Episode Details

Dr. Melissa Orkin and Sarah Gannon, co-authors of The Structured Literacy Playbook, join Michelle to unpack what it really takes to move students from accurate decoding to fluent, meaningful reading.

They explore how teachers can intentionally plan to build fluency using a backward design approach rooted in the brain science of reading.

Drawing on the work of Dr. Maryanne Wolf, Melissa and Sarah introduce the POSSUM framework, a multi-component model that integrates phonology, orthography, semantics, syntax, and morphology within a single lesson. Rather than isolating skills, this approach connects them, reflecting how the reading brain actually works.

Key Takeaways:

1. An explanation of the POSSUM Framework
2. The role of retrieval (RAN) in fluency and reading development
3. How to design small-group instruction using a backwards planning approach
4. What to try when students get “stuck” in sound-by-sound reading
5. “Winning strategies” and other high-leverage routines – like syntactic phrasing

Resources Mentioned:

1. Book: The Structured Literacy Playbook by Dr. Melissa Orkin, Sarah Gannon, and Alexandria Osburn
2. Structured Literacy Game Plan Generator (One Month Trial) - Backward planning tool that generates lessons!
3. Decoding Duo Resources
4. Morphology Anthology
5. RAVE-O Program (Intervention)

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Connect with Crafting Minds Group:

1. Website: https://www.craftingmindsgroup.com/
2. Instagram: @craftingmindsgroup
3. Email: melissa@craftingmindsgroup.com & sarah@craftingmindsgroup.com

Connect with Michelle:

1. Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom &

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