S9 E5: What makes a literate brain, with Lori Josephson
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On this episode of the podcast, Lori Josephson joins Susan to talk about her new book *Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happen. *Lori discusses her journey into literacy and how she saw the need for an accessible, digestible book about the brain science behind learning to read — one that would be enjoyable for adults and students alike. Lori explains what a neuron is and shows how understanding neural networks is essential to understanding learning to read. She also delves into the importance of getting everyone in a student’s life involved in their literacy development. Lori and Susan also answer some listener-submitted questions, prompting discussions on how to help older elementary students who lack foundational skills and advice for educators who work with students with significant cognitive disabilities. Show notes:

• Submit your literacy questions for a chance to win!)

• Book: Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happen)

• Connect with Lori:

• Website: lorijosephson.com)

• LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-josephson-21976311/)

• X: @lorijosephson2

• Instagram): @calling_all_neurons

• Read: Towards a dynamic, comprehensive conceptualization of dyslexia)

• Dr. Nancy Young's Ladder of Reading)

• Watch: Lori Josephson on the Facebook group Science of Reading—What I Should Have Learned in College)

**Quotes: **“I firmly believe that no matter how old you are, you still need to learn the same information.” —Lori Josephson

“In my mind, I use this equation. Knowledge equals motivation, equals active learning, equals resilience, equals success.” —Lori Josephson

“Creating a literate brain is a team sport. Everyone needs to be involved. The parents, caregivers, teachers—they need to be engaged in an interactive way.” —Lori Josephson

“Literacy is a civil right. It's also a gift. It's an opportunity to share thoughts, feelings with others that can be revisited and saved.” —Lori Josephson

Timestamps 02:00 Introduction: Lori Josephson and her Journey into Literacy05:00 The Motivation Behind 'Calling All Neurons'08:00 Understanding Neurons and Neural Networks15:00 The Reciprocal Process of Reading and Spelling20:00 The Influence of the Cerebellum in Reading21:00 Unique Aspects of the Book25:00 Addressing Foundational Skills in Older Students30:00 Supporting Students with Cognitive Disabilities31:00 The Importance of Literacy and Empathy33:00 Final ThoughtsTimestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute*