S9 E5: What makes a literate brain, with Lori Josephson

On this episode of the podcast, Lori Josephson joins Susan to talk about her new book Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happen. Lori discusses her journey into literacy and how she saw the need for an accessible, digestible book about the brain science behind learning to read — one that would be enjoyable for adults and students alike. Lori explains what a neuron is and shows how understanding neural networks is essential to understanding learning to read. She also delves into the importance of getting everyone in a student’s life involved in their literacy development. Lori and Susan also answer some listener-submitted questions, prompting discussions on how to help older elementary students who lack foundational skills and advice for educators who work with students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Show notes:

• Submit your literacy questions for a chance to win!
• Book: Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happen
• Connect with Lori:
  • Website: lorijosephson.com
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-josephson/
  • X: @lorijosephson2
  • Facebook: Lori Josephson
  • Instagram: @calling_all_neurons
• Read: Towards a dynamic, comprehensive conceptualization of dyslexia
• Dr. Nancy Young's Ladder of Reading
• Watch: Lori Josephson on the Facebook group Science of Reading—What I Should Have Learned in College 

Quotes:
“I firmly believe that no matter how old you are, you still need to learn the same information.” —Lori Josephson

“In my mind, I use this equation. Knowledge equals motivation, equals active learning, equals resilience, equals success.” —Lori Josephson

“Creating a literate brain is a team sport. Everyone needs to be involved. The parents, caregivers, teachers—they need to be engaged in an interactive way.” —Lori Josephson

“Literacy is a civil right. It's also a gift. It's an opportunity to share thoughts, feelings with others that can be revisited and saved.” —Lori Josephson

Timestamps
02:00 Introduction: Lori Josephson and her Journey into Literacy
05:00 The Motivation Behind 'Calling All Neurons'
08:00 Understanding Neurons and Neural Networks
15:00 The Reciprocal Process of Reading and Spelling
20:00 The Influence of the Cerebellum in Reading
21:00 Unique Aspects of the Book
25:00 Addressing Foundational Skills in Older Students
30:00 Supporting Students with Cognitive Disabilities
31:00 The Importance of Literacy and Empathy
33:00 Final Thoughts
*Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute