Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ® | Science of Reading for Teachers

Education Podcasts

Melissa & Lori Love Literacy® is a science of reading podcast for teachers who want to understand how reading really works and what that means for classroom instruction. Each month, we explore key topics in the science of reading and literacy...

Location:

United States

Genres:

Education Podcasts

Description:

Melissa & Lori Love Literacy® is a science of reading podcast for teachers who want to understand how reading really works and what that means for classroom instruction. Each month, we explore key topics in the science of reading and literacy instruction through thoughtful conversations with researchers, authors, and classroom teachers who are putting reading research into practice. Melissa & Lori are your classroom-next-door teacher friends turned podcasters, learning alongside you and asking the same questions teachers everywhere are asking: What does the research say about reading? What does strong literacy instruction actually look like in real classrooms? And how can teachers apply the science of reading in ways that make sense for their students? Through conversations with leading literacy experts and educators from classrooms across the globe, Melissa & Lori help bridge the gap between reading research and day-to-day teaching. Whether you are a classroom teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or school leader, you’ll find clear explanations of science of reading concepts and practical insights for your classroom, school, or district. Topics across the podcast align to science of reading research, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and spelling, along with broader conversations about reading development, multi-tiered systems of support, and supporting struggling readers. If you care about strong reading instruction, evidence-based literacy practices, and helping every student become a successful reader, you’re in the right place.

Twitter:

@literacypodcast

Language:

English

Website:

https://www.literacypodcast.com/

Email:

literacypodcast@greatminds.org

Episodes

Vocabulary Strategies to Boost Word Learning with Melissa Cheesman Smith, Savannah Campbell, & Tim Rasinski

4/24/2026

Episode 251 In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman, and Savannah Campbell, authors of The Megabook of Vocabulary, to talk about practical, classroom-ready strategies that actually work. We dig into the biggest misconceptions about vocabulary instruction, where vocabulary words should come from, how many exposures a word truly needs, and how to move words from simple recognition to confident use in speaking and writing. You’ll hear about: Word Laddersfluency and vocabularyThis conversation bridges research and practice, showing how vocabulary connects to decoding, fluency, and comprehension in meaningful ways. If you’re looking for high-impact routines that support all learners. This episode will leave you with actionable ideas you can use right away. Vocabulary doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can be powerful, generative, and deeply connected to everything else we teach. Resources Megabook of VocabularyMegabook of VocabularyTim Rasinski's Website + ResourcesIf you’re enjoying Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, bring us to your school or event. We offer keynotes, presentations, and live podcast-style sessions focused on practical, science of reading–aligned strategies aligned to our podcast and book, The Literacy 50. Email LiteracyPodcast@greatminds.org to learn more. Get free resources and updates at literacypodcast.com.

Duración:01:01:29

[Listen Again] Ten Vocabulary Moves Backed by Research with Blythe Anderson

4/17/2026

What does the research really say about effective vocabulary instruction—and how can we translate it into daily classroom practice? In this episode, we’re joined by literacy expert Blythe Anderson to unpack vocabulary moves grounded in research that make a measurable difference for students. From intentional word selection to meaningful student talk, Blythe shares practical, classroom-ready strategies that help educators move beyond “word of the week” and into instruction that builds deep, lasting word knowledge. Together, we explore: Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation will leave you with concrete, research-backed practices you can implement immediately. Tune in to learn how small, intentional shifts in vocabulary instruction can lead to big gains in student word learning and comprehension. If you’re enjoying Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, bring us to your school or event. We offer keynotes, presentations, and live podcast-style sessions focused on practical, science of reading–aligned strategies aligned to our podcast and book, The Literacy 50. Email LiteracyPodcast@greatminds.org to learn more. Get free resources and updates at literacypodcast.com.

Duración:00:47:31

The Research on Vocabulary Instruction with Margaret McKeown

4/10/2026

Episode 250 In this episode, we’re joined by Margaret McKeown, a leading researcher in vocabulary and language development, to explore what effective vocabulary instruction really looks like in practice. Margaret helps us unpack common misconceptions about vocabulary teaching, including the pressure to ensure students “master” every word and the belief that vocabulary instruction must always be formal and pre-planned. She explains the power of informal instruction words “running through the classroom” and why repeated exposure over time supports deep word learning. We also dive into: Margaret reminds us that vocabulary learning is more like climbing a ladder than crossing a finish line. Not every word requires deep instruction, but thoughtful, strategic choices can make a meaningful impact on comprehension. If vocabulary instruction has ever felt overwhelming, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical insight for making it manageable and effective. If you’re enjoying Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, bring us to your school or event. We offer keynotes, presentations, and live podcast-style sessions focused on practical, science of reading–aligned strategies aligned to our podcast and book, The Literacy 50. Email LiteracyPodcast@greatminds.org to learn more. Get free resources and updates at literacypodcast.com.

Duración:00:52:24

Small-Group Interventions That Actually Work with Kerry Cusick & Erin Sharon

3/27/2026

Episode 248 There’s a saying we hear often in literacy work: you don’t want to try to intervene your way out of a Tier 1 problem. Real change happens when classroom instruction and small-group support are aligned. In this episode, we’re joined by Kerry Cusick and Erin Sharon, two reading interventionists, who share how aligning Tier 1 instruction with the small-group work they lead every day transformed both their approach and student outcomes. While their work lives in intervention, the routines and decision-making they describe are just as relevant for classroom teachers running small groups. In this conversation, we explore: Kerry and Erin share practical examples from their MTSS work, including how they use data to form groups, align with classroom scope and sequence, and design small-group instruction that builds accuracy, automaticity, and meaning. RESOURCES Small-Group Instruction Listening GuideBuilding Fluency with POSSUMReading Universe Read Works Read Live UFLI KindergartenUFLI Grade 1 Neuhaus Education Center Rapid Recognition Chart Generator Crafting Minds We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:53:44

[Listen Again] Maximizing Small-Group Reading Instruction

3/20/2026

Episode 143 This conversation remains one of our most downloaded episodes and for good reason. As we focus this month on small-group instruction, we’re revisiting this important discussion with a team of authors who published the article Maximizing Small-Group Reading Instruction. In this episode, we explore: • Why small-group reading instruction has been so widely adopted • What the research actually says about its effectiveness • Common misconceptions about small-group time • What makes small-group instruction purposeful and impactful If you’re rethinking how small-group time fits within strong Tier 1 instruction, or wondering how to make those minutes count, this episode offers research-informed clarity. Resources Maximizing Small-Group Reading Instruction Dr. Neena Saha’s Reading Research RecapWhat Should Small Group Instruction Look LikeReinterpreting the development of reading skillsApplying New Visions of Reading Development in Today's Classrooms Text ProjecChoice Words: How Our Language Affects Our Children’s Learning We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:01:05:58

Small Groups, Big Results with Julia Lindsey

3/13/2026

Episode 247 Small-group instruction can feel powerful and overwhelming at the same time. Questions about grouping, time, routines, and impact come up constantly. In this episode, we’re joined by Julia Lindsey, author of Small Groups, Big Results, to talk about what actually makes small-group instruction work. Julia helps break down small groups into manageable, intentional practices that don’t require more time or complexity, just clearer purpose. In this conversation, we discuss: Whether you’re new to small groups or looking to refine your approach, Julia offers clarity, research, and realistic guidance. RESOURCES Small-Group Instruction Listening GuideSmall Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading Reading Above the Fray: Reliable, Research-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills Science of Reading Part 1: Decodable Texts, Sound Walls, & the Aim of Early LiteracyScience of Reading Part 2: Decodable Texts, Sound Walls, & the Aim of Early LiteracyResearch-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills with Julia LindseyReaders' Theater: Easy, Effective, & Fun! with Chase YoungUFLI Foundations Toolbox FCRR Student Center Activities We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:53:48

Top Fluency Strategies Teachers Love from K–8 Classrooms

2/20/2026

Episode 246 Fluency looks different across grade levels, but it always matters. In this special mashup episode, Melissa and Lori bring together voices from seven classroom teachers, spanning first grade through eighth grade, to show how fluency comes to life in real classrooms. Each teacher shares a best practice they use to support accuracy, automaticity, and expression, always grounded in meaningful reading. You’ll hear about a range of approaches, including: This episode is full of practical ideas, classroom insight, and teacher wisdom, whether you’re teaching in the primary grades or supporting older readers. Resources: Fluency Listening GuideFirst Steps to Fluency: How Young Learners Become Independent ReadersImproving Student Reading Growth in Months with Fluency Instruction and PracticeA Classroom Fluency Protocol That WorksBaltimore Secondary Literacy Teachers Talk FluencyWatch Virginia Teach Fluency in this video Let’s bring back the magic of songLindsay Kemeny YouTubePartner Reading with Paragraph Shrinking3 Phases for FluencyTim Rasinski's Multidimensional Fluency RubricJust Two We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:50:59

Read Like Us: Building Fluency Through Repeated Reading & Challenging Texts with Jake Downs & Chase Young

2/6/2026

Episode 245 In this episode, Melissa and Lori are joined by researchers Jake Downs and Chase Young to discuss Read Like Us, a research-backed fluency routine designed to help students reread challenging texts with purpose. Jake and Chase share the findings from their recent study, explain how the routine works in real classrooms, and explore why fluency grows when students have multiple supported opportunities to read connected text. The conversation unpacks: Read Like Uswide readingtext choiceYou’ll also hear why the study showed especially strong results for fourth-grade readers and how teachers can think about applying this work across grade levels. This episode offers both a clear explanation of the research and practical insights teachers can use as they plan fluency instruction that supports real reading where skills come together in text. Resources: "Promoting Fluency Through Challenge: Repeated ReadingWith Texts of Varying Complexity"Fluency Listening Guide We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:48:12

Rock Your Literacy Block with Lindsay Kemeny

1/30/2026

Episode 244 Lindsay Kemeny shares her insights on effectively managing a literacy block in a primary classroom. She discusses her daily schedule, emphasizing the importance of routines in phonics instruction, close reading strategies, and writing lessons. Lindsay also highlights the importance of small group instruction for differentiation and explains how to manage center work for students! She encourages teachers to focus on progress rather than perfection, sharing practical tips and strategies for enhancing literacy instruction. Lindsay's Book, Rock Your Literacy Block, is available now! We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:56:52

Building Your Scientifically-Based ELA Block with Jamey Peavler

1/16/2026

Episode 243 Jamey Peavler discusses the importance of recognizing the varied learning needs of students in all grades! She emphasizes the distinction between comprehension and word recognition skills, advocating for differentiated instruction to better support each student's unique learning journey. Key Takeaways We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:49:38

How Learning Happens: Principles Every Teacher Should Know with Carl Hendrick

1/2/2026

Episode 242 In this episode, Carl Hendrick emphasizes the critical role of timely feedback in the educational process, highlighting how immediate responses to misconceptions can significantly enhance student learning. He discusses the challenges teachers face in providing effective feedback and the importance of checking for understanding, interleaving, and retrieval practice to ensure that students grasp the material being taught. Check out this resource we made just for you to accompany the content in this episode! Evidence-Based Practices to Make Learning Stick One-Pager Key Takeaways We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:58:16

Making Sentences Make Sense with Nancy Hennessy and Julia Salamone

12/5/2025

Episode 241 Nancy Hennessy and Julia Salamone discuss the often-overlooked topic of syntax and its critical role in reading comprehension. With Melissa & Lori, they discuss the architecture of sentences, the importance of understanding parts of speech, and the interconnectedness of syntax and meaning. The conversation highlights effective teaching strategies, the challenges posed by complex sentences, and the necessity of integrating background knowledge for comprehension. Nancy and Julia share practical instructional moves, emphasizing the need for explicit instruction and cognitive preparation to enhance students' understanding of sentence structures. Takeaways Resources Tips & Tools: Sentences We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:56:24

Placing Text at the Center of the Primary Classroom with Meghan Hein

11/21/2025

Episode 240 Primary teacher Meghan Hein shares how she keeps the text front and center of learning. She discusses the shift from a skills-based focus to an approach where meaning-making drives instruction. The conversation highlights practical strategies for teachers to build knowledge through texts and create a more authentic learning experience. Meghan's insights reflect a commitment to continuous learning and adapting teaching practices to better serve students' needs. ✨ You’ll definitely want to listen to the podcast that inspired this conversation! Episode 37 with Sue Pimentel and Meredith Liben dives into their article Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom. Takeaways Resources Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA ClassroomTeacher Meghan Hein on Instagram We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:40:00

[Listen Again] Placing Text at the Center of the ELA Classroom (Updated)

11/14/2025

Episode 37 The article Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom is a must-read — before or after you listen to this episode! Meredith Liben and Sue Pimentel join us to unpack the true intentions behind the Common Core State Standards and how they’ve sometimes been misinterpreted in practice. They share what they’ve observed in classrooms and schools — both when high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) are in place and when they’re not. We also ask them some tough (and important!) questions: Meredith and Sue are smart, funny, and incredibly relatable — you’ll love this conversation. It’s truly a must-listen episode! 📖 Read the article that inspired this episode: Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom Introduction to PoetryPlacing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:59:19

Helping Students Read Entire Books with Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, and Erica Woolway

11/7/2025

Episode 239 Experts Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, and Erica Woolway join Melissa & Lori to tackle one of the biggest questions in teaching today: What happened to reading whole books in school? From the pull of digital distractions to the rise of skill-focused instruction, they explore why diving into full texts matters more than ever. You’ll hear inspiring ideas for making books come alive in the classroom, the magic of read-alouds, and the power of close reading. Plus, each guest reveals their favorite book to teach. Reading entire books ignites curiosity, builds stamina, and so much more. Resources The Teach Like A Champion Guide to the Science of Reading Teach Like A ChampionClose Reading: Uncover Deeper MeaningThe Indispensable Power of [Full] BooksMelissa & Lori Podcast Knowledge & Comprehension We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:53:47

Why Morphology Matters for Word Reading and More with Melissa Orkin and Alex Osburn

10/24/2025

Episode 238 What if the “secret sauce” to reading big words isn’t just syllables, but also morphemes? In this episode, Melissa Orkin and Alex Osburn share why morphology is essential, especially in grades 3–6, and how it bridges word reading, vocabulary, and comprehension. They dig into practical strategies for teaching morphology, from explicit routines to vocabulary activities like the Frayer model, and show how to weave it all into real texts so students connect meaning to print in powerful ways. You’ll hear how morphology instruction can be integrated with content areas, supported by oral language practice, and used to spark stronger engagement and deeper learning. Resources Mentioned From Morphology Anthology: Volume 3, Lesson 3: The Secret Lives of Rainforest Insects.The Structured Literacy Playbook: Preplanned Lessons for Building Phonics and Fluency Skills We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:01:09:42

Research-Based Routines for Multisyllabic Word Reading with Jessica Toste and Brennan Chandler

10/10/2025

Episode 237 Teachers know the challenge: students hit multisyllabic words and suddenly reading slows down. In this episode, researchers Jessica Toste and Brennan Chandler share research-based routines that make multisyllabic word reading easier, more automatic, and more effective. You’ll hear practical strategies rooted in the research to help your students tackle big words! 📚 Resources Mentioned Word Connections We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:01:00:02

Reading Interventions for Upper Elementary with Catlin Goodrow

9/26/2025

Episode 236 Catlin Goodrow discusses her role as a literacy coach and interventionist for older students, focusing on assessing student needs, implementing effective interventions, and the logistics of providing support in the classroom. She shares insights on decoding challenges, comprehension strategies, and the importance of engaging students with appropriate texts. She also emphasizes the significance of flexibility in instruction and offers practical tips for teachers to support struggling readers. Check out her new book 'Reading Beyond the Routines,' which provides research-informed strategies for teaching literacy in grades 2 through 6. Resources Reading Beyond the Basics Podcast Episode - Helping Students Read Multisyllabic Words with Devin KearnsPodcast Episode: Exploring the Research Behind Paired Oral Reading with Jake DownsPodcast Episode - No More “Strategy of the WeekBuilding Background Knowledge Through Reading: Rethinking Text SetsRewards Word Connections We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:43:06

How to Make Every Intervention More Effective with Matt Burns

9/12/2025

Episode 235 Matt Burns discusses effective interventions for students struggling with learning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the learning hierarchy, identifying where breakdowns occur, and matching interventions to individual student needs. The conversation highlights the significance of modeling in teaching, shares a success story of a kindergartner's progress, and explores the application of the framework to writing and comprehension. Additionally, Burns provides insights on using assessment data effectively and offers resources for teachers to implement these strategies in their classrooms. Resources Matthew Burns YouTube Email Matt: burnsm1@coe.ufl.edu We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:45:08

Making Sense of Reading Assessments with Michelle Hosp

8/29/2025

Episode 234 Michelle Hosp joins us to break down the different types of literacy assessments within an MTSS framework in the most approachable way. We talk: Most importantly, we talk about when and why to use each one. Michelle helps us shift the question from “Which test should I give?” to “What do I need to know to help my students grow?” We also dig in to the power of curriculum-based measures (CBM), what makes assessment data meaningful, and how schools can align their resources to actually make a difference. If you're feeling overwhelmed by data or unsure how to use it effectively, this episode will help you think more clearly about assessments and walk away empowered to use your data to help all your students become readers. Resources The ABCs of CBM: A Practical Guide to Curriculum-Based MeasurementNational Center on Intensive InterventionData Teaming Tools We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night. Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com. Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Duración:00:53:54