SMARTER Literacy

What does literacy intervention look like when you start from scratch, in a studio with mini trampolines, and a background in law? In this first literacy chat, Lindsey sits down with Natalie, co-founder of Hidden Key...

Something a little different is coming to the Smarter Literacy Podcast this summer. Over the next several weeks, we're stepping back from our regular format to share something we think you really enjoy right now: real...

Fluency is often reduced to words-per-minute scores, but strong readers do much more than read quickly. In this episode, we discuss what fluency actually means and why speed alone doesn’t lead to...

Editing often gets treated like the quick final step in writing, but in reality, it’s where the real work begins. In this episode, we unpack why students rush through editing, what they actually need to become stronger...

In this episode, we explore why students often struggle with longer-form writing like paragraphs and essays, and how those struggles usually show up as either “stream of consciousness” writing or rigid, rubric-driven...

In this episode, we explore why teaching spelling patterns and grammar rules alone does not always translate into stronger student writing. We discuss how simple sentence routines can help students move from memorizing...

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common challenges in literacy instruction: teaching reading comprehension effectively. We explore why isolated, skill-by-skill approaches (like spending a week on the main idea...

In this episode, we take a closer look at how structured literacy principles can be applied flexibly to meet real classroom needs. We discuss what it means to thoughtfully bridge gaps for students who are close to...

Many students fall into the “messy middle” of literacy, needing more support than core instruction but not a full intensive intervention. In this episode, we walk through what a bridge intervention actually looks like...

Many educators feel overwhelmed trying to support students who don’t clearly fit into traditional literacy intervention models. In this episode, we explore the “messy middle,” where structured literacy meets...

We break down how to use a simple five-step executive functioning framework with students to support focus, regulation, and task completion. You’ll learn practical ways to set clear goals, build attention stamina...

In this episode, we share a reflective approach to starting the new year (or at any time of the year!) using an executive functioning framework designed to create calm, clarity, and alignment. Instead of pushing harder...

In this episode, we share simple, no-prep ways to bring games into your literacy lessons using simple materials like a whiteboard, a die, or a word list. Learn how to make reading practice more engaging, boost...

In this episode, we share why games aren’t just for fun. They’re one of the most effective ways to teach, review, and differentiate literacy skills. Learn how to use games strategically within your lessons to boost...

In this episode, we tackle one of the toughest moments in intervention: when you’ve been faithfully tracking progress, but the data just isn’t budging. We share how to recognize whether it’s a true trend or just an...