Real Schools, Real Impact: From Chit Chat to Academic Language with Kelly Maly and Virginia Boulware
In this episode of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations, Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift is joined by Montessori educators, Kelly Maly and Virginia Boulware, to explore how oral language lays the foundation for reading, writing, and critical thinking. From morning meetings and turn-and-talks to read-alouds and collaborative learning, Kelly and Virginia share practical strategies that help students build vocabulary, confidence, and comprehension. Listeners will also gain simple ideas for supporting richer conversations at home and helping children move from everyday chit chat to strong academic language.
Thought Leader: Kelly Maly
Kelly Maly has 30 years of Early Childhood classroom experience and 20 years in a traditional setting (public and private). Kelly has also worked for 10 years in an Early Childhood Primary Montessori environment (ages 3-6 years old).
Thought Leader: Virginia Boulware
Virginia Boulware has been teaching for 12 years but has spent half of her life working closely with children. She has worked the past 4 years teaching in a public Montessori school in Clay County FL, but most of her career has been spent working in title 1 schools. Virginia is a granny at heart who loves all things crafting, plants, books, and baking.
Get to Know the Host: Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift
Cheryl holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, is a distinguished educational leader, and has been recognized with multiple awards for her achievements. She served as the lead curriculum developer for Learning Without Tears' Get Set for School Language and Literacy curriculum, which received an AEP Distinguished Achievement Award, and was awarded the Investors Bank Educator of the Year Award.
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