Why Language is the Heart of Literacy with Susan Lambert
In this episode of Literacy Unlocked, I’m joined by Susan Lambert, host of the Science of Reading: The Podcast by Amplify, to dig into one of the most essential—and often overlooked—components of reading success: language. Susan shares personal stories and professional insights that make a powerful case for elevating language development right alongside decoding. We explore: Why word recognition is necessary but not sufficient The importance of oral language in early grades How syntax, vocabulary, and background knowledge support writing and comprehension What teachers can do tomorrow to build stronger language routines How oral discussion and sentence-level writing set the stage for later literacy success FULL SHOW NOTE HERE
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30:47
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30:47
Letter Sounds That Stick: 8 Research Backed Strategies that Actually Work
In today’s episode, Amie breaks down eight essential, research-backed strategies for teaching letter sounds in ways that are practical, effective, and rooted in the science of reading. These aren’t trendy tricks or rigid programs—they’re flexible, powerful routines that actually work in real classrooms with real kids. From why we should teach letter names and sounds together, to what letters to teach first, and how to move beyond the outdated “letter of the week” model, this episode will walk you through the what, why, and how of early alphabet instruction. You’ll also learn simple ways to embed multisensory routines, keep the pace moving, and build automaticitythrough daily review—without burning out or overcomplicating your day. See Full Show Notes Here
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20:23
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20:23
Teaching the Alphabet with Intention: Dr. Shayne Piasta
In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Shayne Piasta — a developmental psychologist, early literacy researcher, and professor at The Ohio State University. Her work has deeply influenced how I think about alphabet instruction, and I couldn’t wait to sit down with her to talk about what the research actually says about teaching letter names, sounds, and formation — and how to make it practical for real classrooms. So many teachers are told conflicting things: Should I teach letter names or sounds first? Uppercase or lowercase? Do I teach handwriting at the same time? Is “letter of the week” okay? Dr. Piasta brings clarity to all of those questions and more. She breaks down the current research and provides thoughtful insights that help us move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Whether you're using a boxed curriculum, piecing together resources, or trying to adjust instruction for student needs, this episode will help you feel more confident and informed. See Full Show Notes Here
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33:28
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33:28
Why I Wrote Literacy Unlocked — And Why It’s the Book I Wish I Had as a New Teacher
In this heartfelt episode, Amie Burkholder takes you behind the scenes of her new book, Literacy Unlocked. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the nonstop buzz around the Science of Reading or unsure how to turn research into real-life instruction, this episode is for you. Amie walks through each chapter of the book, sharing how Literacy Unlocked bridges the gap between research and classroom practice — one step, one strategy, and one student at a time. You’ll hear stories, classroom examples, and why this book is packed with not just knowledge, but tools you can use tomorrow. Whether you’re a K–2 teacher, a literacy coach, an interventionist, or a parent looking for clarity, Literacy Unlocked was written with you in mind. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE
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20:03
Interview with Shannon Moore
Whether you’re supporting readers in your classroom, after school, or during summer tutoring, intervention doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with literacy coach and intervention specialist Shannon Moore, Ed.S., to talk about what actually makes intervention effective—both in school and out. We break down the core components of strong intervention systems, what to focus on when analyzing data, how to progress monitor in a meaningful way, and how to communicate all of this clearly with parents. Shannon also shares her journey from classroom teacher to private tutor to literacy coach—and offers encouragement (and practical advice!) for educators thinking about tutoring this summer. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE
A step-by-step roadmap guides you through a reader's journey—at every level. This podcast was made for you if you're ready to, get clear on what structured literacy is and the science behind it. Join me to learn precisely what your struggling readers need and find ways to reach them.
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