Creating Readers with Savannah Campbell

#15 How to Actually Teach Phonemic Awareness (And yes, we're using letters)

In this episode of Creating Readers, Savannah Campbell delves into the critical topic of phonemic awareness, discussing its significance in reading instruction and how it differs from phonological awareness. She shares insights from research, particularly the National Reading Panel, emphasizing the importance of teaching segmenting and blending as key skills. Savannah also addresses common misconceptions and provides practical strategies for effectively teaching phonemic awareness in the classroom, advocating for a focus on evidence-based practices to enhance literacy outcomes for students.
 
Resources Mentioned:
Summary of National Reading Panel's Report on Phonemic Awareness
"They Say You Can Do Phonemic Awareness 'In the Dark,' But Should You?" Article on Current research surrounding phonemic awareness.
Phoneme Lists for Segmenting/Blending List of words organized by phoneme type and number. Perfect for segmenting and blending warm-ups.
Sound Boxes  Use these boxes to solidify phoneme-grapheme correspondences (AKA connect phonemic awareness to phonics!)
 

#14 When the Intervention Isn't Working, What Should We Do?

In this episode of Creating Readers, Savannah Campbell discusses strategies for addressing situations where reading interventions are not yielding the desired progress. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on factors within educators' control, such as time allocation, instructional focus, engagement strategies, and collaboration among teachers. By enhancing intervention effectiveness and ensuring consistent practice, educators can better support struggling readers and foster their growth.
Resources Mentioned:
Decodable Word Lists and Sentences
The Literacy Nest Decodable Passages

#13 Morphology Round Table with Sarah Paul and Michelle Sullivan

In this conversation, Michelle Sullivan (@michelle_thecolorfulclassroom), Sarah Paul (@snippetsbysarah), and Savannah Campbell discuss the significance of morphology in literacy education. They explore why teaching morphology is essential for understanding the English language, particularly its meaning components.
The discussion covers effective strategies for introducing morphology to young learners, the use of tools like word matrices and word sums, and the flexible approach to teaching morphology without a strict scope and sequence.
The speakers emphasize the importance of connecting morphology to vocabulary development and reading comprehension. In this conversation Sarah, Savannah, and Michelle discuss the importance of integrating morphology into literacy instruction, emphasizing the need to teach morphemes and their meanings. They explore practical applications of morphology lessons, share resources, and provide insights for educators on how to effectively teach morphology without overwhelming students. The conversation highlights the significance of making language concrete and accessible, while also encouraging educators to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.
Resources Mentioned
Books (affiliate links):
Everything You Want to Know and Exactly Where to Find It
Beneath the Surface of Words
Products:
Morphology Interactive Notebooks
Greek/Latin Root of the Week Posters
Read more on our blogs:
Savannah-Campbell Creates Readers
Sarah-Snippets by Sarah
Michelle-The Colorful Classroom

#12 Executive Functioning with Marisa Ware, Part 2

🧠In this episode of Creating Readers, host Savannah Campbell and guest Marisa Ware discuss the critical role of executive functioning in literacy and education. 
📌They explore practical strategies for teaching these skills to students, emphasizing the importance of explicit instruction and support in the classroom. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of executive functioning and literacy, providing insights for educators and parents alike.
🧠In this conversation, Savannah Campbell and Marisa Ware discuss effective strategies for minimizing cognitive overload in students, the importance of organization tools like planners, and the critical role of recess in developing executive functioning skills. They explore how to support students with varying needs through tailored teaching methods, brain breaks, and the use of fidgets. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of creating an inclusive learning environment that fosters both academic and social skills.
 
Follow Marisa on Instagram at @mwliteracy
Find her executive functioning freebie here!
Marisa will be sharing more about executive functioning at our upcoming Unlocking the Science of Reading conference!  Register today for the premier virtual Science of Reading conference that has reached over 10,000 teachers.

#11 Executive Functioning with Marisa Ware, Part 1

In this episode of Creating Readers, host Savannah Campbell and guest Marisa Ware discuss the critical role of executive functioning in literacy and education.
Marisa, an executive function specialist, explains the various skills involved in executive functioning, such as attention, organization, and self-regulation, and how these skills are essential for successful reading and learning.
They explore practical strategies for teaching these skills to students, emphasizing the importance of explicit instruction and support in the classroom. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of executive functioning and literacy, providing insights for educators and parents alike. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of creating an inclusive learning environment that fosters both academic and social skills.
Follow Marisa on Instagram at @mwliteracy
Find her executive functioning freebie here!
 

#10 What's Wrong with Leveled Texts?

#9 What's wrong with leveled texts?  Aren't books just book?
Well yes, and no.  In this episode, Savannah discusses the issues with leveled texts.  She shares:
how leveled texts do not actually tell us if children are reading on grade level because they are an inherently flawed form of assessment
How leveled texts do not have a defined scope and sequence or take into account children's levels of background knowledge.
What we can do instead
If you're not sure why leveled texts don't deliver what they promise, or if you just want to confirm what you're already thinking about leveled texts, this episode is for you!

#9 Teaching Text Structures

It wasn't long ago that Savannah saw teaching text structures as boring and something she needed to do just to check a box in her instruction.
But, once she understood the importance of text structures and the role they play in comprehension, she was sold.
In this podcast, Savannah shares all things text structures.  She discusses:
the role text structures play as a kind of background knowledge
the different kinds of nonfiction text structures (to include descriptive, sequence, problem/solution, cause and effect)
tips for teaching text structures
Listen in and see how teaching text structures can make a difference in your classroom!
Resources Mentioned:
The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Hennessy (affiliate link)
Nonfiction Text Structures Graphic Organizers

#8 Why English DOES Make Sense

In this episode of Creating Readers, Savannah debunks the myth that English is an illogical, "crazy" language. Savannah explains how understanding the history and structure of English reveals its underlying logic. From Anglo-Saxon roots to French, Latin, and Greek influences, she takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the layers of the English language.
Learn why English preserves meaning through spelling, how its morphophonemic structure influences pronunciation, and why spelling patterns that seem arbitrary actually make sense when we consider their origins. Savannah also addresses the infamous claim that "fish" could be spelled G-H-O-T-I and explains why George Bernard Shaw was mistaken.
If you've ever wondered why English is the way it is, this episode is for you!
Books Mentioned (Affiliate links):
Uncovering the Logic of English
The ABCs and All Their Tricks

#7 Meaningful Ways to Strengthen Vocabulary

Join Savannah as she discusses vocabulary and meaningful ways that you can practice it in your classroom.
Vocabulary is inextricably linked to comprehension.  If you aren't teaching vocabulary, then you're not teaching comprehension.  In this episode, Savannah walks you through:
why vocabulary is important
how to plan for vocabulary
meaningful activities for strengthening vocabulary.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Vocabulary Planning Template (just make a copy!) 
Frayer Model

#6 The Trouble with VALLSS

In this episode, Mike Crusco joins Savannah as they discuss the newest universal screener in Virginia-the Virginia Language and Literacy Screener (VALLSS).
While the statewide universal screener, PALS, certainly needed to be updated, there are still several problems with the new screener that need to be addressed.  This episode is specific for the Virginia assessment, but is useful for all educators as many states are passing literacy acts with specific requirements.
In this episode, Savannah and Mike discuss:
What VALLSS is and how it has changed from PALS,
Why VALLSS is NOT a universal screener, despite the claim that it is,
Why the information is useful but not necessary,
and what we hope will change.
Mike and Savannah both believe that the Virginia Literacy Act and VALLSS were created in good faith, but there are places we can and should improve.
If you're a teacher in Virginia, this is a must-listen.  If you're a teacher outside of Virginia, use this episode to guide you in the future as new legislation comes through wherever you live!