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

Michelle Sullivan • Literacy Coach & Science of Reading Advocate
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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. 83. How to Make Read-Alouds More Powerful: Joyful Learning in Action with Yvette Manns, Phonics Read-Alouds

    13H AGO

    83. How to Make Read-Alouds More Powerful: Joyful Learning in Action with Yvette Manns, Phonics Read-Alouds

    In this conversation, Michelle is joined by literacy advocate and author Yvette Manns to explore the power of read-alouds: both for instruction and for joy. Key Takeaways: The difference between reading for pleasure and instructional read-aloudsHow read-alouds build oral language, vocabulary, and connectionPractical instructional moves to make read-alouds more impactfulThe TAPES Method (Tell, Act, Point, Explain, Show) for vocabulary instructionThe origin story of the Phonics Read Alouds seriesInformation on how to celebrate National Schwa Day on April 7th!The launch of a brand-new Morphology Read-Aloud series This episode is both inspiring and deeply practical, full of classroom-ready ideas. Phonics Read-Alouds Created by Yvette Manns, the Phonics Read Alouds series blends explicit phonics instruction with rich storytelling. Characters like Bossy R, Magic E, and the Schwa bring abstract phonics concepts to life. Website: www.phonicsreadalouds.comInstagram: @phonicsreadalouds National Schwa Day Founded by Yvette Manns, National Schwa Day is celebrated annually on April 7th. Why April 7th? Listen to the episode to hear the reasoning behind it! What you’ll find in the free Educator Guide: Classroom activitiesSchwa parade word cardsDigital blending board activities (sponsored by Blend)Celebration ideas Download the FREE Educator guide: www.nationalschwaday.org Exciting News: Morphology Read-Aloud Series Michelle and Yvette announce the launch of a brand-new Morphology Read Aloud collection — beginning with: The Always-Finished Suffix -ED This story brings the three sounds of -ed to life through time travel, character development, and embedded word study. 🎉 Use code COLORFUL1 for 15% off (valid through 4/26/26)! Additional Books Mentioned: Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John SteptoeI Am Every Good Thing by Derrick BarnesCityrella by Yvette Manns 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 Yvette Manns: Website: https://www.yvettemanns.com/Instagram: @phonicsreadalouds & @the_lit_teacherFacebook: Phonics Read-AloudTikTok :@PhonicsReadAloudsEmail: info@phonicsreadalouds.com 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? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Express Readers Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

    1h 18m
  2. 82. Inside an Upper-Elementary Reading Intervention Toolkit with Sara Marye, Stellar Teacher Company

    FEB 24

    82. Inside an Upper-Elementary Reading Intervention Toolkit with Sara Marye, Stellar Teacher Company

    Sara Marye, founder of The Stellar Teacher Company, joins Michelle to unpack what effective upper-elementary reading intervention can actually look like in the general classroom setting. Together, they explore why students in grades 3–5 may continue to struggle with decoding, how phonics gaps impact both reading and writing, and what classroom teachers can realistically do to support older students who still need foundational skill support. Sara shares the thinking behind the Stellar Reading Intervention Toolkit, including its intentional structure, focus on multisyllabic words, and commitment to dignity-preserving, age-appropriate materials for older students. Key Takeaways Reading challenges do not end in second grade and they don’t resolve themselves without explicit instructionUpper-elementary students often struggle not because they can’t learn phonics, but because they were never explicitly taughtShort, systematic, and well-structured lessons are more likely to be used consistently by classroom teachersIntervention should feel connected to Tier 1 instruction, not isolated or “in a box”It is never too late to address reading gaps, but supports become harder to access as students get older Resources Stellar Reading Intervention ToolkitThe Stellar Literacy Collective Membership Connect with Sara Marye Email: sara@stellarteacher.comPodcast: The Stellar Teacher PodcastInstagram: @thestellarteachercompanyYouTube: @thestellarteachercompanyWebsite: stellarteacher.comLinkedIn: The Stellar Teacher Company Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode. Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students! https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc. 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? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Express Readers Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

    43 min
  3. 81. Articulatory Gestures and Early Literacy: What the Research Actually Says with Deirdre O'Toole, The Playful Classroom

    FEB 17

    81. Articulatory Gestures and Early Literacy: What the Research Actually Says with Deirdre O'Toole, The Playful Classroom

    Deirdre O’Toole’s doctoral research focuses on early literacy acquisition, specifically around articulatory gestures and attention to speech production. In recent years, we hear a lot about Sound Walls being “aligned to the Science of Reading”. In this episode, Dee shares what we know from research, what we don’t yet know, and how small instructional shifts (like simply saying “Look at my mouth”) can make a meaningful difference in early reading instruction. Key Takeaways: What phonemic awareness really means (and why “conscious awareness” is key)Articulatory gestures refer to how speech sounds are physically produced (lips, tongue, jaw, airflow, voicing)Research supports articulatory-based interventions (like Lindamood-Bell LIPS), but evidence does not show they are superior to other high-quality interventionsWhat the research says (and does not say) about sound wallsThe impact of visual speech cues (including research during COVID on masked instruction)Practical teacher language for supporting spelling and phoneme-grapheme connections Dee also shares insights from her work organizing the Right to Read Ireland conference and advocating for evidence-informed literacy instruction across Ireland. Resources Mentioned: Right to Read Ireland Conference / IG: @righttoreadirlThe Teacher’s Table / IG: @attheteacherstableFacebook: Science of Reading Discussion for Irish TeachersLindamood BellOpen Access: Seeing the Mouth: The Importance of Articulatory Gestures During Phonics Training - Novelli et. al., 2023A Meta-Analysis on the Optimal Cumulative Dosage of Early Phonemic Awareness Instruction - Erbeli et. al., 2024 Connect with Deirdre O’Toole: https://playfulclassroom.ie/Instagram: @playful_classroomFacebook: Playful ClassroomTPT: Playful Classroom Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode. Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students! https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc. 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? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Express Readers Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

    50 min
  4. 80. MTSS for Reading Improvement with Dr. Stephanie Stollar & Dr. Sarah Brown

    FEB 10

    80. MTSS for Reading Improvement with Dr. Stephanie Stollar & Dr. Sarah Brown

    MTSS can serve as a true system of support, not just a sorting mechanism, for improving reading outcomes and Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown share how. Drawing from their book MTSS for Reading Improvement (published under Solution Tree), the conversation bridges the Science of Reading with practical systems-level decision making that supports teachers and students alike. Rather than treating MTSS as a checklist of structures, Drs. Stollar & Brown emphasize fidelity to outcomes, prevention-first thinking, and instructional coherence across Tier 1, intervention, and leadership practices. Key Takeaways: Why MTSS often fails when it becomes a sorting system instead of a support systemHow schools unintentionally undermine reading improvement by focusing on individual students too earlyHow the Simple View of Reading and the five essential reading skills can guide both prevention and interventionWhat kinds of data actually support instructional decision-making, and which ones don’tThe role of leadership in creating a culture of vulnerability, collaboration, and shared responsibilityWhy asking better questions leads to better instructional solutions Resources: Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)FREE Resource: The Reading MTSS Reflection Guide Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn 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. Stephanie Stollar: Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademyFacebook: Stephanie Stollar ConsultingLinkedIn: Stephanie StollarJoin Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy MembershipThe MTSS Collective Connect with Dr. Sarah Brown: Website: https://systemimpactconsulting.com/Contact Dr. Sarah Brown on her WebsiteLinkedIn: Sarah Brown Ph.D.Join Dr. Brown’s MTSS Data AcademyDr. Brown also offers Virtual Coaching Sessions! Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode. Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students! https://expressreaders.org/Instagram: @expressreadersLinkedIn: Express ReadersFacebook: Express Readers Inc. 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? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Express Readers Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

    56 min
  5. 79. No Fluff, Good Stuff - Gearing Up for the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026 with Heidi Martin & Friends

    FEB 3

    79. No Fluff, Good Stuff - Gearing Up for the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026 with Heidi Martin & Friends

    In this special Science of Reading Mini-Con hype episode, Michelle Sullivan is joined by the presenters behind the Science of Reading Mini-Con to give listeners an inside look at what makes this conference unlike any other. From powerful sessions and hands-on learning to beachside sound baths, mocktails, and real talk about implementation, this episode is your invitation into a literacy experience that blends research, practice, joy, and community. Meet the Voices Behind Mini-Con: Heidi Martin – Founder of the Science of Reading Mini-Con @droppinknowledgewithheidi & @scienceofreadingminiconJessica Farmer: @farmerlovesphonicsYvette Manns: @phonicsreadalouds & @the_lit_teacherJake Daggett: @jake_daggettLindsay Kemeny: @lindsaykemenyMichelle Sullivan: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroomMeQuel Bolden (she was there in spirit!): @mequelboldenconsulting What You’ll Hear in This Episode What each presenter is most fired up about solving in literacy right nowSneak peeks into Mini-Con sessionsIntroducing Mychal Threets as the Keynote Speaker!!!What makes the experience special The Big Takeaway: Science of Reading Mini-Con is about bridging research to practice, that’s engaging and effective! Learn More & Register: Visit www.scienceofreadingminicon.com for tickets & all the details! A BIG thank you to Reading.com for being the Premier Sponsor of the Science of Reading Mini-Con 2026! 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? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Express Readers Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

    50 min

  6. JAN 27

    78. Implementing Structured Word Inquiry with Jennifer A. Constantine & Kara B. Lee

    Jennifer A. Constantine and Kara B. Lee are two educators with deep experience in assessment, Orton-Gillingham-based instruction, and dyslexia intervention — yet it wasn’t until they encountered SWI that many long-standing questions about English spelling, meaning, and structure finally clicked into place. In this episode, we unpack what Structured Word Inquiry actually is, how it differs from other approaches, and why it offers a powerful lens for teaching all learners – especially those with dyslexia. Key Takeaways: A clear, accessible definition of Structured Word InquiryHow SWI differs from other instructional approachesCommon misconceptions about SWIA walkthrough of Pete Bowers’ 4 Guiding Questions of SWI in the context of the base What to expect inside their practical book, “Structured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for Teachers” Helpful Resources: Book: Structured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for TeachersBulk Pricing Available: Email swiliteracy@gmail.com for more informationJennifer & Kara’s Workshops 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 Jennifer & Kara: Email: swiliteracy@gmail.comWebsite: www.swiliteracy.org 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? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Express Readers Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

    58 min

  7. JAN 20

    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.For the Love of Literacy Podcast Episode with Dr. Linnea Ehri, Peter Bowers, and Kenn ApelFor the Love of Literacy Podcast Episode with Marie FoleyBook: Beneath the Surface of Words by Sue HeglandBook: Backpocket Words by Gail VenableBook: The High Frequency Word Project by Fiona Hamilton & Rebecca Loveless 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. Pete Bowers: Join Dr. Bowers for his FREE Monday Drop-InsWebsite: www.wordworkskingston.comYouTube: @WordWorksKingstonWordWorks Kingston Facebook Page 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? Logos Literacy AcademyCourse 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every EducatorCourse 2 & Curriculum: K-2 MorphologyMonthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live Mentioned in this episode: Express Readers Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

    1h 25m

  8. 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 Mentioned in this episode: Express Readers Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/

    29 min
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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!

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