Alabama Literacy Network's Podcast Alabama Literacy Network

Developing a love of reading in students is a goal many educators and parents have, but it can be difficult to find the right books to capture children's attention and devotion. Books in a series can be the solution as children fall in love with characters and authors. Learn what book series are grabbing the attention of readers in this interview with Barnes and Noble book gurus Josh Barronton and Caitlin Johnson-Pagano.

As a researcher focused on investigating how to teach students with reading difficulties, Dr. Sharon Vaughn has investigated how we can better help students and families through her work at The Meadows Center. In this podcast, she will discuss reading anxiety, something that many students and parents will instantly recognize. She also discusses how to improve reading for students at the school and classroom level, including a three-pronged approach to improving reading comprehension. 

Want to improve reading? Engage students in writing. Want to empower teachers to implement what they have learned? Engage them in cycles of learning and doing. Dr. Lana Santoro shares strategies for building reading comprehension and writing skills, as well as how new models of professional learning are changing the way teachers implement new skills.

If you work with students who struggle with language or are learning a second language, you know how important oral language is to reading and writing. Unfortunately, we often don't know how to help these students. Dr. Charles Haynes, professor, researcher, and co-author of the book From Talking to Writing, shares his experiences and expertise in helping teachers of students with language-based learning difficulties excel.

Join the conversation with Dale Chu as he discusses the status of the Science of Reading in the United States, the history of the reading wars, what works in the current legislation, and how to improve implementation. 

Growing up dyslexic, Harper Howard didn’t understand why she struggled in school. Then, the anxiety began. Fast forward a few years, and she has turned these challenges into her platform, Peace of Mind. Her goal is to help all young people learn about mental health issues and remove the stigma of seeking help. Her story will inspire those who are dyslexic, suffer from anxiety, or both. Follow Harper on Instagram at Peace_of_Mind_2021!