Shows
Literacy Lunch BreakS8E1: A Regulated Classroom: Preparing Every Child to Learn, Read, and ThriveThe webinar recording can be accessed here.Every teacher has seen it—a student who can’t focus, can’t follow, or can’t find calm enough to learn—no matter how strong the instruction. This edWeb podcast introduces the concept of learning readiness through regulation—how emotional, cognitive, and relational factors shape students’ capacity to access and retain foundational literacy skills.We explore how regulation is the bridge between ability and achievement, and how teachers can weave readiness practices into daily instruction without adding more to their plates. By connecting the Science...
2025-12-0358 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS7E7: Reimagining Literacy Leadership- Dr. Nell Thompson on Building Systems That Work for Every StudentIn this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari sits down with a nationally recognized educator and literacy expert to explore the true foundations of reading success. They discuss the critical role of oral language, the science behind reading development, and how educators can take actionable steps to support every child’s learning journey. From early intervention to innovative leadership practices, this conversation highlights the impact of curiosity, collaboration, and knowledge in shaping literacy outcomes. Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on...
2025-12-0227 min
edWebcastsA Regulated Classroom: Preparing Every Child to Learn, Read, and ThriveThis edWeb podcast is sponsored by Heggerty.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Every teacher has seen it—a student who can’t focus, can’t follow, or can’t find calm enough to learn—no matter how strong the instruction. This edWeb podcast introduces the concept of learning readiness through regulation—how emotional, cognitive, and relational factors shape students’ capacity to access and retain foundational literacy skills.We explore how regulation is the bridge between ability and achievement, and how teachers can weave readiness practices into daily instruction wi...
2025-11-2558 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS7E5: Tutoring as a Lever for Lasting Change with Dr. Katie Pace MilesIn this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari talks with Dr. Katie Pace Miles, known for her research on high-frequency words and orthographic mapping, about her powerful work with the CUNY Reading Corps. Katie shares how the program, born during COVID, now provides high-impact tutoring to thousands of New York City students while transforming preservice teacher training. Together, they discuss why one-on-one structured literacy support is essential, how tutoring can scale through innovative university partnerships, and the vital role of human connection in helping striving readers thrive. Katie a...
2025-11-1824 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS7E4: Excellence in Learning: How Newport Mesa is Transforming Early LiteracyIn this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Dr. Lori Hernandez, Director of Teaching and Learning in Newport Mesa School District. Dr. Hernandez shares how her team has created a district-wide culture of literacy that supports every learner, from newcomers and English learners to students in Title I and non-Title I schools. She discusses the district’s strategic rollout of phonemic awareness, phonics, and high-quality instruction, the systems of support built for teachers and administrators, and the powerful mindset shift that all kids can—and will—learn to read. This c...
2025-11-1227 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS7E3: What Today’s Literacy Data Means for Elementary Educators, Insights from Dr. Molly NessIn this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Dr. Molly Ness—literacy advocate, researcher, and author—to unpack what it really takes to move from knowing the science of reading to putting it into practice. Dr. Ness shares her journey from classroom teacher to national thought leader and offers insight into why literacy reform requires whole-system change, not just new materials. They dive into the importance of language comprehension, intentional read alouds, and building student identity and joy in reading. Listeners will walk away with practical ideas for...
2025-11-0422 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS7E2: Breaking Barriers in Literacy: Dr. Almitra Berry on Instructional Shifts That MatterIn this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Dr. Almitra Berry, a nationally recognized educator and author who has spent over 30 years advocating for all learners. Dr. Berry shares her personal journey and the experiences that fueled her passion for transforming educational outcomes. Together, they discuss , the importance of self-reflection for educators, and practical steps toward improving learning outcomes for all learners. Listeners will leave inspired to honor the whole child while embracing the science—and art—of teaching.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to d...
2025-10-2825 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS7 E1: Being Mindful of NAEP Scores: A Conversation with Kai-leé Berke and Marjorie Bottari In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Kai-leé Berke, CEO of Heggerty and a nationally recognized early childhood education expert. With decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and author of widely used classroom solutions, Kai-leé shares her insights on addressing the complex challenges of reading development. Together, they explore why solving reading problems requires examining multiple lenses—moving beyond surface-level assumptions like “parents don’t read to their kids”—and the importance of asking, What can we do next? They discuss examples of districts making measurable gains, such as Louisiana, and the role prog...
2025-10-2125 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS5E5: Writing Instruction Essentials: Practical Tips for Elementary Teachers with Steve GrahamIn this episode of Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari chats with renowned writing expert Steve Graham about actionable strategies for improving writing instruction in elementary classrooms. Steve shares research-backed tips that teachers can apply tomorrow. Learn how to connect reading and writing, support diverse learners, and enhance essential writing skills like handwriting and sentence construction. Don’t miss these insights for elevating writing instruction in your classroom!Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to ke...
2024-11-0628 minedWebcastsSupporting Literacy Success as a K-5 LeaderThis edWeb podcast is sponsored by Heggerty.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Join us for an engaging edWeb podcast featuring a dynamic discussion on strategies and practices driving literacy success in K-5 classrooms. Moderated by Marjorie Bottari, Director of Content at Heggerty, this panel highlights insights from three distinguished literacy leaders:Dr. Carrie Willer, Director of Elementary Education (5K-5) at Appleton Area School DistrictDr. Gyimah Whitaker, Superintendent at City Schools of DecaturShanna Beber, Ed.S., Executive Director of Literacy at the Louisiana Department of EducationThe panelists share their approaches to...
2024-11-0159 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS4E6: Empowering Educators: Cultivating Content Knowledge for Student SuccessSeries 4, Episode 6: Tune in to Literacy Lunch Break as host Marjorie Bottari engages in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Esmeralda Carini, a passionate K-12 literacy leader. Esmeralda shares strategies for ensuring educators have access to targeted professional learning opportunities, specifically focusing on enhancing content knowledge to drive student achievement. From her experiences in Hawaii, Esmeralda shares insights on fostering teacher growth and empowering educators to make impactful instructional decisions.Discover the essentials of elementary literacy instruction and leadership in our podcast series. Join leading educators and administrators as they share innovative strategies and actionable insights...
2024-08-2924 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS3E1: Rethinking Guided Reading with Marjorie BottariJoin us for Series 3 of Literacy Lunch Break, where we dive into the journey of replacing guided reading with powerful small-group instruction. In Series 2, we explored shifting literacy practices and advocating for a structured literacy approach. As educators reflect and transition, the question arises: "So, what happens to guided reading?" Discover the answers in our upcoming discussions on the evolution of powerful small-group literacy instruction.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch...
2024-02-0609 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS1E2: Decodable Texts: Building Strong Foundations with Cheryl AllisonIn this podcast episode, host Marjorie Bottari welcomes Cheryl Allison, a decodable book author, to discuss the importance of using decodable texts when teaching foundational reading skills to students. Cheryl shares her personal experiences with delayed reading and her journey to becoming an author of decodable texts. They discuss the significance of making decodable texts engaging and why decoding skills remain crucial for students through their elementary years. Cheryl also emphasizes the negative impact of guessing and the importance of maintaining a balance between decoding and comprehension in reading instruction. Stay tuned for more episodes on literacy topics in...
2023-09-0820 minLiteracy Lunch BreakS1E1: Decodable Texts vs. Leveled ReadersJoin our host, Marjorie Bottari, on this episode of Literacy Lunch Break as we dive into the world of decodable texts and leveled readers. As you tune in, Marjorie will guide you through the definitions of decodable texts and leveled readers, providing an in-depth understanding of each. Marjorie also shares insight into the unique roles decodable texts and leveled readers play within the context of literacy instruction. Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep i...
2023-09-0815 min
Literacy Lunch BreakWelcome to the Literacy Lunch Break!Welcome to the Literacy Lunch Break, a Heggerty podcast that brings you quick and insightful episodes on literacy topics, designed to be easily consumed during your lunch break. Join our host, Marjorie Bottari, as she guides you through the journey of enhancing literacy instruction in a snack-sized format. Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!
2023-07-2101 min