https://simplecast.com FUEL Up! | A K-5 Literacy Podcast FUEL Up! is your go-to podcast for inspiration and practical tools to strengthen your K–5 literacy journey with EL Education. Literacy coaches Kevin and Katie sit down with guests to zoom in on the various components of the curriculum. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas to elevate tomorrow’s lesson or actionable strategies you can implement right away, this show will leave you energized, encouraged, and fueled up! en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:12 +0000 https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com FUEL Up! | A K-5 Literacy Podcast https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/671e903a-bc51-4acd-b3aa-ceda62310ffb/310c79ff-3a23-4015-b0c4-6e50162bbfcf/3000x3000/final-20fuel-20up-20logo.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com episodic FUEL Up! is your go-to podcast for inspiration and practical tools to strengthen your K–5 literacy journey with EL Education. Literacy coaches Kevin and Katie sit down with guests to zoom in on the various components of the curriculum. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas to elevate tomorrow’s lesson or actionable strategies you can implement right away, this show will leave you energized, encouraged, and fueled up! Kevin Richards, MAISD, Katie Taber false https://feeds.simplecast.com/o47_uEdG teaching and learning, literacy coaching, el curriculum, k-5 literacy, literacy Kevin Richards krichards@muskegonisd.org 01831b7f-0e96-4e49-a2e0-e1b7245f701d Fueling Up Around a Few of Our Favorite Things Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-a-few-of-our-favorite-things-Avid9fOn Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

]]> Fueling Up Around a Few of Our Favorite Things Kevin Richards 00:31:57 In this season finale of Fuel Up, we reflect on a year of learning, growth, and conversation centered on EL Education and K–5 literacy. Katie and Kevin revisit key ideas, favorite episodes, powerful insights, and meaningful shifts in practice from across the season. In this season finale of Fuel Up, we reflect on a year of learning, growth, and conversation centered on EL Education and K–5 literacy. Katie and Kevin revisit key ideas, favorite episodes, powerful insights, and meaningful shifts in practice from across the season. false full 17 cd033a01-435f-4f89-bb29-1c329a3e42aa Fueling Up Around High-Quality Work in Action Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

 

]]> Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-high-quality-work-in-action-aI_BhMpO Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

 

]]> Fueling Up Around High-Quality Work in Action Kevin Richards 00:31:28 In this follow-up episode, we revisit learning from an institute centered on high-quality work and explore what happens next—how that learning actually shows up in classrooms. This conversation highlights the transition from inspiration to implementation and the small, intentional moves teachers are making to elevate student work. In this follow-up episode, we revisit learning from an institute centered on high-quality work and explore what happens next—how that learning actually shows up in classrooms. This conversation highlights the transition from inspiration to implementation and the small, intentional moves teachers are making to elevate student work. false full 16 ec8bbdd3-1450-4bff-a9d6-85018efc08a0 Fueling Up Around Language Dives Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

Small Group Language Dive

Why Language Dives Matter

Overview - Language Dives in the K-8 Language Arts Curriculum

 

 

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-language-dives-0jynvdfs Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

Small Group Language Dive

Why Language Dives Matter

Overview - Language Dives in the K-8 Language Arts Curriculum

 

 

]]> Fueling Up Around Language Dives Kevin Richards 00:31:21 This episode of Fuel Up explores Language Dives in EL Education — what they are, why they matter, and how teachers can implement them without feeling overwhelmed. The hosts are joined by first grade teacher Kelly Fuller, who shares her journey from feeling "clunky" with language dives to confidently using them to build student understanding. This episode of Fuel Up explores Language Dives in EL Education — what they are, why they matter, and how teachers can implement them without feeling overwhelmed. The hosts are joined by first grade teacher Kelly Fuller, who shares her journey from feeling "clunky" with language dives to confidently using them to build student understanding. false full 15 55dfda1a-bac1-43fc-91c6-f4ac2d059223 Fueling Up Around Models of Excellence Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

Models of Excellence

Leaders of Their Own Learning by Ron Berger 

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-models-of-excellence-WgSgNdDD Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

Models of Excellence

Leaders of Their Own Learning by Ron Berger 

]]> Fueling Up Around Models of Excellence Kevin Richards 00:31:33 This episode of Fuel Up explores how models of excellence (exemplars) can support students in understanding learning targets, improving the quality of their work, and building confidence. The conversation focuses on practical ways teachers can collect, share, and use student work samples to make expectations clear and achievable. This episode of Fuel Up explores how models of excellence (exemplars) can support students in understanding learning targets, improving the quality of their work, and building confidence. The conversation focuses on practical ways teachers can collect, share, and use student work samples to make expectations clear and achievable. false full 14 33eee2c8-cc29-444f-aab3-636d3437ab46 Fueling Up Around High-Quality Work Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

High-Quality Student Work

Planning for and Supporting High-Quality Student Work

]]> Mon, 2 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-high-quality-work-mRbs1stS Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

High-Quality Student Work

Planning for and Supporting High-Quality Student Work

]]> Fueling Up Around High-Quality Work Kevin Richards 00:31:42 Welcome back to Fuel Up — a space for conversations with and for educators using EL Education to support K–5 literacy learning. In this episode, we take listeners behind the curtain for a reflective debrief after attending an EL Institute in Massachusetts focused on High Quality Work. Together with classroom teachers, we unpack what we learned, what’s shifting in our thinking, and what this means for students. Welcome back to Fuel Up — a space for conversations with and for educators using EL Education to support K–5 literacy learning. In this episode, we take listeners behind the curtain for a reflective debrief after attending an EL Institute in Massachusetts focused on High Quality Work. Together with classroom teachers, we unpack what we learned, what’s shifting in our thinking, and what this means for students. false full 13 21daf913-aef8-4544-ac5d-ee0d1aca22bd Fueling Up Around Complex Texts Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

Close Reading in EL Education
https://eleducation.org/resources/close-reading

]]> Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-complex-texts-k5G841Xi Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

Close Reading in EL Education
https://eleducation.org/resources/close-reading

]]> Fueling Up Around Complex Texts Kevin Richards 00:38:24 In this episode of Fuel Up, the conversation centers on complex texts in EL Education and the mindset shifts required for both teachers and students to succeed with rigorous reading. Through classroom stories and real teacher experiences, listeners are reminded that productive struggle is essential, equity matters, and students are capable of far more than we often assume. In this episode of Fuel Up, the conversation centers on complex texts in EL Education and the mindset shifts required for both teachers and students to succeed with rigorous reading. Through classroom stories and real teacher experiences, listeners are reminded that productive struggle is essential, equity matters, and students are capable of far more than we often assume. false full 12 5d775f01-2e84-4982-976c-9419bbaa2c00 Fueling Up Around the Read, Think, Talk, Write Framework Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

Overview:  Read-Think-Talk-Write Cycle

Read-Think-Talk-Write:  Integrating Literacy with Worthy Texts

]]> Mon, 2 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-the-read-think-talk-write-framework-SjFlSh3Z Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

Overview:  Read-Think-Talk-Write Cycle

Read-Think-Talk-Write:  Integrating Literacy with Worthy Texts

]]> Fueling Up Around the Read, Think, Talk, Write Framework Kevin Richards 00:42:42 This episode pulls back the curtain on one of the core foundations of EL Education: the Read, Think, Talk, Write framework. Rather than viewing it as a set of instructional steps, the conversation reframes this framework as a philosophy for learning—one that builds equity, accountability, and lifelong thinking habits for students. This episode pulls back the curtain on one of the core foundations of EL Education: the Read, Think, Talk, Write framework. Rather than viewing it as a set of instructional steps, the conversation reframes this framework as a philosophy for learning—one that builds equity, accountability, and lifelong thinking habits for students. false full 11 1c718ca2-bdf6-4a2b-a640-33f424f56e0e Fueling Up Around Multilingual Learners Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

EL Education & MLL Supports
https://eleducation.org/resources?query=multilingual

Structured Academic Talk
https://eleducation.org/resources?query=discussion

Michigan Department of Education – EL Services
https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/english-learners

SIOP:  8 Components for Teachers

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-multilingual-learners-hAlql9SG Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL Education — K–5 Literacy Resources
https://eleducation.org/resources

EL Education & MLL Supports
https://eleducation.org/resources?query=multilingual

Structured Academic Talk
https://eleducation.org/resources?query=discussion

Michigan Department of Education – EL Services
https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/english-learners

SIOP:  8 Components for Teachers

]]> Fueling Up Around Multilingual Learners Kevin Richards 00:39:40 In this episode, we zoom in on how to best support multilingual learners (MLLs) in K–5 literacy instruction — without lowering rigor or watering down content. Our guest, Rebecca Miller, English Learner Systems Coach at Muskegon Area ISD, helps us explore how intentional planning, language supports, and structured interaction unlock success for ALL students. In this episode, we zoom in on how to best support multilingual learners (MLLs) in K–5 literacy instruction — without lowering rigor or watering down content. Our guest, Rebecca Miller, English Learner Systems Coach at Muskegon Area ISD, helps us explore how intentional planning, language supports, and structured interaction unlock success for ALL students. false full 10 d6c0b4bd-0df5-4ae5-9904-485766532c63 Fueling Up Around Routines and Structures Resource & Links: 

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL "Big Purple Book" – Your Curriculum Companion:
https://eleducation.org/resources/your-curriculum-companion

Student Talk Protocols
https://eleducation.org/resources?topic=student-discourse

EL Education: Management in the Active Classroom (Book)
https://shop.eleducation.org/

Research on Classroom Routines & SEL
https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/

Universal Design for Learning Guidelines
https://udlguidelines.cast.org/

]]> Mon, 5 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-routines-and-structures-WW_H3_R0 Resource & Links: 

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL "Big Purple Book" – Your Curriculum Companion:
https://eleducation.org/resources/your-curriculum-companion

Student Talk Protocols
https://eleducation.org/resources?topic=student-discourse

EL Education: Management in the Active Classroom (Book)
https://shop.eleducation.org/

Research on Classroom Routines & SEL
https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/

Universal Design for Learning Guidelines
https://udlguidelines.cast.org/

]]> Fueling Up Around Routines and Structures Kevin Richards 00:41:10 In this episode of Fuel Up, we zoom in on the powerful role routines and structures play in creating safe, predictable, and engaging learning environments—especially in K–5 EL Education classrooms. As we step into 2026, Kevin and Katie reflect on how routines shift during breaks and why returning to strong classroom systems matters so much. We’re joined by Kiana Longnecker, School Climate & Culture Consultant at the Muskegon Area ISD, who helps us unpack the “why” and “how” behind effective routines. From independence to voice levels to celebrating students, this conversation is full of practical, heart-centered strategies you can use tomorrow. In this episode of Fuel Up, we zoom in on the powerful role routines and structures play in creating safe, predictable, and engaging learning environments—especially in K–5 EL Education classrooms. As we step into 2026, Kevin and Katie reflect on how routines shift during breaks and why returning to strong classroom systems matters so much. We’re joined by Kiana Longnecker, School Climate & Culture Consultant at the Muskegon Area ISD, who helps us unpack the “why” and “how” behind effective routines. From independence to voice levels to celebrating students, this conversation is full of practical, heart-centered strategies you can use tomorrow. false full 9 7cc4bf62-3f1a-4634-b775-5f3fa60749cc Fueling Up Around Text Sets Resource & Links: 

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

A Teacher's Guide to Vocabulary Development Across the Day/Tanya S. Wright

EL Education Required and Recommended Texts

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL "Big Purple Book" – Your Curriculum Companion:
https://eleducation.org/resources/your-curriculum-companion

 

]]> Mon, 1 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-text-sets-HnP5D1Bs Resource & Links: 

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

A Teacher's Guide to Vocabulary Development Across the Day/Tanya S. Wright

EL Education Required and Recommended Texts

EL Education Curriculum (K–5):
https://curriculum.eleducation.org

EL "Big Purple Book" – Your Curriculum Companion:
https://eleducation.org/resources/your-curriculum-companion

 

]]> Fueling Up Around Text Sets Kevin Richards 00:35:07 In this episode of Fuel Up, we dive deep into one of the most powerful—yet often underleveraged—tools within K–5 literacy instruction: text sets. Whether you're new to EL Education or a seasoned user of the curriculum, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights, practical strategies, and a renewed appreciation for the role text sets play in building knowledge-rich classrooms. In this episode of Fuel Up, we dive deep into one of the most powerful—yet often underleveraged—tools within K–5 literacy instruction: text sets. Whether you're new to EL Education or a seasoned user of the curriculum, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights, practical strategies, and a renewed appreciation for the role text sets play in building knowledge-rich classrooms. false full 8 8443b590-c60e-4ae0-ae46-583d0956b32e Fueling Up Around Coaching Partnerships Resource & Links: 

EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

Joyce & Showers (2002) – Research on Coaching & Transfer of Learning

]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-coaching-partnerships-1MMn2uDL Resource & Links: 

EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

Joyce & Showers (2002) – Research on Coaching & Transfer of Learning

]]> Fueling Up Around Coaching Partnerships Kevin Richards 00:33:09 In this week’s episode of Fuel Up, we pull up a chair at the EL table to talk about something many educators crave but don’t always get: a trusted partner in the work. We zoom in on coaching partnerships—what they look like, why they matter, and how they can transform both teacher practice and student learning. Kevin and Katie kick things off by sharing their own stories of being coached (yes, even golf swings and woodturning make an appearance). Then we welcome second-grade teacher Ivana Scott to the table. Ivana opens up about joining a new school mid-year, feeling like she was “drowning,” and how coaching helped her build confidence, establish strong routines, and foster independence in her classroom. In this week’s episode of Fuel Up, we pull up a chair at the EL table to talk about something many educators crave but don’t always get: a trusted partner in the work. We zoom in on coaching partnerships—what they look like, why they matter, and how they can transform both teacher practice and student learning. Kevin and Katie kick things off by sharing their own stories of being coached (yes, even golf swings and woodturning make an appearance). Then we welcome second-grade teacher Ivana Scott to the table. Ivana opens up about joining a new school mid-year, feeling like she was “drowning,” and how coaching helped her build confidence, establish strong routines, and foster independence in her classroom. false full 7 dddd6170-945b-450e-aadb-b50bcad4e129 Fueling Up Around Test Driving Assessments Resource & Links: 

EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

Why Is It Important to Test Drive the Assessments in the Curriculum?

Test Drive Task Card

]]> Mon, 3 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-test-driving-assessments-BLcJ659R Resource & Links: 

EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

Why Is It Important to Test Drive the Assessments in the Curriculum?

Test Drive Task Card

]]> Fueling Up Around Test Driving Assessments Kevin Richards 00:29:31 In this week’s episode of Fuel Up, we dive into the power of test driving assessments. Katie, Kevin, and guest Laura Dault (5th-grade teacher at Cardinal Elementary) explore how taking assessments yourself—just like your students would—can transform instruction, improve pacing, and boost student confidence. In this week’s episode of Fuel Up, we dive into the power of test driving assessments. Katie, Kevin, and guest Laura Dault (5th-grade teacher at Cardinal Elementary) explore how taking assessments yourself—just like your students would—can transform instruction, improve pacing, and boost student confidence. false full 6 1b637af7-902b-4845-8ad3-0467011ffd7d Fueling Up Around Background Knowledge Resources & Links:

EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Your Curriculum Companion (Purple Book, p. 21)

Natalie Wexler – The Knowledge Gap Article

Tanya Wright – A Teacher's Guide to Vocabulary Development Across the Day

Knowledge Matters Campaign – Definition of Knowledge-Building Curriculum

 

]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-background-knowledge-G_pkxY9x Resources & Links:

EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Your Curriculum Companion (Purple Book, p. 21)

Natalie Wexler – The Knowledge Gap Article

Tanya Wright – A Teacher's Guide to Vocabulary Development Across the Day

Knowledge Matters Campaign – Definition of Knowledge-Building Curriculum

 

]]> Fueling Up Around Background Knowledge Kevin Richards 00:27:17 This episode focuses on the importance of building background knowledge in K–5 literacy classrooms using EL Education’s knowledge-building curriculum. Guests include Jackie Presson, a literacy coach at Muskegon Area ISD supporting Oakridge Lower Elementary, along with hosts Katie and Kevin. The discussion covers research, classroom examples, and practical strategies to support comprehension, engagement, and vocabulary development. This episode focuses on the importance of building background knowledge in K–5 literacy classrooms using EL Education’s knowledge-building curriculum. Guests include Jackie Presson, a literacy coach at Muskegon Area ISD supporting Oakridge Lower Elementary, along with hosts Katie and Kevin. The discussion covers research, classroom examples, and practical strategies to support comprehension, engagement, and vocabulary development. false full 5 bdce0490-a156-494c-85a7-1171ddb22ee6 Fueling Up Around Interactive Word Walls EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

Beck, McKeown, & Kucan Research: Active engagement with words enhances retention.

 

]]> Mon, 6 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-interactive-word-walls-ja0SsaqQ EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

Beck, McKeown, & Kucan Research: Active engagement with words enhances retention.

 

]]> Fueling Up Around Interactive Word Walls Kevin Richards 00:34:22 In this episode of Fuel Up!, Katie and Kevin explore the power of interactive vocabulary walls to support K–5 literacy learning through EL Education. Joined by special guest Lyssa Cooper, a second-grade teacher at Cardinal Elementary, they discuss strategies to make vocabulary accessible, meaningful, and student-driven. From lowering the wall to modeling word use and encouraging student ownership, this episode is packed with practical tips, research insights, and inspiring classroom stories. Whether you’re new to EL Education or a veteran, this episode offers actionable steps to boost vocabulary instruction while energizing your classroom. In this episode of Fuel Up!, Katie and Kevin explore the power of interactive vocabulary walls to support K–5 literacy learning through EL Education. Joined by special guest Lyssa Cooper, a second-grade teacher at Cardinal Elementary, they discuss strategies to make vocabulary accessible, meaningful, and student-driven. From lowering the wall to modeling word use and encouraging student ownership, this episode is packed with practical tips, research insights, and inspiring classroom stories. Whether you’re new to EL Education or a veteran, this episode offers actionable steps to boost vocabulary instruction while energizing your classroom. false full 4 6bc58e69-7c98-4c10-93f2-e4f12e2b6c37 Fueling Up Around Student Talk Protocols EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Protocols Overview: What are protocols? (EL Education)

EL Education:  Classroom Protocols

Research on Student Talk: Accountable Talk®: Classroom Conversation that Works (Institute for Learning, University of Pittsburgh)

The Role of Classroom Talk in Literacy Learning (Harvard Graduate School of Education)

Fuel Up! Playlist Idea: 🎵 It’s a Beautiful Day by U2 — Jamie’s go-to song for fueling up.

]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/fueling-up-around-student-talk-protocols-JEnvExTH EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

EL Education Protocols Overview: What are protocols? (EL Education)

EL Education:  Classroom Protocols

Research on Student Talk: Accountable Talk®: Classroom Conversation that Works (Institute for Learning, University of Pittsburgh)

The Role of Classroom Talk in Literacy Learning (Harvard Graduate School of Education)

Fuel Up! Playlist Idea: 🎵 It’s a Beautiful Day by U2 — Jamie’s go-to song for fueling up.

]]> Fueling Up Around Student Talk Protocols Kevin Richards 00:30:10 In this episode of Fuel Up!, we dive into the power of student talk protocols in the K–5 classroom. Our guest, Jamie Oyler, kindergarten teacher at Reeths-Puffer Elementary, shares how she builds a safe, student-led environment where every child has a voice. We discuss practical strategies for rolling out protocols, the importance of teacher intentionality, and how less teacher talk often means deeper student learning. Whether you’re brand new to EL Education or a seasoned user, this episode is packed with insights, research, and small steps you can try right away. In this episode of Fuel Up!, we dive into the power of student talk protocols in the K–5 classroom. Our guest, Jamie Oyler, kindergarten teacher at Reeths-Puffer Elementary, shares how she builds a safe, student-led environment where every child has a voice. We discuss practical strategies for rolling out protocols, the importance of teacher intentionality, and how less teacher talk often means deeper student learning. Whether you’re brand new to EL Education or a seasoned user, this episode is packed with insights, research, and small steps you can try right away. false full 3 4603e52e-d4c2-4aab-8739-8f30f40fd459 Fueling Up Around Classroom Environment EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

Management in the Active Classroom (Yale Education Press) – Classroom management strategies

]]> Mon, 8 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org ( Kevin Richards) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/classroom-environment-jBTGsu1q EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Literacy Essentials – Best practices in literacy instruction

Management in the Active Classroom (Yale Education Press) – Classroom management strategies

]]> Fueling Up Around Classroom Environment Kevin Richards 00:38:53 In this episode of Fuel Up, Kevin and Katie explore how intentional classroom environment design supports K–5 literacy with EL Education. From flexible seating to interactive word walls, this episode highlights practical strategies that engage students, celebrate growth, and create a collaborative learning space. In this episode of Fuel Up, Kevin and Katie explore how intentional classroom environment design supports K–5 literacy with EL Education. From flexible seating to interactive word walls, this episode highlights practical strategies that engage students, celebrate growth, and create a collaborative learning space. false full 2 66fb224f-28c5-48f9-9c98-1a689c7d9af4 Welcome to FUEL Up! Welcome to the very first episode of Fuel Up! We're so excited to have you at the table with us. In this episode, we introduce ourselves and share the "why" behind this podcast.

EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Kevin's Go-To Snack: The "Perfect Bar" that Kevin is addicted to. Link to Perfect Bar

Katie's Go-To Song: Get fueled up with Katie's pick, "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" by Shania Twain. Link to the song on YouTube

Our Home Base: Learn more about the work we do as literacy coaches at the Muskegon Area ISD. Link to Muskegon Area ISD

]]> Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:50:00 +0000 krichards@muskegonisd.org (Kevin Richards, Katie Taber) https://fuelup-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/unpacking-el-education-a-piece-at-a-time-9xW1ch20 Welcome to the very first episode of Fuel Up! We're so excited to have you at the table with us. In this episode, we introduce ourselves and share the "why" behind this podcast.

EL Education: Learn more about the K-5 Literacy Curriculum that forms the foundation of our conversations. Link to EL Education

Kevin's Go-To Snack: The "Perfect Bar" that Kevin is addicted to. Link to Perfect Bar

Katie's Go-To Song: Get fueled up with Katie's pick, "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" by Shania Twain. Link to the song on YouTube

Our Home Base: Learn more about the work we do as literacy coaches at the Muskegon Area ISD. Link to Muskegon Area ISD

]]> Welcome to FUEL Up! Kevin Richards, Katie Taber 00:24:06 In the inaugural episode of Fuel Up, hosts Kevin Richards and Katie Taber introduce their new podcast for K-5 educators using the EL Education curriculum. They share their hopes for the show to be a bi-weekly "pit stop" for energy, celebration, and practical conversation around literacy. In the inaugural episode of Fuel Up, hosts Kevin Richards and Katie Taber introduce their new podcast for K-5 educators using the EL Education curriculum. They share their hopes for the show to be a bi-weekly "pit stop" for energy, celebration, and practical conversation around literacy. literacy instruction, el education false full 1