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

• 49. Set for Variability with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz, Informed Literacy

  What does it really mean to be “set for variability”? In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz of Informed Literacy to break down this complex-sounding but classroom-friendly concept. Together, they demystify set for variability, explore its role in decoding, and share practical classroom examples.If you’ve ever wondered how to support students in correcting their own mispronunciations or how to help them flex vowel sounds when the code doesn’t quite match the pronunciation, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies.Key Takeaways:What “set for variability” actually means (in teacher terms)Why strong decoding is the first step—and flexibility is the secondWhen and how to support struggling readers using this approachHow SSV differs from guessing or 3-cueingHow to build flexibility through small-group cues, hand motions, and sentence contextWhy “the world is not decodable”—and what that means for our instructionResources Mentioned:Informed Literacy Blog Post: What is Set for Variability and Why is it Important?Informed Literacy Decodables: Jen & Wendy are offering a coupon code: COLOR2025 for one month (until September 2025) just for you! When you purchase a set of their hardcopy decodables, you will get our Supplemental Resource pack for free (You need to put the decodables and the supplemental resource pack into the cart and enter the coupon code: COLOR2025)Informed Literacy Decodable Book FreebieHelpful References:Set for Variability as a Critical Predictor of Word Reading: Potential Implications for Early Identification and Treatment of DyslexiaUnpacking the Unique Relationship Between Set for Variability and Word Reading Development: Examining Word- and Child-Level Predictors of PerformanceSpelling as Statistical Learning: Using Consonantal Context to Spell VowelsThe Importance of Flexibility of Pronunciation in Learning to Decode: A Training Study in Set for VariabilityThe Role of Set for Variability in Irregular Word Reading: Word and Child Predictors in Typically Developing Readers and Students At-Risk for Reading DisabilitiesConnect with Jen & Wendy from Informed Literacy:Website: InformedLiteracy.com Instagram: @informedlitInformed Literacy on YouTubeFacebook: @informedlitPinterest:

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• 48. SOR Mini-Con 2025 Recap with Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer & Yvette Manns

  In this heartfelt roundtable episode, Michelle is joined by her Science of Reading sidekicks, Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer, and Yvette Manns to reflect on the very first Science of Reading Mini-Con! From spark-filled sessions to swag bags and sound baths, this conversation is full of gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt takeaways.They revisit each session, share their most memorable moments, and get real about why this work is so personal. You’ll walk away inspired, encouraged, and ready to “keep it going” in your own classroom and community.Thank you to the Science of Reading Mini-Con Sponsors:Hand2MindLexiaReading.comSlant SystemIMSEConnect with the Science of Reading Mini-Con Presenters:Follow @scienceofreadingminicon on Instagram! Heidi Martin @droppinknowledgewitheidiJessica Farmer @farmerlovesphonics Yvette Manns @the_lit_teacherJake Daggett @jake_daggettMichelle Sullivan @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyConnect 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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• 47. Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters—Especially for Black Boys with Tiffany Obeng, Sugar Cookie Books

  In this powerful episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by lawyer-turned-author Tiffany Obeng, founder of Sugar Cookie Books. Together, we unpack the significance of representation in children’s literature, especially for Black boys, and how her “Andrew Learns” series is challenging the traditional narratives and creating space for all kids to feel seen, celebrated, and inspired.Tiffany shares why statistics around literacy fuel her work and how we as educators and parents can build inclusive, representative libraries. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a classroom or home library with intentionality and heart.Resources Mentioned:Truth About Reading DocumentaryCheck out Tiffany’s Books here!Connect with Tiffany Obeng:Website: www.sugarcookiebooks.comWebsite: www.tiffanyobeng.comLinkedIn: Tiffany Obeng, Esq.Instagram: @sugarcookiebooksFacebook: Sugar Cookie BooksPinterest: Sugar Cookie BooksTPT: Sugar Cookie BooksConnect 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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• 46. Making Words Stick with Dr. Molly Ness on Orthographic Mapping

  In this powerful episode, we welcome back Dr. Molly Ness, literacy researcher, educator, and co-author of “Making Words Stick”, the latest release from the Scholastic Science of Reading in Practice series. Together with Dr. Katie Pace Miles, Molly has created a teacher-friendly guide to help educators understand orthographic mapping and implement a 4-step routine that supports the mapping process.We dive into what orthographic mapping actually is, why it matters, and how it’s different from memorization. Molly walks us through how the brain learns to read, busts myths about word repetitions, and explains why students must connect sound, spelling, and meaning to build a strong reading brain.Whether you're new to the term “orthographic mapping” or looking to strengthen your instructional practice, this episode is packed with practical insight and inspiration. Get ready to geek out over the reading brain and walk away with ready-to-use classroom strategies that help words stick.Key Takeaways:Orthographic mapping is an invisible cognitive process where words become instantly recognized, not memorized.Sound - Spelling - Meaning ConnectionQuality matters more than quantity when it comes to word repetitions.A 4-step instructional routine: See & Say, Segment & Spell, Study & Suss Out, Search & StickSpelling is a key indicator of a student’s linguistic understanding and should be intentionally taught alongside reading.Resources Mentioned:Making Words Stick IES (Institute of Education Sciences) Practice GuidesThis 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 Dr. Molly Ness:Website: https://www.mollyness.com/Website: https://www.dirigoliteracy.com/LinkedIn: Molly Ness, PhDInstagram: @a_reading_motherBlueSky: ‪@mollyness.bsky.social‬End Book Desert PodcastConnect with Dr. Katie Pace Miles:Website: https://www.katiepacemilesphd.com/Website: https://www.readinginstitutenyc.org/Reading Ready ProgramsAdvanced Certificate in Reading ScienceInstagram: @thereadinginstitutenycConnect with Me:Follow me on Instagram:

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• 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:Treasa's Course: Effective Spelling Instruction - Using Morphology to Support Dyslexic Students in an Inclusive ClassroomLanguage TreeLyn 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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