A Literacy Talks Conversation with Lindsay Kemeny
In a special summer bonus episode of Literacy Talks, co-host Lindsay Kemeny takes the spotlight to share the story behind her newest book, Rock Your Literacy Block. Joined by Stacy Hurst and Donell Pons, Lindsay opens up about her journey from writing Seven Mighty Moves to creating a classroom-ready companion resource—and what it really takes to implement a structured literacy block that empowers both teachers and students.
✨ Why Rock Your Literacy Block?
Lindsay’s new book was born from two powerful ideas:
- Teachers need practical, real-world guidance for organizing literacy instruction.
- Structure and flexibility must coexist in a classroom that puts students first.
After the success of Seven Mighty Moves, which introduced the seven shifts she made in her classroom based on evidence-based literacy instruction, Lindsay knew educators needed more than just theory—they needed a day-in-the-life look at how it all fits together.
This book was really fun to write,” Lindsay shares. “I just described what I actually do each day—what works, what evolves, and why.
🧱 Building a Structured Literacy Block
At the heart of this episode—and the book—is Lindsay’s take on how to structure your literacy block effectively. She emphasizes:
- Minimum of 2 hours per day for literacy instruction in K–2, echoing research from Tim Shanahan and Dr. Louisa Moats.
- Clear routines and transitions that make the most of every minute.
- Thoughtful use of student data to drive groupings, pacing, and priorities.
- A focus on Tier 1 instruction that differentiates while remaining inclusive.
Stacy and Donell praise how Lindsay breaks each part of her literacy block into chapters with practical routines, common challenges, and a “good, better, best” framework to help teachers reflect and grow.
🔄 Connecting with Seven Mighty Moves
If Seven Mighty Moves laid the groundwork for change, Rock Your Literacy Block is the roadmap for daily implementation. Each chapter in the new book points back to the seven moves, showing how they live and breathe in real classroom moments—from phonics and writing lessons to small groups and read-alouds.
Lindsay even includes personal stories and reflections that bring warmth and relatability to the work—including how her son’s struggle with dyslexia sparked her journey.
🎭 A Thematic Twist Teachers Will Love
One of the episode’s most joyful surprises? The rock concert theme that runs throughout the book:
- 🎤 “Sound Check” – Phonics
- 🎬 “Opening Act” – Close Reading
- ✍️ “Showtime” – Writing
- 🔊 “Turn Up the Volume” – Small Groups & Centers
- 🎭 “Encore” – Read-Aloud
This creative structure not only makes the book fun to read but mirrors Lindsay’s background as a performer—and her commitment to making instruction feel dynamic and memorable.
🔍 Key Takeaways from the Episode
- A structured literacy block should be purposeful, responsive, and built around student data.
- Progress over perfection is a guiding mantra—every teacher is on a journey.
- Tier 1 instruction deserves renewed focus and energy before jumping to interventions.
- Practical routines, differentiation tips, and real examples make Rock Your Literacy Block a unique resource.
As Donell puts it:
This book felt like a companion—it walks alongside teachers in the real world of the classroom.
📘 Final Thoughts
This special episode of Literacy Talks is more than a book preview—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to truly rock your literacy block. With authenticity, humor, and hard-won insight, Lindsay Kemeny invites educators to build a daily routine that reflects both evidence and heart.
🎧 Don’t miss the episode—follow the podcast here:
👉 https://literacytalks.buzzsprout.com/1903769/follow
