Mastering Multisyllabic Decoding: Insights from Dr. Laura Tortorelli

Science of Reading Leadership

“If we really set kids up to read hard words, they'll be able to read more complex texts at every stage of the educational experience, and they'll have more options. It will give them more opportunities to see themselves as competent readers who can use reading as a tool for their own learning.”

Dr. Laura Tortorelli, Associate Professor at Michigan State University, joins us for a transformative episode of Science of Reading Leadership!

She brings her extensive expertise to discuss her latest research on multisyllabic decoding and foundational reading skills. Dive into this conversation to gain actionable insights to boost reading achievement during the back-to-school season.

We Discuss:

• The Importance of Multisyllabic Decoding: Explore how advancing beyond single-syllable word decoding is crucial for reading fluency and comprehension, especially as students progress in their educational journey.
• Challenges and Strategies for Reading Instruction: Learn about the common hurdles educators face in teaching complex word decoding and the innovative strategies to overcome them.
• Integrating Decoding with Vocabulary Learning: Discover the interconnection between decoding multisyllabic words and enhancing vocabulary.
• Practical Classroom Applications: Gain practical tips for implementing morphological instruction early and integrating vocabulary with decoding to enrich students' reading experiences.
• Engaging Families in Multisyllabic Decoding: Strategies for extending these practices into the home, ensuring consistency and support for students outside the classroom.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 Dr. Tortorelli's introduction and her passion for foundational reading skills.
• 06:16 Insights into the shift from single-syllable decoding to multisyllabic decoding in elementary grades.
• 14:31 The revealing outcomes of the Multisyllabic Decoding Inventory and its implications for classroom instruction.
• 21:50 Discussion on how familiar word roots and morphology aid in decoding and understanding new complex words.
• 24:24 Practical strategies for educators to implement during literacy instruction
• 30:09 Strategies to empower families in literacy development outside of the classroom
• 34:14 Long-term educational implications of enhancing multisyllabic decoding skills.
• 38:19 Dr. Tortorelli’s advice for the beginning of the school year

Connect with Dr. Laura Tortorelli

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