Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

• 45. A Global Lens on Morphology, Etymology & Literacy Instruction with Dr. Treasa Bowe

  In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re heading across the pond to Ireland for a powerful conversation with Dr. Treasa Bowe, an international literacy leader and passionate advocate for morphology, etymology, and meaningful instruction. With over two decades of teaching experience in both Ireland and the U.S., Dr. Bowe brings a truly global lens to literacy education.Together, we explore what structured literacy looks like across contexts, how to empower multilingual learners through word study, and what it takes to implement school-wide morphology instruction - even without formal coaching systems. Treasa also shares how she created a scope and sequence for teaching morphology in the upper grades, weaving in etymology, spelling, and background knowledge in a way that’s cohesive, culturally responsive, and curiosity-driven.Whether you’re just getting started or looking to go deeper with word study, this conversation is packed with insights to spark your thinking and strengthen your practice.Key Takeaways:Building a school-wide structured literacy curriculum in a multilingual settingHow word study connects to spelling, vocabulary, and writingEncourage inquiry without having all the answersResources & People Mentioned:Lyn StoneZaretta HammondThe Reading LeagueUFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute)EtymonlineJeopardyLabsMembeanConnect with Treasa: Instagram: @betweenthecoversofagoodbookConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

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• 44. 4 Warm-Up Drills for Effective Phonics Instruction

  In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re diving into 4 quick, high-impact phonics drills that spark engagement and build automaticity, without eating up your entire lesson time.These warm-ups aren’t about “drill and kill.” Instead, they’re short, intentional routines that help students review and retrieve previously taught phonics content. Whether you’re a classroom teacher or interventionist, these drills can be used flexibly, across whole group, small group, or even 1:1 settings.4 Types of Drills:Visual DrillAuditory DrillVowel DrillBlending DrillWhether you’re just starting with structured literacy or looking to refine your phonics block, these quick drills are a powerful way to build momentum and confidence for every student.Helpful Tools:Sound Deck for Visual DrillSpelling Frequency PostersConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

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• 43. Rock Your Literacy Block with Lindsay Kemeny

  In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by the incredible Lindsay Kemeny, a trusted voice in the Science of Reading community and author of Seven Mighty Moves and Rock Your Literacy Block. Lindsay shares her journey into structured literacy, sparked by her son’s dyslexia diagnosis, and how that led to a complete transformation in her teaching and professional work.We dive into her brand-new book, Rock Your Literacy Block, and explore what it means to build a strong, responsive, and efficient literacy block that aligns with the Science of Reading. Lindsay offers practical strategies, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at how she organizes her day, structures her small groups, and maximizes every minute of instructional time.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by scheduling, pacing, or finding the “perfect” literacy routine, this conversation is a breath of fresh air. Lindsay reminds us that it’s not about perfection - it’s about progress.Key Takeaways: The inspiration behind Rock Your Literacy Block The must-have components of an effective literacy blockThe art of pacing and maximizing instructional minutesResources Mentioned:Book: Rock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay KemenyBook: Seven Mighty Moves by Lindsay KemenyBook: Seven Mighty Moves Reading Resources by Lindsay KemenyThe Science of Reading in Practice Series (Scholastic)This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Lindsay Kemeny:Instagram: @lindsaykemenyFacebook: Teaching with Lindsay KemenyLinkedIn: Lindsay KemenyX: @lindsaykemenyConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

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• 42. Is the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners? with Alejandra Ramirez

  In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with Alejandra Ramirez, a seasoned bilingual educator, reading coordinator, and literacy leader, to explore one of the most important questions in today’s classrooms: Is the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners?With over a decade of experience in dual language programs and extensive training in LETRS and Esperanza, Alejandra brings a nuanced and equity-centered lens to structured literacy. In this episode, Alejandra unpacks common misconceptions, explores the importance of oral language, and discusses how foundational skills instruction can be adapted to support bilingual and multilingual learners.Key Takeaways: Why Structured Literacy is for multilingual learnersThe importance of cross-linguistic connectionsThe role of explicit instruction, teacher mindset, and instructional equityResources & Notable Figures Mentioned:Esperanza Dyslexia ProgramLETRS TrainingBook: Aprender a Leer by Stanislas Dehaene, neuroscientistClaude Goldenberg Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-HaganBook: Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction by Elsa Cárdenas-HaganDr. Antonio FierroDr. José MedinaThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Alejandra Ramirez:Instagram: @stuffaboutreading Connect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

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• 41. Small Groups Aligned with the Science of Reading with Christina Winter, Lead in Literacy

  In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by my dear friend, Christina Winter from Lead in Literacy. Together, we dive into one of the hottest topics in structured literacy: small group instruction.While some Science of Reading conversations debate whether small groups have a place in the literacy block, Christina reminds us that when done correctly—grounded in assessment, efficiency, and aligned routines—small groups can be one of the most powerful tools to differentiate instruction and target students’ exact needs.Christina walks us through her ABC Framework for small groups:A — AssessB — Be EfficientC — Cut the FluffWe also discuss how to fit small groups into busy schedules, what effective routines look like, how to handle pacing, and why teachers don't need to feel guilty about not seeing every student every day.Key Takeaways:How small group instruction supports differentiated, targeted reading instruction.The importance of assessment-driven groupings based on universal screeners (Acadience, DIBELS, i-Ready, etc.)Why consistent instructional routines reduce teacher overwhelm and student anxiety.High-impact routines for small group instruction: phonemic awareness, word mapping, high-frequency words, blending, decodable text, comprehension, dictation, and word awareness.Teachers should prioritize students below benchmark for daily small groups while others can be seen less frequently.Resources Mentioned:Christina's Free Small Group Toolkit (downloadable resource with lessons & templates)Book: A Fresh Look at Phonics by Wiley BlevinsDr. Julia Lindsey’s Instagram PostStephanie Stollar’s Reading Science AcademyBook: Atomic Habits by James ClearThis post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Christina Winter:Website: https://leadinliteracy.com/Instagram: @lead.in.literacy Christina’s Membership Site: Leaders of LiteracyConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit:

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