Podcasts by Reading Teachers Lounge
This is the Reading Teachers Lounge where listeners can eavesdrop on professional conversations between elementary reading teachers. We are passionate about literacy and strive to find strategies to reach all learners. Shannon and Mary are neighbors who realized that they were “literacy soul sisters” at a dinner in their Atlanta neighborhood. Once they started chatting about reading they haven’t really stopped. Come join the conversation.
Further podcasts by Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi
Podcast on the topic Kurse
All episodes
New Understandings about Encoding from 2022-01-27T19:00
Shannon describes some new ways she's helping her older elementary students learn how to encode and spell. Mary shares the SOS strategy for Spelling and explains the research about encodi...
Listen
The Updated Ladder of Reading and Writing from 2021-12-30T19:00
Shannon and Mary discuss the revised Ladder of Reading and Writing that was recently updated by Nancy Young. [Note: Our podcast has explicit permission from Nancy Young to use her Ladder infog...
Listen
The Importance of Storytelling from 2021-12-16T19:00
Shannon and Mary chat with Anna Boldog from Bookr Class about the Importance of Storytelling. They share their own memories and experiences with stories as readers and teachers. And they talk ...
Listen
Supporting Reading Teachers from 2021-11-25T08:00
Shannon and Mary chat with LaMonica Williams, Director of Programs for Teaching Matters, about how to support reading teachers and their students through intensive but supportive coaching and li...
Listen
Scarborough's Reading Rope with Tess Kraft from 2021-11-12T11:00
Shannon chats about the different strands of Scarborough's Reading Rope with Tess Kraft. They talk about all the many different skills that weave together into skilled reading and share i...
Listen
Science of Reading with Heidi Martin from 2021-09-30T19:00
Shannon and Mary chat with Heidi Martin about her journey into learning about the Science of Reading. Heidi has been documenting her literacy transformation on Tiktok (@learningwithheidi) and ...
Listen
Chatting about Scope and Sequence with Wiley Blevins from 2021-09-16T11:00
Shannon and Mary chat with literacy expert Wiley Blevins about the scope and sequence of phonics instruction.
Episode Links for Resources mentioned:
![](https:/...</p>
<a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/chatting-about-scope-and-sequence-with-wiley-blevins/" class="btn btn-primary">Listen</a>
<!--<p class="card-text"><small class="text-muted">Last updated 3 mins ago</small></p>-->
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="card mb-3">
<div class="row no-gutters">
<div class="col-md-2">
<img class="card-img" src="https://static.yiuu.de/artwork/p/l/P/w/c/R/plPwcR_350.jpg" alt="Reading Teachers Lounge">
</div>
<div class="col-md-10">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title"><a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/season-4-opener-back-to-school-together-again/">Season 4 Opener: Back To School&Together Again</a><small> from 2021-09-06T09:00</small></h5>
<p class="card-text"><p>In their Season 4 opener, Shannon & Mary update listeners on their summer activities and their plans for the upcoming school year and podcast season. They share what they've been read...</p>
<a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/season-4-opener-back-to-school-together-again/" class="btn btn-primary">Listen</a>
<!--<p class="card-text"><small class="text-muted">Last updated 3 mins ago</small></p>-->
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="card mb-3">
<div class="row no-gutters">
<div class="col-md-2">
<img class="card-img" src="https://static.yiuu.de/artwork/p/l/P/w/c/R/plPwcR_350.jpg" alt="Reading Teachers Lounge">
</div>
<div class="col-md-10">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title"><a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/season-3-finale/">Season 3 Finale</a><small> from 2021-07-15T10:00</small></h5>
<p class="card-text"><p>In this episode, Shannon closes out the third podcast season. She describes the struggles from the 2020-2021 school year and shares what's coming next for the podcast in Season 4.<br/> <br/...</p>
<a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/season-3-finale/" class="btn btn-primary">Listen</a>
<!--<p class="card-text"><small class="text-muted">Last updated 3 mins ago</small></p>-->
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="card mb-3">
<div class="row no-gutters">
<div class="col-md-2">
<img class="card-img" src="https://static.yiuu.de/artwork/p/l/P/w/c/R/plPwcR_350.jpg" alt="Reading Teachers Lounge">
</div>
<div class="col-md-10">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title"><a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/auditory-learners/">Auditory Learners</a><small> from 2021-04-29T19:00</small></h5>
<p class="card-text"><p>This title continues our multi-sensory series. In this episode, Shannon shares the characteristics of auditory learners. She gives some strategies and resources for incorporating more audit...</p>
<a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/auditory-learners/" class="btn btn-primary">Listen</a>
<!--<p class="card-text"><small class="text-muted">Last updated 3 mins ago</small></p>-->
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="card mb-3">
<div class="row no-gutters">
<div class="col-md-2">
<img class="card-img" src="https://static.yiuu.de/artwork/p/l/P/w/c/R/plPwcR_350.jpg" alt="Reading Teachers Lounge">
</div>
<div class="col-md-10">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title"><a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/making-the-most-of-your-online-reading-instruction/">Making the Most of Your Online Reading Instruction</a><small> from 2021-01-09T19:00</small></h5>
<p class="card-text"><p>Shannon and Mary chat with Maria Halkias about her on-line reading instruction. They talk about parent engagement with virtual instruction, teaching challenges during these unprecedented times,...</p>
<a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/making-the-most-of-your-online-reading-instruction/" class="btn btn-primary">Listen</a>
<!--<p class="card-text"><small class="text-muted">Last updated 3 mins ago</small></p>-->
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="card mb-3">
<div class="row no-gutters">
<div class="col-md-2">
<img class="card-img" src="https://static.yiuu.de/artwork/p/l/P/w/c/R/plPwcR_350.jpg" alt="Reading Teachers Lounge">
</div>
<div class="col-md-10">
<div class="card-body">
<h5 class="card-title"><a href="/podcast/reading-teachers-lounge/visual-learning/">Visual Learning</a><small> from 2020-12-10T19:00</small></h5>
<p class="card-text"><p>Shannon and Mary continue the discussion about multisensory reading instruction. This episode focuses on strategies for visual learners.<br/><br/><b>Resource Links:</b></p><ol><li><a href=){kind=link}
Make It Multisensory from 2020-11-12T19:00
Multisensory learning is something we have been preaching for a long time. It's time it deserved it's own episode. Shannon and Mary discuss the importance of when and how to implement...
Listen
It's Time to Talk About Dr. Seuss from 2020-10-22T19:00
Shannon and Mary explore how to start conversations about sensitive topics surrounding race, inequality, apathetic attitudes and apologism related to books. They discuss the controversy surrou...
Listen
Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Doors (Diverse Books) from 2020-10-01T19:00
Shannon and Mary open the season with a discussion about the importance of books to represent the diversity of our students giving them an opportunity to see themselves in books and opportunitie...
Listen
Season 2 Finale from 2020-07-22T16:00
Shannon and Mary catch up after their Season 2 hiatus to discuss Quarantine Life, Home Learning, and what's next.
RESOURCE LINKS:
COME JO...
Listen
We love FCRR! from 2020-02-29T09:00
Are you familiar with the FCRR? They have done incredible work making free effective research-based literacy activities. The centers include directions for teachers and all the nece...
Listen
Spelling Tests: Good or Bad? with special guest Alison from Learning at the Primary Pond from 2020-02-20T19:00
Shannon and Mary speak with consultant and literacy specialist Allison from Learning at the Primary Pond all about spelling tests and best practices in phonics instruction.
<...
Shared Reading from 2020-01-30T19:00
Shannon and Mary discuss another pillar in the Balanced Literacy Series: Shared Reading. Shared reading is interactive reading with teacher guided support. This is essential for helping struggli...
Listen
Reading Wars from 2020-01-23T19:00
Shannon and Mary talk about the recent discussions in the news and educational circles related to the reading wars. Additionally, based on listener questions, they recommend some resources ...
Balanced Literacy versus Structured Literacy from 2019-12-12T19:00
Mary describes the differences between Balanced Literacy vs. Structured Literacy.
We have been doing a series on Balanced Literacy which might confuse some of our listeners. RTL wants t...
Independent Reading from 2019-11-28T19:00
Shannon and Mary continue the conversation about balanced literacy elements by discussing supporting students' independent reading in the classroom and at home. They share ideas about goa...
Listen
Read Aloud from 2019-11-07T19:00
Shannon and Mary share their tips and tricks for one of the most enjoyable experiences of reading with young readers: Read Aloud! We share professional resources, essential tips for working with...
Listen
Guided Reading from 2019-10-24T19:00
Shannon shares how guided reading groups are the non-negotiable element in her daily classroom. In this episode Mary and Shannon weigh in on the importance and power of small group teaching of g...
Listen
Alphabetic Principle from 2019-10-17T19:00
Mary discusses the concept of alphabetic principle and strategies for teaching blending.
Resource Links:
NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, we earn a small amount fr...
More Listener Questions Answered from 2019-10-10T19:00
Great news! Shannon is here to help address more listener questions about Lucy Calkins, comprehension strategies and professional development for reading specialists.
Resource L...
Kids Who Fly Under the Radar from 2019-09-26T19:00
Mary discusses a student she is working with who flies under the radar in his general education classroom. In this discussion, she poses the question "Who are kids who fly under the radar? ...
Listen
Listener Questions Answered from 2019-09-19T19:00
Mary responds to listener questions about time management and the components of a tutoring session.
Resource Links:
A Conversation about ZPD and Rigor from 2019-02-28T19:00
Shannon and Mary discuss how to determine "just right activities" for their students by working within the ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) and how analyzing your students' scor...
Listen
B and D Reversals from 2019-02-21T19:00
Shannon and Mary have a conversation about reversals of letters and numbers. Many parents and teachers are concerned about reversals, but the truth is that all reversals do need to be explicitly...
Listen
Recognizing a Struggling Reader from 2019-02-14T19:00
Shannon and Mary talk about coping behaviors that struggling readers use to hide the "big secret" that they can't read. They share details about students' actions that teache...
Listen
All About Sight Words from 2019-01-31T19:00
Are you teaching sight words in your classroom? Parents, are you supporting your child's practice in learning sight words? It's important to have a large bag of tricks. Listen as Shann...
Listen
All About Syllables from 2019-01-24T19:00
Shannon and Mary discuss the final pattern of the six syllable types: 'consonant+le'. Listen and join the conversation as they review CLOVER (closed, consonant + le, open, vowel teams...
Listen
All About Vowel Teams from 2019-01-17T19:00
Vowel teams are combinations of vowels (two or more) that make one sound. When students begin learning about vowel teams they have to demonstrate an understanding of sound symbol relationship wh...
Listen
All About R-Controlled Vowels from 2019-01-10T19:00
Shannon and Mary discuss how they discovered the importance of teaching phonics instruction and syllable division to help their student begin to crack the code of reading. Throughout the episode...
Listen
All About Long Vowels from 2018-12-20T18:00
Mary and Shannon describe how they teach long vowels to their struggling readers. They share their favorite resources and routines for conducting phonics lessons. Are you challenged by your stru...
Listen
All About Short Vowels from 2018-12-13T18:00
Shannon and Mary discuss background and strategies for teaching short vowels. You will learn facts and tidbits about literacy and why short vowels make their short, unique sounds. Hint! It has t...
Listen
Learning Disabilities 101 from 2018-12-06T20:00
The process for identifying a specific learning disability such as dyslexia is complicated in the public school setting. In this episode Mary explains the RTI (Response to Intervention) process....
Listen
Decoding the MAP test from 2018-11-29T20:00
You've completed the benchmark assessments. You have done what has been asked of you by the administration. But really...what does that MAP score mean? Can you explain it to your students? ...
Listen
Getting to Know Your Readers from 2018-11-15T00:00
How do you get to know your readers? Shannon and Mary share some of their experience using basic assessment tools to check foundational skills of their students:
- oral reading fluency... Listen
Becoming a Reading Teacher from 2018-11-08T20:00
When was it that you first felt like you were a reading teacher who made the reading "magic" happen? When did you start to see growth from your students? What was the difference in you...
Listen
Introduction, Why we became teachers from 2018-11-01T00:00
In this first episode, Shannon and Mary (two elementary reading teachers) introduce themselves and tell the stories about why they chose education and describe their varied teaching experiences....
Listen
Introduction, Why we became teachers from 2018-11-01T00:00
In this first episode, Shannon and Mary (two elementary reading teachers) introduce themselves and tell the stories about why they chose education and describe their varied teaching experiences....
Listen
Introduction, Why we became teachers from 2018-11-01T00:00
In this first episode, Shannon and Mary (two elementary reading teachers) introduce themselves and tell the stories about why they chose education and describe their varied teaching experiences....
Listen