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

Michelle Sullivan • Literacy Coach & Science of Reading Advocate
  • 5.0 (48)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 15H AGO

    77. English Is Not Crazy: How Structured Word Inquiry Reveals the Logic of Spelling with Dr. Peter Bowers

    If you’ve ever said that “English is crazy,” this episode is for you. I’m joined by Dr. Peter Bowers, researcher, educator, and founder of Structured Word Inquiry (SWI). His work has shaped how educators understand the English writing system: not as chaotic or exception-ridden, but as a coherent, meaning-driven system. Dr. Bowers shares the personal moment when English spelling first made sense to him and explains why misconceptions about spelling persist in classrooms today. This episode unpacks what Structured Word Inquiry truly is (and what it is not), why morphology is considered a binding agent, and how spelling, phonology, and meaning are fundamentally interconnected. Key Takeaways: Why morphology acts as a binding agent in the English writing systemWhat the research actually shows about morphology instructionHow the matrix and word sums help reveal spelling logicWhy inquiry and explicit instruction are not oppositesHow recent conversations, including the importance of spelling-meaning correspondences and shifts in how orthographic mapping is understood, are making an impact in the field If you’ve ever felt like English spelling “just doesn’t make sense,” this episode will change the way you see the written word – and the way you teach them. Helpful Resources: Book: Teaching How the Written Word Works by Dr. Peter BowersReal Spelling ToolboxDocument on “Guiding Principles, Concepts and Practices of SWI” (Feb 2025)Video on Combinatorial structure of English orthography & link to matrix and word sumTEDx Talk introducing a big picture of English orthography and how SWI explains many spellings currently treated as irregularSpelling-Out-Orthography page with many videos and resources. This includes videos describing the process of spelling-out-orthography and videos of kids engaging in this key practice to support orthographic mapping.About WordWorks page with many links to free resources, including videos and links to most of his published research.span class="ql-ui"...

    1h 24m

  2. JAN 13

    76. K–2 Morphology Made Meaningful: Teaching Word Structure Through Bases with Sarah Paul and Michelle Sullivan of Logos Literacy Academy

    Michelle Sullivan is joined by her co-founder of Logos Literacy Academy, Sarah Paul, for a deep dive into K–2 morphology through a base-centered lens. Together, they unpack a question teachers hear all the time: “Morphology is important… but isn’t that for later?” Michelle and Sarah explain why morphology does not start with Greek and Latin – and why young learners are more than ready to explore word structure when instruction begins with oral language, meaning, and the base. You’ll hear why they intentionally designed a K–2 morphology curriculum that: includes instruction around bases in addition to more traditional affix instructionaligns directly with a phonics scope and sequencebuilds generative vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension over timehelps students see words as organized systems, not random strings of letters They also introduce their signature BASE Lesson Framework: Build Awareness (oral language first)Analyze the Base (connecting sound, spelling, and meaning)See Word Relatives (exploring families of related words)Express Understanding (using the right word in context) Throughout the conversation, they share concrete classroom examples—from simple CVC bases to bound bases like —and explain how studying one base deeply prepares students to approach unfamiliar words with confidence later on. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why morphology in K–2 is about language developmentHow base instruction can strengthen phonics rather than compete with itWhat it really means for words to be “related” (shared spelling and meaning)How morphology supports orthographic mapping, vocabulary growth, and grammarWhere base lessons fit naturally into a K–2 literacy block Free Resource: Download a FREE base lesson to see the BASE framework in action. This bonus lesson is not part of the curriculum; it’s an additional bonus lesson to give you a true feel for the approach. Resources Mentioned: K-2 Course & Curriculum from Logos Literacy AcademySave with a Bundle: Get Mastering Morphology AND our K-2 Course & Curriculum bundled together!Logos Literacy Academy

    28 min

  3. JAN 6

    75. Bringing Word Inquiry to Life with Picture Books with Fiona Hamilton, Lauren Hateley-Crowe and Angela Brienza of Engage with the Page & Search Engage

    Returning guest Fiona Hamilton, an international literacy consultant and founder of Word Torque, unites with her partners Lauren Hateley-Crowe and Angela Brienza – the team behind Engage with the Page and Search Engage. Together, they help teachers bring meaningful, joyful word inquiry into their daily read-alouds. Together, they unpack how their collaboration began, why picture books are such powerful anchors for word study, and how educators can move beyond isolated, word study routines toward integrated literacy instruction that builds spelling, vocabulary, decoding, and deep curiosity. Key Takeaways: What “word inquiry” really meansHow picture books are rich spaces to teach orthography and cultivate vocabulary growthThe story behind Engage with the Page & Search EngageWhat’s inside Engage with the Page & Search Engage Resources Mentioned: Engage with the PageSearch Engage Connect with the Engage with the Page Team: Website: https://wordtorque.comEngage with the Page on Facebook Instagram: @engagewthepageFiona Hamilton on LinkedIn & InstagramLauren Hateley-Crowe on LinkedInEmail: fiona@wordtorque.com Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my a href="https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/join-my-email-list" rel="noopener...

    48 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    74. Inside Project Read AI: What Educators Need to Know About AI and Structured Literacy with Viv Ramakrishnan

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere – but what does it actually mean for structured literacy and foundational skills instruction? In this episode, I sit down with Viv Ramakrishnan, co-founder of Project Read AI, to unpack what educators truly need to understand about AI, large language models, and how thoughtfully designed technology can support (not replace) teachers. We explore why tools like ChatGPT struggle with phonics and decoding, how Project Read AI was built differently, and what it looks like when AI is used as a co-teacher grounded in the Science of Reading. Key Takeaways: What AI, generative AI, and large language models (LLMs) actually are – and why these distinctions matter for literacy instructionWhy ChatGPT is fundamentally limited when it comes to grapheme-phoneme correspondences and decodable textAll about Project Read AI’s features: Decodable Text Generator, UFLI Portal, and AI TutorWhy screen time fears deserve nuance and how to think about “empty calories” vs. “nutrient-dense” instructional technologyWhether AI could ever replace teachers What early research is showing about student growth when AI is used intentionally and responsibly Resources: Project Read AIDocumentary: Can AI Help Our Kids Read? The Project Read StoryProject Read AI - Helpful LinksYouTube: ProjectReadAIYT Connect with Viv Ramakrishnan: LinkedInTwitter/X: @vivramakInstagram: @projectreadai Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our a...

    49 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    73. Why These Holiday Words Are Spelled the Way They Are: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa

    Holiday Word Study: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa In this cozy, end-of-year episode, we’re slowing things down for a short and joyful holiday word study investigation. Instead of a full instructional deep dive, this episode invites you to get curious about three words we hear everywhere this time of year: ChristmasHanukkahKwanzaa Together, we explore where these words come from, what their spellings reveal, and how English carries the fingerprints of other languages inside it. Along the way, you’ll hear about: Why says /k/ in Christmas (and why that’s not an exception)Why Hanukkah has multiple accepted spellingsHow Kwanzaa was intentionally named and spelled with meaning in mindWhat holiday words teach us about word origin, orthography, and meaning This episode is a reminder that English spelling isn’t random and that it always makes more sense when we look beyond the surface. For more word study nuggets, check out Logos Live: mine & Sarah Paul's monthly coaching calls through Logos Literacy Academy where we go on even more deep dives! (If you enroll in any one of our courses, you get 2 years of free access to Logos Live as a bonus!) 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? span...

    12 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    72. Raising Up Readers: Scaffolding Strategies to Help Students Access Challenging Text with Jennifer Throndsen

    In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Jennifer Throndsen, author of Raising Up Readers: 25 Scaffolding Strategies to Help Students Access Challenging Texts, breaks down what it really takes to accelerate reading achievement for all learners, including multilingual students and those reading multiple years below grade level. Drawing from decades of experience across classroom, district, and state systems, Jennifer explains why grade-level access is an equity issue and how scaffolding, not leveling, is the key to closing gaps. Jennifer dives into the research supporting “stretch texts,” the misconception that struggling readers must stay in easier books, and why teachers (not text levels) must mediate difficulty. Jennifer offers practical scaffolding strategies, real classroom examples, and insights from studies showing that challenging texts paired with the right supports can yield two to three years of reading growth in a single year. Whether you're a classroom teacher, interventionist, literacy coach, or administrator, this episode will shift your thinking about text access and equip you with actionable tools you can use tomorrow. Resources Mentioned: Raising Up Readers: 25 Scaffolding Strategies to Help Students Access Challenging Texts by Dr. Jennifer Throndsen from Solution Tree (also on Amazon)Raising Up Readers Free Book Study Guide 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. Jennifer Throndsen Website: https://www.impactfullearningdesigns.com/LinkedIn: Jennifer ThrondsenInstagram: @JT_travel32 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 a...

    1h 3m

  7. 12/09/2025

    71. Uncomplicate Ed: How the Science of Learning Transforms Classrooms with Ashley Doty

    In today’s episode of Literacy in Color, we’re chatting with Ashley Doty, founder of Uncomplicate Ed, an organization dedicated to making teaching and learning clearer, simpler, and more effective. Drawing on two decades of experience across the education landscape (and even a past life as a theater educator!), Ashley brings both heart and science to this conversation. They dig into what the science of learning actually looks like inside real classrooms, how small shifts can spark huge gains, and why teachers don’t need more complexity; they need clarity, purpose, and research-based practices that truly work for students. You'll hear Ashley break down concepts like retrieval practice, interleaving, chunking, background knowledge, student engagement, motivation, and how to support learners in a way that honors both the art and the science of teaching. She shares incredible real-world results from classrooms and schools who leveraged these principles — including 15+ point mid-year gains and 22-point year-over-year proficiency jumps. If you're an educator who wants practical ways to strengthen learning without adding more to your plate, this is a must-listen. Key Takeaways: Why simplifying instruction (without oversimplifying learning) is essential.How retrieval practice and spaced practice transform long-term memory.Interleaving — what it is, what teachers get wrong, and how to implement it realistically.How poetry, speeches, and small “tweaks” can dramatically improve engagement and retention.The relationship between learning science and motivation, student agency, and teacher-student relationships. Resources Mentioned: Book: Powerful Teaching by Dr. Pooja Agarwal & Patrice BainRetrievalpractice.org – free resources (Pooja Agarwal)Book: 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager 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 Ashley Doty: Website: https://uncomplicateed.comFacebook Group: Uncomplicate Ed & Uncomplicating Education Across the NationYouTube: @UncomplicateEdInstagram: @UncomplicateEd Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my a...

    47 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    70. How Effective Literacy Instruction Breaks the School-to-Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

    In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Michelle welcomes Hilderbrand Pelzer III — award-winning principal, author of Unlocking Potential, national speaker, and a transformational leader whose work inside one of the largest jail systems in America has reshaped conversations about literacy, justice, and hope. Michelle heard Hilderbrand as a keynote speaker at The Reading League Conference and was profoundly inspired by his message — especially his reminder that the school-to-prison pipeline runs right through reading classrooms. Today, he shares stories from decades of work in juvenile corrections, traditional public schools, and the Philadelphia prison system. They explore why literacy is unequivocally a social justice issue, how the school-to-prison pipeline unfolds long before high school, and what educators and leaders can do to interrupt it — starting in the earliest grades. Through personal narratives, hard truths, and a hopeful vision for the future, Hilderbrand offers a call to action: Don’t give up and never underestimate the impact of teaching a child to read. Key Takeaways: Literacy is a Social Justice IssueThe School-to-Prison Pipeline Runs Through Reading ClassroomsMany “behavior issues” are actually literacy issues in disguise, leading to frustration, disengagement, and eventually dropping out.Leadership Requires VulnerabilityTeachers need the right tools and training – not blame Resources Mentioned: Book: Unlocking Potential: Organizing a School Inside a Prison by Hilderbrand Pelzer IIITalk: Hilderbrand’s TED Talk (referenced in conversation) 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 Hildebrand Pelzer III: Website: www.hilderbrandpelzer3.comBluesky: @HildebrandPelzer3X (Twitter): @HP3PotentialInstagram: @hilderbrandpelzer3Facebook: HilderbrandPelzer3LinkedIn: Hildebrand Pelzer IIIYouTube Connect with Michelle: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my a...

    49 min
See All (78)

Trailer

5
out of 5
48 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!

Information

You Might Also Like