Reading Road Trip

S5E4: Navigating Dyslexia: From Personal Impact to Professional Support with Dr. Todd Cunningham 20.07.2026 51dk

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, accommodations, and the importance of evidence-based instruction. They explore the impact dyslexia can have on students' academic self-concept, mental health, and family life, while offering practical advice for parents and educators who want to better support learners with dyslexia. Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization. Resources Mentioned in This Episode The Corn Chief by Karen Whetung, with photography by Lindsay Delaronde Bright Lights Psychology Clinic Dr. Cunningham's clinic, providing psychoeducational assessments, intervention, and mental health support for children and youth. Learn Different Professional learning organization founded by Dr. Cunningham that provides educator training and resources grounded in evidence-based practice and the science of learning. Ontario Human Rights Commission's Right to Read Inquiry Report Referenced in the discussion about system change, screening, and evidence-based reading instruction. International Dyslexia Association Ontario (IDA Ontario) Resources, advocacy, and professional learning related to dyslexia and evidence-based literacy instruction. Lifting The Curtain on EQAO Scores by IDA Ontario Other Dyslexia Support: Dyslexia Canada Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario New Definition of Dyslexia

S5E3: Outsmart Your Brain - Expert Tips for Learning with Dr. Daniel Willingham 13.07.2026 42dk

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, and lifelong learners. Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Minnow (Graphic Novel) by Willie Poll, illustrated by Emily Graceanna Pearson Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning Is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy by Dr. Daniel Willingham Why Don’t Students Like School? by Dr. Daniel Willingham Articles Referenced: “The Usefulness of Brief Instruction in Reading Comprehension Strategies” by Dr. Daniel Willingham Dr. Willingham’s website, www.danielwillingham.com, where articles, videos, blog posts, and many copyright-owned resources are freely available

S5E2: Busting Small Group Myths With Dr. Julia Lindsey 06.07.2026 51dk

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. Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization. Resources mentioned in the episode: The Trees Talk by Jennifer Scott, illustrated by Carla Joseph Small Groups, Big Results by Dr. Julia Lindsey Reading Above the Fray by Dr. Julia Lindsey Alphabet Embedded Mnemonics from ONlit.org Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) Student Center Activities Beyond Decodables Text Series (created by Dr. Julia Lindsey)

S5E1: Handwriting and Early Literacy - What the Research Really Says with Dr. Shawn Datchuk 29.06.2026 53dk

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 to scaffolding to memory retrieval, this conversation brings clarity and practical strategies for the classroom. Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization. Resources Mentioned I Am Not a Costume — Maria DesJarlais, illustrated by Regina Alice Willman Dr. Shawn Datchuk can be found at https://www.shawndatchuk.com/ along with the free, evidence-based resources to teach print (LIFTER) and cursive (CLIFTER) Handwriting: The ABCs of Explicit Instruction and Assessment By Dr. Shawn Datchuk — OnLit hosts a webinar where Dr. Datchuk breaks down the research behind handwriting instruction, including orthographic coding, motor skills, and explicit teaching routines. A practical, teacher‑friendly resource for anyone implementing evidence‑based handwriting practices. Ray et al. (2022) Systematic Review on Handwriting Instruction A research review examining handwriting instruction in kindergarten. The authors found that explicit handwriting instruction improves letter formation and boosts early literacy skills such as letter names, letter sounds, and early word reading—highlighting handwriting’s strong connection to reading development. Explicit Instruction Framework — Anita Archer & Charles Hughes A foundational model for structured teaching that emphasizes clear, consistent, and concise instruction. Their work guides teachers in modeling, guided practice, and gradual release—principles that apply directly to handwriting instruction. Steve Graham & Karen Harris — Writing and Handwriting Research. Graham and Harris are leading scholars in writing development. Their studies show that short, explicit handwriting lessons (2–3 times per week, 15 minutes each) can significantly improve handwriting fluency and overall writing performance. Their broader work underpins much of today’s evidence‑based writing instruction. Iowa Reading Research Center A research and outreach center focused on improving literacy outcomes through evidence‑based practices. Dr. Datchuk previously served as Director, and the center’s work informs many of the instructional approaches discussed in the episode. Council for Exceptional Children — Division for Learning Disabilities A professional organization dedicated to supporting learners with disabilities. Dr. Datchuk serves as Chair of its Research Committee, and the division’s work emphasizes high‑quality, research‑aligned instruction for diverse learners.

Season 5 Coming June 29! 15.06.2026 1dk

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, all sharing insights that you can apply immediately in your classroom. Follow Reading Road Trip and get ready for the journey ahead. Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization.

Bonus Episode: Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn 02.01.2026 42dk

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 collaboration came together, and the real questions about assessment and instruction that shaped it. It’s an insider look at the thinking behind the book, with practical reflections educators can bring back to their own classrooms. Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization. Show Notes: We All Love by Julie Flett – A beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating care, connection, and love, shared as part of this episode’s land acknowledgement and commitment to amplifying Indigenous artists. Reading Assessment Done Right – The soon-to-be-released book by Kate Winn and Dr. Stephanie Stollar that anchors this bonus episode, exploring how assessment can be used to inform instruction and improve reading outcomes. IDA Ontario's Literacy and Learning Conference 2026 – Kate Winn and Dr. Stephanie Stollar will be presenting together at LitLearn 2026 in Toronto; registration details are available through IDA Ontario. Perspectives on Language and Literacy – Reading Assessment Done Right will be featured in the Winter 2026 issue Data: What's Your Question?, co-edited by theme editors Dr. Michelle Hosp and Dr. Una Malcolm; IDA members can access the issue through the member portal, and non-members can learn more about joining the International Dyslexia Association to gain access.

S4 E10: Expert Tips for Your Best School Year Yet! 01.09.2025 37dk

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 away. Join us as we celebrate the close of another fabulous podcast season with insights from some of the most thoughtful voices in the field. Many thanks to this episode's fabulous guests: Dr. Renata Archie, Dr. Sonia Cabell, Dr. Pam Kastner, Dr. Holly Lane, Dr. Matt Burns, Dr. Jamie Metsala, Alicia Smith, Jacqueline Chartier, and Dr. Todd Cunningham! Reading Road Trip Mentioned Season 1, Episode 6 — Dr. Renata Archie on universal screening Season 1, Episode 2 — Dr. Sonia Cabell on early literacy Season 3, Episode 1 — Sonia Cabell and Anita Archer (recorded live at Lit Learn 2024) Season 1, Episode 3 — Dr. Holly Lane on foundational reading skills

S4 E9: Attention, Memory and Learning with Blake Harvard 25.08.2025 57dk

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. This episode mentions: Métis Christmas Mittens by Leah Marie Dorion, with Michif translation by Norman Fleury Do I Have Your Attention? Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning by Blake Harvard The Effortful Educator blog by Blake Harvard Powerful Teaching by Pooja Agarwal and Patrice Bain

S4 E8: Reading Interventions for Older Students with the NNDSB Team 18.08.2025 49dk

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, and the instructional choices that made a difference for older students. From explicit instruction with the REWARDS program to building safe, motivating classroom spaces, their stories highlight not only measurable academic growth but also powerful shifts in student confidence and identity as readers. This episode mentions: Indigenous Peoples in the World Wars by Simon Rose (Beech Street Books) Fluency in Perspective: Grade 8 Changemakers (ONlit) Fluency in Perspective: Grade 7 Across the Curriculum (ONlit) REWARDS program by Anita Archer, Mary Gleason, and Vicki Vachon Tolentino Teaching website No Time to Waste: Structured Literacy with Young Adults (Dr. Julie Brown)

S4 E7: Demystifying DLD with Dr. Tiffany Hogan 11.08.2025 36dk

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 misconceptions that can impact identification and services. The conversation is packed with practical advice for educators and a call to action to raise awareness about DLD. This episode mentions: Miya Wears Orange by Wanda John-Kehewin, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina DLD and Me See Hear Speak podcast Open access article reviewing DLD screeners PELI - Preschool Early Literacy Indicators LanguageScreen CUBED Narrative Language Measures Acadience CFOL - Comprehension, Fluency & Oral Language

S4 E6: Unpacking the SSSR Conference with Kate & Una 04.08.2025 35dk

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), Kate and Una reflect on their conference adventure. Plus, listen in for a bonus segment featuring top structured literacy tips from Reading Road Trip listeners! Links to past Reading Road Trip episodes mentioned: Season 4, Episode 4 – Implementation Science with Dr. Katlynn Dahl Leonard Season 3, Episode 8 – Higher Education & Systems-Level Literacy with Dr. Andrea Fraser Season 1, Episode 3 – Foundational Literacy Skills with Dr. Holly Lane Season 1, Episode 2 – Language and Literacy with Dr. Sonia Cabell

S4 E5: The Lowdown on Decodable Text with Lee-Ann Lear 28.07.2025 56dk

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 sequence goes beyond just phonics. Whether you’re new to decodable text or already using it regularly, this episode offers helpful insights for educators supporting early readers. Mentioned in this episode: Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? by Tyna Legault Taylor The Reading League Decodable Book Sources UFLI Decodable Text Guide The Active View of Reading - Duke & Cartwright SyllaSense Scope and Sequence SyllaSense Teacher Tip Sheets SyllaSense deck-odables SyllaSense workshops

S4 E4: Implementation Science with Dr. Katlynn Dahl-Leonard 21.07.2025 35dk

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, and what makes implementation easier - or harder - for educators. Tune in for practical insights on supporting evidence-based instruction in real-world settings. This episode mentions: If You Were Here by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Maya McKibbin Katlynn's study, co-authored with Drs. Colby Hall & Philip Capin, Exploring the feasibility of implementing the SPELL-Links to Reading and Writing intervention (open source) Translational science: A road map for the science of reading by Dr.Emily Solari et al. Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) Program integrity in primary and early secondary prevention: Are implementation effects out of control?

S4 E3: Scaffolding Complex Text with Dr. Sarah Lupo 14.07.2025 41dk

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 literacy. Whether you're an English, science, or history educator, this episode offers concrete ideas you can apply right away. Links: Tackling Tough Texts by Sarah Lupo, Dan Reynolds, and Christine Hardigree On the Trapline by David A. Robertson and Julie Flett Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy – Special Issue on Foundational Skills (Guest Edited by Dr. Lupo)

S4 E2: Inferences in the Early Years with Dr. Jen O'Sullivan 07.07.2025 48dk

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 years. Mentioned in the Episode: The Game by Henry Charles Ten Bears and Shoshannah Greene RAND Reading Study Group (2002) Oakhill and Cain (2012) study on inference and comprehension Tighe and Schatschneider (2014) study on predictors of reading comprehension Hall et al. (2019) study on inference instruction with English language learners Jen O’Sullivan’s Substack

S4 E1: thinkSRSD 101 with Dr. Leslie Laud 30.06.2025 40dk

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 teacher workload, and aligning beautifully with Canadian curricula. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Cedar School Decodables by Strong Nations Publishing thinkSRSD CommonLit ONlit.org thinkSRSD resources: Getting Started with thinkSRSD and Grade 3 thinkSRSD-inspired POWeR Cycles thinkSRSD Facebook Group thinkSRSD Canadian Facebook Group

Season 4 Coming June 30! 12.06.2025 2dk

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 11.01.2025 33dk

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 explore some of the resources Kate and Una mentioned in the episode? Kate's UFLI in Ontario Kindergarten document, co-authored with Dr. Holly Lane and Dr. Valentina Contesse Season 3 Episode 1 of Reading Road Trip featured Dr. Anita Archer and Dr. Sonia Cabell SISEP and NIRN host the Active Implementation Formula Framework Modules IDA's Perspectives on Language and Literacy has an issue focused on implementation Dr. Stephanie Stollar has an active Facebook page and leads the Reading Science Academy ONlit's Screening: The Reel Deal is a series of short videos addressing common questions about early reading screening Dr. Diana Burchell was a guest on Season 1 Episode 9, and Dr. Steve Graham joined us for Episode 9 of Season 2 Mount St. Joseph University offers access to their library database through the Center for Reading Science membership program Ontario teachers - the wonderful Jenni vanRees made this brief video showing how to navigate the OCT Library

S3 E10: The Science of Learning with Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden 02.09.2024 1sa 4dk

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 into Kindergarten math instruction? Take a peek at the links she shared: Skills for screening, by grade level and time of year Kindergarten classwide intervention for making a quantity with numbers to 10: Paired partner practice Independent practice Teacher-directed whole-class error correction Tier 2 intervention - guided practice for finding a missing number

S3 E9: Supporting Gifted and Advanced Readers with Dr. Amanda Nickerson 26.08.2024 57dk

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!