The Science of Reading Formula

Some students can sound out every letter in a word… but still not read it. In this episode, literacy interventionist Beth Gaskill helps us unpack why that happens and what to do about it. We’re talking about the “fuzzy middle” between phonemic awareness and fluent reading, and why simple, consistent, multisensory routines can make all the difference.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why some kids can sound out words but still can’t blend.
The role of working memory in decoding struggles.
Simple multisensory activities (like socks, beans, and chairs!)
What to try before reaching for letter tiles.
How to support students who freeze when it’s time to blend.
Show Links
Big City Readers Website // Instagram // Podcast
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What if Tier 2 didn’t feel like a last-ditch effort—but your most powerful tool for early reading success? In this episode, I sit down with Linsey, a school-based SLP who built a Tier 2 intervention program that’s catching struggling readers before they fall behind. Short, targeted, and backed by real results—you’re going to want to hear how she’s doing it.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
What makes most Tier 2 interventions ineffective—and how to fix it.
A simple framework for high-impact small group instruction.
The role of adaptive instruction and visual supports in closing gaps.
How early data collection leads to better outcomes.
Why collaboration across roles is the secret to success.
Show Links
Linsey's Website
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If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
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You know the type—students who can read every word but still have no idea what they just read. In this episode, literacy expert Dr. Tim Shanahan breaks down why this happens and what you can do about it. Get ready for myth-busting moments and practical tools you can use in your classroom tomorrow.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why kids who read fluently may still struggle to comprehend.
The myth of “just right” texts—and what to do instead.
How vocabulary, background knowledge, and morphology support comprehension.
Sentence-by-sentence questioning that rewires student focus.
Writing and read-aloud strategies that strengthen understanding.
Show Links
Shanahan on Literacy Blog
"Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives" by Dr. Tim Shanahan
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If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
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Have you ever wondered why there is a silent W in the word two? In this episode, we explore a surprisingly powerful concept that helps students unlock word meaning just by noticing how a word is spelled. It is called a phonestheme, and once you understand it, you will start seeing these hidden clues everywhere.
We look at how sound clusters like TW, GL, and SN give hints about a word’s meaning and how this awareness helps students become more confident readers. You will also learn how to introduce these ideas in your classroom in a simple and meaningful way without needing a special curriculum or extra prep.
This episode connects spelling, meaning, and morphology in a way that is fun, easy to apply, and deeply engaging for young learners.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
How the word "two" evolved and what its spelling reveals.
What phonesthemes are and how they work across many English words.
Why this awareness supports vocabulary growth and decoding.
How to introduce these concepts in early elementary classrooms using natural conversations.
Show Links
Phonesthemes Chart
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If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
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Teaching students how to read longer words shouldn’t feel like a lesson in rule-breaker management. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Devin Kearns, a leading researcher in early literacy, who shares a simpler, more flexible way to teach multisyllabic word reading—without relying on confusing syllable rules that don’t always work. If you’ve ever watched your students freeze at the sight of a longer word, this conversation is going to change the way you teach.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why traditional syllable division rules fall apart in real classrooms.
Two simple principles to make decoding multisyllabic words easier.
A step-by-step strategy that helps students self-correct when decoding.
How to help students feel confident—even when their first try isn’t perfect.
Why it’s okay to let go of perfection and focus on flexibility.
Show Links
Devin Kearns Website / Phinder
How Many Syllables?
Differentiation Podcast Episode
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Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!