panel? Mar 02, 2020

005: Fluency used to be a neglected skill, but now we know that fluency must be explicitly taught. The question is ... how?
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What did the National Reading Panel say about teaching phonics? Feb 24, 2020

004: "Phonics" may be the most controversial word in the history of teaching reading! What does the research actually say? Today we'll look at what the National Reading Panel said (and didn't say) about the teaching of phonics.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What did the National Reading Panel say about phonemic awareness?  Feb 17, 2020

003: What does the research have to say about phonemic awareness? In today's episode we'll look closely at what the NRP learned through its meta-analysis.
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What was the National Reading Panel? Feb 08, 2020

002: Would you like to know what the research REALLY says? The National Reading Panel spent three years studying hundreds of studies ... and its report is something every teacher should be familiar with! We're kicking off a 5-week series sharing the key recommendations from the panel's findings.

Click here for the show notes for this episode.

What IS the science of reading? Feb 07, 2020

001: "The science of reading" - you hear about it everywhere! Is it a fad, a curriculum, or possibly even a political agenda? Short answer: No, no, and no. Get the facts in this quick and powerful episode!
Click here for the show notes for this episode.

Welcome to Triple R Teaching! Feb 07, 2020

#000 - Meet Anna Geiger, M.Ed., an educator and mom of six. Learn how this podcast will help you reflect, refine, and recharge!

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