Creating Readers with Savannah Campbell

Savannah Campbell

Join Savannah Campbell, a certified reading specialist and passionate advocate for the Science of Reading, as she shares her journey from traditional teaching methods to transformative, evidence-based practices. Savannah brings you the latest research, practical strategies, and actionable insights to help educators refine their craft and empower their students to become confident, lifelong readers. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to the field, ”Creating Readers” is your go-to resource for making meaningful progress in literacy education—without the overwhelm. Grab a seat, and let’s create readers together!

  1. MAY 21

    #17 Flexible Grouping Within Core Instruction

    Have you ever wondered what Tier 1 differentiation looks like?  If so, this episode is for you. In this episode, Savannah Campbell discusses the concept of flexible grouping in reading with guests Samantha Smusz and Sarah Robinson. They explore the differences between flexible grouping and traditional intervention methods, the reasons behind their shift to flexible grouping, and the logistics of implementing this strategy in the classroom. The conversation highlights the successes and challenges faced by educators in adopting this new approach, as well as practical advice for those looking to implement flexible grouping in their own teaching practices. Key Takeaways Flexible grouping allows for targeted instruction within core curriculum. Intervention focuses on catching up, while flexible grouping reinforces grade-level skills. Data-driven decisions are crucial for effective flexible grouping.  It's important to expose all students to grade-level material, regardless of their current skill level. Teachers should start small and gradually implement changes to avoid overwhelm. Collaboration and communication among staff are key to successful implementation. About Samantha: Samantha Smusz is a reading specialist in Roanoke City Public Schools with 14 years of experience—11 as a classroom teacher and 3 in her current role. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of working with diverse student populations, customizing instruction to meet the unique needs of each learner. She is just as passionate about helping students build strong reading skills as she is about supporting her colleagues in best practices for literacy instruction. She lives in Botetourt County with her husband and two children.  She enjoys spending time with her family and learning to crochet. Samantha's E-Mail: ssmusz@rcps.info About Sarah: Sarah Robinson has been an elementary school teacher for 10 years. She started her teaching career with Teach for America in Atlanta, Georgia. She taught in Fulton County Public Schools before moving to Virginia and teaching in Fairfax County. Her husband's work moved them to Austin, Texas, where Sarah taught at IDEA Public Schools. After many moves, Sarah and her husband settled in Roanoke, Virginia where she teaches for Roanoke City Public Schools. She has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 5th Grade. She is passionate about early literacy and the power it has to change the trajectory of a student's life!    First Follower Video

    30 min
  2. MAY 1

    #16 Beyond Round Robin Reading: Strategies to Boost Reading Engagement

    In this episode of Creating Readers, Savannah Campbell discusses effective alternatives to traditional round robin reading methods. She emphasizes the importance of student engagement in reading and presents various strategies such as echo reading, choral reading, cloze reading, and cloze drop reading. Savannah also highlights the significance of who is doing the reading and the need for accountability in student reading practices. The episode concludes with a call to action for educators to implement evidence-based practices to enhance literacy education. Key Takeaways Engaged students are the ones doing the most work. Round robin reading can lead to emotional trauma for students. Echo reading provides high support for students. Choral reading helps students engage with the text. Close reading focuses on comprehension at the sentence level. Closed drop reading encourages active participation. Students who read more tend to become better readers. Accountability is key in ensuring students are reading. Annotation codes can enhance student engagement during reading. Implementing evidence-based practices can change lives. Resources Mentioned: 2X4 Stickers for Reading Comprehension Questions Notice and Note (Please note, as an Amazon Affiliate I may make a small commission on any items purchased with my link, at no additional cost to you.) Join my e-mail list to get the Science of Reading delivered to your inbox each week!

    19 min
  3. FEB 18

    #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

    53 min
4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Join Savannah Campbell, a certified reading specialist and passionate advocate for the Science of Reading, as she shares her journey from traditional teaching methods to transformative, evidence-based practices. Savannah brings you the latest research, practical strategies, and actionable insights to help educators refine their craft and empower their students to become confident, lifelong readers. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to the field, ”Creating Readers” is your go-to resource for making meaningful progress in literacy education—without the overwhelm. Grab a seat, and let’s create readers together!

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