Reading Teachers Lounge

Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi
  • 4.8 (122)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

This is the Reading Teachers Lounge where listeners can eavesdrop on professional conversations between elementary reading teachers. We are passionate about literacy and strive to find strategies to reach all learners. Shannon and Mary are neighbors who realized that they were “literacy soul sisters” at a dinner in their Atlanta neighborhood. Once they started chatting about reading they haven’t really stopped. Come join the conversation.

  1. 8.7 Supporting Learning at Home

    6D AGO

    8.7 Supporting Learning at Home

    In this episode, we explore effective practices for supporting students with homework. Join us as we discuss strategies to foster a productive & stress-free homework environment. We cover the importance of EF, the advantages and challenges of traditional homework, & how to address post-COVID implications. Also, we share insights on balancing homework with students' SEL, creative engagement techniques, & practical communication tips for accommodations. 01:14 Supporting Learners at Home 02:20 The Role of Executive Functioning in Homework 05:27 Creative Homework Approaches 09:01 Simplifying Homework for Better Engagement 10:32 Flexible and Individualized Homework Strategies 19:24 Creating a Productive Homework Environment 25:28 Understanding Executive Functioning in Children 26:07 Dealing with Meltdowns and Connection Issues 27:37 Empathy and Minimal Help Strategies 28:07 Middle School Homework Challenges 29:28 Reaching Out to Teachers for Support 29:58 Effective Homework Breaks and Routines 36:55 Positive Feedback and Encouragement 43:52 The Role of Parents in Homework Success 44:22 Reading Logs and Encouraging Curiosity 46:59 Research on Homework Benefits 48:18 Conclusion and Resources RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: Reading Rockets: What the Research Says About the Value of HomeworkUnderstood.org Homework Challenges & Strategies11 Tips for Helping Your Child Manage HomeworkWhy Nov. is Hard For Students and 7 Ways Parents Can HelpInfographic: How Does Homework Actually Affect Students?Stanford Research Shows Pitfalls of HomeworkCopy of Mary's  EmailScripts to Use When Requesting Support Effective Practices for Homework5 Homework Strategies for Working with Students with Learning Disabilities Tips for Parents Timer * affiliateSupport the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

    51 min
  2. 8.6 Deliberate Orthography

    JAN 9

    8.6 Deliberate Orthography

    Shannon and Mary revisit the topic of Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) and discuss the importance of understanding the deliberate reasons for English spellings with guests Jennifer Petrich and Bradley Johnson. The conversation follows the hosts' and guests' experiences with SWI, detailing how it helps students understand and apply the structure of English spelling with its focus on word structures, etymology, and morphology.  Emphasizing a shift from a phonics-only approach to one that also prioritizes morphology & etymology, the episode highlights the importance of starting with word meaning and developing scientific inquiry skills in literacy teaching.  The journey into SWI is one of discovery, collaboration, & continuous learning. With the tools and strategies shared, educators can confidently embark on this path, helping their students gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry that is the English language.  Join the conversation and dive into the world of SWI. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or a lifelong learner, there’s always more to uncover in the fascinating study of words. 01:01 Welcome to the RTL 01:44 Introduction to SWI 03:11 Meet the Guests: Jennifer Petrich and Bradley Johnson 04:25 Jennifer's Journey with Dyslexia and SWI 07:10 Bradley's Path to SWI 12:14 Explaining SWI to Teachers 21:59 Importance of Meaning & Morphology 34:25 Importance of Lifelong Learning 35:01 Introducing SWI 35:34 Overcoming the Fear of Not Knowing 36:12 Utilizing Curricular Modules and Materials 37:26 Inquiry-Based Learning in the Classroom 38:26 Developing Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Skills 40:33 The Role of Big Ideas in Teaching 42:43 Practical Applications and Teacher Experiences 43:18 Scientific Inquiry in Word Study 44:09 Integrating Phonics & Morphology 54:17 The Importance of Community & Collaboration 59:02 Final Thoughts & Resources RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: The Literacy Doctor websiteOne Step Now EducationDyslexia Training InstitutePete Bowers's websiteOur Season 7 episode with Dr. Peter Bowers about SWIThe High Frequency Word Project book by Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton *Amazon affiliate linkThe Literacy Doctor weekly drop-ins (on Wed. )Investigating English Spelling by Bradley Johnson and Jennifer Petrich *Amazon affiliate linkStructured Word Inquiry in the Classroom (FB group)Marie Foley's courseSupport the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

    1h 7m
  3. 8.5 The Literacy Block

    12/07/2025

    8.5 The Literacy Block

    Mary and Shannon are joined by Lindsay Kemeny, a returning guest and 1st grade teacher. Lindsay discusses her latest book and shares insights into structuring an effective literacy block. During the chat, Lindsay stresses the importance of routines, transitions, and frequent student responses in her data-driven instruction.  Lindsay also opens up about her personal journey, detailing how her son's struggles with dyslexia transformed her teaching methods. The conversation covers practical tips for teaching phonics, spelling, high-frequency words, and integrating content into literacy.  Listen to the episode to learn valuable tips for optimizing your reading instruction. 01:17 Welcoming Back Lindsay Kemeny 01:49 Lindsay's Journey and New Books 03:36 Implementing Literacy Block Changes 07:04 Structuring the Literacy Block 08:53 The Importance of Data and Intervention 21:09 Green Chef Sponsorship 22:07 Phonics and Spelling Integration 28:20 Reflecting on Classroom Data 28:39 Optimizing Lessons and Routines 35:06 The Importance of Student Responses 37:08 Focusing on Progress, Not Perfection 39:55 A Personal Journey with Dyslexia 52:36 Final Thoughts and Resources RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: Our Season 6 episode with Lindsay: Best Reading Instruction MovesOur Season 7 episode:  The Reading TeamLindsay's websiteLindsay's podcast: Literacy TalksRock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay Kemeny *Amazon affiliate link7 Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny *Amazon affiliate link7 Mighty Moves Reading Resources (companion book) by Lindsay Kemeny *Amazon affiliate linkReading Rockets: An Example of the 90 Minute Reading BlockAscend (Smarter Intervention):   How Do I Fit It All In?   Reading Rockets:  What Does Your Literacy Block Look Like?  It Depends.Timothy Shanahan:   How Would You Schedule the Reading Instruction?Mississippi Dept of Ed:    Suggested Instructional Routines for Teaching Reading First Through Fifth GradeSupport the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

    55 min
  4. 8.4 SEL Concerns

    11/16/2025

    8.4 SEL Concerns

    Educator and author Erin Waters joins Shannon and Mary to discuss supporting the whole child through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Erin shares her teaching journey and highlights the crucial connection between SEL & literacy development—because our students aren’t just learning to read; they’re learning who they are. They explore what SEL looks like in real classrooms: morning meetings that build community, read-alouds that spark emotional awareness, and simple coping strategies that help students manage anxiety and stress. The discussion also acknowledges the lasting impact of the digital age and the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ social-emotional well-being, as more children than ever are navigating big feelings.Erin introduces her book Wally Is Worried as a relatable resource for helping children understand and express their emotions. Listeners will walk away with practical tools, recommended texts, and encouragement to make SEL an intentional part of everyday literacy instruction. 01:40 Special Guest: Erin Waters on SEL 03:06 Defining SEL and Its Importance 06:03 Real-World SEL Classroom Experiences 11:41 Impact of Digital Age on SEL 16:18 Post-COVID SEL Challenges 21:43 Coping Mechanisms and Solutions 39:16 Final Thoughts and Resources RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: Wally is Worried by Erin Waters  *Amazon affiliate linkOur engagement episodeOur technology episodeBook list with SEL topics, curated by Love Grows LearningBig Little Feelings blogNEA (National Education Association):  SEL ResourcesReading Rockets:  Classroom Strategies that Support SELReading with Relevance:   a CASEL-certified SEL supplemental programCASEL.orgCentervention:   95 Social Emotional Learning ActivitiesIntegrating SEL Into Your Reading Block Children's Institute:   SEL Resources and ToolsErin Waters' websiteConnect with Erin via IGSupport the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

    43 min
  5. 8.3 Affirming Practices with Dr. Jasmine Rogers

    10/31/2025

    8.3 Affirming Practices with Dr. Jasmine Rogers

    In this episode, you're getting a preview of the types of conversations happening with educators in our bonus subscription episodes.    This month, Shannon and Mary chat with Dr. Jasmine Rogers, a reading specialist and college educator, about her dual roles in literacy.   Dr. Rogers discusses her research on African American English (AAE) and structured literacy, emphasizing the importance of affirming behaviors in promoting student motivation and effective communication. Drawing on personal experiences and professional expertise, she emphasizes the importance of affirming diverse dialects, including Black English, and fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. The episode also covers translanguaging and strategies for teachers to support multilingual students, highlighting the significance of creating a positive, inclusive, and affirming classroom environment.  Tune in to learn more about effective teaching practices, the science of reading, and how teachers can better support students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. 0:00 Welcome to the Reading Teacher Lounge 01:09 Introducing Dr. Jasmine Rogers 02:37 Understanding Black Language in Education 04:34 Research on Affirming Student Language 07:32 The Importance of Cultural Awareness in Teaching 13:55 Personal Experiences and Reflections 15:48 Journey into Structured Literacy 17:37 Merging Identity with Teaching Practices 22:14 Reflecting on Teaching Practices 23:03 The Power of Translanguaging 24:57 Effective Communication Techniques 26:55 Building Positive Classroom Environments 30:04 Supporting Teachers and Students 31:29 The Importance of Authenticity in Teaching 32:59 Insights from Research 36:12 Morphology and Language Learning 39:50 Final Thoughts and Farewells RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Dr. Jasmine's websiteConnect with Dr. Jasmine Rogers through her websiteConnect with Dr. Jasmine Rogers through LinkedIn44 Phonemes Video from RRFTS (Rollins Center for Language and Literacy)DC Public Schools Reading ClinicFrayer ModelStrive for Five Conversations by Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell *Amazon affiliate linkEducation Week:  What is Translanguaging and How Is it Used in the Classroom?Buy us a coffeeSupport the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

    45 min
  6. 8.2 Treasured Stories

    10/17/2025

    8.2 Treasured Stories

    In this special episode of the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon and Mary have an engaging and insightful conversation with acclaimed children's author Kate DiCamillo about treasured stories. They explore Kate's journey as a writer, discussing the profound impact of her debut novel 'Because of Winn-Dixie,' the themes of her books, and the role of animals in her stories. Kate shares her thoughts on writing with empathy, the importance of ending stories with hope, and the joy of reading aloud. Highlights include listener questions about vocabulary development and character inspirations, and Kate's reflections on the magical connection formed between readers and stories. RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:  Ferris by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate linkKate DiCamillo's websiteContact Kate via Candlewick Press Kate DiCamillo c/o Candlewick Press 99 Dover Street Somerville, MA 02144Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate linkThe Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate linkThe Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate linkThe Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate linkLouisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate linkFacebook page for Kate DiCamilloStory resources for teachersMercy Watson Books by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate linkFlora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate linkRaymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo *Amazon affiliate linkour 6.16 Delightful Word Learning episodeBookworms reading curriculumBuy us a coffeeBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usSupport the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

    57 min
  7. 8.1 New Season, New Stories

    10/03/2025

    8.1 New Season, New Stories

    Shannon and Mary kick off the new season with reflections on how far the podcast has come, from family anecdotes to stories of former students thriving—like Rigby, a once-struggling reader now headed to college. They share practical tips for using Canva to teach morphology, highlight successes from their summer tutoring, and discuss balancing work, rest, and family life. Additionally, they unveil exciting plans to feature more teacher voices in the show through their bonus episodes, available to all subscribers. RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE: Mary's husband's band Cherokee Ave ProjectGoogle form for teacher guestsMarie Foley Visuals Morphology classGeodes decodablesHandwriting Without TearsBookwormsAmplify CKLABlossom & Root Buy us a coffeeBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usSupport the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

    46 min
  8. 7.18 Season 7 Finale

    07/11/2025

    7.18 Season 7 Finale

    Shannon and Mary look back over Season 7 and reflect on what really matters for our reading students.   "The right things for our learners" emerged as the unofficial theme of our seventh season. This phrase encapsulates what each of us strives for – cutting through the noise to identify the most impactful practices for the unique students in front of us. The conversations with our guests this season revealed a common thread: the need to simplify and focus on what's most important. In this episode, Shannon and Mary share some of their key takeaways from the discussions with the podcast guests over the course of the season.  They also provide details about the professional learning they've done over the past year,  changes they've made in their own teaching practices, and new resources they're using with their students.   We want to hear from YOU in Season 8! If you're interested in joining us as a guest to discuss real classroom experiences, email us at team@readingteacherslounge.com or reach out through our social media handle @ReadingTeachersLounge LINKS FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Magic School AIChat GPT (Mary uses for decodables)Dyslexia GA DOE resourcesSeason 7 overall linkSWI resoucesUncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide *Amazon affiliate linkAll About SpellingSpelling for Life by Lyn Stone *Amazon affiliate link Bonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usSupport the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link

    32 min
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4.8
out of 5
122 Ratings

About

This is the Reading Teachers Lounge where listeners can eavesdrop on professional conversations between elementary reading teachers. We are passionate about literacy and strive to find strategies to reach all learners. Shannon and Mary are neighbors who realized that they were “literacy soul sisters” at a dinner in their Atlanta neighborhood. Once they started chatting about reading they haven’t really stopped. Come join the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reading Teachers Lounge
  • Show Website
    Reading Teachers Lounge

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