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In this episode, Dr. Gina Pepin takes us to the small-group reading table, where one second grader’s honest declaration—“It’s clear as mud”—becomes the heart of a bigger lesson about teaching and learning. With humor and heart, Dr. Pepin reflects on why confusion is not failure, but a powerful step toward growth.

She reminds us that the “mud moments” in literacy instruction aren’t setbacks—they’re invitations. Invitations for teachers to slow down, lean in, and create a safe space where students can say, “I’m not there yet, but I’m willing to try.”

Join Dr. Pepin as she celebrates the messy, magical journey of reading development, offering encouragement for every teacher who’s ever had a lesson land less than perfectly. Because when we’re willing to wade through the mud together, that’s when the real breakthroughs—and the real magic—happen.

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In this heartwarming and humorous episode of Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher, Dr. Gina Pepin shares the story of a second grader who proudly announced, “I have three dads!” after seeing a picture of their speech and language pathologist’s very tall family. What started as giggles about height turned into a powerful reminder of the diverse ways students define family.

Through this spontaneous moment of storytelling, Dr. Gina highlights how authentic connections spark literacy, belonging, and voice—without the need for a worksheet or prompt. Listeners will walk away inspired to honor student narratives, embrace family diversity, and recognize everyday classroom conversations as literacy in action.

✨ Takeaways:

• Why listening matters more than prompting
• How oral storytelling builds literacy skills
• Ways to celebrate the families who shape our students

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In this short and inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher, Dr. Gina Pepin introduces Story Stones — a playful, hands-on tool that makes storytelling and literacy come alive. Discover what story stones are, how to make them (without fuss or expensive supplies), and creative ways to use them for building language, narrative skills, and even social-emotional connections in your classroom.

From circle-time adventures to writer’s workshop prompts, Dr. Pepin shares practical strategies you can try right away — plus a “Try It Tomorrow” tip that will have your students’ imaginations soaring with just five simple stones.

Whether you’re teaching early literacy, looking for fresh storytelling ideas, or simply want to add more joy to your lessons, this episode will give you a pocket-sized strategy with a big impact.

Tune in, and start sparking stories — one stone at a time.

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