83. How to Make Read-Alouds More Powerful: Joyful Learning in Action with Yvette Manns, Phonics Read-Alouds

In this conversation, Michelle is joined by literacy advocate and author Yvette Manns to explore the power of read-alouds: both for instruction and for joy.

Key Takeaways:

1. The difference between reading for pleasure and instructional read-alouds
2. How read-alouds build oral language, vocabulary, and connection
3. Practical instructional moves to make read-alouds more impactful
4. The TAPES Method (Tell, Act, Point, Explain, Show) for vocabulary instruction
5. The origin story of the Phonics Read Alouds series
6. Information on how to celebrate National Schwa Day on April 7th!
7. The launch of a brand-new Morphology Read-Aloud series

This episode is both inspiring and deeply practical, full of classroom-ready ideas.

Phonics Read-Alouds

Created by Yvette Manns, the Phonics Read Alouds series blends explicit phonics instruction with rich storytelling. Characters like Bossy R, Magic E, and the Schwa bring abstract phonics concepts to life.

1. Website: www.phonicsreadalouds.com
2. Instagram: @phonicsreadalouds

National Schwa Day

Founded by Yvette Manns, National Schwa Day is celebrated annually on April 7th.

Why April 7th? Listen to the episode to hear the reasoning behind it!

What you’ll find in the free Educator Guide:

1. Classroom activities
2. Schwa parade word cards
3. Digital blending board activities (sponsored by Blend)
4. Celebration ideas

Download the FREE Educator guide: www.nationalschwaday.org

Exciting News: Morphology Read-Aloud Series

Michelle and Yvette announce the launch of a brand-new Morphology Read Aloud collection — beginning with:

The Always-Finished Suffix -ED

This story brings the three sounds of -ed to life through time travel, character development, and embedded word study.

🎉 Use code COLORFUL1 for 15% off (valid through 4/26/26)!

Additional Books Mentioned:

1. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe
2. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes
3. Cityrella by Yvette Manns

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Yvette Manns:

1. Website: https://www.yvettemanns.com/
2. Instagram: @phonicsreadalouds & @the_lit_teacher
3. Facebook: Phonics Read-Aloud
4. TikTok :@PhonicsReadAlouds
5. Email: info@phonicsreadalouds.com

Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.

Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!

1. https://expressreaders.org/
2. Instagram: @expressreaders
3. LinkedIn: Express Readers
4. Facebook: Express Readers Inc.

Connect with Michelle:

1. Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
2. Join our Facebook Community
3. Sign up for my Newsletter
4. Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
5. Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
6. Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

1. Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

1. Logos Literacy Academy
2. Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
3. Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
4. Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

Express Readers

Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today! https://expressreaders.org/