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. 2D AGO · BONUS

    59. Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis with Casey Harrison, The Dyslexia Classroom (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

    What does it really mean to teach beyond the diagnosis? In this inspiring Dyslexia Awareness Month conversation, I sit down with Casey Harrison—Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, Certified Academic Language Therapist, and founder of The Dyslexia Classroom®—to unpack how we can meet the academic needs of students with dyslexia and nurture their confidence, self-understanding, and advocacy skills. Casey has been immersed in structured literacy for nearly three decades and recently published her new book, Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis: Empowering Students with Dyslexia. In this episode, she shares why dyslexia is never the whole story, how to honor the unique learning profile of each student, and why self-esteem and metacognitive awareness are just as essential as phonics instruction. Key Takeaways: Why dyslexia looks different in every child (and why contradictory signs are common).The power of the “dyslexia iceberg” and the hidden emotional toll beneath academics.How structured literacy can (and must) adapt to the student in front of us.Strategies for building student confidence and authentic self-advocacy.Why celebrating progress—every baby step—is crucial to student success. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance evidence-based literacy instruction with the human side of teaching, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to look at your students holistically. Resources Mentioned: Casey’s Book: Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis (or on Amazon) 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 Casey Harrison: Website: www.thedyslexiaclassroom.comInstagram: @thedyslexiaclassroom YouTube: The Dyslexia ClassroomCasey’s Teachers Pay Teachers StoreCasey’s Membership Site: Empowered Beyond the ProgramCasey’s Course: The Color-Coding Method to Teaching Sight WordsTogether in Literacy Podcast Connect with Me: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: a...

    44 min

  2. 5D AGO

    58. Teaching Phonemic Awareness: A Guide for Educators with Dr. Jane Ashby

    Phonemic awareness (PA) interestingly is one of the most debated areas of literacy instruction. Should it be taught with letters, without letters, or both? Which tasks matter most? And how much is enough? In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with Dr. Jane Ashby, professor, researcher, and first author of Teaching Phonemic Awareness in 2024: A Guide for Educators. This conversation brings clarity to the ongoing dialogue around PA instruction and the growing body of research that surrounds it. Key Takeaways: What phonemic awareness is (and how it differs from phonics)Signs that a student may need explicit PA instruction past first gradeWhy deletion and substitution tasks matter for striving readersTeaching PA with letters vs. without letters – and why asking “for whom” mattersHow to interpret recent meta-analyses A clear message (and one non-negotiable) that every teacher can take back to their classroom Helpful Resources: Teaching Phonemic Awareness in 2024: A Guide for Educators10 Maxims: What We've Learned So Far About How Children Learn to Read Connect with Dr. Jane Ashby: Email: drjaneashby@gmail.com Connect with Me: 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 Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

    51 min

  3. OCT 3 · BONUS

    57. What Does Dyslexia Really Look Like – and What Can We Do About It? with Heather O'Donnell, New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

    We’re kicking off Dyslexia Awareness Month with a conversation that every educator and parent needs to hear: what does dyslexia really look like – and what can we do about it?  In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Heather O’Donnell, founder of New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring, Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, and Associate-level Orton-Gillingham Academy member. Heather has built a thriving practice that serves students across 10+ states with structured literacy instruction, while also equipping parents with advocacy tools and teachers with multisensory resources. Key Takeaways: What dyslexia really is (and what it isn’t).Clear, parent- and teacher-friendly signs of dyslexia at different ages.The toll dyslexia takes on confidence and why early intervention matters.Common red flags teachers and parents can spot at home and in school.How structured literacy provides the explicit, systematic instruction dyslexic students need.Encouragement for parents to trust their instincts and advocate for their child. Heather also shares practical stories from her tutoring practice that show what’s possible when students finally receive the right kind of support and how quickly lives can change. Connect with Heather O’Donnell: Dyslexia FreebieWebsite: newpaltzmultisensory.comInstagram: @NewPaltzMultisensoryFacebook: @NewPaltzMultisensoryX:  @New_PaltzPinterestTPT Store: New Paltz Multisensory TutoringEmail: heather.odonnell@newpaltzmultisensory.com 🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here. Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here! Connect with Me: 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...

    45 min

  4. SEP 30

    56. Coaching Outside the Box: Creative Ways to Support Teacher Growth with Christina DeCarbo (Literacy Coaching Conversations)

    In this Coaching Conversation, I sit down with Christina DeCarbo, a Pre-K–5 literacy coach, teacher, national presenter, and curriculum author from Northeast Ohio. Christina is also known as Miss DeCarbo, and her work is fueled by a passion for making professional learning engaging, joyful, and practical. Christina shares her journey from first-grade teacher to literacy coach, including her school’s shift from balanced literacy to the Science of Reading. She offers creative and out-of-the-box ways to support teachers: building trust, celebrating growth, and embedding PD into the day in ways that are non-threatening and highly effective. Key Takeaways: How Christina helped lead her district’s transition from balanced literacy to structured literacy.Her biggest takeaways from spending a week learning with Dr. Anita Archer.Why opportunities to respond and corrective feedback are game-changers.Coaching strategies that meet teachers where they are, whether it’s through cycles, small groups, or “grab-and-go PD.”Fun ways to celebrate teacher and student growth (spoiler: there’s a disco ball involved!).How to balance choice for teachers while keeping coaching connected to schoolwide goals. Christina’s insights will inspire you to rethink coaching as something that’s not just supportive, but fun, creative, and deeply impactful. Connect with Christina DeCarbo: Instagram:  @missdecarboWebsite: missdecarbo.comFacebook Group: Teaching with Miss DeCarboGrab Christina’s FREE Download on Unique Coaching Opportunities here! 🎧 For more episodes in the Coaching Conversations series, check out the full Literacy Coaching playlist here. Connect with Me: 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 Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

    48 min

  5. SEP 23

    55. What Real Implementation Looks Like with Justin Browning, SOR for More

    We all know the saying “when you know better, you do better.” But what happens when we know better…and still don’t see the needle move in reading outcomes? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Justin Browning, national literacy consultant and founder of SoR for More, to talk about the missing piece: implementation. Justin draws from years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and systems-level consultant to show us how to move from information to transformation. Key Takeaways: Why professional development often feels like “knowledge bombing”The dangers of compliance-driven training without follow-throughHow to shift from “know a lot, do a lot” to “learn a little, do a little”Why leadership needs vision, voice, and visibility to sustain changePractical strategies like micro-PD, flipped lab sites, and implementation teamsThe critical role of de-implementation in creating space for what matters most If we want real change in reading outcomes, we can’t just play the game, we have to play to win. Listen in to hear how schools and districts can create systems that move knowledge into action and ensure literacy success for all students. Connect with Justin Browning: Website: http://www.sorformore.comInstagram: @sorformore_llcX: @sorformoreLinkedInEmail: justin@sorformore.com Connect with Me: 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 Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

    1h 6m

  6. SEP 16

    54. Blending Strategies

    Have you ever had a student rattle off the sounds in a word—/b/… /a/… /t/, only to say “tab,” “balloon,” or even “chicken”? If so, you’re not alone. And here’s the thing: these blending errors aren’t always decoding issues. Often, they’re tied to working memory. In this solo episode of Literacy in Color, we unpack why blending matters, what research tells us, and most importantly, practical scaffolds you can use tomorrow to support students who struggle. Key Takeaways: The difference between Additive Sound-by-Sound Blending and Whole Word BlendingWhy connected phonation is more effective than traditional sound-by-sound blending (Gonzalez-Frey & Ehri, 2021)Several scaffolds to lighten the working memory load: reducing phonemes, continuous blending, backing up to phonemic awareness, and backward decoding, etc.How the gradual release of responsibility helps students build independence and automaticityThe natural transition from oral → whisper → silent blending as students gain fluency Connect with Me: 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 Interested in Learning More about Morphology? Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator

    18 min

  7. SEP 9

    53. The High Frequency Word Project with Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton

    What if high-frequency words aren’t “irregular” after all? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Rebecca Loveless and Fiona Hamilton, co-authors of The High Frequency Word Project, to dig into the stories behind some of the most common words in English. Too often, these little “function words” get handed to students on flashcards with the message: just memorize it. But Rebecca and Fiona show us that high-frequency words aren’t exceptions to the system, they have explanations. When we teach students the phonology, morphology, etymology, and meaning layers of these words, we give them logic, structure, and stories they can hold onto for life. Key Takeaways: Why high-frequency words can be particularly tricky for students (and why function words often have “nebulous” meanings)The role of storytelling in making these words memorable, meaningful, and engagingHow many high-frequency words trace back to Old English and what that history reveals about spelling todayThe difference between memorization and true orthographic mappingPractical classroom routines, like anchor–analyze–practice, tap spelling, and meaning games, that help students succeed Whether you’ve ever wondered why “was” has an a, or why “know” keeps its silent k, this conversation will leave you empowered with strategies and stories to bring into your classroom. Resources: Grab your copy of The High Frequency Word ProjectHigh Frequency Word Project WebsiteHigh Frequency Word Project Facebook Page 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 Rebecca Loveless: Website: www.illuminatewords.comLinkedInEmail: rebecca@rebeccaloveless.com Connect with Fiona Hamilton: Website: https://wordtorque.comLinkedInEmail: fiona@wordtorque.com Connect with Me: Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomVisit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comJoin a href="https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/the-colorful-literacy-toolkit-membership" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1 hr

  8. SEP 2

    52. Phonemic Awareness Research Unpacked with Dr. David Kilpatrick

    In this pivotal episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle is joined by psychologist, professor, and reading researcher Dr. David Kilpatrick to untangle some hotly debated ideas surrounding phonemic awareness in the Science of Reading community. This conversation isn’t about taking sides in the “with letters vs. without letters” debate. It’s about getting honest about what the research says, and more importantly, what our individual students truly need. For most children, phonemic awareness develops naturally through phonics instruction. However, for others, particularly those with a phonological core deficit, explicit, oral-only phonemic awareness instruction can be critical. Dr. Kilpatrick clarifies the National Reading Panel findings, unpacks common misinterpretations of his own work, and reminds us to focus on what matters most: meeting the needs of the learner in front of us. Key Takeaways: How phonemic proficiency fuels orthographic mapping, which is essential for fluent word reading For typically developing readers, phonemic awareness develops through learning an alphabetic writing system (i.e. Phonemic Awareness with letters!)It’s beneficial to integrate phonemic awareness and phonicsStudents with phonological core deficits may need oral-only instruction, particularly in intervention settingsPhonemic awareness tasks should only take a few minutes a day - they’re not meant to be long, isolated blocksWhat educators often get wrong about Kilpatrick’s work and what he wishes more people knew Resources & References Mentioned: Look into Appendix F of the National Reading PanelTeaching Phonemic Awareness “With Letters”: How Social Media is Getting it WrongTable of Types of PA TasksPhoneme Manipulation Quotes Across the DecadesWIAT-4 Phonemic Proficiency Results (Single Slide)Teaching Phonemic Awareness in 2024: A Guide for EducatorsEquipped for Reading Success by Dr. David KilpatrickEssentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties by Dr. David KilpatrickThe PAST TenseShanahan’s Blog: RIP to Advanced Phonemic Awareness (meaning the term should be abandoned) 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 Me: Follow me on Instagram: a href="https://www.instagram.com/michelle_thecolorfulclassroom/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 12m
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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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