Literacy in Color: A Science of Reading Aligned Podcast for Educators
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 designed to help you captivate your learners, boost reading fluency, and foster a deep understanding of language.
Each week, you’ll discover practical tips, proven strategies, and creative ideas to make your literacy instruction colorful and impactful. From phonics and morphology to vocabulary building and comprehension techniques, we’ll explore the full spectrum of evidence-based practices that support all learners on their journey to becoming confident readers.
Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, “Literacy in Color” will empower you with the tools, inspiration, and know-how to make literacy instruction not just effective, but truly unforgettable.
Are you ready to teach colorfully? Hit subscribe and join us each week for a splash of fun, insight, and colorful learning.
Connect with me on Instagram @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom for more tips, resources, and community!
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 33 minutes
- Episodes
- 54
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
53. The High Frequency Word Project with Rebecca Loveless & Fiona Hamilton
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 …
52. Phonemic Awareness Research Unpacked with Dr. David Kilpatrick
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 awar…
51. Rethinking Sight Words with Pryor Rayburn, Orton Gillingham Mama
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…
50. The Truth About Progress Monitoring: Myth Busting with Shannon Moore, Moore Literacy Leaps
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.
Toge…
49. Set for Variability with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz, Informed Literacy
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…
48. SOR Mini-Con 2025 Recap with Heidi Martin, Jessica Farmer & Yvette Manns
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! …
47. Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters—Especially for Black Boys with Tiffany Obeng, Sugar Cookie Books
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 li…
46. Making Words Stick with Dr. Molly Ness on Orthographic Mapping
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 s…
45. A Global Lens on Morphology, Etymology & Literacy Instruction with Dr. Treasa Bowe
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 morpholog…
44. 4 Warm-Up Drills for Effective Phonics Instruction
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…
43. Rock Your Literacy Block with Lindsay Kemeny
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. L…
42. Is the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners? with Alejandra Ramirez
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 question…
41. Small Groups Aligned with the Science of Reading with Christina Winter, Lead in Literacy
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 instru…
40. Why Read-Alouds Matter: Equity, Comprehension, and Book Access with Dr. Molly Ness
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, autho…
39. Mastering Morphology - Introducing Logos Literacy Academy with Sarah Paul & Michelle Sullivan
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.
Toget…
38. Tier 1 Engagement Strategies with Jake Daggett
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 a…
37. The Impact of Language and Leadership in Literacy with Dr. Danielle 'Nell' Thompson, The Transformative Reading Teacher Group
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 foun…
36. Tips for Teaching the Alphabet with Heidi Martin, Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi
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 explor…
35. Why Transcription Skills Matter in Early Writing Instruction with Amy Siracusano
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 handwrit…
34. Orthographic Mapping, Sight Words & High-Frequency Words: What Every Teacher Should Know
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…