The Teachers Talk Shop Podcast
Benchmark Education
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Top educators, authors, and literacy experts answer questions from teachers.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Sep 21, 2023
Power Tools for Growing Knowledge, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension
Educator, school leader, and literacy curriculum expert David Liben explains the effectiveness of knowledge-building as a core part of literacy learning, the research behind it, and how creating and implementing a general knowledge curriculum can get results at even the lowest-performing schools.
Season 2, Episode 4. A 360º View of Literacy: Power Tools for Growing Knowledge, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension
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Sep 8, 2023
Metacognition—The Missing Link in Reading Instruction
Extensive research demonstrates the essential role that metacognition plays in reading comprehension. Reading expert Peter Afflerbach explains clearly how developing a metacognitive mindset and metacognitive strategy toolkit places students on the road to self-aware, independent, and fluent reading.
Season 2, Episode 3. A 360º View of Literacy: Metacognition—The Missing Link in Reading Instruction
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Aug 24, 2023
The Science and the Art of Reading Fluency
Fluency experts Tim Rasinski and Lynne Kulich shed light on all the benefits of fluency mastery—automaticity and expression, but also improvement in word recognition, phonics, and comprehension. Expressive reading inspires joy and affects all reading skills. Proven tools for teaching it are shared.
Season 2, Episode 2. A 360º View of Literacy: The Science and the Art of Reading Fluency
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Aug 17, 2023
Leveraging Knowledge for Reading Success
Renowned researcher Gina Cervetti discusses the cognitive benefits of incorporating students’ personal, experiential, and cultural knowledge into literacy learning—stressing the importance of content area instruction and of language arts as a place where knowledge is both leveraged and developed.
Season 2, Episode 1. A 360º View of Literacy: Leveraging Knowledge for Reading Success
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Jun 22, 2022
AAPI Voices in the Classroom
Jessica Velasco, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Educator and Consultant, joins Patty McGee for a look at today’s classroom through an AAPI lens. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Apr 14, 2022
Equity and the Sciences of Reading
Patty McGee and Dr. Rachael Gabriel discuss the intersection of equity and the Sciences of Reading. They explore research-based strategies for differentiated instruction that supports literacy achievement for every student. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Mar 10, 2022
The Sciences of Reading and Small-Group Instruction
Dr. Adria Klein and Patty McGee discuss how small-group instruction advances the Sciences of Reading by enabling flexibility, providing opportunities for observation and assessment, and bolstering responsive teaching that meets all learners’ needs. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Feb 4, 2022
A Practical Approach to the Sciences of Reading
What are we learning about how children learn to read?
And how does that inform our instructional practices or accelerate student learning?
Join Dr. C.C. Bates and Patty McGee as they discuss where theory meets practice in the literacy classroom.
Learn more at TeacherTalkShop.com.
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Jan 10, 2022
The Sciences of Reading and the Whole Child
Understanding the evolving research about how children learn is critical in bolstering reading success. Dr. Rachael Gabriel and Dr. Peter Afflerbach discuss the intersection of The Sciences of Reading and motivation, engagement, and self-efficacy and how it informs best instructional practices. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Dec 10, 2021
Joyful Stories
During challenging times, joyful stories are more important than ever.
Christine Taylor-Butler, author of more than 80 books and stories for young people, shares the importance of positive stories that affirm identity and provide uplifting experiences.
Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Nov 15, 2021
Writing Made Simple
When we simplify writing instruction it becomes joyful, meaningful and deeply fulfilling for everyone involved.
Patty McGee, author of ‘Writer’s Workshop Made Simple: 7 Essentials for Every Classroom and Every Writer,’ shares some of the best ways for teachers to support writers in the classroom.
Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Oct 28, 2021
Asset-Based Support for Newcomers
What can we do to meet the needs of newcomer students in our schools? Silvia Dorta-Duque de Reyes discusses how to create welcoming environments for these students, from better understanding their unique needs to building their social-emotional and academic confidence to support impactful learning.
Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Sep 30, 2021
Trauma-Informed Care in Education
Restorative practitioner Steve Fiedeldy joins Patty McGee to discuss the importance of understanding and addressing trauma in an educational community. Discover practical strategies rooted in restorative practices to support the mental health of students, educators, and communities. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Sep 16, 2021
Expanding the Science of Reading
The Science of Reading refers to a much-discussed body of research around how students learn to read. But what could be missing from the conversation?
Dr. Peter Afflerbach discusses broadening our view of the science available to inform the instruction of developing readers—from phonics and phonemic awareness to metacognition, motivation and self-efficacy.
Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Aug 30, 2021
Agency & Engagement
What is agency? And how is it supported by engagement in the classroom?
Co-authors of WIRE for Agency, Jean Hayhurst and Jill DeRosa, join Patty McGee to define these terms, discuss how embracing active learning makes an impact in the classroom, and offer tips to help empower students to grow and thrive.
Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Jul 29, 2021
Collaborative Writing
Leah Mermelstein, author of ‘"We-Do" Writing: Maximizing Practice to Develop Independent Writers, talks with author and educator Patty McGee about how collaboration between educators and students boosts student confidence, and maximizes effective instructional time. Discover tips for implementing different types of collaborative writing successfully—in the beginning of the school year and beyond.
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Jun 24, 2021
Creating Affirming Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Students
Author / educator Patty McGee and writer / social activist Lena Schmidt explore the work of creating spaces that affirm the identities of LGBTQIA+ students within the classroom, the school, and the community. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Jun 9, 2021
Vocabulary Development for Newcomers
Dr. Margarita Calderón discusses best practices for vocabulary development for newcomers and other multilingual learners. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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May 3, 2021
Interactive Writing at Any Distance
Literacy expert C.C. Bates, author of Interactive Writing: Developing Readers Through Writing, talks with author and educator Patty McGee about how teachers use Interactive Writing and how they can do it better, in-person or virtually.
Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Mar 31, 2021
Gender and Intersectional Teaching
What voices and gendered perspectives do students experience in your classroom? How can you develop a more inclusive teaching practice? Author and educator Patty McGee and Maria Campanario, National Equity Consultant in Professional Development for Benchmark Education, explore a process for discovering and amplifying the voices, stories and histories of women within your curriculum.
Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Feb 22, 2021
Culturally Responsive Teaching: the Why, the How, and the Impact
Dr. Luvelle Brown, Superintendent of Ithaca City School District, shares his insights on the process, the pedagogies and the necessity of implementing culturally responsive teaching practices and how they can transform an educational community. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Aug 3, 2020
Conquering Dyslexia-The Case for Early Identification and Intervention
Dr. Jan Hasbrouck describes the latest research on dyslexia, its early warning signs, and what families and educators can do to support success with structured literacy, multimodal experiences, and social-emotional support. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Jul 27, 2020
Common Myths About Dyslexia—And the Facts that Debunk Them
Dr. Jan Hasbrouck defines dyslexia, clears up common misconceptions, and shares why this topic matters so much to her and should matter to everyone, in every school. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Jun 18, 2020
Distance Learning Close at Heart
Patty McGee taught daily lessons for 9 weeks on the Benchmark Distance Learning - Literacy Block Facebook group. In this episode she talks about that experience and how it changed her teaching. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Jun 11, 2020
Independent Reading: We Know What To Do, So Why Aren't We Doing It?
Patty McGee talks with reading expert Laura Robb about making the space, time, and commitment to independent reading. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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May 20, 2020
The Joy of the Ordinary
Patty McGee talks with teacher and author Travis Crowder about practical ways to invite students to notice their every day worlds. Through observing, reflecting, and writing, each of us can recognize how much the ordinary things around us sustain us. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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May 7, 2020
Simplicity and Connection in Distance Learning
When it comes to online teaching, it’s about connection, not perfection. Patty McGee and Julie Wright discuss how to prepare for daily online instruction and offer teachers advice on distance learning, Spoiler alert: simplicity is key. For more information, please visit TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Apr 29, 2020
Read Aloud Essentials from Any Distance
Patty McGee and Dr. Adria Klein discuss how teachers and home-schooling parents can keep read alouds simple and instructionally effective while bringing the joy into reading with children. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com
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Apr 16, 2020
Take Care of Yourself and Connect with Your Students: Mental Health and Happiness for At-Home Learning
Dr. Daniella Lukashok shares practical advice for teachers about supporting themselves, their loved ones, and their students during this period of social distancing and isolation. Learn more at TeacherTalkShop.com.
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Apr 6, 2020
The Science of Reading: What the Brain Research Says About How We Learn to Read
Teaching reading is one of the best gifts we can give a child because it can never be taken away. No wonder people get so whipped up about this topic. In this podcast, Wiley Blevins brings a calm voice to the hubbub about the Science of Reading, revealing how every educator can use its findings to meet the majority of young students’ literacy needs efficiently, effectively, and with equity. The best materials and best instruction, decoded. Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com
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Mar 31, 2020
Check, Please: Quick Phonics Assessments So Learning Doesn’t Decay
Teachers need easy-to-use, efficient ways to check for mastery so students’ understanding builds swiftly and surely. In this podcast, Wiley Blevins explains the wisdom of assessing both accuracy and automaticity, and the how-to's of comprehensive and cumulative assessments.
Learn more at TeachersTalkShop.com.
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Mar 23, 2020
Systematic Phonics: Hey, Language is a System, so Why Wouldn’t We Teach It Like One?
In this podcast, Wiley Blevins explains why explicit, systematic instruction is not only scientifically proven, but easier for teachers to implement than other approaches. Discover the power behind a defined scope and sequence, a built-In spiral review, and how to differentiate instruction in whole and small groups. Learn more at Teacherstalkshop.com.
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Mar 5, 2020
Decodable Texts: Key Learning Tools for a Crucial Phase in a Reader’s Life
Not all decodables are created equal. In this podcast, Wiley Blevins explains why these books got a bad rap, how to find great ones, and what teachers can do with them to give Kindergarteners and first graders practice reading connected text and application to writing. More at TeachersTalkShop.com. Produced by Benchmark Education.
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