Podcasts

IRA podcasts are available for free download in MP3 format. Download individual episodes here, or visit the iTunes store to subscribe.

Class Acts: Ideas for Teaching Reading and Writing

Looking for research-based, classroom-tested teaching ideas? Find what you need for your K–12 students right here, or subscribe to the series through iTunes.

Creating a home reading program NEW!
Motivate kids and involve parents in an effective at-home reading program to supplement classroom activities
podcast | book

Teaching vocabulary in middle and high school
Research and theory support key ideas about word learning for adolescents
podcast | article | research base

Writing to learn across the curriculum
Writing strategies help upper elementary and middle school students with reading comprehension
podcast | article | research base
Phonics through shared reading
Rimes, onsets, and reading aloud help K–3 children with phonics
podcast | article | research base | 37 rimes
Phrasing for fluency
Elementary learners can read aloud more effectively with these strategies
podcast | book

Teaching key vocabulary
Identifying and teaching important words in a text assists with comprehension for intermediate and upper elementary students
podcast | article | research base | lesson plan

Understanding the big idea
Thinking about the important ideas in texts can help reading comprehension
podcast | article | research base | recommended children’s books

Supporting struggling adolescent readers
Teachers and tutors can use these ideas to engage middle and high school students
podcast | article | research base

IRA Insights

In this series, literacy leaders offer their perspectives on issues of interest to reading professionals and policymakers. Select by topic here or subscribe to the series through iTunes.

Cassidy on 2008 Survey
Jack Cassidy traces the 12-year history of his annual survey of literacy leaders to determine what’s hot or should be hot in the field of reading
podcast

Fisher, Frey, and Lapp on modeling during shared reading
Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and Diane Lapp draw on observations of expert teachers to discuss how modeling can improve reading and content knowledge across grade levels.
podcast | book

Allington on RTI
Richard Allington discusses research-supported models for early reading intervention
podcast | book

Afflerbach on assessment
Peter Afflerbach comments on how classroom assessment, not NCLB-mandated testing, should influence teaching
podcast | book