Science of Reading Podcast for Grades 4-12 with Katie & Jen
Dr. Katie McKnight & Dr. Jennifer French
Welcome to the Science of Reading Podcast
This podcast series is especially for 4th -12th grade teachers, literacy coaches, and school and district leaders who need the information, tools and resources to grow literacy achievement in their students. We’ve been classroom teachers, university professors, school consultants and authors. We invite you to explore the Engaging Learners website to learn more about our philosophy and our decades of work.
Dr. Katie McKnight & Dr. Jenny French
April 7, 2025 | Podcast Episode
It’s All in the Question! (with guest Erik Francis)
Our guest, Erik Francis, author of Inquiring Minds Want to Learn, joins us to explore how the questions we ask can shape meaningful discussions and foster rigorous learning. We dive into strategies for cultivating curiosity, creating engaging conversations, and enhancing the learning process through intentional inquiry. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or just passionate about student learning, this episode will leave you inspired to ask better questions and dive deeper into understanding. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation you won’t want to miss! | 46 min 09 sec
January 30, 2025 | Podcast Episode
Inquiring Minds Want to Know (with guest Erik Francis)
In this episode, we dive into the power of deep questioning to enhance reading comprehension. Our guest, Erik Francis, author of the new book Inquiring Minds Want to Learn, shares insights on how educators can use thought-provoking questions to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful learning experiences. We explore strategies for moving beyond surface-level understanding, helping students connect with texts in deeper, more personal ways. Tune in to discover how the right questions can transform understanding. | 34 min 20 sec
September 8, 2024 | Podcast Episode
Reading Comprehension in the Content Areas
In this episode, Katie and Jen answer questions from teachers about helping students with grade-level reading, vocabulary instruction, and understanding complex texts. The hosts provide various strategies and resources for teachers to support their students' reading comprehension and vocabulary development.. | 29 min 24 sec
June 8, 2024 | Podcast Episode
Building Fluency in Grades 4-12
Reading fluency is often the missing link between decoding and comprehension. Listen and find out how to help build reading fluency for students in grades 4-12. | 43 min 44 sec
April 14, 2024 | Podcast Episode
Background Knowledge Means Better Comprehension
In this episode, Dr. Katie McKnight and Dr. Jenny French discuss the importance of background knowledge in reading comprehension for older students. The hosts debunk the misconception that Lexile scores are the sole indicator of text complexity and highlight the need for a rich curriculum that includes social studies and science content. They also provide strategies for activating background knowledge. | 33 min 53 sec
March 6, 2024 | Podcast Episode
Building a Successful Summer School Program
Summer will be here before we know it! Get logistical tips and resource recommendations that will help you design and plan your summer school program. | 29 min 6 sec
January 30, 2024 | Podcast Episode
The Science of Reading for Adolescents
Episode 1 delves into the practical considerations educators should bear in mind to cultivate effective literacy skills in older students. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or literacy enthusiast, this episode offers actionable advice to empower adolescent minds through the transformative science of reading. | 25 min 28 sec
Professional Development with Katie & Jen
Whether you’re looking for district-wide professional development, a dynamic keynote speaker, a one-day workshop, or long-term coaching, Dr. Katie McKnight and Dr. Jenny French will ensure that your teachers and staff walk away from each session with implementable strategies and tools that can be used in their own classrooms the very next day. In addition to sharing expertise in the latest research-based methods, Katie and Jen empower teachers to reach all students, achieve measurable results, and make real and lasting change in their students’ literacy development and in their futures.