Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ® | Science of Reading for Teachers

Episode 139
As we continue our focus on comprehension this month, we’re revisiting one of our most essential conversations.
In this episode, we explore a foundational truth about reading: comprehension depends on knowledge.
We’re joined by cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham, who explains why background knowledge is one of the strongest drivers of reading comprehension and why strategies alone can’t compensate for gaps in knowledge.
We also talk with Barbara Davidson, Executive Director of the Knowledge Matters Campaign, about the role strong, knowledge-building curriculum plays in helping students access complex text.
Whether this is your first listen or a return, this episode remains foundational.
Resources
Knowledge Matters Campaign website 
Books by Daniel Willingham
Reading Rockets Q&A with Daniel Willingham
If you’re enjoying Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, bring us to your school or event.
We offer keynotes, presentations, and live podcast-style sessions focused on practical, science of reading–aligned strategies aligned to our podcast and book, The Literacy 50. Email [email protected] to learn more.
Get free resources and updates at literacypodcast.com.

Episode 251
One of the most consistent findings in reading research is this: how much you know determines how far you can go as a reader.
In this episode, we’re joined by Kelly Gallagher, author of To Read Stuff, You Have to Know Stuff, to explore why knowledge is central to comprehension and what that means for classroom instruction.
Kelly helps us rethink the long-standing emphasis on isolated reading strategies and instead focus on building knowledge at multiple levels: word, sentence, passage, article, and book.
Kelly offers clear examples and practical thinking that will help you reflect on how knowledge is built over time and how we can design instruction that goes deeper, not just wider.
RESOURCES
To Read Stuff, You Have To Know Stuff by Kelly Gallagher
Kelly Gallagher’s Article of the Week 
If you’re enjoying Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, bring us to your school or event.
We offer keynotes, presentations, and live podcast-style sessions focused on practical, science of reading–aligned strategies aligned to our podcast and book, The Literacy 50. Email [email protected] to learn more.
Get free resources and updates at literacypodcast.com.

Episode 251
In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman, and Savannah Campbell, authors of The Megabook of Vocabulary, to talk about practical, classroom-ready strategies that actually work. We dig into the biggest misconceptions about vocabulary instruction, where vocabulary words should come from, how many exposures a word truly needs, and how to move words from simple recognition to confident use in speaking and writing.
You’ll hear about:
Why morphology and generative vocabulary are more powerful than weekly word lists
How Word Ladders build decoding, spelling patterns, and vocabulary simultaneously
How to integrate fluency and vocabulary through repeated reading, Readers’ Theater, and performance-based routines
What “deep processing” really means—and why it makes words stick long term
This conversation bridges research and practice, showing how vocabulary connects to decoding, fluency, and comprehension in meaningful ways. If you’re looking for high-impact routines that support all learners. This episode will leave you with actionable ideas you can use right away.
Vocabulary doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can be powerful, generative, and deeply connected to everything else we teach.
Resources 
Megabook of Vocabulary (Free Printable Resource aligned to this episode!) 
Megabook of Vocabulary (Book) 
Tim Rasinski's Website + Resources
If you’re enjoying Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, bring us to your school or event.
We offer keynotes, presentations, and live podcast-style sessions focused on practical, science of reading–aligned strategies aligned to our podcast and book, The Literacy 50. Email [email protected] to learn more.
Get free resources and updates at literacypodcast.com.

What does the research really say about effective vocabulary instruction—and how can we translate it into daily classroom practice?
In this episode, we’re joined by literacy expert Blythe Anderson to unpack vocabulary moves grounded in research that make a measurable difference for students. From intentional word selection to meaningful student talk, Blythe shares practical, classroom-ready strategies that help educators move beyond “word of the week” and into instruction that builds deep, lasting word knowledge.
Together, we explore:
Why explicit vocabulary instruction matters
How to choose the right words to teach
The role of discussion and student engagement
Practical routines that strengthen word learning across content areas
How to ensure vocabulary sticks for long-term comprehension
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation will leave you with concrete, research-backed practices you can implement immediately.
Tune in to learn how small, intentional shifts in vocabulary instruction can lead to big gains in student word learning and comprehension.
If you’re enjoying Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, bring us to your school or event.
We offer keynotes, presentations, and live podcast-style sessions focused on practical, science of reading–aligned strategies aligned to our podcast and book, The Literacy 50. Email [email protected] to learn more.
Get free resources and updates at literacypodcast.com.

Episode 250
In this episode, we’re joined by Margaret McKeown, a leading researcher in vocabulary and language development, to explore what effective vocabulary instruction really looks like in practice.
Margaret helps us unpack common misconceptions about vocabulary teaching, including the pressure to ensure students “master” every word and the belief that vocabulary instruction must always be formal and pre-planned. She explains the power of informal instruction words “running through the classroom” and why repeated exposure over time supports deep word learning.
We also dive into:
What learning words in context actually means (and what it doesn’t)
How to think about vocabulary tiers without treating them like a rulebook
When vocabulary should be taught (before, during, or after reading)
The connection between vocabulary knowledge and comprehension
Better ways to assess vocabulary beyond traditional tests
Margaret reminds us that vocabulary learning is more like climbing a ladder than crossing a finish line. Not every word requires deep instruction, but thoughtful, strategic choices can make a meaningful impact on comprehension.
If vocabulary instruction has ever felt overwhelming, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical insight for making it manageable and effective.

If you’re enjoying Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, bring us to your school or event.
We offer keynotes, presentations, and live podcast-style sessions focused on practical, science of reading–aligned strategies aligned to our podcast and book, The Literacy 50. Email [email protected] to learn more.
Get free resources and updates at literacypodcast.com.