https://cohostpodcasting.com <![CDATA[Shanahan on Literacy]]> en 50370737-ffdc-4f4c-b1a5-d0aed4dbd161 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:55:25 -0500 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:17:11 -0500 https://www.cohostpodcasting.com <![CDATA[Shanahan on Literacy]]> https://files.cohostpodcasting.com/quill-file-prod/7488fe3f-40e3-4c9f-8580-71be32e5284c/shows/50370737-ffdc-4f4c-b1a5-d0aed4dbd161/cover-art/original_a93e0e7c4704c25ca739e43a0666b084.jpg https://www.cohostpodcasting.com episodic false https://feeds.cohostpodcasting.com/0gLCio4t shanahan@uic.edu <![CDATA[Essential Fundamentals of Spelling Instruction with a Little Help from My Friends ]]> Do you want to know how to teach spelling? This engaging episode brings together the views of several spelling experts (Don Bear, Peter Bowers, Richard Gentry, Steve Graham, Louisa Moats). Lots of practical insights about how spelling should be handled in the classroom.

]]> Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:17:08 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/essential-fundamentals-of-spelling-instruction-with-a-little-help-from-my-friends 22:43 Do you want to know how to teach spelling? This engaging episode brings together the views of several spelling experts (Don Bear, Peter Bowers, Richard Gentry, Steve Graham, Louisa Moats). Lots of practical insights about how spelling should be handled in the classroom.

]]> Do you want to know how to teach spelling? This engaging episode brings together the views of several spelling experts (Don Bear, Peter Bowers, Richard Gentry, Steve Graham, Louisa Moats). Lots of practical insights about how spelling should be handled in the classroom.

]]> false full 8 2026 <![CDATA[How Can Effective Teaching Do Harm?]]> Research suggests that Reading Recovery instruction somehow penalizes students. Those who get the help do less well in ensuing years than similar kids who don't. This podcast explores possible explanations for this -- explanations that point up important lessons to be drawn from remedial interventions.

]]> Sat, 28 Mar 2026 07:07:50 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/how-can-effective-teaching-do-harm 13:30 Research suggests that Reading Recovery instruction somehow penalizes students. Those who get the help do less well in ensuing years than similar kids who don't. This podcast explores possible explanations for this -- explanations that point up important lessons to be drawn from remedial interventions.

]]> Research suggests that Reading Recovery instruction somehow penalizes students. Those who get the help do less well in ensuing years than similar kids who don't. This podcast explores possible explanations for this -- explanations that point up important lessons to be drawn from remedial interventions.

]]> false full 7 2026 <![CDATA[How Can We Take Advantage of Reading-Writing Relationships? ]]> Reading and writing are closely related. Teaching them together can have a powerful impact on both. This podcast explores three major ways that reading and writing can be combined in the classroom to increase students' literacy proficiency.

]]> Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/how-can-we-take-advantage-of-reading-writing-relationships 15:21 Reading and writing are closely related. Teaching them together can have a powerful impact on both. This podcast explores three major ways that reading and writing can be combined in the classroom to increase students' literacy proficiency.

]]> Reading and writing are closely related. Teaching them together can have a powerful impact on both. This podcast explores three major ways that reading and writing can be combined in the classroom to increase students' literacy proficiency.

]]> false full 6 2026 <![CDATA[The Why and How of Research and the Science of Reading ]]> Despite all the interest in the "science of reading" (SOR) there are still some serious misunderstandings when it comes to recognizing and using research evidence. Even many proponents of SOR, in their zeal to get their way, misuse research as more of a rhetorical device than as a method for determining what would be best for children.

]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2026 05:48:15 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/the-why-and-how-of-research-and-the-science-of-reading 18:24 Despite all the interest in the "science of reading" (SOR) there are still some serious misunderstandings when it comes to recognizing and using research evidence. Even many proponents of SOR, in their zeal to get their way, misuse research as more of a rhetorical device than as a method for determining what would be best for children.

]]> Despite all the interest in the "science of reading" (SOR) there are still some serious misunderstandings when it comes to recognizing and using research evidence. Even many proponents of SOR, in their zeal to get their way, misuse research as more of a rhetorical device than as a method for determining what would be best for children.

]]> false full 6 2026 <![CDATA[How Should We Plan Reading Comprehension Lessons?]]> A teacher asks how to plan a reading comprehension lesson. Tim Shanahan talks about the research and then suggests a series of steps that should be taken to plan a reading comprehension or to revise the lesson provided by your district.

]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:14:46 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/how-should-we-plan-reading-comprehension-lessons 23:06 A teacher asks how to plan a reading comprehension lesson. Tim Shanahan talks about the research and then suggests a series of steps that should be taken to plan a reading comprehension or to revise the lesson provided by your district.

]]> A teacher asks how to plan a reading comprehension lesson. Tim Shanahan talks about the research and then suggests a series of steps that should be taken to plan a reading comprehension or to revise the lesson provided by your district.

]]> false full 5 2026 <![CDATA[Are We Teaching Too Much Phonics?]]> Over the past decade there has been a public outcry for more phonics instruction in our schools. This has resulted in legislation across the country. Now, the discussion seems to be shifting -- reading authorities who played a significant role in this movement are complaining that we are overdoing the phonics thing. This podcast explores how much phonics there should be.

]]> Sat, 14 Feb 2026 08:10:43 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/are-we-teaching-too-much-phonics 14:31 Over the past decade there has been a public outcry for more phonics instruction in our schools. This has resulted in legislation across the country. Now, the discussion seems to be shifting -- reading authorities who played a significant role in this movement are complaining that we are overdoing the phonics thing. This podcast explores how much phonics there should be.

]]> Over the past decade there has been a public outcry for more phonics instruction in our schools. This has resulted in legislation across the country. Now, the discussion seems to be shifting -- reading authorities who played a significant role in this movement are complaining that we are overdoing the phonics thing. This podcast explores how much phonics there should be.

]]> false full 4 2026 <![CDATA[What Are the Best Fluency Learning Targets? I Think My School is Overdoing It.]]> Many schools have adopted fluency learning targets based upon fluency norms. Recent research shows that students are able to comprehend text reasonably well even with lower fluency levels. Does that mean that we are overdoing it with fluency instruction? The answer may surprise you.

]]> Sat, 31 Jan 2026 08:54:05 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-are-the-best-fluency-learning-targets-i-think-my-school-is-overdoing-it 11:26 Many schools have adopted fluency learning targets based upon fluency norms. Recent research shows that students are able to comprehend text reasonably well even with lower fluency levels. Does that mean that we are overdoing it with fluency instruction? The answer may surprise you.

]]> Many schools have adopted fluency learning targets based upon fluency norms. Recent research shows that students are able to comprehend text reasonably well even with lower fluency levels. Does that mean that we are overdoing it with fluency instruction? The answer may surprise you.

]]> false full 3 2026 <![CDATA[When Should Reading Instruction Begin?]]> If you would like to get into a good argument, tell someone when reading instruction should begin. I'm always surprised at how many people have an opinion on that topic, and how vociferously they sometimes share it. This podcast will reveal what we know about the best time to start teaching reading -- maybe it will help you the next time you're in that argument -- but it will likely be of more value to parents and primary grade teachers.

]]> Sat, 24 Jan 2026 09:14:00 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/when-should-reading-instruction-begin 11:48 If you would like to get into a good argument, tell someone when reading instruction should begin. I'm always surprised at how many people have an opinion on that topic, and how vociferously they sometimes share it. This podcast will reveal what we know about the best time to start teaching reading -- maybe it will help you the next time you're in that argument -- but it will likely be of more value to parents and primary grade teachers.

]]> If you would like to get into a good argument, tell someone when reading instruction should begin. I'm always surprised at how many people have an opinion on that topic, and how vociferously they sometimes share it. This podcast will reveal what we know about the best time to start teaching reading -- maybe it will help you the next time you're in that argument -- but it will likely be of more value to parents and primary grade teachers.

]]> false full 2 2026 <![CDATA[What We Talk About When We Talk About Curriculum]]> This podcast explores the unfortunate implications of confusing curriculum and instruction. Teachers would do better to distinguish those concepts and to coordinate the one with the other.

]]> Sat, 10 Jan 2026 09:15:00 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-we-talk-about-when-we-talk-about-curriculum 12:01 This podcast explores the unfortunate implications of confusing curriculum and instruction. Teachers would do better to distinguish those concepts and to coordinate the one with the other.

]]> This podcast explores the unfortunate implications of confusing curriculum and instruction. Teachers would do better to distinguish those concepts and to coordinate the one with the other.

]]> false full 1 2026 <![CDATA[Should We Be Using "Words Correct Per Minute"?]]> Reading ability is often measured through oral reading fluency. These days that means having students read passages aloud and counting the numbers of words per minute read accurately. While this has value, it can lead teachers to encourage reading speed over the other elements of fluency (accuracy and prosody). It is important to remember that speed and automaticity are not the same thing, though we use speed as a proxy for the latter. This podcast reviews research that suggests another possibility for evaluating automaticity.

]]> Sat, 20 Dec 2025 09:15:00 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/should-we-be-using-words-correct-per-minute 8:20 Reading ability is often measured through oral reading fluency. These days that means having students read passages aloud and counting the numbers of words per minute read accurately. While this has value, it can lead teachers to encourage reading speed over the other elements of fluency (accuracy and prosody). It is important to remember that speed and automaticity are not the same thing, though we use speed as a proxy for the latter. This podcast reviews research that suggests another possibility for evaluating automaticity.

]]> Reading ability is often measured through oral reading fluency. These days that means having students read passages aloud and counting the numbers of words per minute read accurately. While this has value, it can lead teachers to encourage reading speed over the other elements of fluency (accuracy and prosody). It is important to remember that speed and automaticity are not the same thing, though we use speed as a proxy for the latter. This podcast reviews research that suggests another possibility for evaluating automaticity.

]]> false full 33 2025 <![CDATA[What Teachers Need to Know about Sentence Comprehension]]> For years, teachers were told that teaching English grammar had no impact on reading comprehension or quality of writing. A more recent substantial body of evidence reveals the importance of sentence comprehension in comprehension. This podcast examines that evidence and makes instructional suggestions that can help increase reading achievement.

]]> Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:16:00 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-teachers-need-to-know-about-sentence-comprehension 19:20 For years, teachers were told that teaching English grammar had no impact on reading comprehension or quality of writing. A more recent substantial body of evidence reveals the importance of sentence comprehension in comprehension. This podcast examines that evidence and makes instructional suggestions that can help increase reading achievement.

]]> For years, teachers were told that teaching English grammar had no impact on reading comprehension or quality of writing. A more recent substantial body of evidence reveals the importance of sentence comprehension in comprehension. This podcast examines that evidence and makes instructional suggestions that can help increase reading achievement.

]]> false full 32 2025 <![CDATA[Literacy Charities for 2026]]> Each year, Shanahan on Literacy identifies the highest rated national, regional, and international Literacy Charities. Find out which ones you want to help -- and which might be a source of support for your students and school.

]]> Sat, 06 Dec 2025 07:46:26 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/literacy-charities-for-2026 18:30 Each year, Shanahan on Literacy identifies the highest rated national, regional, and international Literacy Charities. Find out which ones you want to help -- and which might be a source of support for your students and school.

]]> Each year, Shanahan on Literacy identifies the highest rated national, regional, and international Literacy Charities. Find out which ones you want to help -- and which might be a source of support for your students and school.

]]> false full 31 2025 <![CDATA[Won’t Challenging Texts Discourage Young Readers?]]> Research indicates that teaching reading at students' "reading levels" provides no advantages and may do harm when it comes to learning. However, many teachers are less worried about learning, and more concerned about the impact teaching with complex text may have on students' classroom behavior and motivation for reading. This podcast explores those concerns.

]]> Sat, 29 Nov 2025 07:37:13 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/won-t-challenging-texts-discourage-young-readers 8:54 Research indicates that teaching reading at students' "reading levels" provides no advantages and may do harm when it comes to learning. However, many teachers are less worried about learning, and more concerned about the impact teaching with complex text may have on students' classroom behavior and motivation for reading. This podcast explores those concerns.

]]> Research indicates that teaching reading at students' "reading levels" provides no advantages and may do harm when it comes to learning. However, many teachers are less worried about learning, and more concerned about the impact teaching with complex text may have on students' classroom behavior and motivation for reading. This podcast explores those concerns.

]]> false full 30 2025 <![CDATA[Whole Books or Excerpts? Which Do the Most to Promote Reading Ability]]> Recently, there have been claims that reading achievement is being suppressed because schools are teaching reading with excerpts and other short pieces rather than with complete books. These critics say that they want to go back to a time when reading was taught with complete books. This podcast explores those claims and reveals what research has to say on the matter.

]]> Sat, 08 Nov 2025 07:34:43 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/whole-books-or-excerpts-which-do-the-most-to-promote-reading-ability 10:16 Recently, there have been claims that reading achievement is being suppressed because schools are teaching reading with excerpts and other short pieces rather than with complete books. These critics say that they want to go back to a time when reading was taught with complete books. This podcast explores those claims and reveals what research has to say on the matter.

]]> Recently, there have been claims that reading achievement is being suppressed because schools are teaching reading with excerpts and other short pieces rather than with complete books. These critics say that they want to go back to a time when reading was taught with complete books. This podcast explores those claims and reveals what research has to say on the matter.

]]> false full 29 2025 <![CDATA[Don’t Confuse Reading Comprehension and Learning to Read (and to Reread)]]> Are we making our instructional decisions based upon comprehension data or learning data? Is our purpose to make sure that students gain immediate comprehension of the instructional text or is it to improve kids' reading ability so they will be more successful with future texts? The answer might surprise you.

]]> Sat, 25 Oct 2025 09:15:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/don-t-confuse-reading-comprehension-and-learning-to-read-and-to-reread 13:19 Are we making our instructional decisions based upon comprehension data or learning data? Is our purpose to make sure that students gain immediate comprehension of the instructional text or is it to improve kids' reading ability so they will be more successful with future texts? The answer might surprise you.

]]> Are we making our instructional decisions based upon comprehension data or learning data? Is our purpose to make sure that students gain immediate comprehension of the instructional text or is it to improve kids' reading ability so they will be more successful with future texts? The answer might surprise you.

]]> false full 28 2025 <![CDATA[Considering Running Records, and No, I Don’t Beat My Wife Anymore]]> I've argued against teaching reading at students' instructional levels. Does that mean that I'm against running records and informal reading inventories? What could such tests possibly provide if you aren't teaching with leveled books? This podcast will answer those questions and many more.

]]> Sat, 11 Oct 2025 09:17:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/considering-running-records-and-no-i-don-t-beat-my-wife-anymore 13:21 I've argued against teaching reading at students' instructional levels. Does that mean that I'm against running records and informal reading inventories? What could such tests possibly provide if you aren't teaching with leveled books? This podcast will answer those questions and many more.

]]> I've argued against teaching reading at students' instructional levels. Does that mean that I'm against running records and informal reading inventories? What could such tests possibly provide if you aren't teaching with leveled books? This podcast will answer those questions and many more.

]]> false full 27 2025 <![CDATA[What Role Should Pictures Play in Teaching Reading?]]> This podcast explores the role that pictures play in teaching decoding, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.

]]> Sat, 27 Sep 2025 04:42:15 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-role-should-pictures-play-in-teaching-reading 18:56 This podcast explores the role that pictures play in teaching decoding, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.

]]> This podcast explores the role that pictures play in teaching decoding, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.

]]> false full 26 2025 <![CDATA[Disciplinary Literacy Goes to Elementary School]]> This podcast explains the nature of disciplinary literacy and lays out a description of what role it should play in the elementary school reading curriculum.

]]> Sat, 20 Sep 2025 05:43:12 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/disciplinary-literacy-goes-to-elementary-school 12:13 This podcast explains the nature of disciplinary literacy and lays out a description of what role it should play in the elementary school reading curriculum.

]]> This podcast explains the nature of disciplinary literacy and lays out a description of what role it should play in the elementary school reading curriculum.

]]> false full 25 2025 <![CDATA[Our Middle School Reading Scores are Dropping – Help!]]> Middle school reading scores are stagnant or dropping all over the country. What can we do about that? This podcast explores what a science of reading based response should look like. If you want to help upper elementary, middle school, and high school readers, please tune in!

]]> Sat, 06 Sep 2025 04:54:49 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/our-middle-school-reading-scores-are-dropping-help 8:38 Middle school reading scores are stagnant or dropping all over the country. What can we do about that? This podcast explores what a science of reading based response should look like. If you want to help upper elementary, middle school, and high school readers, please tune in!

]]> Middle school reading scores are stagnant or dropping all over the country. What can we do about that? This podcast explores what a science of reading based response should look like. If you want to help upper elementary, middle school, and high school readers, please tune in!

]]> false full 24 2025 <![CDATA[Rejecting Instructional Level Theory]]> This episode explores the idea of teaching students with leveled books at their so-called instructional reading levels. For 70+ years, educators have been told that this was the key to optimum amounts of learning. This podcast challenges that idea.

]]> Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:50:13 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/rejecting-instructional-level-theory 14:59 This episode explores the idea of teaching students with leveled books at their so-called instructional reading levels. For 70+ years, educators have been told that this was the key to optimum amounts of learning. This podcast challenges that idea.

]]> This episode explores the idea of teaching students with leveled books at their so-called instructional reading levels. For 70+ years, educators have been told that this was the key to optimum amounts of learning. This podcast challenges that idea.

]]> false full 23 2025 <![CDATA[Modeling in Fluency Instruction]]> "Experts" make lots of recommendations about how to teach oral reading or text reading fluency. One of those recommendations is that it is important to "model" oral reading for the students. The research is nearly silent on this issue, so what makes sense?

]]> Sat, 09 Aug 2025 02:10:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/modeling-in-fluency-instruction 14:59 "Experts" make lots of recommendations about how to teach oral reading or text reading fluency. One of those recommendations is that it is important to "model" oral reading for the students. The research is nearly silent on this issue, so what makes sense?

]]> "Experts" make lots of recommendations about how to teach oral reading or text reading fluency. One of those recommendations is that it is important to "model" oral reading for the students. The research is nearly silent on this issue, so what makes sense?

]]> false full 22 2025 <![CDATA[What is the Science of Reading?]]> This episode explores what it meant by the term "science of reading" and it distinguishes that idea from a "science of reading instruction." The issue here has to do with what kind of evidence should be used to determine how best to teach reading.

]]> Sat, 02 Aug 2025 01:53:10 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-is-the-science-of-reading 13:01 This episode explores what it meant by the term "science of reading" and it distinguishes that idea from a "science of reading instruction." The issue here has to do with what kind of evidence should be used to determine how best to teach reading.

]]> This episode explores what it meant by the term "science of reading" and it distinguishes that idea from a "science of reading instruction." The issue here has to do with what kind of evidence should be used to determine how best to teach reading.

]]> false full 21 2025 <![CDATA[Print-to-Speech or Speech-to-Print? That is the Question ]]> This episode explores the effectiveness of Orton-Gillingham approaches to the teaching of phonics as well as which method is best for facilitating growth in decoding -- teaching students connect letters to sounds or sounds to letters.

]]> Sat, 26 Jul 2025 03:17:27 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/print-to-speech-or-speech-to-print-that-is-the-question 15:29 This episode explores the effectiveness of Orton-Gillingham approaches to the teaching of phonics as well as which method is best for facilitating growth in decoding -- teaching students connect letters to sounds or sounds to letters.

]]> This episode explores the effectiveness of Orton-Gillingham approaches to the teaching of phonics as well as which method is best for facilitating growth in decoding -- teaching students connect letters to sounds or sounds to letters.

]]> false full 20 2025 <![CDATA[How to do the Best Benchmark Testing?]]> This podcast explores the pluses and minuses of benchmark reading testing, including considerations of test frequency, time of day the tests are administered and who proctors the tests.

]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:30:01 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/how-to-do-the-best-benchmark-testing 18:47 This podcast explores the pluses and minuses of benchmark reading testing, including considerations of test frequency, time of day the tests are administered and who proctors the tests.

]]> This podcast explores the pluses and minuses of benchmark reading testing, including considerations of test frequency, time of day the tests are administered and who proctors the tests.

]]> false full 19 2025 <![CDATA[My Child Will Only Read Graphic Novels. Help!]]> Many kids only want to read graphic novels. Is that a problem? This podcast explores the pluses and minuses of graphic novels when it comes to learning to read. It includes practical suggestions for parents and teachers.

]]> Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:16:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/my-child-will-only-read-graphic-novels-help 9:40 Many kids only want to read graphic novels. Is that a problem? This podcast explores the pluses and minuses of graphic novels when it comes to learning to read. It includes practical suggestions for parents and teachers.

]]> Many kids only want to read graphic novels. Is that a problem? This podcast explores the pluses and minuses of graphic novels when it comes to learning to read. It includes practical suggestions for parents and teachers.

]]> false full 18 2025 <![CDATA[Should Reading Be Taught Whole Class or Small Group?]]> There is a long history in reading education of promoting small group instruction. This podcast explores what the research has to say about the benefits -- or lack thereof -- of small group teaching and whether it is such a good idea afterall.

]]> Sat, 14 Jun 2025 03:39:05 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/should-reading-be-taught-whole-class-or-small-group 18:07 There is a long history in reading education of promoting small group instruction. This podcast explores what the research has to say about the benefits -- or lack thereof -- of small group teaching and whether it is such a good idea afterall.

]]> There is a long history in reading education of promoting small group instruction. This podcast explores what the research has to say about the benefits -- or lack thereof -- of small group teaching and whether it is such a good idea afterall.

]]> false full 17 2025 <![CDATA[Encouraging Summer Reading]]> This podcast explains why summer reading practice is so important and provides 13 recommendations for ways to encourage children to read when the schools are closed.

]]> Sat, 07 Jun 2025 01:53:56 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/encouraging-summer-reading 10:08 This podcast explains why summer reading practice is so important and provides 13 recommendations for ways to encourage children to read when the schools are closed.

]]> This podcast explains why summer reading practice is so important and provides 13 recommendations for ways to encourage children to read when the schools are closed.

]]> false full 16 2025 <![CDATA[Autism and Reading Part 2: Lessons to be Learned from Special Kids]]> Children on the autism spectrum (ASD) present some interesting challenges when it comes to reading instruction. Part 1 of this series considered the difficulties that these children may have with decoding -- despite the fact that there are a surprising number who have hyperlexia, especially good decoding ability. However, most of these students struggle more with comprehension than decoding and this podcast explores what their comprehension problems tend to be and how they might be addressed.

]]> Sat, 24 May 2025 01:07:51 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/autism-and-reading-part-2-lessons-to-be-learned-from-special-kids 14:32 Children on the autism spectrum (ASD) present some interesting challenges when it comes to reading instruction. Part 1 of this series considered the difficulties that these children may have with decoding -- despite the fact that there are a surprising number who have hyperlexia, especially good decoding ability. However, most of these students struggle more with comprehension than decoding and this podcast explores what their comprehension problems tend to be and how they might be addressed.

]]> Children on the autism spectrum (ASD) present some interesting challenges when it comes to reading instruction. Part 1 of this series considered the difficulties that these children may have with decoding -- despite the fact that there are a surprising number who have hyperlexia, especially good decoding ability. However, most of these students struggle more with comprehension than decoding and this podcast explores what their comprehension problems tend to be and how they might be addressed.

]]> false full 15 2025 <![CDATA[Autism and Reading Part 1: Lessons to be Learned from Special Kids]]> More and more kids are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum and this challenge has important consequences for learning to read. This podcast explores the implications this has for teaching reading -- both to kids on the spectrum and to everyone else.

]]> Sat, 10 May 2025 01:11:44 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/autism-and-reading-part-1-lessons-to-be-learned-from-special-kids 14:40 More and more kids are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum and this challenge has important consequences for learning to read. This podcast explores the implications this has for teaching reading -- both to kids on the spectrum and to everyone else.

]]> More and more kids are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum and this challenge has important consequences for learning to read. This podcast explores the implications this has for teaching reading -- both to kids on the spectrum and to everyone else.

]]> false full 14 2025 <![CDATA[How to Teach Writing Fluency]]> These days there is much interest in reading fluency as educators have become aware of the important contribution it makes to reading proficiency. However, writing fluency is not accorded the same attention -- undermining writing development and what it can contribute to learning to read. This podcast explores writing fluency -- what it is, why it matters, and most importantly how to teach it successfully.

]]> Sat, 03 May 2025 02:07:45 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/how-to-teach-writing-fluency 16:38 These days there is much interest in reading fluency as educators have become aware of the important contribution it makes to reading proficiency. However, writing fluency is not accorded the same attention -- undermining writing development and what it can contribute to learning to read. This podcast explores writing fluency -- what it is, why it matters, and most importantly how to teach it successfully.

]]> These days there is much interest in reading fluency as educators have become aware of the important contribution it makes to reading proficiency. However, writing fluency is not accorded the same attention -- undermining writing development and what it can contribute to learning to read. This podcast explores writing fluency -- what it is, why it matters, and most importantly how to teach it successfully.

]]> false full 11 2025 <![CDATA[The Whats, Hows, and Whys of Teaching Sight Vocabulary]]> This podcast explores a series of question about sight vocabulary, its role in reading development, and how it is best dealt with in the classroom.

]]> Sat, 19 Apr 2025 01:25:11 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/the-whats-hows-and-whys-of-teaching-sight-vocabulary 23:40 This podcast explores a series of question about sight vocabulary, its role in reading development, and how it is best dealt with in the classroom.

]]> This podcast explores a series of question about sight vocabulary, its role in reading development, and how it is best dealt with in the classroom.

]]> false full 10 2025 <![CDATA[Is Morphology Training Better Than Phonics Instruction?]]> This podcast explores the relationship between phonics teaching and morphology instruction. Some authorities suggest that morphology should replace phonics, while others see it as a supplement to phonics that should be delayed until decoding is well in hand.

]]> Sat, 12 Apr 2025 09:15:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/is-morphology-training-better-than-phonics-instruction 14:13 This podcast explores the relationship between phonics teaching and morphology instruction. Some authorities suggest that morphology should replace phonics, while others see it as a supplement to phonics that should be delayed until decoding is well in hand.

]]> This podcast explores the relationship between phonics teaching and morphology instruction. Some authorities suggest that morphology should replace phonics, while others see it as a supplement to phonics that should be delayed until decoding is well in hand.

]]> false full 9 2025 <![CDATA[Are We Teaching Reading Comprehension Part 2]]> In the last episode, we examined the research on comprehension instruction and how it has changed. In this episode we are exploring the kinds of instruction that should count when it comes to teaching students to comprehend what they read. It gets into issues of knowledge, strategies, questioning routines, and language.

]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:47:04 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/are-we-teaching-reading-comprehension-part-2 16:51 In the last episode, we examined the research on comprehension instruction and how it has changed. In this episode we are exploring the kinds of instruction that should count when it comes to teaching students to comprehend what they read. It gets into issues of knowledge, strategies, questioning routines, and language.

]]> In the last episode, we examined the research on comprehension instruction and how it has changed. In this episode we are exploring the kinds of instruction that should count when it comes to teaching students to comprehend what they read. It gets into issues of knowledge, strategies, questioning routines, and language.

]]> false full 8 2025 <![CDATA[Are We Teaching Comprehension? Part 1]]> There is new research into how much reading comprehension student are receiving. To carry out such studies requires the researchers to define what they mean by comprehension instruction... and that's where it gets interesting. This first of a two-part podcast explores what it means to teach reading comprehension in the Science of Reading era.

]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2025 08:42:31 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/are-we-teaching-comprehension-part-1 12:52 There is new research into how much reading comprehension student are receiving. To carry out such studies requires the researchers to define what they mean by comprehension instruction... and that's where it gets interesting. This first of a two-part podcast explores what it means to teach reading comprehension in the Science of Reading era.

]]> There is new research into how much reading comprehension student are receiving. To carry out such studies requires the researchers to define what they mean by comprehension instruction... and that's where it gets interesting. This first of a two-part podcast explores what it means to teach reading comprehension in the Science of Reading era.

]]> false full 7 2025 <![CDATA[Accommodating Reading Comprehension with Listening: Good Idea?]]> Many children suffer from difficulties learning to read and sometimes these challenges take the form of disabilities. The question is should accommodations be provided to these students by replacing listening comprehension with reading comprehension, if we know they will have trouble decoding. This podcast considers the value of such accommodations when it comes to reading.

]]> Sat, 01 Mar 2025 07:38:26 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/accommodating-reading-comprehension-with-listening-good-idea 9:17 Many children suffer from difficulties learning to read and sometimes these challenges take the form of disabilities. The question is should accommodations be provided to these students by replacing listening comprehension with reading comprehension, if we know they will have trouble decoding. This podcast considers the value of such accommodations when it comes to reading.

]]> Many children suffer from difficulties learning to read and sometimes these challenges take the form of disabilities. The question is should accommodations be provided to these students by replacing listening comprehension with reading comprehension, if we know they will have trouble decoding. This podcast considers the value of such accommodations when it comes to reading.

]]> false full 6 2025 <![CDATA[On Eating Elephants and Teaching Syllabication]]> Should we be teaching syllabication? Some schemes for this are pretty time consuming. Is that kind of investment worthwhile? And, if we do teach students to break words into syllables what is the best way to do that and what should we teach them? This podcast will explore these issues.

]]> Sat, 22 Feb 2025 08:13:46 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/on-eating-elephants-and-teaching-syllabication 12:37 Should we be teaching syllabication? Some schemes for this are pretty time consuming. Is that kind of investment worthwhile? And, if we do teach students to break words into syllables what is the best way to do that and what should we teach them? This podcast will explore these issues.

]]> Should we be teaching syllabication? Some schemes for this are pretty time consuming. Is that kind of investment worthwhile? And, if we do teach students to break words into syllables what is the best way to do that and what should we teach them? This podcast will explore these issues.

]]> false full 5 2025 <![CDATA[Is Print Awareness Part of the Science of Reading?]]> This podcast explores the role that print awareness plays in learning to read. It sorts out the skills that matter from those that do not and explains how the essential ones can be best taught.

]]> Sat, 08 Feb 2025 08:24:55 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/is-print-awareness-part-of-the-science-of-reading 13:36 This podcast explores the role that print awareness plays in learning to read. It sorts out the skills that matter from those that do not and explains how the essential ones can be best taught.

]]> This podcast explores the role that print awareness plays in learning to read. It sorts out the skills that matter from those that do not and explains how the essential ones can be best taught.

]]> false full 4 2025 <![CDATA[My Problem with Teaching Text Organization]]> There is strong research that supports the idea of teaching students to recognize and use text structure to understand and remember the information from text. Accordingly, reading comprehension lessons often focus on teaching story structure and multiple expository text structures, too. But are those really always the best organizational plans to focus on. This podcast argues for some more content focused approaches.

]]> Sat, 25 Jan 2025 07:41:51 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/my-problem-with-teaching-text-organization 12:17 There is strong research that supports the idea of teaching students to recognize and use text structure to understand and remember the information from text. Accordingly, reading comprehension lessons often focus on teaching story structure and multiple expository text structures, too. But are those really always the best organizational plans to focus on. This podcast argues for some more content focused approaches.

]]> There is strong research that supports the idea of teaching students to recognize and use text structure to understand and remember the information from text. Accordingly, reading comprehension lessons often focus on teaching story structure and multiple expository text structures, too. But are those really always the best organizational plans to focus on. This podcast argues for some more content focused approaches.

]]> false full 3 2025 <![CDATA[8 Ways to Help Kids Read Complex Text]]> For years, teachers were told to teach reading at children's "instructional levels." However, research has not been especially kind to this idea, showing either that this adjustment provides no benefit or that it actually is harmful. So teachers are increasingly trying to teach students to read with grade level text. This podcast provides some useful advice on how to do that successfully.

]]> Sat, 18 Jan 2025 12:34:02 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/8-ways-to-help-kids-read-complex-text 8:50 For years, teachers were told to teach reading at children's "instructional levels." However, research has not been especially kind to this idea, showing either that this adjustment provides no benefit or that it actually is harmful. So teachers are increasingly trying to teach students to read with grade level text. This podcast provides some useful advice on how to do that successfully.

]]> For years, teachers were told to teach reading at children's "instructional levels." However, research has not been especially kind to this idea, showing either that this adjustment provides no benefit or that it actually is harmful. So teachers are increasingly trying to teach students to read with grade level text. This podcast provides some useful advice on how to do that successfully.

]]> false full 2 2025 <![CDATA[Are We Getting the Right Information When It Comes to the Science of Reading?]]> Recently, the press has exercised great influence over reading education reform. Radio documentaries have revealed the neglect of key aspects of reading instruction. Although journalists have often been criticized by educators for not knowing enough to determine how reading should be taught, this is not a reasonable demand -- journalists are responsible for identifying problems, not for solving them. However, one wonders if standard journalistic approaches may mislead. This podcast explores some of these problems.

]]> Sat, 04 Jan 2025 08:01:05 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/are-we-getting-the-right-information-when-it-comes-to-the-science-of-reading 13:32 Recently, the press has exercised great influence over reading education reform. Radio documentaries have revealed the neglect of key aspects of reading instruction. Although journalists have often been criticized by educators for not knowing enough to determine how reading should be taught, this is not a reasonable demand -- journalists are responsible for identifying problems, not for solving them. However, one wonders if standard journalistic approaches may mislead. This podcast explores some of these problems.

]]> Recently, the press has exercised great influence over reading education reform. Radio documentaries have revealed the neglect of key aspects of reading instruction. Although journalists have often been criticized by educators for not knowing enough to determine how reading should be taught, this is not a reasonable demand -- journalists are responsible for identifying problems, not for solving them. However, one wonders if standard journalistic approaches may mislead. This podcast explores some of these problems.

]]> false full 1 2025 <![CDATA['Tis the Season of Test Prep: Bah Humbug!]]> School districts want higher test scores. Each year they promote programs of test preparation. Teachers are required to reduce the amount of reading instruction that they provide in the hopes that these efforts will make everybody look good whether the kids can read well or not. This podcast explores what it would take to end up with higher scores which reflect improved reading ability.

]]> Sat, 14 Dec 2024 08:44:45 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/tis-the-season-of-test-prep-bah-humbug 12:11 School districts want higher test scores. Each year they promote programs of test preparation. Teachers are required to reduce the amount of reading instruction that they provide in the hopes that these efforts will make everybody look good whether the kids can read well or not. This podcast explores what it would take to end up with higher scores which reflect improved reading ability.

]]> School districts want higher test scores. Each year they promote programs of test preparation. Teachers are required to reduce the amount of reading instruction that they provide in the hopes that these efforts will make everybody look good whether the kids can read well or not. This podcast explores what it would take to end up with higher scores which reflect improved reading ability.

]]> false full 28 2024 <![CDATA[Literacy Charities for 2025]]> Each year, I identify regional, national, and international charities that support children's literacy. Only the highest rated charities are noted. This podcast identifies those charities, explains their good work, and points out how these organizations might help your schools and your children.

]]> Sat, 07 Dec 2024 09:16:00 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/literacy-charities-for-2025 15:23 Each year, I identify regional, national, and international charities that support children's literacy. Only the highest rated charities are noted. This podcast identifies those charities, explains their good work, and points out how these organizations might help your schools and your children.

]]> Each year, I identify regional, national, and international charities that support children's literacy. Only the highest rated charities are noted. This podcast identifies those charities, explains their good work, and points out how these organizations might help your schools and your children.

]]> false full 31 2024 <![CDATA[Three-Cueing and the Law]]> This podcast explains the three-cueing approach and why it is not a good idea for instruction. But several states have passed laws or formulated regulations prohibiting the practice. Is that a good idea? Tune in to find out the answer to that question.

]]> Sat, 16 Nov 2024 08:56:50 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/three-cueing-and-the-law 12:21 This podcast explains the three-cueing approach and why it is not a good idea for instruction. But several states have passed laws or formulated regulations prohibiting the practice. Is that a good idea? Tune in to find out the answer to that question.

]]> This podcast explains the three-cueing approach and why it is not a good idea for instruction. But several states have passed laws or formulated regulations prohibiting the practice. Is that a good idea? Tune in to find out the answer to that question.

]]> false full 30 2024 <![CDATA[Is Comprehension Better with Digital Text?]]> Research continues to accumulate indicating that digital text is not comprehended as well as paper text, and some studies suggest that the use of digital texts with kids may stunt their comprehension ability. This podcast explores those studies and draws a surprising conclusion.

]]> Sat, 09 Nov 2024 07:45:27 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/is-comprehension-better-with-digital-text 13:10 Research continues to accumulate indicating that digital text is not comprehended as well as paper text, and some studies suggest that the use of digital texts with kids may stunt their comprehension ability. This podcast explores those studies and draws a surprising conclusion.

]]> Research continues to accumulate indicating that digital text is not comprehended as well as paper text, and some studies suggest that the use of digital texts with kids may stunt their comprehension ability. This podcast explores those studies and draws a surprising conclusion.

]]> false full 29 2024 <![CDATA[Do Middle and High School Students Need Fluency Instruction and What Counts as Instruction?]]> This podcast responds to a teacher's question concerning the need to teach older students to read fluently. It explains why fluency matters at those levels and why fewer and fewer students require fluency instruction each year.

]]> Sat, 26 Oct 2024 18:14:20 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/do-middle-and-high-school-students-need-fluency-instruction-and-what-counts-as-instruction 6:13 This podcast responds to a teacher's question concerning the need to teach older students to read fluently. It explains why fluency matters at those levels and why fewer and fewer students require fluency instruction each year.

]]> This podcast responds to a teacher's question concerning the need to teach older students to read fluently. It explains why fluency matters at those levels and why fewer and fewer students require fluency instruction each year.

]]> false full 28 2024 <![CDATA[How Can I Teach with Books that are Two Years Above Student Reading Levels?]]> These days teachers are being encouraged to teach with complex or challenging text. This often means teaching students to read (or to learn science or social studies) from grade level texts far above students' reading levels. In the past teachers were taught to change books so students could work at their reading level. This podcast explains how that can be made to work.

]]> Sat, 12 Oct 2024 07:50:04 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/how-can-i-teach-with-books-that-are-two-years-above-student-reading-levels 10:33 These days teachers are being encouraged to teach with complex or challenging text. This often means teaching students to read (or to learn science or social studies) from grade level texts far above students' reading levels. In the past teachers were taught to change books so students could work at their reading level. This podcast explains how that can be made to work.

]]> These days teachers are being encouraged to teach with complex or challenging text. This often means teaching students to read (or to learn science or social studies) from grade level texts far above students' reading levels. In the past teachers were taught to change books so students could work at their reading level. This podcast explains how that can be made to work.

]]> false full 27 2024 <![CDATA[The Role of Letter Names in Learning to Read is Still Curious]]> The ability to identify the letters is one of the best predictors of later reading ability. That makes it a valuable tool for helping to identify which children are likely to struggle with reading. But why is that? This podcast explores what is known about the role of letter names in the learning to read. (This podcast includes a misinterpretation of a study by Byrne and Fielding-Barnsley. I assumed that when they introduced letters into their PA intervention that they named the letters. I was incorrect in that assumption as Christopher Such pointed out on my website and in social media. That means that there is no evidence that teaching letter names improves reading achievement (though including plastic letters in PA instruction was positive). There is also no evidence that students are benefited by not teaching letter names or that it is better to only introduce sounds for letters than for names. That means I still side with theories that argue for spending a small amount of time teaching letters, but unlike what is incorrectly claimed in this podcast there is still NO direct evidence supporting that belief. This note was added on September 30, 2024).

]]> Sat, 28 Sep 2024 09:12:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/the-role-of-letter-names-in-learning-to-read-is-still-curious 9:24 The ability to identify the letters is one of the best predictors of later reading ability. That makes it a valuable tool for helping to identify which children are likely to struggle with reading. But why is that? This podcast explores what is known about the role of letter names in the learning to read. (This podcast includes a misinterpretation of a study by Byrne and Fielding-Barnsley. I assumed that when they introduced letters into their PA intervention that they named the letters. I was incorrect in that assumption as Christopher Such pointed out on my website and in social media. That means that there is no evidence that teaching letter names improves reading achievement (though including plastic letters in PA instruction was positive). There is also no evidence that students are benefited by not teaching letter names or that it is better to only introduce sounds for letters than for names. That means I still side with theories that argue for spending a small amount of time teaching letters, but unlike what is incorrectly claimed in this podcast there is still NO direct evidence supporting that belief. This note was added on September 30, 2024).

]]> The ability to identify the letters is one of the best predictors of later reading ability. That makes it a valuable tool for helping to identify which children are likely to struggle with reading. But why is that? This podcast explores what is known about the role of letter names in the learning to read. (This podcast includes a misinterpretation of a study by Byrne and Fielding-Barnsley. I assumed that when they introduced letters into their PA intervention that they named the letters. I was incorrect in that assumption as Christopher Such pointed out on my website and in social media. That means that there is no evidence that teaching letter names improves reading achievement (though including plastic letters in PA instruction was positive). There is also no evidence that students are benefited by not teaching letter names or that it is better to only introduce sounds for letters than for names. That means I still side with theories that argue for spending a small amount of time teaching letters, but unlike what is incorrectly claimed in this podcast there is still NO direct evidence supporting that belief. This note was added on September 30, 2024).

]]> false full 26 2024 <![CDATA[Isn’t Independent Reading a Research-Based Practice?]]> It makes sense that giving students lots of time at school to read independently, right? This podcast explores that idea and reveals why it isn't the way to go.

]]> Sat, 21 Sep 2024 08:46:57 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/isn-t-independent-reading-a-research-based-practice 16:28 It makes sense that giving students lots of time at school to read independently, right? This podcast explores that idea and reveals why it isn't the way to go.

]]> It makes sense that giving students lots of time at school to read independently, right? This podcast explores that idea and reveals why it isn't the way to go.

]]> false full 25 2024 <![CDATA[When Sisyphus was in First Grade or One Minute Reading Homework]]> This podcast explores a parent's homework complaint. Her first grader is to do a 1-minute read each evening, and parents are to time it and calculate words correct per minute. Is this a good idea or something more nefarious? Tune in and find out.

]]> Sat, 14 Sep 2024 06:32:04 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/when-sisyphus-was-in-first-grade-or-one-minute-reading-homework 8:18 This podcast explores a parent's homework complaint. Her first grader is to do a 1-minute read each evening, and parents are to time it and calculate words correct per minute. Is this a good idea or something more nefarious? Tune in and find out.

]]> This podcast explores a parent's homework complaint. Her first grader is to do a 1-minute read each evening, and parents are to time it and calculate words correct per minute. Is this a good idea or something more nefarious? Tune in and find out.

]]> false full 24 2024 <![CDATA[Seatwork that Makes Sense for Reading]]> Usually reading seatwork is work aimed at keeping kids busy rather than teaching them. This podcast suggests some ways to make seatwork a plus rather than a minus when it comes to reading achievement.

]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2024 09:13:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/seatwork-that-makes-sense-for-reading 16:07 Usually reading seatwork is work aimed at keeping kids busy rather than teaching them. This podcast suggests some ways to make seatwork a plus rather than a minus when it comes to reading achievement.

]]> Usually reading seatwork is work aimed at keeping kids busy rather than teaching them. This podcast suggests some ways to make seatwork a plus rather than a minus when it comes to reading achievement.

]]> false full 23 2024 <![CDATA[The Science of Reading Versus the Art of Teaching Reading ]]> With all of the emphasis these days on a "science of reading," is there any place for the idea of an "art of teaching?" This presentation explains the role that these two sources of success play and how they may work together.

]]> Sat, 24 Aug 2024 09:15:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/the-science-of-reading-versus-the-art-of-teaching-reading 13:12 With all of the emphasis these days on a "science of reading," is there any place for the idea of an "art of teaching?" This presentation explains the role that these two sources of success play and how they may work together.

]]> With all of the emphasis these days on a "science of reading," is there any place for the idea of an "art of teaching?" This presentation explains the role that these two sources of success play and how they may work together.

]]> false full 22 2024 <![CDATA[Print-to-Speech or Speech-to-Print? That Is the Question.]]> There are arguments in reading circles about the best way to teach phonics -- should the focus be on decoding from print to speech (like someone sounding out a word) or from speech to print (like someone trying to spell). This podcast will explore the evidence on both sides.

]]> Sat, 17 Aug 2024 09:14:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/print-to-speech-or-speech-to-print-that-is-the-question 12:13 There are arguments in reading circles about the best way to teach phonics -- should the focus be on decoding from print to speech (like someone sounding out a word) or from speech to print (like someone trying to spell). This podcast will explore the evidence on both sides.

]]> There are arguments in reading circles about the best way to teach phonics -- should the focus be on decoding from print to speech (like someone sounding out a word) or from speech to print (like someone trying to spell). This podcast will explore the evidence on both sides.

]]> false full 21 2024 <![CDATA[Should We Teach Graphicacy?]]> This podcast explores the value of teaching students to read the graphics in content area texts. Although pictures can distract from the word reading of young children, as they confront more complex texts they will need to learn how to interpret the graphics and this podcast suggests how that might be accomplished.

]]> Sat, 03 Aug 2024 09:02:43 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/should-we-teach-graphicacy 15:02 This podcast explores the value of teaching students to read the graphics in content area texts. Although pictures can distract from the word reading of young children, as they confront more complex texts they will need to learn how to interpret the graphics and this podcast suggests how that might be accomplished.

]]> This podcast explores the value of teaching students to read the graphics in content area texts. Although pictures can distract from the word reading of young children, as they confront more complex texts they will need to learn how to interpret the graphics and this podcast suggests how that might be accomplished.

]]> false full 21 2024 <![CDATA[FAQs on Fluency]]> This podcast provides answers to frequently asked questions about fluency instruction. It considers why we teach fluency, how we can teach it effectively, the kinds of books to use, how to match kids for paired reading, how fluent kids need to be, how much fluency instruction to provide. If you want some quick advice on how to teach fluency this is the podcast for you.

]]> Sat, 27 Jul 2024 09:00:55 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/faqs-on-fluency 13:17 This podcast provides answers to frequently asked questions about fluency instruction. It considers why we teach fluency, how we can teach it effectively, the kinds of books to use, how to match kids for paired reading, how fluent kids need to be, how much fluency instruction to provide. If you want some quick advice on how to teach fluency this is the podcast for you.

]]> This podcast provides answers to frequently asked questions about fluency instruction. It considers why we teach fluency, how we can teach it effectively, the kinds of books to use, how to match kids for paired reading, how fluent kids need to be, how much fluency instruction to provide. If you want some quick advice on how to teach fluency this is the podcast for you.

]]> false full 20 2024 <![CDATA[What Do We Do with Above Grade Level Readers?]]> Research shows that students are best taught with challenging texts -- texts that in the past would have been deemed "frustration level" and eschewed for instruction. Teaching with grade level texts ensures that students will reach the levels of literacy needed for full participation in society. Teaching with grade levels texts makes sense, but what do we do with students who already can read grade level or higher texts? This podcasts provides some suggestions.

]]> Sat, 13 Jul 2024 06:42:40 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-do-we-do-with-above-grade-level-readers 8:59 Research shows that students are best taught with challenging texts -- texts that in the past would have been deemed "frustration level" and eschewed for instruction. Teaching with grade level texts ensures that students will reach the levels of literacy needed for full participation in society. Teaching with grade levels texts makes sense, but what do we do with students who already can read grade level or higher texts? This podcasts provides some suggestions.

]]> Research shows that students are best taught with challenging texts -- texts that in the past would have been deemed "frustration level" and eschewed for instruction. Teaching with grade level texts ensures that students will reach the levels of literacy needed for full participation in society. Teaching with grade levels texts makes sense, but what do we do with students who already can read grade level or higher texts? This podcasts provides some suggestions.

]]> false full 19 2024 <![CDATA[Does a Four-day Week Mean Lower Reading Scores?]]> Many school districts are considering going to a 4-day school week. This would help solve their problem in getting substitutes, reduce lunch program costs, and make many of their employees happy. But what will it do to reading achievement? This podcast explores the research on instructional time and 4-day school weeks.

]]> Sat, 29 Jun 2024 09:12:51 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/does-a-four-day-week-mean-lower-reading-scores 6:22 Many school districts are considering going to a 4-day school week. This would help solve their problem in getting substitutes, reduce lunch program costs, and make many of their employees happy. But what will it do to reading achievement? This podcast explores the research on instructional time and 4-day school weeks.

]]> Many school districts are considering going to a 4-day school week. This would help solve their problem in getting substitutes, reduce lunch program costs, and make many of their employees happy. But what will it do to reading achievement? This podcast explores the research on instructional time and 4-day school weeks.

]]> false full 18 2024 <![CDATA[What about Tracing and Other Multi-Sensory Teaching Approaches?]]> Many phonics proponents claim that the best way to teach phonics is multi-sensorilly with tracing and similar activities. This podcast reveals what research studies have to say about those claims.

]]> Sat, 22 Jun 2024 07:15:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-about-tracing-and-other-multi-sensory-teaching-approaches 10:18 Many phonics proponents claim that the best way to teach phonics is multi-sensorilly with tracing and similar activities. This podcast reveals what research studies have to say about those claims.

]]> Many phonics proponents claim that the best way to teach phonics is multi-sensorilly with tracing and similar activities. This podcast reveals what research studies have to say about those claims.

]]> false full 17 2024 <![CDATA[Choral Reading: Good Idea or Not?]]> This episode considers the value -- and limitations of using choral reading in the teaching of oral reading fluency.

]]> Sun, 09 Jun 2024 12:45:27 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/choral-reading-good-idea-or-not 8:45 This episode considers the value -- and limitations of using choral reading in the teaching of oral reading fluency.

]]> This episode considers the value -- and limitations of using choral reading in the teaching of oral reading fluency.

]]> false full 16 2024 <![CDATA[Should We Teach with Decodable text?]]> This "blast from the past" revisits -- revises -- a blog posting from 2018. This podcast explains what the research has to say about teaching with decodable text. The idea of teaching students with decodables is a hot topic in reading education these days. Find out what research has to say about these materials and what they contribute to learning to read -- if anything. You might be surprised at what the "science of reading" has to say about this practice.

]]> Sat, 01 Jun 2024 06:52:15 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/should-we-teach-with-decodable-text 12:16 This "blast from the past" revisits -- revises -- a blog posting from 2018. This podcast explains what the research has to say about teaching with decodable text. The idea of teaching students with decodables is a hot topic in reading education these days. Find out what research has to say about these materials and what they contribute to learning to read -- if anything. You might be surprised at what the "science of reading" has to say about this practice.

]]> This "blast from the past" revisits -- revises -- a blog posting from 2018. This podcast explains what the research has to say about teaching with decodable text. The idea of teaching students with decodables is a hot topic in reading education these days. Find out what research has to say about these materials and what they contribute to learning to read -- if anything. You might be surprised at what the "science of reading" has to say about this practice.

]]> false full 15 2024 <![CDATA[What About Those Reading Textbook Reviews and Ratings?]]> Recently, several organizations have started evaluating reading programs. These ratings are getting a lot of attention from school districts around the nation, but how good are they and how should they be used? This podcast will explore those issues and provide some recommendations.

]]> Sat, 18 May 2024 09:15:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-about-those-reading-textbook-reviews-and-ratings 22:00 Recently, several organizations have started evaluating reading programs. These ratings are getting a lot of attention from school districts around the nation, but how good are they and how should they be used? This podcast will explore those issues and provide some recommendations.

]]> Recently, several organizations have started evaluating reading programs. These ratings are getting a lot of attention from school districts around the nation, but how good are they and how should they be used? This podcast will explore those issues and provide some recommendations.

]]> false full 14 2023 <![CDATA[Ensuring Success: Pre-Remediation as a Valuable Alternative]]> Most reading interventions for older students fail. One reason for this is that they tend to focus on raising general reading achievement, instead of putting the major emphasis on helping those students to develop the reading abilities that would allow them to succeed. Think pre-remediation rather than remediation.

]]> Sat, 04 May 2024 09:01:55 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/ensuring-success-pre-remediation-as-a-valuable-alternative 9:29 Most reading interventions for older students fail. One reason for this is that they tend to focus on raising general reading achievement, instead of putting the major emphasis on helping those students to develop the reading abilities that would allow them to succeed. Think pre-remediation rather than remediation.

]]> Most reading interventions for older students fail. One reason for this is that they tend to focus on raising general reading achievement, instead of putting the major emphasis on helping those students to develop the reading abilities that would allow them to succeed. Think pre-remediation rather than remediation.

]]> false full 13 2024 <![CDATA[What Does It Mean to Follow a Program? Issues in Fidelity]]> These days there is a great deal of interest in controlling classroom reading instruction. One approach to this is to require "fidelity" of program use. What does fidelity mean and will it improve reading achievement? This podcast explores those issues and suggests ways that programs can be used and adjusted for maximum success.

]]> Sat, 20 Apr 2024 08:28:34 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-does-it-mean-to-follow-a-program-issues-in-fidelity 13:37 These days there is a great deal of interest in controlling classroom reading instruction. One approach to this is to require "fidelity" of program use. What does fidelity mean and will it improve reading achievement? This podcast explores those issues and suggests ways that programs can be used and adjusted for maximum success.

]]> These days there is a great deal of interest in controlling classroom reading instruction. One approach to this is to require "fidelity" of program use. What does fidelity mean and will it improve reading achievement? This podcast explores those issues and suggests ways that programs can be used and adjusted for maximum success.

]]> false full 12 2024 <![CDATA[What is the Best Way to Organize a Classroom for Reading Instruction?]]> This podcast explores how classroom reading instruction is best organized -- whole class or small group? The tendency has been to promote small group instruction over all other considerations -- an approach that is not often very successful. Find out why.

]]> Sat, 13 Apr 2024 09:15:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-is-the-best-way-to-organize-a-classroom-for-reading-instruction 10:39 This podcast explores how classroom reading instruction is best organized -- whole class or small group? The tendency has been to promote small group instruction over all other considerations -- an approach that is not often very successful. Find out why.

]]> This podcast explores how classroom reading instruction is best organized -- whole class or small group? The tendency has been to promote small group instruction over all other considerations -- an approach that is not often very successful. Find out why.

]]> false full 11 2024 <![CDATA[Does Research Support "guided reading"? Practical Advice on Directing Reading]]> This podcast explores the role that guided reading should play in reading instruction and how best to support students during such reading experiences.

]]> Sat, 06 Apr 2024 02:02:10 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/does-research-support-guided-reading-practical-advice-on-directing-reading 16:03 This podcast explores the role that guided reading should play in reading instruction and how best to support students during such reading experiences.

]]> This podcast explores the role that guided reading should play in reading instruction and how best to support students during such reading experiences.

]]> false full 10 2024 <![CDATA[The Instructional Level Concept Revisited: Teaching With Complex Text]]> This podcast explores the idea of teaching students to read at their instructional level. It explains why this is not such a good idea beyond beginning readers.

]]> Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:50:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/the-instructional-level-concept-revisited-teaching-with-complex-text 11:20 This podcast explores the idea of teaching students to read at their instructional level. It explains why this is not such a good idea beyond beginning readers.

]]> This podcast explores the idea of teaching students to read at their instructional level. It explains why this is not such a good idea beyond beginning readers.

]]> false full 9 2024 <![CDATA[Does Literature Count as Knowledge?]]> These days there is a big push to emphasize knowledge in reading programs. This has led to welcome increases in emphasis on social studies and science texts in reading. But what about literature? Is there anything to be learned from stories and poems that would count as knowledge in this new regime? This podcast will explore that issue and provide some guidance to teachers on the matter.

]]> Sat, 16 Mar 2024 09:08:01 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/does-literature-count-as-knowledge 8:11 These days there is a big push to emphasize knowledge in reading programs. This has led to welcome increases in emphasis on social studies and science texts in reading. But what about literature? Is there anything to be learned from stories and poems that would count as knowledge in this new regime? This podcast will explore that issue and provide some guidance to teachers on the matter.

]]> These days there is a big push to emphasize knowledge in reading programs. This has led to welcome increases in emphasis on social studies and science texts in reading. But what about literature? Is there anything to be learned from stories and poems that would count as knowledge in this new regime? This podcast will explore that issue and provide some guidance to teachers on the matter.

]]> false full 8 2024 <![CDATA[Can a Program of Professional Development Raise Reading Achievement?]]> This episode explores the value of professional development for improving reading achievement. Some school districts are investing heavily in very expensive professional development programs in the hopes these will raise reading achievement.

]]> Sat, 02 Mar 2024 09:15:00 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/can-a-program-of-professional-development-raise-reading-achievement 9:59 This episode explores the value of professional development for improving reading achievement. Some school districts are investing heavily in very expensive professional development programs in the hopes these will raise reading achievement.

]]> This episode explores the value of professional development for improving reading achievement. Some school districts are investing heavily in very expensive professional development programs in the hopes these will raise reading achievement.

]]> false full 7 2024 <![CDATA[Small Group Phonics in the Classroom -- Good Idea or Not?]]> Teachers are often told that differentiation in instruction is important and in reading that tends to mean multiple groups of kids being taught different things. Is that a good idea for phonics? Why or Why not? This episode will answer those questions.

]]> Sat, 17 Feb 2024 08:26:23 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/small-group-phonics-in-the-classroom-good-idea-or-not 10:02 Teachers are often told that differentiation in instruction is important and in reading that tends to mean multiple groups of kids being taught different things. Is that a good idea for phonics? Why or Why not? This episode will answer those questions.

]]> Teachers are often told that differentiation in instruction is important and in reading that tends to mean multiple groups of kids being taught different things. Is that a good idea for phonics? Why or Why not? This episode will answer those questions.

]]> false full 6 2024 <![CDATA[Grading Students on Individual Standards]]> School administrators often believe that students can be evaluated on the individual reading comprehension standards and they push teachers to teach and assess these individually. The research suggests that such efforts won't work.

]]> Sat, 10 Feb 2024 08:29:41 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/grading-students-on-individual-standards 6:58 School administrators often believe that students can be evaluated on the individual reading comprehension standards and they push teachers to teach and assess these individually. The research suggests that such efforts won't work.

]]> School administrators often believe that students can be evaluated on the individual reading comprehension standards and they push teachers to teach and assess these individually. The research suggests that such efforts won't work.

]]> false full 5 2024 <![CDATA[I Want My Students to Comprehend, Am I Teaching the Wrong Kind of Strategies?]]> Teachers are often told to teach comprehension strategies, but what if many of the strategies that are recommended only incidentally address comprehension? Learn to distinguish comprehension strategies form study skills.

]]> Sat, 03 Feb 2024 08:33:41 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/i-want-my-students-to-comprehend-am-i-teaching-the-wrong-kind-of-strategies 17:49 Teachers are often told to teach comprehension strategies, but what if many of the strategies that are recommended only incidentally address comprehension? Learn to distinguish comprehension strategies form study skills.

]]> Teachers are often told to teach comprehension strategies, but what if many of the strategies that are recommended only incidentally address comprehension? Learn to distinguish comprehension strategies form study skills.

]]> false full 4 2024 <![CDATA[Blast from the Past: How Can We Take Advantage of the Reading-Writing Relationship?]]> This blog entry explores the three ways that teachers can teach their students about the relationships that exist between reading and writing.

]]> Sat, 20 Jan 2024 07:54:05 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/blast-from-the-past-how-can-we-take-advantage-of-the-reading-writing-relationship 14:07 This blog entry explores the three ways that teachers can teach their students about the relationships that exist between reading and writing.

]]> This blog entry explores the three ways that teachers can teach their students about the relationships that exist between reading and writing.

]]> false full 3 2024 <![CDATA[What does brain science have to say about teaching reading? Does It matter?]]> These days people are claiming that brain science has proven that phonics instruction is the way to go. However, brain science doesn't work that way. This podcast will explore what it is and isn't that brain science can tell us about reading instruction -- and what a safer bet would be to getting things right.

]]> Sat, 13 Jan 2024 08:39:00 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-does-brain-science-have-to-say-about-teaching-reading-does-it-matter 12:24 These days people are claiming that brain science has proven that phonics instruction is the way to go. However, brain science doesn't work that way. This podcast will explore what it is and isn't that brain science can tell us about reading instruction -- and what a safer bet would be to getting things right.

]]> These days people are claiming that brain science has proven that phonics instruction is the way to go. However, brain science doesn't work that way. This podcast will explore what it is and isn't that brain science can tell us about reading instruction -- and what a safer bet would be to getting things right.

]]> false full 2 2024 <![CDATA[Does the Science of Reading Include Middle School? Phonics in the Upper Grades]]> A teacher asks about the benefits of phonics in the upper grades and this podcasts provides an exploration of the research on this issue along with practical advice on how best to meet students learning needs in reading.

]]> Sat, 06 Jan 2024 08:03:46 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/does-the-science-of-reading-include-middle-school-phonics-in-the-upper-grades 16:52 A teacher asks about the benefits of phonics in the upper grades and this podcasts provides an exploration of the research on this issue along with practical advice on how best to meet students learning needs in reading.

]]> A teacher asks about the benefits of phonics in the upper grades and this podcasts provides an exploration of the research on this issue along with practical advice on how best to meet students learning needs in reading.

]]> false full 1 2024 <![CDATA[Putting Your Underwear on First: Why Instructional Sequence Doesn't Always Matter]]> This podcast replies to a teacher's question that asks about the proper sequence to teach the alphabet and phonics skills. It explores what research has to say about sequence and whether it matters and provides some specific criteria to consider in selecting or constructing curricula. You can read a transcription of this podcast and reader comments here: Shanahan on Literacy Blog.


]]> Sat, 16 Dec 2023 08:37:07 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/putting-your-underwear-on-first-why-instructional-sequence-doesn-t-always-matter 10:24 This podcast replies to a teacher's question that asks about the proper sequence to teach the alphabet and phonics skills. It explores what research has to say about sequence and whether it matters and provides some specific criteria to consider in selecting or constructing curricula. You can read a transcription of this podcast and reader comments here: Shanahan on Literacy Blog.


]]> This podcast replies to a teacher's question that asks about the proper sequence to teach the alphabet and phonics skills. It explores what research has to say about sequence and whether it matters and provides some specific criteria to consider in selecting or constructing curricula. You can read a transcription of this podcast and reader comments here: Shanahan on Literacy Blog.


]]> false full 27 2023 <![CDATA[Literacy Charities 2024]]> Each year, Shanahanonliteracy.com presents a list of the highest rated literacy charities in the U.S. and Canada. These charities distribute books, make electronic resources available, and support literacy instruction in a variety of ways and to a variety of needy children. The list is useful in that it encourages giving to the best of the national/international literacy charities, shows the range of resources avalable, and reveals some possibilities for your schools.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 09:15:00 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/literacy-charities-2024 14:53 Each year, Shanahanonliteracy.com presents a list of the highest rated literacy charities in the U.S. and Canada. These charities distribute books, make electronic resources available, and support literacy instruction in a variety of ways and to a variety of needy children. The list is useful in that it encourages giving to the best of the national/international literacy charities, shows the range of resources avalable, and reveals some possibilities for your schools.

]]> Each year, Shanahanonliteracy.com presents a list of the highest rated literacy charities in the U.S. and Canada. These charities distribute books, make electronic resources available, and support literacy instruction in a variety of ways and to a variety of needy children. The list is useful in that it encourages giving to the best of the national/international literacy charities, shows the range of resources avalable, and reveals some possibilities for your schools.

]]> false full 26 2023 <![CDATA[Why Main Idea is Not the Main Idea – Or, How Best to Teach Reading Comprehension]]> State standards and state tests emphasize the importance of "main idea" in reading instruction. Many schools (and commercial programs) in response to this try to teach main idea by having students read texts and answer main idea questions. However, that neither improves students' ability to answer such questions or reading comprehension. This podcast explains why and provides practical advice about what kinds of teaching students should receive concerning the main idea. Listen to this podcast and you'll find out why the main idea is not the main idea when it comes to teaching reading comprehension.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 08:57:41 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/why-main-idea-is-not-the-main-idea-or-how-best-to-teach-reading-comprehension 14:11 State standards and state tests emphasize the importance of "main idea" in reading instruction. Many schools (and commercial programs) in response to this try to teach main idea by having students read texts and answer main idea questions. However, that neither improves students' ability to answer such questions or reading comprehension. This podcast explains why and provides practical advice about what kinds of teaching students should receive concerning the main idea. Listen to this podcast and you'll find out why the main idea is not the main idea when it comes to teaching reading comprehension.

]]> State standards and state tests emphasize the importance of "main idea" in reading instruction. Many schools (and commercial programs) in response to this try to teach main idea by having students read texts and answer main idea questions. However, that neither improves students' ability to answer such questions or reading comprehension. This podcast explains why and provides practical advice about what kinds of teaching students should receive concerning the main idea. Listen to this podcast and you'll find out why the main idea is not the main idea when it comes to teaching reading comprehension.

]]> false full 25 2023 <![CDATA[Should We Teach Phonics to English Learners?]]> This podcast explores the research on phonics teaching to English Learners and concludes that such instruction is important. However, ELs are more likely to struggle with language than decoding, so both decoding and language interventions need to be available to all children.


READ MORE: Shanahan On Literacy Blog

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 07:45:46 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/should-we-teach-phonics-to-english-learners 8:49 This podcast explores the research on phonics teaching to English Learners and concludes that such instruction is important. However, ELs are more likely to struggle with language than decoding, so both decoding and language interventions need to be available to all children.


READ MORE: Shanahan On Literacy Blog

]]> This podcast explores the research on phonics teaching to English Learners and concludes that such instruction is important. However, ELs are more likely to struggle with language than decoding, so both decoding and language interventions need to be available to all children.


READ MORE: Shanahan On Literacy Blog

]]> false full 24 2023 <![CDATA[Should We Be Teaching Sight Vocabulary?]]> This podcast considers whether teachers should attempt to teach sight vocabulary, and if so, how is that best accomplished.


READ MORE: Shanahan On Literacy Blog

]]> Sat, 11 Nov 2023 09:15:00 -0600 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/should-we-be-teaching-sight-vocabulary 15:35 This podcast considers whether teachers should attempt to teach sight vocabulary, and if so, how is that best accomplished.


READ MORE: Shanahan On Literacy Blog

]]> This podcast considers whether teachers should attempt to teach sight vocabulary, and if so, how is that best accomplished.


READ MORE: Shanahan On Literacy Blog

]]> false full 23 2023 <![CDATA[My state is banning instructional practices... or, how to look like you are teaching effectively even if you are not]]> This teacher is concerned that her state is discouraging the use of guided reading, leveled readers and informal reading inventories. Tim Shanahan weighs in on the value of those practices in a classroom aimed at implementing the science of reading.


READ MORE: Shanahan On Literacy Blog



]]> Sat, 04 Nov 2023 07:22:21 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/my-state-is-banning-instructional-practices-or-how-to-look-like-you-are-teaching-effectively-even-if-you-are-not 16:29 This teacher is concerned that her state is discouraging the use of guided reading, leveled readers and informal reading inventories. Tim Shanahan weighs in on the value of those practices in a classroom aimed at implementing the science of reading.


READ MORE: Shanahan On Literacy Blog



]]> This teacher is concerned that her state is discouraging the use of guided reading, leveled readers and informal reading inventories. Tim Shanahan weighs in on the value of those practices in a classroom aimed at implementing the science of reading.


READ MORE: Shanahan On Literacy Blog



]]> false full 24 2023 <![CDATA[Are Qualitative Assessment and Student Self-Assessment Useful in Reading Instruction?]]> This podcast explorews the ins and outs of qualitative assessment in reading and examines the role of student sa=elf assessment and why it may be both lousy evaluation and terrific instruction.

]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2023 09:15:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/are-qualitative-assessment-and-student-self-assessment-useful-in-reading-instruction 10:12 This podcast explorews the ins and outs of qualitative assessment in reading and examines the role of student sa=elf assessment and why it may be both lousy evaluation and terrific instruction.

]]> This podcast explorews the ins and outs of qualitative assessment in reading and examines the role of student sa=elf assessment and why it may be both lousy evaluation and terrific instruction.

]]> false full 23 2023 <![CDATA[How to Teach Summarizing, Part I]]> This Blast from the Past provides specific explanations of how to teach students to summarize text.

]]> Sat, 23 Sep 2023 09:15:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/how-to-teach-summarizing-part-i 14:58 This Blast from the Past provides specific explanations of how to teach students to summarize text.

]]> This Blast from the Past provides specific explanations of how to teach students to summarize text.

]]> false full 24 2023 <![CDATA[How Should We Combine Reading and Writing?]]> This podcast explores how teachers should organize their classrooms to best teach reading and writing and criticizes some of the more popular approaches to this problem.

]]> Sat, 16 Sep 2023 10:15:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/how-should-we-combine-reading-and-writing 10:14 This podcast explores how teachers should organize their classrooms to best teach reading and writing and criticizes some of the more popular approaches to this problem.

]]> This podcast explores how teachers should organize their classrooms to best teach reading and writing and criticizes some of the more popular approaches to this problem.

]]> false full 23 2023 <![CDATA[A Big Mistake in Reading Improvement Initiatives – Don’t Make This One]]> This episode explores the role of principals in the improvement of school reading achievement. These days all of the attention seems to be on literacy coaches, but their success depends heavily on the school principal. This episode explores what the research has to say about principals and reading.

]]> Sat, 09 Sep 2023 09:17:00 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/a-big-mistake-in-reading-improvement-initiatives-don-t-make-this-one 12:10 This episode explores the role of principals in the improvement of school reading achievement. These days all of the attention seems to be on literacy coaches, but their success depends heavily on the school principal. This episode explores what the research has to say about principals and reading.

]]> This episode explores the role of principals in the improvement of school reading achievement. These days all of the attention seems to be on literacy coaches, but their success depends heavily on the school principal. This episode explores what the research has to say about principals and reading.

]]> false full 25 2023 <![CDATA[Which Should We Use, Nonsense Word Tests or Word ID Tests?]]> Educators wonder what is the best way to monitor students' decoding progress. What are the pluses and minuses of using tests that have students reading nonsense words?

]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2023 08:43:06 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/which-should-we-use-nonsense-word-tests-or-word-id-tests 10:25 Educators wonder what is the best way to monitor students' decoding progress. What are the pluses and minuses of using tests that have students reading nonsense words?

]]> Educators wonder what is the best way to monitor students' decoding progress. What are the pluses and minuses of using tests that have students reading nonsense words?

]]> false full 24 2023 <![CDATA[Guided Reading and the Appropriate Level of Text Challenge]]> The idea of placing students in texts at their instructional level has always tried to provide students with some degree of challenge. The idea has been that kids won't learn from texts the can already read well. But is that level of challenge really beneficial?

]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2023 08:49:57 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/guided-reading-and-the-appropriate-level-of-text-challenge 7:46 The idea of placing students in texts at their instructional level has always tried to provide students with some degree of challenge. The idea has been that kids won't learn from texts the can already read well. But is that level of challenge really beneficial?

]]> The idea of placing students in texts at their instructional level has always tried to provide students with some degree of challenge. The idea has been that kids won't learn from texts the can already read well. But is that level of challenge really beneficial?

]]> false full 23 2023 <![CDATA[Is Digital Text a Good Idea for Reading Instruction?]]> A teacher asks about the value of digital text for reading instruction. The research says that neither children nor adults read digital text very well, so what role -- if any -- should digital text play in reading instruction? The answer might surprise you.

]]> Sat, 05 Aug 2023 08:45:35 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/is-digital-text-a-good-idea-for-reading-instruction 10:12 A teacher asks about the value of digital text for reading instruction. The research says that neither children nor adults read digital text very well, so what role -- if any -- should digital text play in reading instruction? The answer might surprise you.

]]> A teacher asks about the value of digital text for reading instruction. The research says that neither children nor adults read digital text very well, so what role -- if any -- should digital text play in reading instruction? The answer might surprise you.

]]> false full 22 2023 <![CDATA[Knowledge or Comprehension Strategies -- What Should We Teach? ]]> This episode answers a teacher's question about whether he should teach comprehension strategies or focus on student knowledge.

]]> Sat, 22 Jul 2023 07:41:03 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/knowledge-or-comprehension-strategies-what-should-we-teach 10:18 This episode answers a teacher's question about whether he should teach comprehension strategies or focus on student knowledge.

]]> This episode answers a teacher's question about whether he should teach comprehension strategies or focus on student knowledge.

]]> false full 21 2023 <![CDATA[Reading Stamina -- How Best to Divide Text for Classroom Discussion]]> This episode explains ways that teachers can enable students to read text successfully for longer.

]]> Sat, 15 Jul 2023 10:49:28 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/reading-stamina-how-best-to-divide-text-for-classroom-discussion 16:16 This episode explains ways that teachers can enable students to read text successfully for longer.

]]> This episode explains ways that teachers can enable students to read text successfully for longer.

]]> false full 20 2023 <![CDATA[Can We Really Teach Prosody and Why Should We Want To?]]> The idea of teaching text reading fluency is widely accepted, but most of this work tends to focus on accuracy and automaticity. What about prosody or expression? This episode explores the research that explains the importance of prosody in reading development and examines the most effective ways to teach it.

]]> Sat, 08 Jul 2023 08:05:11 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/can-we-really-teach-prosody-and-why-should-we-want-to 15:41 The idea of teaching text reading fluency is widely accepted, but most of this work tends to focus on accuracy and automaticity. What about prosody or expression? This episode explores the research that explains the importance of prosody in reading development and examines the most effective ways to teach it.

]]> The idea of teaching text reading fluency is widely accepted, but most of this work tends to focus on accuracy and automaticity. What about prosody or expression? This episode explores the research that explains the importance of prosody in reading development and examines the most effective ways to teach it.

]]> false full 19 2023 <![CDATA[What is Linguistic Comprehension in the Simple View of Reading?]]> The simple view of reading claims that reading comprehension is the product of decoding and linguistic comprehension. But what is linguistic comprehension and what does it matter in the classroom? This episode explores the meaning of linguistic comprehension.

]]> Sat, 17 Jun 2023 08:36:04 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/what-is-linguistic-comprehension-in-the-simple-view-of-reading 17:18 The simple view of reading claims that reading comprehension is the product of decoding and linguistic comprehension. But what is linguistic comprehension and what does it matter in the classroom? This episode explores the meaning of linguistic comprehension.

]]> The simple view of reading claims that reading comprehension is the product of decoding and linguistic comprehension. But what is linguistic comprehension and what does it matter in the classroom? This episode explores the meaning of linguistic comprehension.

]]> false full 18 2023 <![CDATA[On Climbing a Mountain: Four Ways NOT to Deal with Complex Text]]> These days teachers are told to teach reading with complex text. However, while they might have complex text in their classrooms or in their lessons, their approaches may undermine the benefits of complex texts. This episode cautions teachers to avoid four of these common errors.

]]> Sun, 11 Jun 2023 15:56:57 -0500 https://shanahan-on-literacy.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/on-climbing-a-mountain-four-ways-not-to-deal-with-complex-text 9:29 These days teachers are told to teach reading with complex text. However, while they might have complex text in their classrooms or in their lessons, their approaches may undermine the benefits of complex texts. This episode cautions teachers to avoid four of these common errors.

]]> These days teachers are told to teach reading with complex text. However, while they might have complex text in their classrooms or in their lessons, their approaches may undermine the benefits of complex texts. This episode cautions teachers to avoid four of these common errors.

]]> false full 17 2023