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Artwork for Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

Michelle Sullivan • Literacy Coach & Science of Reading Advocate
Science Of Reading
Structured Literacy
Morphology
Dyslexia
Education
Literacy
Phonics
Literacy Coaching
Phonemic Awareness
Reading Intervention
Teaching Strategies
Reading Comprehension
Literacy Education
Phonics Instruction
Professional Development
Fluency
Vocabulary
Literacy Instruction
Orthographic Mapping
Phonological Awareness

Literacy in Color is the go-to podcast for elementary teachers, literacy coaches, and reading interventionists who are passionate about bringing the Science of Reading to life in vibrant, engaging, and effective ways. Hosted by Michelle Sullivan — a seasoned literacy expert & Science of Reading advocate - with over a decade of experience as a reading interventionist & literacy coach — this show is... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes101Founded2 years ago
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Artwork for Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators

Latest Episodes

Happy 100th Episode!!!

To celebrate this milestone episode, I share:

• 3 literacy hills I’d die on

• 3 things I hope we can leave behind, and

• 3 things I’m watching closely

Thank you for helping make the first 100 episodes possible. Here's to th... more

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What happens when a school decides that "business as usual" is no longer good enough? Principal Lisa Russo and the first-grade team at PS 152Q to discuss their remarkable literacy transformation. After years of using balanced literacy practices, the ... more

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When educators discuss reading comprehension, the conversation often centers around vocabulary, background knowledge, and comprehension strategies, but what if we've been overlooking one of the most critical components of comprehension all along?

Re... more

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Drawing from decades of experience in literacy, school psychology, systems-level leadership, and MTSS implementation, Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Kimberly Gibbons explain why strong universal instruction is the true foundation of student success.

They ... more

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Recent Guests

Lisa Russo
Principal at PS 152Q, NYC
PS 152Q / NYC Public Schools
Episode: 99. Inside a Successful Walk-to-Read Model at PS 152Q with Lisa Russo & the 1st Grade Team
Dr. Julie Van Dyke
Research scientist at Haskins Laboratories, expert in language science and syntax
Haskins Laboratories
Episode: 98. Syntax is Everything: The Backbone of Comprehension with Dr. Julie Van Dyke
Dr. Sarah Brown
School psychologist by training; former Bureau Chief for MTSS and special education in Iowa
University of Minnesota; former Iowa Bureau of Education
Episode: 97. Effective Universal Instruction with Dr. Sarah Brown & Dr. Kimberly Gibbons
Dr. Kimberly Gibbons
School Psychologist; co-author of Effective Universal Instruction
University of Minnesota; Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement
Episode: 97. Effective Universal Instruction with Dr. Sarah Brown & Dr. Kimberly Gibbons
Melissa Loftus
Host of the Melissa & Lori Love Literacy Podcast
Episode: 96. Reading’s Dynamic Duo: How Fluency & Vocabulary Fuel Comprehension with Melissa Loftus & Lori Sappington
Lori Sappington
Host of the Melissa & Lori Love Literacy Podcast
Episode: 96. Reading’s Dynamic Duo: How Fluency & Vocabulary Fuel Comprehension with Melissa Loftus & Lori Sappington
Tim Rasinski
Professor and author
Kent State University
Episode: 94. Inside 'The Megabook of Vocabulary' with Dr. Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith & Savannah Campbell
Melissa Cheesman Smith
Educator and co-author
The Megabook of Vocabulary
Episode: 94. Inside 'The Megabook of Vocabulary' with Dr. Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith & Savannah Campbell
Savannah Campbell
Teacher and co-author
The Megabook of Vocabulary
Episode: 94. Inside 'The Megabook of Vocabulary' with Dr. Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith & Savannah Campbell

Host

Michelle Sullivan
Host of Literacy in Color; science of reading advocate with a track record as a reading interventionist and literacy coach

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 79 ratings
  • Poor science…

    Listening to episode 89, some really poor science here: “We have genes that are uniquely designed to process language. They sit right in the part of our brain, right near our ear”

    That is wrong in so many ways, it is hard to know where to start. Genes are not designed to process language. The genes are present in all body cells. Language processing does not occur ‘right near our ear.” It is difficult to listen to people speak with confidence about things they do not understand and have an inter... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Phil Sci
    Australia3 months ago
  • Super Star!

    Literacy in Color is one of the BEST science of reading podcasts I’ve ever listened to. Michelle is an absolute super star. She thoughtfully chooses guests who are experts in a variety of literacy areas. I love how the conversation flows between Michelle and her guests. If you’re looking for a podcast to learn more about the most up to date literacy research and topics, this is the one to start listening to! 🤩

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Farmer Loves Phonics
    United States6 months ago
  • Episode 52 with Dr. David Kilpatrick

    What an incredible episode clearing up confusions in the field, explaining terminology, and what we need to do for children to learn how to read. If you haven't listened to this episode it's a must listen. Thank you to Michelle Sullivan for this incredible interview.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Startkids
    United States10 months ago
  • Everything you need to know!!!

    I teach reading at the high school level and I am also an adjunct college professor teaching a literacy course to future teachers. This podcast is my “go to” for resources for myself at high school level and to share with my college students. EXCELLENT!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LindaMRG
    United States10 months ago
  • Best of the best!

    Michelle’s podcast is an absolute favorite of mine! She is so knowledgeable. Michelle and her interview guests make challenging concepts attainable with practical tips that I can apply to my classroom practice immediately. So grateful to learn from her in this space!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Meghan Hein
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A few listeners wish for more rigorous science checks in places, but overall highly valued for clarity and usefulness.
Great resource for teachers seeking up-to-date literacy research and real-world applications.
Fresh take on science of reading with accessible, practical tips for teachers.
Punchy, engaging, and full of actionable classroom ideas.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

97. Effective Universal Instruction with Dr. Sarah Brown & Dr. Kimberly Gibbons
Q: I just want to get started by saying welcome to the show. Perhaps you can give us a little background about who you are and how your work relates to literacy.
Dr. Brown explains her background as a school psychologist focused on data-driven literacy implementation and MTSS, while Dr. Gibbons highlights their joint work on refining Tier 1 through a systemic, preventative lens rather than relying on interventions alone.
94. Inside 'The Megabook of Vocabulary' with Dr. Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith & Savannah Campbell
Q: Let's dive into your book now.
Tim Rasinski explains that The Megabook of Vocabulary is organized around the four-part WISE framework (Word Consciousness, Individual Word Learning, Student Tools for Determining Meaning, and Exploration of Word Relationships) and is designed to be used with flexibility by teachers across grade levels, with many activities that connect to content standards.
84. Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn
Q: How should schools approach de-implementation of ineffective assessments?
Time is a major constraint; schools should shed assessments that don't serve instructional goals and focus on high-quality tools that drive better teaching and learning outcomes.
84. Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn
Q: What do educators need to understand differently about reading assessment?
Assessment should be a tool that informs instruction, not a source of anxiety or a punitive measure; it should be efficient, purposeful, and connected to daily teaching so that data translates into targeted action.
81. Articulatory Gestures and Early Literacy: What the Research Actually Says with Deirdre O'Toole, The Playful Classroom
Q: How do you define articulatory gestures in the context of early literacy instruction?
Articulatory gestures refer to how we produce phonemes, involving movements of the mouth and other articulatory mechanisms.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A practical, educator-focused show that translates the science of reading into actionable classroom strategies. Episodes center on phonics, morphology, vocabulary, read-alouds, assessment, and structured literacy best practices, with guest experts ranging from university researchers to curriculum developers. The host blends research with classroom applications, often highlighting concrete tools, programs, and PD resources. The show's standout value is its ability to make complex literacy concepts approachable for elementary teachers, literacy coaches, and interventionists, while maintaining a clear emphasis on evidence-based methods and equity in literacy instruction.

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this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 101 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Lisa Russo
2. Dr. Julie Van Dyke
3. Dr. Sarah Brown
4. Dr. Kimberly Gibbons
5. Melissa Loftus
6. Lori Sappington
7. Tim Rasinski
8. Melissa Cheesman Smith

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