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

    3D AGO

    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 Stollarspan...

    56 min
  2. 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: span class="ql-ui"...

    50 min

  3. 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 a...

    58 min

  4. 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.span class="ql-ui"...

    1h 25m

  5. 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...

    29 min

  6. 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...

    49 min

  7. 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...

    50 min

  8. 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...

    14 min
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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!

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