Episode Details

Have you ever had a student who seemed determined to avoid reading, writing, or participating at all costs?

In this episode, I sit down with literacy expert and conference host Natayle Brown to discuss what's really happening when students shut down in ELA classrooms. We explore the difference between true defiance and overwhelm, why struggling readers often disengage before they even begin, and how teachers can challenge students without pushing them into shutdown.

Natalie shares practical insights about attention spans, dopamine, skill deficits, student engagement, and the Zone of Proximal Development—all through the lens of helping struggling readers access grade-level learning.

This is the perfect prequel to my session inside the Unstuck Literacy Conference Natayle is hosting. Be sure to register for this free conference which runs from Jun 23-25, 2026 by going to theinspiredclassroom.com/unstuck

~Elizabeth

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Unstuck Literacy Conference: theinspiredclassroom.com/unstuck

Natayle's Website: https://heynatayle.com/

Have a question you want me to answer on the podcast? Record it here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/podcast

✨ The Classroom Reset – If this conversation resonates with you, you'll love The Classroom Reset. Inside, you'll learn how to build the foundation that helps students feel safe enough to participate, take risks, self-regulate, and engage in learning. Because before students can succeed with our strategies, they need the conditions that make learning possible.

Learn more and enroll here: https://theinspiredclassroom.com/reset

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It’s your safe space to be inspired, supported, and reminded you’re not in this alone.

👉 theinspiredclassroom.com/community

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