Episode 2 - Full Circle of Language Arts

In Episode Two of the Teach BIG Podcast, host Randi Whitney brings the first pillar of the Teach BIG philosophy—Content—to life, inviting teachers to go beyond surface-level understanding and step into true content expertise. This episode introduces the Full Circle of Language Arts, a comprehensive and research-rooted framework that helps educators understand what to teach, how each element is connected, and why it matters. Randi dives deep into the first four habits of the circle—phonics, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency—and shows how these are not stand-alone concepts, but deeply interconnected habits that, when taught systematically, build confident readers and writers.

Listeners will also discover how these foundational habits lead directly into the two most powerful applications of literacy: reading comprehension and written constructed response. Through practical examples and clear explanation, Randi reveals how each habit contributes to the way students process text, cite evidence, construct meaning, and express ideas clearly and confidently in writing. This episode doesn’t just present theory—it offers a roadmap for implementation that empowers teachers to reclaim their role as content experts, no matter their curriculum or classroom constraints.

Whether you're just beginning your teaching journeyor looking to refine your instructional foundation, this episode will help you connect the dots between what you teach and why it matters. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of how language arts habits shape student outcomes—and how mastery of your content is the first step toward teaching with confidence, clarity, and impact. Episode Two is your invitation to teach intentionally, build skillfully, and ignite growth—starting with content that truly comes full circle.