Reading Road Trip

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 for phonological awareness, decoding, and later literacy success. He also discusses the critical role language plays as the "medium of instruction" across all areas of education.

Listeners will learn about practical ways educators can assess and support oral language development, the importance of rich conversations and structured language instruction, and the connections between oral language difficulties and dyslexia. Dr. Hulme also shares insights from his research on effective language interventions and why their benefits can last for years.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Storyteller Skye: Teachings from My Ojibway Grandfather by Lindsay Christina King, illustrated by Carolyn Frank

OxEd & Assessment (Dr. Hulme's company)

LanguageScreen (oral language assessment tool discussed by Dr. Hulme) An evidence-based oral language screener for children ages 3.5–11 that assesses expressive vocabulary, receptive vocabulary, listening comprehension, and sentence repetition.

Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) Dr. Hulme referenced the structured oral language intervention programs he and colleagues have developed; NELI is one of the best-known early language interventions emerging from this work.

Charles Hulme – Google Scholar

Book Display at Perth & District Union Public Library - Thank you Susan!

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 School.

Together, they discuss how universal screening data, collaborative data teams, instructional coaching, and evidence-based literacy practices helped strengthen core classroom instruction and accelerate student growth. The conversation explores the power of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), the importance of focusing on foundational skills in Kindergarten and Grade 1, and how strong Tier 1 instruction can both lift students at risk and challenge those who are already thriving.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Jenny's Concrete Powwow by Shawna Lee Corbould, illustrated by Regina Alice Wilman

Reading Assessment Done Right: Tools and Techniques for Data-Driven Instruction by Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn (Additional Reading Road Trip Listening S4 Bonus Episode)

MTSS for Reading Improvement: A Leader's Tool Kit for Schoolwide Success by Sarah Brown & Stephanie Stollar

Acadience Learning 

DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills)

Quick Phonics Screener (QPS)

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

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

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)