Teaching phonics can feel overwhelming, but having a clear, step-by-step sequence makes all the difference! In this episode, we’ll break down the best order to teach phonics skills, so your students build strong reading foundations with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the science of reading, this progression will help you support every learner at their own pace. In this episode, we’ll talk about: The first phonics skills students need to master.How to move students up...
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Teaching phonics can feel overwhelming, but having a clear, step-by-step sequence makes all the difference! In this episode, we’ll break down the best order to teach phonics skills, so your students build strong reading foundations with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the science of reading, this progression will help you support every learner at their own pace. In this episode, we’ll talk about: The first phonics skills students need to master.How to move students up...
Teaching phonics can feel overwhelming, but having a clear, step-by-step sequence makes all the difference! In this episode, we’ll break down the best order to teach phonics skills, so your students build strong reading foundations with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the science of reading, this progression will help you support every learner at their own pace. In this episode, we’ll talk about: The first phonics skills students need to master.How to move students up...
Struggling readers aren’t a mystery—there’s a clear formula for reading success! In this episode, we’re breaking down the Simple View of Reading—a powerful, research-backed framework that explains how decoding and comprehension work together to build strong readers. You’ll learn why some students struggle, how to pinpoint the root cause, and actionable strategies to support them. Whether your students need help with phonics, language comprehension, or both, this episode will give you the tool...
Supporting students with dyslexia doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! In this episode, we’re sharing science-backed dyslexia support strategies to help struggling readers build confidence and fluency. Learn how to use multisensory instruction, structured phonics, and effective accommodations to create a dyslexia-friendly learning environment. *Note: Since this episode first aired, The International Dyslexia Association released a new and updated version of their definition of dyslexia. You can...
Are your students still struggling with sight words even after hours of drilling flashcards? You're not alone—and there’s a better way. In this episode, we're diving into research-backed strategies that actually help K-2 students retain high-frequency words without relying on visual memory. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why traditional sight word flashcard drills don’t work.The 3-step shift to help students memorize words on autopilot.How to align sight words with phonics instruction for...
Struggling to help your students blend letter sounds into words? You’re not alone! Many early readers know their letter sounds but face challenges when it comes to smoothly blending them into recognizable words. The good news? Blending is a skill that can be developed with the right strategies and activities. In this episode, we break down simple, research-backed phonemic awareness techniques that will help your students become more confident and fluent readers. In this episode, we’ll talk ab...
Is AI really safe—or even useful—for our youngest learners? In this episode, veteran educator Vicki Davis unpacks what developmentally appropriate AI use looks like in PreK–2 classrooms. You’ll hear practical ways to integrate technology without sacrificing connection, creativity, or literacy. In this episode, we'll talk about: Whether AI supports or harms early childhood development.Creative ways to use AI that don’t rely on screens.How to use AI to differentiate reading instruction.A powerf...
Not all literacy programs are created equal—and some of the most popular ones may actually be holding your students back. In this episode, we’re uncovering the truth about the top 5 literacy curriculums used in schools today. You’ll learn which ones align with the science of reading, which ones don’t, and what to do if your school’s core program is missing critical pieces. This isn’t about shaming teachers or schools—it’s about giving you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps to make ...
So many of us grew up believing myths about dyslexia—like thinking it meant kids saw letters backwards, or that they would eventually “catch up” if we just gave them time. But those myths don’t just confuse teachers… they keep students from getting the support they desperately need. In this episode, I sit down with resource teacher and dyslexia advocate Melanie Brethour to unpack the most common dyslexia myths—debunked with research and real classroom experience. Melanie shares her journey as...
What do you say when a parent questions your reading instruction with, “This isn’t how I learned to read”? In this episode, we’re giving you clear, confident responses that help build trust and explain the science of reading—without getting lost in the research. In this episode, we'll talk about: What parents really mean when they say, “I didn’t learn to read like this”.How to use a math analogy that makes phonics click for families.Why we’ve moved away from leveled books and sight word memor...
Teaching handwriting in early grades can feel frustrating—especially when kids struggle to form letters, and the pressure to move fast is real. In this episode, Malia chats with pediatric occupational therapist Kelli Fetter to uncover what actually works. From Play-Doh to pencil grips, you’ll walk away with brain-based strategies that make handwriting instruction developmentally appropriate and fun. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why handwriting still matters—even in a digital age.The bes...
Struggling to figure out what phonics skill to teach next? What if there was a simple, visual roadmap that showed you exactly where your students are—and where they need to go? In this episode, we're breaking down The Phonics Staircase, a powerful, step-by-step framework that will change how you think about phonics instruction forever. In this episode, we'll talk about: The exact order to teach phonics skills—without skipping critical steps.Why starting with just 8 letters can unlock hundreds...
What if the key to student success isn’t just in your curriculum—but in how you see your students? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Knighton, author of Flip the Script: Breaking Down Barriers, Building Relationships, and Engaging Secondary Students to explore how the most impactful teachers build deep connections with students who are often the hardest to reach. If you’ve ever felt stuck or discouraged by student behavior, this conversation will leave you inspired, reflective, an...
Feeling overwhelmed by all the science of reading lingo? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking it down in a way that feels clear, relatable, and reassuring—especially if you're just getting started. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why it’s totally normal to feel nervous about shifting to science-based reading instruction.The biggest myth that holds teachers back from making the switch.How the science of reading differs from how we were taught.What you actually need to focus on ...
What if the behavior issues in your classroom weren’t about defiance—but about reading? In this powerful episode, we talk with Hildebrand Pelzer III, a former prison principal turned education advocate, about how early literacy is the key to preventing the school to prison pipeline. This is a conversation every teacher and school leader needs to hear. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why reading failure—not behavior—is at the root of the school to prison pipeline.How to reframe classroom mi...
Feeling whiplash from decades of shifting reading strategies? You’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack the real story behind the science of reading—and why it’s not just another trend. If you’ve been burned by balanced literacy, whole language, or three-cueing, this conversation is your turning point. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why the science of reading isn’t a passing fad—but a 50-year body of research.What makes it different from past methods like whole language or balanced lit...
Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that might just change the way you see your classroom. In this episode, Dr. Emily King—student psychologist and neurodivergent expert—shares practical, shame-free strategies to help PreK–2 teachers support students struggling with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and mental health needs. In this episode, we'll talk about: How to tell the difference between “can’t” and “won’t” in student behavior.Why emotional regulation must come before ac...
If you’ve ever followed your phonics program to the letter and still thought, “What am I missing?” — this episode is for you. The truth? Even the best programs make mistakes that leave students stuck. We’re pulling back the curtain on the top 5 things phonics programs get wrong—and how to fix them with practical, science-backed strategies you can use right away. In this episode, we'll talk about: The red flag hiding in your phonics scope and sequence.Why students aren’t gaining fluency (even ...
MTSS often gets written off as just another intervention checklist—but what if it’s actually your strongest tool for preventing reading failure? In this episode, I’m joined by MTSS experts Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar to break down what MTSS really is, clear up the biggest myths, and show you how this framework can support your Tier 1 instruction, simplify your decisions, and help more kids learn to read the first time. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why MTSS is a preventativ...
If you’ve ever had a student say “I can’t read” with tears in their eyes, this episode is for you. Today we’re exploring why reading shutdown happens—and what you can do to rebuild confidence and spark success in your most discouraged learners. In this episode, we'll talk about: The emotional root behind student shutdown (it’s not laziness).Why celebrating effort beats chasing perfection.How to use affirming language to shape reading identity.A fun fluency game that builds confidence through ...
Teaching spelling shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. In this episode, Dr. Molly Ness breaks down orthographic mapping—the science-backed process that helps students permanently store words in memory. Whether you’re new to the term or ready to ditch ineffective sight word drills, you’ll walk away with real strategies you can start using tomorrow. In this episode, we'll talk about: What orthographic mapping actually means (no jargon!).A 4-step method for helping students master new words.Why ...
Teaching phonics can feel overwhelming, but having a clear, step-by-step sequence makes all the difference! In this episode, we’ll break down the best order to teach phonics skills, so your students build strong reading foundations with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the science of reading, this progression will help you support every learner at their own pace. In this episode, we’ll talk about: The first phonics skills students need to master.How to move students up...
