38. Tier 1 Engagement Strategies With Jake Daggett Literacy In Color: A Science Of Reading Aligned Podcast For Educators podcast

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 helping all learners access joyful, responsive Tier 1 instruction.

We unpack how retrieval practice, frequent response opportunities, and cognitive science principles make instruction stick—and why fun isn’t fluff when it’s grounded in purpose. From neurodivergent inclusion to flexible phonics lessons, Jake shares practical, actionable ways to create highly engaging classrooms that promote success for every learner.

Whether you’re sing-songy or soft-spoken, you’ll walk away with real strategies to elevate your Tier 1 instruction tomorrow.

Key Takeaways:

The relationship between achievement and joy in learning
Why retrieval practice and at-bats are essential for building automaticity
The role of pitch, motion, and repetition in recall and engagement
Flexible strategies that honor teacher style AND student need

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Explicit Instruction- Dr. Anita Archer
Book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching - Zach Groshell
Book: Harnessing the Science of Learning - Nathaniel Swain
Book: Why Don’t Students Like School? - Dan Willingham
Book: Differentiating Phonics Instruction for Maximum Impact - Wiley Blevins
Book: 7 Mighty Moves - Lindsay Kemeny
Book: 7 Mighty Moves: Reading Resources - Lindsay Kemeny
Book: Rock Your Literacy Block - Lindsay Kemeny
Book: Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning - Peter C. Brown
Dan Willingham’s Website
Timothy Shanahan’s Website – Shanahan on Literacy

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Connect with Jake Daggett:

Instagram: @jake_daggett
Facebook: Engage with Jake
TikTok: @jake_daggett
X: @jake_daggett
Website: https://www.engagewithjake.com/

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