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

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

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: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

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

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

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