Unlocking Literacy: Why Every Educator Should Tune In to "Science of Reading: The Podcast"

Teaching children to read is both an art and a science. But how can you keep up with the latest research, best practices, and real-world strategies that truly move the needle for students? If you haven’t already heard of the Science of Reading: The Podcast [1], it’s a must-listen resource for anyone passionate about improving literacy standards.

What Makes This Podcast Stand Out?

Hosted by the insightful Susan Lambert, each episode of Science of Reading: The Podcast is a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of reading instruction. With a conversational approach, Susan Lambert (herself a former classroom teacher and curriculum developer) invites leading researchers, practitioners, and literacy advocates to unpack the science behind how children learn to read. The podcast doesn’t just dwell on theory; it’s packed with actionable insights, practical tools, and honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of literacy education.

Highlights from Recent Episodes

• A Better Way to Teach Our Teachers (with Dr. Karen Betz): This episode tackles the critical role of higher education in preparing new teachers for evidence-based reading instruction. Dr. Betz shares a practical tool for aligning teacher preparation courses with the latest reading research and offers advice for educators seeking to drive change at the university level. In her words, “It ultimately always is going to come down to the children, and we can never lose sight of that. It's about the kids”.
• Your Questions Answered (with Claude Goldenberg, Ph.D.): Listeners get direct answers to pressing questions, from navigating conflicting instructional materials to supporting multilingual learners and students reading below grade level. Goldenberg’s call to action is clear: “Incrementalism is just not going to serve our purpose... We’ve got to really move, like last year.”
• Writing the Way to Better Reading (with Judith Hochman, Ed.D.): Dr. Hochman, co-author of The Writing Revolution, explores the powerful connection between writing and reading comprehension. She dispels the myth that simply writing more leads to better writing, stressing the need for explicit, structured instruction.
• Phonology as a Settled Science (with Jane Ashby, Ph.D.): This episode clarifies what’s truly settled in reading science and why foundational skills like phonology are non-negotiable. Dr. Ashby provides practical exercises for transferring oral language skills to reading and writing tasks.
• Empowering Instruction Through Mental Models (with Young-Suk Grace Kim, Ed.D.): Dr. Kim introduces her interactive dynamic literacy model, illuminating the close relationship between reading and writing and how teachers can leverage this understanding in the classroom.

Why Should Teachers and Parents Listen?

• Evidence-Based, Not Trend-Based: The podcast cuts through the noise of educational fads, focusing on what research actually supports. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, literacy coach, or parent, you’ll gain clarity on what works – and why.
• Practical Takeaways: Episodes are rich with strategies you can implement immediately, from supporting struggling readers to building academic language and integrating writing instruction.
• Community and Support: Listeners are invited to join a thriving Facebook group to connect, share experiences, and continue the conversation beyond the podcast.

Mrs Wordsmith’s Takeaway

At Mrs Wordsmith, we believe that literacy is the key to unlocking every child’s potential. Science of Reading: The Podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone committed to evidence-based reading instruction. It’s a place where research meets real classrooms, where tough questions are welcomed, and where every episode is a step toward empowering educators and families to help children thrive. We’d highly encourage you to listen to this exceptional podcast, and if you’d like to read Mrs Wordsmith's summary of the Science of Reading, you can find that here.