Literacy Lunch Break

Join us for an engaging episode of our podcast, where Stefanie Tenenbaum, an experienced classroom teacher, shares insights into small group literacy instruction and student engagement. Stefanie walks us through the logistics of a typical day of small group instruction, discussing decision-making processes, fluid group dynamics, and data-driven adjustments. As a current teacher, she offers practical advice for educators transitioning from guided reading to small group instruction, addressing common challenges and emphasizing the balance between the science and art of teaching. Tune in for valuable tips and strategies to enhance your literacy instruction practices in a classroom setting. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

One shift as we rethink small group instruction is the amount of time students spend in a group. Previously, we would often "re-group" students according to a specific timeframe. Perhaps every 4-6 weeks. We realize now that true differentiation requires groups to be fluid. One key component to fluidity is considering how long skills take to learn and how complex they are. Katherine Doughtery Stahl uncovers the Constrained Skills Theory as an impactful resource to use when considering small group instruction. We are so excited to have Katherine join us today to share her insight on this theory and how it can inform our instruction. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

Join our latest episode featuring Shawn Toy, an Orton–Gillingham certified K-3 Reading Intervention Teacher, who brings a wealth of insights and knowledge to the table. Explore the world of data-driven instruction and gather strategies for small-group literacy planning. Follow Shawn on Instagram: @learningalatteinfirst Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

In this episode, we continue to explore life beyond guided reading. Join us as Jamey Peavler, instructor in the Reading Science program at Mount St. Joseph University, shares her insights on how to maximize small group, targeted instruction for foundational skills. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

Join us for Series 3 of Literacy Lunch Break, where we dive into the journey of replacing guided reading with powerful small-group instruction. In Series 2, we explored shifting literacy practices and advocating for a structured literacy approach. As educators reflect and transition, the question arises: "So, what happens to guided reading?" Discover the answers in our upcoming discussions on the evolution of powerful small-group literacy instruction. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

In this enlightening podcast episode, we dive into the world of structured literacy and its profound impact on English language learners and bilingual students. Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Lucia Rocha-Nestler, an expert in the field of biliteracy education. Explore the transformative power of the science of reading and discover how it fosters equity and empowers students in bilingual classrooms, ensuring a brighter future for all. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

Our guest for this episode is Lindsay Kemeny, a dedicated teacher, parent, and author who understands the power of structured literacy firsthand. Lindsay shares stories from the classroom, discussing the challenges and successes of implementing structured literacy techniques. Join us as we uncover practical strategies for teachers and gain insight into how classroom experiences can drive meaningful change. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

Equity within Literacy Instruction: In this episode, we engage with Naomi O'Brien, a prominent education influencer and literacy advocate. We discuss how educators can use their online presence and influence to champion the cause of structured literacy. From social media to community engagement, learn how Naomi is mobilizing a network of educators to raise awareness and drive change in literacy instruction. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

In this episode of Literary Lunch Break, we sit down with Brent Conway, an instructional leader with a passion for effective literacy instruction. We dive into the crucial role assistant superintendents play in shaping curriculum decisions, resource allocation, and policy changes. Join us as we explore Brent Conway's insights on advocating for structured literacy to ensure strong foundations for students' literacy skills. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

In this exciting episode, we continue our discussion with decodable book author Cheryl Allison. Cheryl shares her expertise, providing valuable insights on what specific traits to look for when selecting decodable texts. Gain a clearer understanding of the key characteristics that contribute to the success of decodable texts in supporting reading development. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

Join us in Episode 5 as we delve into the diverse range of decodable texts and explore how they can be effectively matched to the appropriate stage or phase of reading. Gain valuable insights into the varying levels of decodability and learn strategies for selecting decodable texts that align with learners' needs. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

Join us for Episode 6 of Literacy Lunch Break as we have an insightful conversation with Amanda Hager, an Orton-Gillingham certified Reading Interventionist. Amanda shares her journey from being a classroom teacher to a literacy coach and ultimately becoming a reading interventionist. She discusses the importance of phonemic awareness in reading instruction and the need to adapt teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student. Amanda emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and research-backed approaches in improving student literacy outcomes. Tune in to discover valuable insights for enhancing reading proficiency through decodable texts and effective teaching strategies. Amanda is an experienced teacher, instructional coach, and literacy interventionist. She has bachelor's degrees from Western Illinois University and Aurora University and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading from Grand Canyon University. She is also a certified level 1 dyslexia practitioner. She works as a reading interventionist in a K-5 building, delivering tier 2 and 3 literacy interventions. She is passionate about early literacy and believes that every student, no matter what deserves the best possible literacy instruction. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

In Episode 7 of the Literacy Lunch Break, we continue our conversation with Amanda Hager, a reading interventionist who reveals her effective approach to using district materials in small group instruction to support reading intervention. Amanda shares her insights on how to leverage benchmarking assessments to identify students' needs, tailor instruction accordingly, and integrate phonemic awareness into reading intervention. She emphasizes the importance of teaching the "whys" of the English language to engage students and make reading practice meaningful. Join us as we explore the strategies and tools that Amanda has found success with in her reading intervention journey. Subscribe now for more bite-sized insights into literacy topics. Happy learning! Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

Join our host, Marjorie Bottari, on this episode of Literacy Lunch Break as we dive into the world of decodable texts and leveled readers. As you tune in, Marjorie will guide you through the definitions of decodable texts and leveled readers, providing an in-depth understanding of each. Marjorie also shares insight into the unique roles decodable texts and leveled readers play within the context of literacy instruction. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

In this podcast episode, host Marjorie Bottari welcomes Cheryl Allison, a decodable book author, to discuss the importance of using decodable texts when teaching foundational reading skills to students. Cheryl shares her personal experiences with delayed reading and her journey to becoming an author of decodable texts. They discuss the significance of making decodable texts engaging and why decoding skills remain crucial for students through their elementary years. Cheryl also emphasizes the negative impact of guessing and the importance of maintaining a balance between decoding and comprehension in reading instruction. Stay tuned for more episodes on literacy topics in bite-sized formats. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

Join us as we explore the essential elements of "quality" decodable texts. Discover a comprehensive checklist and valuable insights to guide your selection of decodable texts. Unlock the secrets to finding decodable texts that effectively support early literacy instruction and empower learners on their reading journey. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here

Welcome to the Literacy Lunch Break, a Heggerty podcast that brings you quick and insightful episodes on literacy topics, designed to be easily consumed during your lunch break. Join our host, Marjorie Bottari, as she guides you through the journey of enhancing literacy instruction in a snack-sized format. Learn more about Heggerty! Heggerty.orgInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn sign-up for our newsletter here