Episode 241

Nancy Hennessy and Julia Salamone discuss the often-overlooked topic of syntax and its critical role in reading comprehension. With Melissa & Lori, they discuss the architecture of sentences, the importance of understanding parts of speech, and the interconnectedness of syntax and meaning. The conversation highlights effective teaching strategies, the challenges posed by complex sentences, and the necessity of integrating background knowledge for comprehension. Nancy and Julia share practical instructional moves, emphasizing the need for explicit instruction and cognitive preparation to enhance students' understanding of sentence structures.

Takeaways

• Syntax is the architecture of a sentence. It is essential for understanding sentence structure and meaning.
• Explicit instruction is necessary for effective learning of syntax.
• Teaching grammar needs to focus on meaning, not just labeling.
• Engaging students with authentic texts improves comprehension.
• Integrating background knowledge is crucial for comprehension.

Resources

• Tips & Tools: Sentences (resource sheet)
  
  

We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.

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Episode 240

Primary teacher Meghan Hein shares how she keeps the text front and center of learning. She discusses the shift from a skills-based focus to an approach where meaning-making drives instruction. The conversation highlights practical strategies for teachers to build knowledge through texts and create a more authentic learning experience. Meghan's insights reflect a commitment to continuous learning and adapting teaching practices to better serve students' needs.

✨ You’ll definitely want to listen to the podcast that inspired this conversation! Episode 37 with Sue Pimentel and Meredith Liben dives into their article Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom.

Takeaways

• Shifting from skill-based to meaning-making instruction is crucial.
• Building knowledge through texts is essential for comprehension.
• Teachers must empower themselves through continuous learning.
• Curriculum should support, not dictate, teaching practices.
• Understanding the intent behind texts enriches the learning experience.
• Interleaving skills and content enhances understanding.
• Students thrive when they connect learning to real-world contexts.

Resources

• Refreshed Companion Episode with Meredith Liben & Sue Pimentel (podcast)
• Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom (article)
• Teacher Meghan Hein on Instagram (you might know her as always more to learn!)

We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.

Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.

Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Episode 37

The article Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom is a must-read — before or after you listen to this episode!

Meredith Liben and Sue Pimentel join us to unpack the true intentions behind the Common Core State Standards and how they’ve sometimes been misinterpreted in practice. They share what they’ve observed in classrooms and schools — both when high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) are in place and when they’re not.

We also ask them some tough (and important!) questions:

• What does this mean for assessment, especially “data-driven” instruction?
• What are better ways to assess and track student progress?

Meredith and Sue are smart, funny, and incredibly relatable — you’ll love this conversation. It’s truly a must-listen episode!

📖 Read the article that inspired this episode:
Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom

• Introduction to Poetry - Billy Collins poem Meredith mentions
• Placing Text at the Center of the Standards-Aligned ELA Classroom

We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.

Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.

Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.