Reading Road Trip

S5E10: How To Maximize Student Learning with Dr. Zach Groshell Aug 31, 2026 00:42:43 In the Season 5 finale of Reading Road Trip, Kate welcomes Dr. Zach Groshell, teacher, researcher, and author of Just Tell Them, for a practical, energizing conversation about explicit instruction. They unpack why novices need structured teaching, how classroom setup and routines support attention, and the power of techniques like choral response, turn‑

S5E9: How To Intensify Reading Intervention with Dr. Jon Potter Aug 24, 2026 01:00:56 In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate welcomes Dr. Jon Potter, an expert in MTSS, literacy intervention, and data-based decision making, for an insightful conversation about the Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity. They explore seven evidence-based dimensions educators can use to intensify reading interventions, including strength, dosage, alignment

S5E8: Real Talk About Literacy with Nellie Caruso and Leigh Fettes Aug 17, 2026 00:56:56 Kate is joined by literacy leaders and longtime collaborators Nellie Caruso and Leigh Fettes for a conversation packed with practical classroom ideas, evidence-based literacy strategies, and reflections on the current state of literacy education. From phonics and vocabulary instruction to data-driven decision making, French immersion, and system-level c

S5E7: Leading Literacy Change with Melissa Flynn & Kayla Abrams Aug 10, 2026 00:53:30 In this episode, Kate welcomes Melissa Flynn, Executive Director of the First Nations School Board (FNSB) in the Yukon, and literacy coach Kayla Abrams to discuss how authentic relationships, community partnership, and evidence-based literacy instruction are driving meaningful change for learners. Melissa and Kayla share FNSB’s journey from balanced lit

S5E6: The Power of Oral Language with Dr. Charles Hulme Aug 3, 2026 00:40:34 What role does oral language play in learning to read and in learning, period? In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate Winn welcomes Dr. Charles Hulme. Dr. Hulme explains why oral language is far more than a contributor to reading comprehension. Drawing on decades of research, he describes how children's early language skills provide the foundation f

S5E5: From Screening to Systems Change with Anglophone School District West Jul 27, 2026 00:40:55 What happens when a district stops asking “Who needs intervention?” and starts asking “What needs to change in Tier 1 instruction?” In this episode, Kate welcomes Signe Williams, Sarah Carr, Shyanne McWilliams, and Tracy Davis from Anglophone School District West in New Brunswick to share the remarkable story of their work at Cuffman Street Elementary S

S5E4: Navigating Dyslexia: From Personal Impact to Professional Support with Dr. Todd Cunningham Jul 20, 2026 00:51:53 In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate welcomes Dr. Todd Cunningham for a thoughtful conversation about dyslexia from both a professional and personal perspective. Todd shares his own experiences growing up with dyslexia before discussing what research tells us about dyslexia today, including early identification, intervention, common misconceptions

S5E3: Outsmart Your Brain - Expert Tips for Learning with Dr. Daniel Willingham Jul 13, 2026 00:42:59 Kate Winn is joined by cognitive psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Willingham to discuss Outsmart Your Brain and the science of learning. From reading comprehension and background knowledge to note-taking, studying, procrastination, sleep, test anxiety, and focus, this episode is packed with practical tips for educators, parents, students,

S5E2: Busting Small Group Myths With Dr. Julia Lindsey Jul 6, 2026 00:51:07 In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate Winn is joined by Dr. Julia Lindsey to debunk common myths about small-group reading instruction. From ditching leveled texts to using data for flexible, targeted groups, this conversation highlights how small groups can be a powerful, efficient tool to support student learning, without adding hours of prep. Ou

S5E1: Handwriting and Early Literacy - What the Research Really Says with Dr. Shawn Datchuk Jun 29, 2026 00:53:51 Handwriting isn’t just about tidy letters on a page, it’s a powerful bridge to reading, spelling, and early literacy. In this episode, Kate sits down with Dr. Shawn Datchuk to unpack the science behind handwriting instruction, the three processes every child needs to master, and five research‑aligned practices teachers can use right away. From tracing t

Season 5 Coming June 29! Jun 15, 2026 00:01:59 Season 5 of Reading Road Trip arrives June 29, bringing a fresh lineup of literacy conversations to fuel your summer learning. Join classroom teacher Kate Winn for another jam‑packed summer of practical, evidence‑based literacy learning. This season features an incredible lineup of guests, including researchers, clinicians, educators, and system leaders

Bonus Episode: Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn Jan 2, 2026 00:42:18 Buckle up. This surprise, between-seasons bonus episode of Reading Road Trip goes behind the scenes of the soon-to-be-released book Reading Assessment Done Right. Kate Winn steps out from the host role and into the guest seat alongside co-author Dr. Stephanie Stollar. Together, Kate and Stephanie candidly discuss why they wrote the book, how the collabo

S4 E10: Expert Tips for Your Best School Year Yet! Sep 1, 2025 00:37:55 It’s the season finale of Season 4 of Reading Road Trip! Kate wraps up the season with an all-star lineup of nine expert guests, each sharing one powerful tip to set you up for your best school year yet. From data meetings to integrated instruction, parent communication to avoiding burnout, this finale is packed with practical advice you can use right a

S4 E9: Attention, Memory and Learning with Blake Harvard Aug 25, 2025 00:57:48 Kate chats with educator and author Blake Harvard about his book Do I Have Your Attention? Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning. They explore what we know about attention, working memory, and long-term memory, why multitasking doesn’t work, and practical strategies like retrieval and spaced practice that help students remember more.

S4 E8: Reading Interventions for Older Students with the NNDSB Team Aug 18, 2025 00:49:36 Kate welcomes three educators from the Near North District School Board to share how they transformed reading outcomes for intermediate students through a targeted, data-driven structured literacy intervention. Lisa Rogers, Courtney Berger, and Kristen Roy walk us through the data that prompted the initiative, the logistics of scheduling and grouping, a

S4 E7: Demystifying DLD with Dr. Tiffany Hogan Aug 11, 2025 00:36:03 This week, Kate welcomes Dr. Tiffany Hogan to explore Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). They dig into what DLD is, how it relates to dyslexia, signs educators can watch for at different grade levels, and how to support students in the classroom. Dr. Hogan shares insights on screening, assessment, and instructional strategies, as well as misconcepti

S4 E6: Unpacking the SSSR Conference with Kate & Una Aug 4, 2025 00:35:58 Reading Road Trip hits the road! In this special episode, co-producer Dr. Una Malcolm swaps her behind-the-scenes hat for a mic as she and host Kate Winn unpack their highlights and hot takes from the 2025 Society for the Scientific Study of Reading Conference in Calgary. From poster sessions to practitioner panels (and even a scenic detour to Banff), K

S4 E5: The Lowdown on Decodable Text with Lee-Ann Lear Jul 28, 2025 00:56:32 This week, Kate Winn chats with educator and SyllaSense decodable book author Lee-Ann Lear. They discuss the role decodables can play in a structured literacy classroom, common misconceptions, and practical tips for using decodable text. Lee-Ann also shares how SyllaSense got started, how the books are written and reviewed, and why their scope and seque

S4 E4: Implementation Science with Dr. Katlynn Dahl-Leonard Jul 21, 2025 00:35:16 What is implementation science, and why should educators care about it? In this episode, Kate welcomes Dr. Katlynn Dahl-Leonard to break down how this field can help close the gap between literacy research and classroom practice. They discuss Katlynn's recent study on teacher implementation of a structured literacy intervention, components of fidelity,

S4 E3: Scaffolding Complex Text with Dr. Sarah Lupo Jul 14, 2025 00:41:00 Kate is joined by Dr. Sarah Lupo, and together, they explore how to support adolescent readers across subjects with practical, research-informed strategies. Dr. Lupo discusses the five major challenges that make texts tough for students, shares tools for scaffolding instruction, and explains how to centre identity, language, and purpose in secondary lit

S4 E2: Inferences in the Early Years with Dr. Jen O'Sullivan Jul 7, 2025 00:48:49 This week, Kate Winn welcomes Irish educator and researcher Dr. Jen O’Sullivan to explore how young children develop the ability to make inferences and how educators can explicitly support this essential skill. From playful, practical strategies to research-backed insights, this episode is packed with ideas to bring inferencing to life in the early year

S4 E1: thinkSRSD 101 with Dr. Leslie Laud Jun 30, 2025 00:40:44 Buckle up - it's the Season 4 premiere of Reading Road Trip! Host Kate Winn kicks off the new season with Dr. Leslie Laud of thinkSRSD for a lively and practical conversation about transforming writing instruction. From kindergarten to high school, discover how this evidence-based approach is scaling across classrooms, building confidence, reducing teac

Season 4 Coming June 30! Jun 12, 2025 00:02:43 Buckle up - Reading Road Trip is back for a fourth season! Join classroom teacher Kate Winn for a jam-packed season featuring fabulous guests. From researchers and authors to educators and practitioners, they're all sharing practical ideas that can be implemented now in your class, school, board or district!

Surprise! Special Bonus Episode: Kate & Una Share Road Bumps and Refuels Jan 11, 2025 00:33:37 For this surprise bonus episode, buckle up and join Kate Winn and Una Malcolm for a candid conversation about all things reading! Kate and Una share their "road bumps" and "refuels" along the road to reading for all. Stay tuned for Season 4 of Reading Road Trip this summer where we'll bring another carload of fabulous guests along for the ride. Keen to

S3 E10: The Science of Learning with Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden Sep 2, 2024 01:04:07 Season 3 wraps up with a jam-packed episode featuring Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden. Kate and Amanda have a wide-ranging conversation about the science of learning and human behaviour - how do children learn new things? From the instructional hierarchy to incremental rehearsal, don't miss this fabulous episode! Show Notes: Curious about Amanda's insights in

S3 E9: Supporting Gifted and Advanced Readers with Dr. Amanda Nickerson Aug 26, 2024 00:57:25 This week Kate is joined by Dr. Amanda Nickerson for a candid conversation about supporting gifted and highly advanced readers. Don't miss this episode that highlights the value of advanced decoding and spelling instruction for skilled readers!

S3 E8: Higher Education & Systems-Level Literacy with Dr. Andrea Fraser Aug 19, 2024 00:42:32 Dr. Andrea Fraser joins Kate to chat about her systems change journey: first in a board central team role, shifting her district's literacy instruction to structured literacy, and then preparing preservice teachers to teach with a structured literacy approach. Tune in to hear her insights on bridging the gap between research and practice at the district

S3 E7: Dyslexia - Remediation & Comorbid Disorders with Dr. Marc Joanisse Aug 12, 2024 00:45:36 Kate welcomes Dr. Marc Joanisse for a discussion about the neurobiology of dyslexia and other comorbid disorders, including ADHD and DLD. Dr Marc Joanisse is a professor at the University of Western Ontario in the Department of Psychology and the Western Institute for Neuroscience. His research examines the cognitive and brain basis of reading dyslexia

S3 E6 Reading Beyond the Early Years with Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer Aug 5, 2024 00:57:53 Curious about evidence-based instruction for older readers? This week, Kate welcomes Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer to discuss strategies for helping older readers decode big words and tackle complex texts, focusing on syntactic features like connectives and anaphora to improve text comprehension. Heidi Anne is the author of several great books, including Big Wo

S3 E5 Literacy and Multilingual Learners with Dr. Claude Goldenberg Jul 29, 2024 01:04:24 Dr. Claude Goldenberg joins us this week. Don't miss this engaging conversation about reading instruction for multilingual students - and keep listening to the end to learn about Claude's real-life road trips inspired by a John Steinbeck book! Claude is the Nomelini and Olivier professor of education emeritus at Stanford University. A native of Argentin

S3 E4: Supporting Reading Comprehension with Meredith & David Liben Jul 22, 2024 00:58:29 Kate welcomes Meredith and David Liben for a candid conversation on reading comprehension. The Libens walk through effective instruction to help students understand what they read - from close reading to structured journals, they share practical tips to support comprehension! The Libens are the authors of Know Better Do Better: Teaching the Foundations

S3 E3: Raising Readers From Birth with Maya Payne Smart Jul 15, 2024 00:38:26 Join us this week for a chat with parent educator Maya Payne Smart. Kate and Maya walk through clear, actionable steps to empower parents to support their child's language and literacy development. Maya is the author of Reading for Our Lives: A Literacy Action Plan from Birth to Six. It is excellent - well-researched, clear, and parent-friendly - and ev

S3 E2: Reading Science Surprises with Anna Geiger Jul 8, 2024 00:43:18 This week, Kate welcomes fellow podcaster Anna Geiger from The Measured Mom. As two teachers who have shifted from balanced literacy to structured literacy, this episode is filled with candid discussion as Kate and Anna highlight the biggest surprises they encountered along the way! Anna is the CEO of The Measured Mom, host of Triple R Teaching, and the

S3 E1: Live with Dr. Anita Archer & Dr. Sonia Cabell! Jul 1, 2024 00:52:06 Season 3 of Reading Road Trip kicks off with a candid conversation between literacy greats: Dr. Anita Archer and Dr. Sonia Cabell. Anita and Sonia recorded this episode at the 2024 Literacy & Learning Conference. Their conversation is both thoughtful and lighthearted - we hope you will enjoy! Show Notes: Sonia is a co-author of the new book Stri

Season 3 Coming July 1! Jun 14, 2024 00:02:38 Buckle up - Reading Road Trip is back for a third season! Join classroom teacher Kate Winn for a jam-packed season featuring fabulous guests. From researchers and authors to educators and advocates, they're all sharing practical ideas that can be implemented now in your class, school, board or district!

S2 E10: Reading Science: What Teachers Really NEED To Know with Dr. Jennifer Buckingham Mar 4, 2024 01:04:23 Season 2 of Reading Road Trip closes out with a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Buckingham. Kate and Jennifer dig into reading science - what do teachers really need to know? From syllable types to comprehension strategies, linguistic terms to cognitive science, this episode distinguishes between what is a "need to know" and what is "nice to know." Dr

S2 E9: How To Teach Writing with Dr. Steve Graham Feb 26, 2024 00:36:56 In this week's episode, Kate chats with Dr. Steve Graham about all things writing. Dr. Graham highlights the importance of handwriting and spelling, and unpacks evidence-based strategy instruction to build strong writers. Show Notes: Steve is an author and editor of many books, including Best Practices in Writing Instruction and Writing Better Steve

S2 E8: Dyslexia Facts, Myths and Strategies with Dr. Jack Fletcher Feb 19, 2024 00:44:55 Kate chats with Dr. Jack Fletcher this week, unpacking all things dyslexia: Risk factors and prevention, dyslexia vs dysteachia, instructional tips, wait-to-fail, and dyslexia myths and misconceptions. Show Notes: Learn more about some of the articles Jack mentioned: The importance of early reading intervention (Lovett et al., 2017) Problems with dys

S2 E7: Novels in the Elementary Class: Best Practices with Clara Maria Fiorentini Feb 12, 2024 00:44:48 Kate chats with Clara Fiorentini this week. Tune in to explore novels in the classroom: how class novel studies fit into structured literacy, how complex text can be scaffolded, using "read-alikes" to choose texts, and avoiding the perils of "extractitis" - don't miss this thoughtful conversation about chapter books! Clara is the president of the Litera

S2 E6: Classroom Comprehension with Dr. Kristin Conradi Smith, Tamara Williams & Ellen Frackelton Feb 5, 2024 00:44:37 This week Kate talks to Kristin Conradi Smith, Tammy Williams, and Ellen Frackelton about research-based comprehension strategies for the classroom, including considerations for text selection and preparation, common pitfalls to avoid and “use it tomorrow” ideas. Bottom line: no more strategy of the week! Show Notes: Kristin, Ellen and Tammy co-wrote

S2 E5: Equity and Literacy: Real Talk with Kareem Weaver Jan 29, 2024 00:58:23 In this week's episode, Kate welcomes Kareem Weaver for a candid conversation about the role of literacy in equity, and some myths and misconceptions as strive for the goal of literacy for all. Kareem Weaver is a co-founder and executive director of FULCRUM and is also the Oakland NAACP's Second Vice President and Chair of its Education Committee. Kar

S2 E4: Next STEPS for Targeted Instruction with Dr. Deb Glaser Jan 22, 2024 00:48:36 This week, Kate chats with Dr. Deb Glaser about the second edition of Next STEPS for Literacy Instruction, co-authored with Dr. Susan Smartt. Kate and Deb unpack how to use valid and reliable assessments to shape effective literacy instructions, particularly through the Next STEPS framework: Set-up, Teach, Engage, Practice, and Show You Know. Deb's know

S2 E3: The Structured Literacy Shift in a First Nation School with Catherine Shawana Jan 15, 2024 00:48:08 Kate welcomes Catherine Shawana, a member of Wiikwemkoong unceded territory, for a candid discussion about her First Nation school's journey from balanced literacy to structured literacy, as well as a broader conversation about First Nations education. Catherine's passions are rooted in the foundation of building Anishnawbek identity and establishing a

S2 E2: Making Sense of Syntax with Nancy Chapel Eberhardt Jan 8, 2024 00:57:11 This week, Kate is joined by Nancy Chapel Eberhardt to discuss all things syntax. A key element of language comprehension, equipping students with an understanding of syntax is key to supporting strong reading and writing skills! Take a listen to learn more about how syntax develops and how to best teach this domain of language. Nancy Chapel Eberhardt

S2 E1: Behind & Beyond Sold a Story with Emily Hanford Jan 1, 2024 00:50:14 Season 2 of Reading Road Trip kicks off with Emily Hanford! Join Kate Winn to get the inside scoop on Emily's reporting work on the science of reading, including the incredibly popular podcast Sold a Story. Emily unpacks her journey into reporting on literacy instruction, how Sold a Story was made, and how she responds to critics. Show Notes: Emily'

Season 2 Coming January 1! Dec 12, 2023 00:02:37 Buckle up - Reading Road Trip is back for a second season! Join classroom teacher Kate Winn for a jam-packed season featuring fabulous guests. From researchers and authors to educators and advocates, they're all sharing practical ideas that can be implemented now in your class, school, board or district!

S1 E10: Ask Us Anything! Sep 4, 2023 00:47:12 In the Season 1 finale, you get to ask the questions! Kate Winn and Una Malcolm answer listener questions, sharing their thoughts on sound spelling walls to structured literacy in older grades. Stay tuned to the end for the answer to the most common question - will there be a Season 2 of Reading Road Trip? Show Notes: In the spirit of Truth and Reconc

S1 E9: Literacy for Language Learners with Diana Burchell Aug 28, 2023 00:34:47 Kate hosts Diana Burchell for a conversation about language learners. Is structured literacy appropriate for multilingual learners? Can early screening and intervention support students in French Immersion? What does research tell us about the language and literacy development of refugees from Syria? Diana is a former high school French Immersion teache

S1 E8: Inside the Reading Brain with Dr. Carolyn Strom Aug 21, 2023 00:55:57 This week, Kate is joined by Dr. Carolyn Strom for a conversation about the reading brain. What are the neural underpinnings of how students learn to read? How can research in this field help us in the classroom? Carolyn is a clinical assistant professor of Early Childhood Literacy at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture Education and Human Development. H

S1 E7: Literacy Coaching and PD with Dr. Daryl Michel Aug 14, 2023 01:01:09 Kate welcomes Dr. Daryl Michel for a candid discussion on literacy coaching and PD. As we look to the beginning of a new school year, and as many systems plan structured literacy teacher PD, how can we create meaningful professional learning opportunities that lead to strong student and teacher outcomes? Dr. Daryl Michel is the founder of Be A Change,

S1 E6: Universal Screening for Effective Instruction with Renata Archie Aug 7, 2023 00:48:31 This week, Kate and guest Renata Archie dive into early reading screening: what is it, why is it needed, and most importantly, how it can inform instruction. Renata is a doctoral student in reading science, and an Academic Intervention Services Coordinator for New York City Department of Education where she supports educators and leaders with assessment

S1 E5: All Things Fluency with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck Jul 31, 2023 00:51:43 Dr. Jan Hasbrouck joins the podcast this week, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience on reading fluency. Together, Kate and Jan unpack fluency - what is it, how educators can provide instruction that supports reading fluency, and common misconceptions. You can find Jan on her website and Twitter page. Jan has written several excellent books,

S1 E4: Mighty Moves for Reading Success with Lindsay Kemeny Jul 24, 2023 00:40:48 This week, Kate has a conversation with Lindsay Kemeny, a primary teacher from Utah and author of the brand-new book 7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-To-3 Reading Success. You can find Lindsay on her website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Lindsay’s book, 7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strate

S1 E3: Foundational Literacy Skills with Dr. Holly Lane Jul 17, 2023 00:39:09 Kate is joined by Dr. Holly Lane, professor and researcher at the University of Florida, and creator of the UFLI Foundations program. Together, Kate and Holly unpack some of the considerations for teaching foundational word reading and spelling skills. Dr. Holly Lane is the Director of the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), an associate pr

S1 E2: Effective Early Literacy Instruction with Dr. Sonia Cabell Jul 10, 2023 00:42:05 Kate Winn welcomes Dr. Sonia Cabell for a candid discussion about five key research-based elements of early language and literacy instruction for young children. Dr. Sonia Cabell is an Associate Professor of Education at Florida State University and the Florida Center for Reading Research. Sonia's research focuses on early language and literacy instruct

S1 E1: Literacy Myth-Busting with Lyn Stone Jul 3, 2023 00:42:14 In the premiere, Kate is joined by Lyn Stone, a linguist and author. Lyn busts common reading myths and misconceptions, advocating for evidence-based structured literacy for all students. About Lyn: Lyn Stone is a linguist, educator, author and founder of Lifelong Literacy. Her books, courses, and presentations unpack the structure of lan

Reading Road Trip Premieres Monday, July 3rd! Jun 5, 2023 00:02:10 Kate Winn and IDA Ontario's President, Una Malcolm, introduce IDA Ontario's new podcast Reading Road Trip, premiering July 3rd, 2023.

Episodes

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