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

Michelle Sullivan • Literacy Coach & Science of Reading Advocate
  • 4.7 (3)
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Literacy in Color is the go-to podcast for elementary teachers, literacy coaches, and reading interventionists who are passionate about bringing the Science of Reading to life in vibrant, engaging, and effective ways. Hosted by Michelle Sullivan — a seasoned literacy expert & Science of Reading advocate - with over a decade of experience as a reading interventionist & literacy coach — this show is designed to help you captivate your learners, boost reading fluency, and foster a deep understanding of language. Each week, you’ll discover practical tips, proven strategies, and creative ideas to make your literacy instruction colorful and impactful. From phonics and morphology to vocabulary building and comprehension techniques, we’ll explore the full spectrum of evidence-based practices that support all learners on their journey to becoming confident readers. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, “Literacy in Color” will empower you with the tools, inspiration, and know-how to make literacy instruction not just effective, but truly unforgettable. Are you ready to teach colorfully? Hit subscribe and join us each week for a splash of fun, insight, and colorful learning. Connect with me on Instagram @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom for more tips, resources, and community!

  1. 99. Inside a Successful Walk-to-Read Model at PS 152Q with Lisa Russo & the 1st Grade Team

    2d ago

    99. Inside a Successful Walk-to-Read Model at PS 152Q with Lisa Russo & the 1st Grade Team

    What happens when a school decides that "business as usual" is no longer good enough? Principal Lisa Russo and the first-grade team at PS 152Q to discuss their remarkable literacy transformation. After years of using balanced literacy practices, the school shifted toward structured literacy, embraced the science of reading, and implemented a schoolwide Walk-to-Read model supported by Dr. Katie Pace Miles' Reading Ready intervention program. The team shares their journey from seeing students struggle with foundational skills to creating a system that provides targeted instruction based on student needs. You'll hear how leadership, teacher buy-in, strategic grouping, and a commitment to following the research helped create meaningful change for young readers. Resources Mentioned: Reading Ready (The Reading Institute)Book: Making Words Stick by Dr. Katie Pace Miles & Dr. Molly Ness 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 Lisa Russo & PS 152Q: Website: https://www.ps152q.org/Instagram: @ps152q & @littleextraliteracy This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: SOR Summer Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

    40 min
  2. 98. Syntax is Everything: The Backbone of Comprehension with Dr. Julie Van Dyke

    Jun 16

    98. Syntax is Everything: The Backbone of Comprehension with Dr. Julie Van Dyke

    When educators discuss reading comprehension, the conversation often centers around vocabulary, background knowledge, and comprehension strategies, but what if we've been overlooking one of the most critical components of comprehension all along? Research scientist, Dr. Julie Van Dyke shares about the powerful role syntax plays in reading comprehension. Drawing from decades of research in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and language processing, Dr. Van Dyke explains why syntax is much more than word order; it's the system that helps readers determine who did what to whom and construct meaning moment by moment. We discuss what happens in the brain when we read, why comprehension occurs word by word rather than after a passage is finished, how Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) impacts reading, and practical ways teachers can begin supporting syntactic development in their classrooms. We also dive into Cascade Reading, an innovative tool designed to make sentence structure visible and support comprehension for all learners. Key Takeaways: Syntax is not simply word order.Comprehension happens continuously, word by word, as the brain integrates new information into what has already been processed.The brain relies on multiple systems during reading, including perception, language, and thought networks.Syntax serves as the foundation of language comprehension in much the same way phonology serves as the foundation of decoding.Explicit attention to sentence structure can be embedded into existing literacy instruction. Resources Mentioned: IDA Perspectives 2025: Volumes 1 & 2 - Syntax Comes First (Available through the IDA)FREE Tool: Cascade ReadingSyntax Usage Survey Connect with Dr. Julie Van Dyke: Website: https://www.drjvandyke.net/LinkedInStay tuned for her upcoming Substack: Decoding Syntax This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Summer Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026

    55 min
  3. 97. Effective Universal Instruction with Dr. Sarah Brown & Dr. Kimberly Gibbons

    Jun 9

    97. Effective Universal Instruction with Dr. Sarah Brown & Dr. Kimberly Gibbons

    Drawing from decades of experience in literacy, school psychology, systems-level leadership, and MTSS implementation, Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Kimberly Gibbons explain why strong universal instruction is the true foundation of student success. They explore what Tier 1 actually includes, why intervention alone cannot solve widespread literacy struggles, and how leadership, collaboration, fidelity, coaching, and systems-thinking all work together to improve outcomes for students. Key Takeaways: What Tier 1 really means inside an MTSS frameworkWhy MTSS is about resources and systems, not “Tier 2 kids” or “Tier 3 kids”Why buying a new curriculum alone won’t solve literacy problemsThe role of leadership in sustaining effective instructionThe importance of job-embedded coaching and ongoing supportWhy fidelity data matters (...and why it shouldn’t feel punitive)How collaborative teams build consensus and instructional coherenceThe power of strong questioning to uncover root causesWhy prevention through effective Tier 1 instruction is more powerful than over-relying on interventionPractical first steps schools can take immediately to strengthen instruction Resources: Book: Effective Universal Instruction: An Action-Oriented Approach to Improving Tier 1 by Sarah Brown & Kimberly GibbonsBook: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon) 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 Dr. Sarah Brown: Website: https://systemimpactconsulting.com/Contact Dr. Sarah Brown on her WebsiteLinkedIn: Sarah Brown Ph.D.Join Dr. Brown’s MTSS Data AcademyDr. Brown also offers Virtual Coaching Sessions! Connect with Dr. Kimberly Gibbons: CAREI DirectorCAREI at the University of Minnesota This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: SOR Summer Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

    57 min
  4. 96. Reading’s Dynamic Duo: How Fluency & Vocabulary Fuel Comprehension with Melissa Loftus & Lori Sappington

    Jun 2

    96. Reading’s Dynamic Duo: How Fluency & Vocabulary Fuel Comprehension with Melissa Loftus & Lori Sappington

    Melissa Loftus and Lori Sappington from the Melissa & Lori Love Literacy podcast take their hosting hats off for the day to share their expertise around fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension – and why comprehension instruction is far more complex than simply teaching “strategies.” Melissa and Lori explain why comprehension is considered an unconstrained skill, how fluent word recognition frees up cognitive space for meaning-making, and why vocabulary and knowledge building are essential for students to truly understand text. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for Melissa & Lori’s email list and grab a free, fun fluency resource pack!Book: The Literacy 50 by Melissa Loftus & Lori SappingtonFive Step Vocabulary Routine (from the Literacy 50)Research: Spencer, Quinn, and Wagner tested 425,000 children from first through third grade on decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. Among those who had adequate decoding and adequate vocabulary, fewer than one per cent scored poorly on comprehension. Fewer than one in a hundred. Once the word-level problems are solved, the decoding and the vocabulary, comprehension takes care of itself in virtually every case. 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 Melissa Loftus & Lori Sappington: Melissa & Lori Love Literacy PodcastWebsite: literacypodcast.com/Instagram: @literacypodcastWebsite: sorinpractice.com/Instagram: @sorinpractice This podcast is brought to you by Reading Science Academy, where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle to help you turn fall screening data into skill-based groups that actually move students forward. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,400 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: SOR Summer Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

    59 min
  5. 95. Affixes in Action: Our A4 Framework for Teaching Affixes with Sarah Paul and Michelle Sullivan of Logos Literacy Academy

    May 26

    95. Affixes in Action: Our A4 Framework for Teaching Affixes with Sarah Paul and Michelle Sullivan of Logos Literacy Academy

    Exciting news! Sarah & Michelle share their signature A4 Framework for teaching affixes inside of Logos Literacy Academy! Rather than treating prefixes and suffixes as isolated definitions to memorize, we explore how affixes function as meaningful structural units that help words grow and change across the English writing system. If you loved the BASE Framework episode, this conversation is the perfect companion episode! Key Takeaways: Affixes, definedWhy affix instruction should connect meaning, structure, spelling, grammar, and pronunciationCommon practices they see in affix instruction – and how their approach differsHow they intentionally embedded affix instruction within a phonics progressionHow their A4 Framework supports transfer into reading and writing Resources Mentioned: K-2 Course & Curriculum from Logos Literacy AcademySave with a Bundle: Get Mastering Morphology AND our K-2 Course & Curriculum bundled together! Connect with Sarah & Michelle: Website: https://www.logosliteracyacademy.com/Instagram: @logosliteracyacademyLogos Literacy Academy Beacons Page Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Summer Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026

    34 min
  6. 94. Inside 'The Megabook of Vocabulary' with Dr. Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith & Savannah Campbell

    May 19

    94. Inside 'The Megabook of Vocabulary' with Dr. Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith & Savannah Campbell

    Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith, and Savannah Campbell join the show to discuss their newest resource, The Megabook of Vocabulary. They unpack why vocabulary is far more than a list of words to memorize. This conversation explores the research behind vocabulary instruction, why background knowledge matters, and how teachers can intentionally build language-rich classrooms without making vocabulary “one more thing.” The authors also introduce their WISE framework from the book: Word ConsciousnessIndividual Word LearningStudent Tools for Determining MeaningExploration of Word Relationships You’ll even hear practical classroom ideas for morphology instruction, context clues, nuanced word study, playful word exploration, and how to move beyond rote memorization toward deep, meaningful word learning. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, interventionist, literacy coach, or school leader, this episode is packed with strategies and joyful ideas to help students become truly word conscious. Resources Mentioned: Book: The Megabook of VocabularyFREE Download: Inside the Megabook of VocabularyBook: The Megabook of Fluency 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 the Guests: Dr. Tim Rasinski’s Website: https://timrasinski.com/Dr. Tim Rasinksi’s Email: trasinsk@kent.eduMelissa Cheesman Smith on Instagram: @melissa.cheesman.smithSavannah Campbell’s Website: https://www.campbellcreatesreaders.com/Savannah Campbell on Instagram: @campbellcreatesreaders Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: SOR Summer Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026 Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color

    48 min
  7. 93. Foundations for Life with Lyn Stone, Lifelong Literacy

    May 12

    93. Foundations for Life with Lyn Stone, Lifelong Literacy

    We hear an awful lot about the importance of foundational literacy skills, but exactly belongs in that foundation? Educational linguist and author Lyn Stone discusses her newest resource: Foundations for Life — a structured literacy intervention manual designed for educators, interventionists, and parents supporting developing readers and writers. Lyn also shares her thoughts on the Science of Reading movement and considerations when it comes to thoughtful implementation. This conversation is equal parts intellectually rich, practical, and deeply hopeful for educators looking to better understand how the English writing system actually works – and how to teach it effectively. Key Takeaways Phonics is necessary, but not sufficient.Writing should begin immediately – not “later”, after reading develops.Graphemes spell morphemes; morphemes spell words.Word relatives help students build durable mental models of the writing system.We also get to hear a live demonstration of one of her lessons, exploring the word family for: one Resources Mentioned: Book: Foundations for LifeMore About “Foundations for Life"Book: Spelling for LifeBook: Language for LifeBook: Reading for LifeLyn Stone’s Courses through Lifelong Literacy 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 Lyn Stone: Website: https://lifelongliteracy.com/LinkedIn: Lyn StoneInstagram: @lynstone8 Email: lynstone@lifelongliteracy.com Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Summer Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026

    55 min
  8. 92. From Ox Heads to Silent Letters: The History of the Alphabet with Dr. Danny Bate, author of "Why Q Needs U"

    May 5

    92. From Ox Heads to Silent Letters: The History of the Alphabet with Dr. Danny Bate, author of "Why Q Needs U"

    Linguist and author, Dr. Danny Bate brilliantly shares the fascinating history of the alphabet, while also uncovering some of the logic behind English spelling. You’ll hear about the surprising origins of letters (yes, was once an ox’s head!), that vowels weren’t originally part of the alphabet, how the Great Vowel Shift transformed pronunciation, and of course, “Why Q Needs U”. This episode is a must-listen for educators, language lovers, and anyone who has ever wondered: Why is English spelled this way? Key Takeaways: The earliest alphabet was built on the acrophonic principle (symbols representing the first sound of a word)Early alphabets represented consonants only (vowels were added later by the Greeks)English spelling reflects both: Sound change over time AND Historical and cultural influences (i.e. Norman Conquest, Latin influence)The Great Vowel Shift dramatically changed pronunciation, but spelling stayed mostly the sameSo-called “irregularities” often preserve morphological and etymological meaning connections Connect with Danny Bate Website: https://dannybate.com/Podcast: A Language I Love Is…Book: Why Q Needs U: A history of our letters and how we use them 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 Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership Want to Support the Podcast? Make a Donation to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color SOR Summer Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-summer-book-study-2026

    1h 14m
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4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Literacy in Color is the go-to podcast for elementary teachers, literacy coaches, and reading interventionists who are passionate about bringing the Science of Reading to life in vibrant, engaging, and effective ways. Hosted by Michelle Sullivan — a seasoned literacy expert & Science of Reading advocate - with over a decade of experience as a reading interventionist & literacy coach — this show is designed to help you captivate your learners, boost reading fluency, and foster a deep understanding of language. Each week, you’ll discover practical tips, proven strategies, and creative ideas to make your literacy instruction colorful and impactful. From phonics and morphology to vocabulary building and comprehension techniques, we’ll explore the full spectrum of evidence-based practices that support all learners on their journey to becoming confident readers. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, “Literacy in Color” will empower you with the tools, inspiration, and know-how to make literacy instruction not just effective, but truly unforgettable. Are you ready to teach colorfully? Hit subscribe and join us each week for a splash of fun, insight, and colorful learning. Connect with me on Instagram @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom for more tips, resources, and community!

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