S4 E9: Attention, Memory and Learning with Blake Harvard
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
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57:48
S4 E8: Reading Interventions for Older Students with the NNDSB Team
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)
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49:36
S4 E7: Demystifying DLD with Dr. Tiffany Hogan
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
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S4 E6: Unpacking the SSSR Conference with Kate & Una
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
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S4 E5: The Lowdown on Decodable Text with Lee-Ann Lear
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
In each episode of Reading Road Trip from IDA Ontario, host and classroom teacher Kate Winn explores evidence-based literacy instruction with a fabulous guest. From researchers and authors to educators and advocates, they're all sharing practical ideas that can be implemented now in your class, school or district!
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