Best David Rayburn Podcasts (2025)

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55. What Real Implementation Looks Like with Justin Browning, SOR for More 1:04:35

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1h ago1:04:35

1:04:35

We all know the saying “when you know better, you do better.” But what happens when we know better…and still don’t see the needle move in reading outcomes? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Justin Browning, national literacy consultant and founder of SoR for More, to talk about the missing piece: implementation. Justin draws fro…

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54. Blending Strategies 16:44

38m ago16:44

16:44

Have you ever had a student rattle off the sounds in a word—/b/… /a/… /t/, only to say “tab,” “balloon,” or even “chicken”? If so, you’re not alone. And here’s the thing: these blending errors aren’t always decoding issues. Often, they’re tied to working memory. In this solo episode of Literacy in Color, we unpack why blending matters, what researc…

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53. The High Frequency Word Project with Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton 59:05

14d ago59:05

59:05

What if high-frequency words aren’t “irregular” after all? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Rebecca Loveless and Fiona Hamilton, co-authors of The High Frequency Word Project, to dig into the stories behind some of the most common words in English. Too often, these little “function words” get handed to students on flashcards wi…

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52. Phonemic Awareness Research Unpacked with Dr. David Kilpatrick 1:10:32

21d ago1:10:32

1:10:32

In this pivotal episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle is joined by psychologist, professor, and reading researcher Dr. David Kilpatrick to untangle some hotly debated ideas surrounding phonemic awareness in the Science of Reading community. This conversation isn’t about taking sides in the “with letters vs. without letters” debate. It’s about gett…

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51. Rethinking Sight Words with Pryor Rayburn, Orton Gillingham Mama 36:59

14d ago36:59

36:59

In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with THE Orton Gillingham Mama, Pryor Rayburn to take a deep dive into the hot-button world of sight words and high-frequency word instruction. Pryor busts through common myths, clears up confusing terminology, and explores brain-based practices for teaching high frequency words through the l…

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50. The Truth About Progress Monitoring: Myth Busting with Shannon Moore, Moore Literacy Leaps 46:14

23d ago46:14

46:14

In this episode, Michelle is joined by instructional coach and literacy specialist Shannon Moore of Moore Literacy Leaps to bust four major myths about progress monitoring in reading instruction. Together, they tackle what progress monitoring really is (and what it’s not), how it fits into the MTSS framework, and why all students, not just those be…

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49. Set for Variability with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz, Informed Literacy 34:36

1M ago34:36

34:36

What does it really mean to be “set for variability”? In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz of Informed Literacy to break down this complex-sounding but classroom-friendly concept. Together, they demystify set for variability, explore its role in decoding, and share practical classroom examples. If you’ve ever wondered h…

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Fueling Demand Growth: Discussing the State of Natural Gas with Scott Akin 52:36

1M ago52:36

52:36

Join hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker as they sit down with Scott Akin, ACES Executive Director of Natural Gas Trading, to discuss the intricate world of natural gas. With fascinating insights from Akin’s background in meteorology, the episode delves into the vital role of natural gas in balancing energy demands.…

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48. SOR Mini-Con 2025 Recap with Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer & Yvette Manns 53:26

2M ago53:26

53:26

In this heartfelt roundtable episode, Michelle is joined by her Science of Reading sidekicks, Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer, and Yvette Manns to reflect on the very first Science of Reading Mini-Con! From spark-filled sessions to swag bags and sound baths, this conversation is full of gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt takeaways. They revisit each s…

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47. Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters—Especially for Black Boys with Tiffany Obeng, Sugar Cookie Books 33:26

1M ago33:26

33:26

In this powerful episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by lawyer-turned-author Tiffany Obeng, founder of Sugar Cookie Books. Together, we unpack the significance of representation in children’s literature, especially for Black boys, and how her “Andrew Learns” series is challenging the traditional narratives and creating space for all kids to fe…

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46. Making Words Stick with Dr. Molly Ness on Orthographic Mapping 37:32

2M ago37:32

37:32

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Dr. Molly Ness, literacy researcher, educator, and co-author of “Making Words Stick”, the latest release from the Scholastic Science of Reading in Practice series. Together with Dr. Katie Pace Miles, Molly has created a teacher-friendly guide to help educators understand orthographic mapping and implement a…

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45. A Global Lens on Morphology, Etymology & Literacy Instruction with Dr. Treasa Bowe 56:57

2M ago56:57

56:57

In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re heading across the pond to Ireland for a powerful conversation with Dr. Treasa Bowe, an international literacy leader and passionate advocate for morphology, etymology, and meaningful instruction. With over two decades of teaching experience in both Ireland and the U.S., Dr. Bowe brings a truly global len…

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44. 4 Warm-Up Drills for Effective Phonics Instruction 17:42

2M ago17:42

17:42

In this episode of Literacy in Color, we’re diving into 4 quick, high-impact phonics drills that spark engagement and build automaticity, without eating up your entire lesson time. These warm-ups aren’t about “drill and kill.” Instead, they’re short, intentional routines that help students review and retrieve previously taught phonics content. Whet…

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43. Rock Your Literacy Block with Lindsay Kemeny 34:58

2M ago34:58

34:58

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by the incredible Lindsay Kemeny, a trusted voice in the Science of Reading community and author of Seven Mighty Moves and Rock Your Literacy Block. Lindsay shares her journey into structured literacy, sparked by her son’s dyslexia diagnosis, and how that led to a complete transformation in her teach…

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Energy Outlook with ACES' CEO, Mike Steffes 55:40

3M ago55:40

55:40

In this episode of the ACES Power Hour, hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker welcome Mike Steffes, President and CEO of ACES, to discuss the current state of the energy market.By ACES

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42. Is the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners? with Alejandra Ramirez 37:12

3M ago37:12

37:12

In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with Alejandra Ramirez, a seasoned bilingual educator, reading coordinator, and literacy leader, to explore one of the most important questions in today’s classrooms: Is the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners? With over a decade of experience in dual language programs and extensive …

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41. Small Groups Aligned with the Science of Reading with Christina Winter, Lead in Literacy 44:48

3M ago44:48

44:48

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m joined by my dear friend, Christina Winter from Lead in Literacy. Together, we dive into one of the hottest topics in structured literacy: small group instruction. While some Science of Reading conversations debate whether small groups have a place in the literacy block, Christina reminds us that when done …

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40. Why Read-Alouds Matter: Equity, Comprehension, and Book Access with Dr. Molly Ness 42:49

3M ago42:49

42:49

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…

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Status Quo is Not Company Policy: An Interview with Rayburn Electric Cooperative CEO David Naylor 53:00

4M ago53:00

53:00

In this episode, hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker sit down with David Naylor, the President and CEO of Rayburn Electric Cooperative. Discover the fascinating journey of David Naylor, from his roots in Arkansas to becoming CEO of the innovative Rayburn Electric Cooperative.By ACES

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39. Mastering Morphology - Introducing Logos Literacy Academy with Sarah Paul & Michelle Sullivan 37:06

3M ago37:06

37:06

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 ca…

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38. Tier 1 Engagement Strategies with Jake Daggett 57:39

4M ago57:39

57:39

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 …

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37. The Impact of Language and Leadership in Literacy with Dr. Danielle 'Nell' Thompson, The Transformative Reading Teacher Group 1:00:17

4M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Danielle “Nell” Thompson shares her powerful journey from a small town in North Dakota to Bush Alaska, all the way to becoming a transformational coach and the founder of the Big Sky Literacy Summit. Together, we explore how language is the foundation of literacy—not just for academic success, but for human connec…

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36. Tips for Teaching the Alphabet with Heidi Martin, Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi 40:06

4M ago40:06

40:06

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I’m chatting with Heidi Martin—also known as Droppin’ Knowledge with Heidi—to unpack what research says about effective alphabet instruction. Together, we explore common debates, research-based tips, and engaging strategies to teach the alphabet more effectively. From ditching letter-of-the-week traditions to e…

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Outside the Box with Maverick Teachers Harmony Slater, David Garrigues, and Ty Landrum 1:35:40

4M ago1:35:40

1:35:40

A maverick is someone who is unconventional and thinks for themselves and today's guests are certainly that. Harmony Slater, David Garrigues, and Ty Landrum are all part of the same Ashtanga yoga tradition, and yet, they look almost nothing alike. Each offer their own unique perspective and approach that is in ways, totally opposite. On one end the…

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35. Why Transcription Skills Matter in Early Writing Instruction with Amy Siracusano 49:37

4M ago49:37

49:37

In this insightful episode, I sit down with literacy expert, Amy Siracusano, to unpack the critical role that transcription skills play in early writing development. Together, we explore why handwriting, spelling, and fine motor skills aren’t just mechanical tasks—they’re foundational tools that unlock a child’s ability to communicate their thought…

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34. Orthographic Mapping, Sight Words & High-Frequency Words: What Every Teacher Should Know 17:33

5M ago17:33

17:33

In this solo episode of Literacy in Color, we’re cutting through the confusion around sight words, high-frequency words, and orthographic mapping. You’ll get a clear, research-backed understanding of how the brain actually learns words — and why traditional memorization strategies just don’t cut it. Michelle breaks down why every word "wants to gro…

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33. Spelling Error Analysis with Sydney Bassard, The Listening SLP 31:18

5M ago31:18

31:18

What can spelling errors really tell us about a student’s literacy development? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Sydney Bassard, speech-language pathologist and founder of The Listening SLP, to dig into the power of spelling error analysis. Sydney breaks down the five types of spelling errors teachers should be aware of, explai…

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Is Ashtanga Right for Everyone? With David Keil, Scott Johnson, and Jen René 58:01

5M ago58:01

58:01

In this episode of the Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast, David Keil, Jen René and Scott Johnson join me to explore the question of whether Ashtanga yoga is suitable for everyone, not just as teachers but as students, ourselves with our own challenges and needs. We talk about the importance of context, adaptation, and the need be critical thinkers. But lik…

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A Conversation on Mentoring with Meridian Cooperative CEO Chris Haas 51:02

5M ago51:02

51:02

In this episode of ACES Power Hour, hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker sit down with Chris Haas, CEO of Meridian Cooperative, to discuss the pivotal role of mentoring in personal and professional development.By ACES

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32. Crafting High-Quality Decodable Books with Brooke Vitale, Charge Mommy Books 37:31

5M ago37:31

37:31

In this episode of Literacy in Color, I'm joined by Brooke Vitale—veteran children’s book editor, author, and founder of Charge Mommy Books—to explore the art and science behind writing truly high-quality decodable books. With over 15+ years in publishing (including experience at Penguin and Disney!), Brooke brings a deep understanding of storytell…

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31. Stop the Robotic Reading – Building Fluency with MeQuel Bolden 22:41

5M ago22:41

22:41

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by literacy coach and consultant MeQuel Bolden. With over a decade of classroom experience and a deep commitment to structured literacy, MeQuel shares insight into what reading fluency really is—and what it’s not. We unpack common fluency misconceptions, dive into what’s happening in the brain when students…

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30. Making Sense of Suffixes: Inflectional vs. Derivational Suffixes 21:43

6M ago21:43

21:43

In this solo episode, Michelle Sullivan breaks down one morpheme type: suffixes. You’ll learn the difference between inflectional and derivational suffixes, how they operate in our language system, and why understanding suffixes is critical for building skilled readers, spellers, and thinkers. Michelle takes you on a deep dive into how suffixes sha…

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The Tradition that Connects Us with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, Kino MacGregor, and Tim Feldmann 1:04:10

6M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

In this heartfelt conversation, Mary Taylor, Richard Freeman, Tim Feldmann, and Kino MacGregor join Peg Mulqueen and reflect on the profound sense of loss within the Ashtanga Yoga community after the sudden passing of Sharath Jois. They explore themes of grief, connection, and the importance of practice in navigating uncertainty. The discussion del…

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The Power of Co-ops: Sitting Down with Oglethorpe Power CEO Annalisa Bloodworth 50:52

6M ago50:52

50:52

In this episode of the ACES Power Hour, hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker sit down with Annalisa Bloodworth, President and CEO of Oglethorpe Power in Atlanta, Georgia. Annalisa discusses the unique aspects of the cooperative business model in the energy sector and shares insights into her journey from a small-town in Colorado to lead…

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29. Hands-On Phonemic Awareness Activities with Kristina Harrill 19:00

6M ago19:00

19:00

In this episode, Kristina Harrill, founder of Sweet for Kindergarten, joins me to share her passion for phonemic awareness and hands-on learning. We discuss the importance of bridging phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, debunk the myth that phonemic awareness has to be done in the dark, and dive into engaging, multisensory activities teache…

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28. Clearing up Misconceptions around MTSS with Dr. Stephanie Stollar 1:06:45

6M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

Dr. Stephanie Stollar, co-author of “MTSS for Reading Improvement” & founder of Reading Science Academy, joins me to break down MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) and clear up common misconceptions surrounding this framework. Many educators see MTSS as just an intervention model, but it’s so much more—it’s a system-wide approach to improving re…

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27. Celebrate National Schwa Day: What's the Schwa Sound & How to Teach It with Yvette Manns, Author of Phonics Read-Alouds 58:14

7M ago58:14

58:14

What exactly is the schwa sound, and why is it such an important part of the English language? Yvette Manns, author of the Phonics Read-Alouds series and founder of National Schwa Day, joins me to dive deep into everything schwa—what it is, how it functions in words, and why teaching it explicitly is a game-changer for reading and spelling instruct…

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Leading Through Uncertainty: The Future of Green Power with NRCO CEO Mike Keyser 47:45

7M ago47:45

47:45

Join hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker in this episode of the ACES Power Hour as they dive into the world of renewable/green energy with Mike Keyser, CEO of the National Renewable Cooperative Organization (NRCO). Mike shares his riveting journey from Seattle law student to American Samoa and beyond. Discover the challenges and innova…

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26. Morphology 101 17:35

7M ago17:35

17:35

Morphology is one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, components of your literacy block. In this episode, I break down the basics of morphology and explain why it’s essential for structured literacy to help students read, spell, and understand words more effectively. If you’ve ever wondered why students struggle with multisyllabic words, sp…

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25. Why are Decodable Texts Important? with Hooked on Comics 47:44

7M ago47:44

47:44

Brittany and Jackie from Hooked on Comics join us to discuss why decodable texts are essential for building foundational reading skills. We dive into what makes a text truly decodable, how these texts support structured literacy, and their unique approach to creating engaging decodable comics. Whether you’re new to using decodable texts or looking …

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24. Morphology Roundtable with Sarah Paul, Savannah Campbell, and Michelle Sullivan 53:45

7M ago53:45

53:45

In this episode of the Literacy in Color podcast, Michelle Sullivan, Sarah Paul, and Savannah Campbell join forces for a morphology roundtable discussion! They’re answering some of your most pressing morphology questions from social media: Why does teaching morphology matter? When should we begin teaching morphology, and how can it be introduced to…

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23. Why is Reading Fluency Important? with Dr. Heather Kenny from Unleashed Innovation 32:54

7M ago32:54

32:54

Why is reading fluency important? Dr. Heather Kenny from Unleashed Innovation joins me to unpack the critical role of fluency in reading development. Together, we explore why fluency is often described as the bridge between word recognition and language comprehension, discuss research-backed insights, and share actionable strategies to address flue…

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22. What is Reading Fluency? with Jessica Farmer from Farmer Loves Phonics 28:22

7M ago28:22

28:22

What is reading fluency? Jessica Farmer, a literacy advocate and professional learning facilitator, joins me to discuss the essential role of fluency in reading development. Together, we explore what fluency truly means, why it’s much more than speed, and how teachers can assess and improve fluency in their classrooms. Packed with practical strateg…

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21. When Reading Skills Aren't Clicking with Naomi O'Brien 55:04

8M ago55:04

55:04

What do you do when reading skills aren’t clicking for your students? Join me and the incredible Naomi O’Brien from Read Like a Rockstar Teaching as we tackle this critical question. Naomi shares her expertise in foundational skills in a structured literacy setting to help educators shift their instruction and support every reader. Whether you’re s…

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Cyber Security in Energy 40:25

8M ago40:25

40:25

In this episode of the ACES Power Hour Podcast, hosts Mike Bodnar and Courtney Stooksbury Parker delve into the intriguing and complex world of cybersecurity with special guest Michael Moore, ACES' Manager of Cybersecurity. Moore shares his unconventional journey from a political science graduate to cybersecurity professional, offering insights int…

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20. What to Do With All Those Leveled Books in a SoR Classroom 14:05

8M ago14:05

14:05

If you’ve been shifting to a Science of Reading approach, you might be wondering: What do I do with all the leveled texts in my classroom library? Should I toss them? Let them collect dust? Fear not—this episode is here to help! Today, we explore 6 practical and intentional ways to repurpose your leveled readers so they align with structured litera…

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19. Oral Language & Reading with Elizabeth Doherty, The Reading SLP 40:03

8M ago40:03

40:03

Elizabeth Doherty, known as The Reading SLP, joins us to discuss the critical role oral language plays in reading development. As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with extensive experience, Elizabeth shares her insights into how oral language connects to reading comprehension, the importance of addressing oral language challenges, and actionable…

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18. 5 Tips for Small Group Reading Success 10:15

8M ago10:15

10:15

Small group reading instruction is where the magic happens! In this episode, we dive into five actionable tips to help you make the most of your small group time. Whether you're working on phonics, fluency, or comprehension, these strategies will ensure your instruction is intentional, impactful, and student-centered. Get ready to streamline your p…

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17. From Resolutions to Results: Set your Science of Reading Goals for 2025 12:53

9M ago12:53

12:53

Happy New Year’s Eve! As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and set intentional goals for your teaching practice. In this episode, we’ll turn your passion for the Science of Reading into actionable, achievable goals that will set you and your students up for success in the new year. Together, we’ll ref…

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16. A Very Merry Phonological Awareness Lesson 14:38

9M ago14:38

14:38

It's Christmas Eve! In today’s special holiday-themed episode, we’re bringing a little winter magic to phonological awareness. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just looking for a festive and educational activity, this interactive episode is for you! Together, we’ll play with sounds and words, engaging in fun phonological awareness activities th…