In this powerful episode of Literacy in Color, we are joined by Dr. Molly Ness to explore the deep impact of read-alouds, particularly think-alouds, as well as book access.. Dr. Ness, educator, author of Read Aloud for All Learners, and host of the End Book Deserts podcast, brings her research, experience, and passion to this conversation about how language comprehension is often overlooked, but absolutely essential in the Science of Reading-centered conversations.

Dr. Ness shares what the research says about read-alouds, how teacher planning (or lack thereof) affects instructional impact, and what educators can do to be more intentional in their read-aloud routines.

We also unpack the concept of book deserts, areas where children lack access to books in their homes, schools, and communities. Dr. Ness shares creative ideas and solutions for bringing books to the kids who need them most.

Key Takeaways:

• The concept of book deserts and why book access is an equity issue
• Creative ways to distribute books in under-resourced communities
• The physiological and emotional benefits of read-alouds for all ages
• What research tells us about the power of read-alouds for language comprehension
• How think-alouds support comprehension beyond simple questioning
• Planning read-alouds with intentionality: modeling, stopping points, & strategy alignment

Resources Mentioned:

• Read Aloud for All Learners by Dr. Molly Ness
• Research: What Are Teachers Reading and Why?: An Analysis of Elementary Read Aloud Titles and the Rationales Underlying Teachers' Selections - Conradi-Smith, Craig Young, and Jane Core Yatzeck
• White paper on Language Comprehension written by Dr. Molly Ness
• Making Words Stick (newly released book by Dr. Molly Ness & Dr. Katie Pace Miles)

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 Dr. Molly Ness:

• Website: https://www.mollyness.com/
• Website: https://www.dirigoliteracy.com/
• LinkedIn: Molly Ness, PhD
• Instagram: @a_reading_mother
• BlueSky: ‪@mollyness.bsky.social‬
• End Book Desert Podcast
• End Book Desert Website

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• Join our Facebook...

In this special episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle is joined by her brilliant friend, Sarah Paul, to officially unveil their new course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator.

Together, Michelle and Sarah share the backstory behind their collaboration (Logos Literacy Academy), reflect on their own morphology journeys, and talk candidly about the challenges teachers face when trying to make sense of morphemes, word parts, and all things structural literacy.

Whether you're brand new to morphology or ready to go deeper, this episode is equal parts strategy, story, and heart.

Key Takeaways:

• Why morphology is the missing puzzle piece for many literacy classrooms
• How morphemes support struggling readers, gifted students, and everyone in between
• Practical entry points for teaching morphology—without needing to be a linguist
• A behind-the-scenes look at their course series and why it’s designed as a multi-course journey

Resources Mentioned:

• Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator - Morphology Course #1 (comprehensive & in-depth knowledge to build a solid foundation)
• Course #2 - Coming Fall 2025 will be geared for K-2 Educators (more curriculum-based)
• Course #3 - Coming Winter 2025 will be geared for 3-5 Educators (more curriculum-based)
• Logos Literacy Academy on IG: @logosliteracyacademy
• Etymonline

Connect with Sarah Paul:

• Website
• Instagram
• TPT Store

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom
• Join our Facebook Community
• Sign up for my Newsletter
• Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
• Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
• Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

I’m joined by the one and only Jake Daggett—educator, foundational literacy director, and all-around engagement strategist. If you've ever seen his viral phonics videos, you already know the energy and intentionality he brings to instruction. But there’s more to Jake than claps and chants—he’s deeply rooted in brain-based research and committed to helping all learners access joyful, responsive Tier 1 instruction.

We unpack how retrieval practice, frequent response opportunities, and cognitive science principles make instruction stick—and why fun isn’t fluff when it’s grounded in purpose. From neurodivergent inclusion to flexible phonics lessons, Jake shares practical, actionable ways to create highly engaging classrooms that promote success for every learner.

Whether you’re sing-songy or soft-spoken, you’ll walk away with real strategies to elevate your Tier 1 instruction tomorrow.

Key Takeaways:

• The relationship between achievement and joy in learning
• Why retrieval practice and at-bats are essential for building automaticity
• The role of pitch, motion, and repetition in recall and engagement
• Flexible strategies that honor teacher style AND student need

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Explicit Instruction- Dr. Anita Archer
• Book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching - Zach Groshell
• Book: Harnessing the Science of Learning - Nathaniel Swain
• Book: Why Don’t Students Like School? - Dan Willingham
• Book: Differentiating Phonics Instruction for Maximum Impact - Wiley Blevins
• Book: 7 Mighty Moves - Lindsay Kemeny
• Book: 7 Mighty Moves: Reading Resources - Lindsay Kemeny
• Book: Rock Your Literacy Block - Lindsay Kemeny
• Book: Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning - Peter C. Brown
• Dan Willingham’s Website
• Timothy Shanahan’s Website – Shanahan on Literacy

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 Jake Daggett:

• Instagram: @jake_daggett
• Facebook: Engage with Jake
• TikTok: @jake_daggett
• X: @jake_daggett
• Website: https://www.engagewithjake.com/

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on...