Comprehension: It’s the Heart of the Matter

Switching between different cognitive tasks is critical in the classroom. Students learn one word can have multiple meanings. They move from one subject to another. This episode of Literacy Talks focuses squarely on cognitive flexibility, its role in executive function, and how literacy educators can help students build these skills to be confident, capable thinkers and readers. So, get set to learn more about cognitive flexibility and why it matters. You can help students learn about changing their minds, switching from one idea to another, and simultaneously holding multiple viewpoints and thoughts. This episode gives us all a great deal to think about! Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.

Our trio of experts takes a deep dive into statistics, looking at the data and trends in general education and what those numbers might mean for literacy instruction. An example? The average student-to-teacher ratio in elementary grades is 15 students to 1 teacher. What does that point to? As our hosts see it, smaller class sizes can reduce some of the need for small-group instruction because teachers have more time to spend with students individually as needed. That’s just the start of this eye-opening, number-crunching episode. You can count on gathering some insightful data from this episode of Literacy Talks. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.

As we work to improve how we teach phonics, phonemic awareness, and word recognition while adding in writing instruction and content knowledge, we’re all working toward a key goal. It’s reading comprehension. In this episode of Literacy Talks, we turn our attention to comprehension and the tapestry of skills that come together for readers and learners of all ages as they read for meaning, knowledge, and the sheer joy of learning and discovery.This episode delivers best practices for building knowledge and will give you a new understanding of—that’s right—understanding what we read!Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.

As momentum continues to build for instructional practices and strategies rooted in the science of reading, sometimes controversies can arise. In this episode of Literacy Talks, Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay tackle some of the little disagreements among well-meaning, well-informed educators, all from the perspective of sharing information, supporting colleagues, and strengthening our literacy community. From best practices in introducing the alphabet’s letters and sounds to the concepts of blends and blending, get in touch with the topics and ideas that keep the literacy community talking.Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.

Dyslexia is often misunderstood, missed altogether, and surrounded by myths. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our literacy experts revisit the state of dyslexia. From gaps in professionals’ knowledge to challenges in early identification and intervention, we need more and better conversations, bolder advocacy, and strong systemic support. In short, there’s work to do, and this episode will enrich and deepen the path forward. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.

As literacy instruction evolves and improves and the science of reading informs classroom practice more and more, we all need to make room for each other’s ideas, perspectives, and expertise. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts ask themselves and teachers everywhere if we’re being too judgmental. How can we approach conversations with colleagues as we strive to improve students’ reading proficiency together? From guidelines for productive conversations to kinder, gentler ways to share best practices and insights, this episode will inspire you to think about ways to help colleagues and grow professionally.Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.

There is much to know as we teach foundational and more advanced literacy. Here’s where questions arise. How much do teachers need to know about the science of reading to be effective and successful in the classroom? A related question: How much do students need to know about technical reading and language terms to develop and grow their literacy skills and confidence? In this episode, our trio of literacy experts looks at reading terminology and who needs to know what so learners become readers. Take away some insight and perspective every educator can use to hone their practice.Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.

In October of 2023, The Reading Council of North America filed a lawsuit against Ohio, attempting to reverse the state’s move to align classroom instruction to the science of reading principles and practices. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts discuss the growing momentum behind instruction based in the science of reading and the importance of looking closely, carefully, and analytically at the research that supports any approach. Listeners will hear common sense, clear thinking, and data-informed perspectives about choosing curricula and staying involved in legislative initiatives. Educator voices matter! Let’s get started.Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.

The Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching literacy is growing in popularity for students with dyslexia, and now it is often included in state-level education policy. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts talk in-depth about the research supporting key components of the “OG” approach and explore where additional research is needed. The spark for this conversation is an important article published in October of 2023 in The Reading League Journal. Tune in and learn more about what’s known and what’s yet to be studied. It will reaffirm some things you know and open the door to new learning. As educators, we know there’s always more to learn about reading instruction. Let’s get started.Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.

Whether you attended the Plain Talk 2024 Conference or wish you did, this episode is a whirlwind wrap-up of the event. From our hosts’ responses to several keynote presentations to quick summaries of the breakout sessions that made an impact, you’ll get the inside story about how the literacy community embraces science of reading instruction. You’ll also hear about new research and how this data can impact educators’ practice. From great takeaway phrases like “We need a call to curiosity…” to “One caring adult makes all the difference…” you’ll get post-conference perspectives that will fuel your professional learning. So sit back and enjoy an auditory field trip to #PlainTalkNOLA 2024.Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops.Subscribe to our podcast digest.Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide.Access the show notes.Read the transcripts.