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 Reconciliation, we hope to amplify the work of an Indigenous artist in each episode by recommending a picture book. This week's book recommendation is Shi-shi-etko, written by Nicola Campbell and illustrated by Kim LaFave. It is available at GoodMinds, a First Nations family-owned bookstore passionate about Indigenous education. Kate wrote a free lesson plan, featuring explicit instruction of Tier 2 vocabulary words. Find the lesson plan here. Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Concha Wyatt hosted a helpful webinar that unpacks options for structured literacy training. The International Dyslexia Association has a rigorous accreditation process, and maintains a list of accredited teacher training programs. IDA also has the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading, which highlight all things educators should know and be able to do to ensure all children receive evidence-based structured literacy instruction. Kate uses the Letter Form Assessment, from Dr. Karen Ray, which can be found here.

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 teacher, and is now a doctoral candidate in Developmental Psychology and Education at the University of Toronto. She can be found on Twitter and at her website. Show Notes: Diana works in the Multilingualism and Literacy Lab, led by Dr. Becky Chen, and will soon be working in the Multilingual Families Lab at the University of Alberta led by Dr. Andrea MacLeod. Take a look at the list Kate compiled of the chapter books she read to her class at snacktime to build vocabulary. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we are amplifying the work of an Indigenous creator in every episode. This week’s pick is the picture book When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett. Are you an educator listening to Reading Road Trip with your colleagues? Use our Podcast Discussion Guide to support your discussions.

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. Her work is focused on bridging the divide between scientific research and instructional practices. You can find her on Twitter and at her website. Show Notes: Carolyn's A Tale of Three Cities is an analogy that helps clarify the neural circuitry involved in language and literacy. For a visual representation, take a look at the diagram. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we are amplifying the work of an Indigenous creator in every episode. This week’s pick is the picture book The Sharing Circle by Theresa (Corky) Larsen-Jonasson, illustrated by Jessica Von Innerebner. Are you an educator listening to Reading Road Trip with your colleagues? Use our Podcast Discussion Guide to support your discussions.

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, LLC, and a lifelong educator who is passionate about engaging with others to learn, teach, and inspire while appreciating and advocating for voices and perspectives to be heard. Find Daryl on Twitter or at his website. Daryl’s book, Student-Focused Coaching, co-authored with Jan Hasbrouck, is a fantastic resource for instructional coaches, but also for all educators focused on supporting the learning of colleagues. The book outlines the three main coaching roles—Facilitator, Collaborative Problem-Solver, and Teacher/Learner—and provides tools to build strong professional relationships with all educators. It covers various aspects of coaching, including improving communication, setting and achieving goals, utilizing data in an MTSS model, and supporting administrators. The book also includes practical materials for coaches, such as worksheets, checklists, and self-assessment tools. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we are amplifying the work of an Indigenous creator in every episode. This week’s pick is the picture book Birdsong, written and illustrated by Julie Flett. Are you an educator listening to Reading Road Trip with your colleagues? Use our Podcast Discussion Guide to support your discussions.

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, data analysis, and instruction. Renata can be found on Twitter. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we are amplifying the work of an Indigenous creator in every episode. This week’s pick is the picture book Be a Good Ancestor, written by Leona and Gabrielle Prince, and illustrated by Carla Joseph. Are you an educator listening to Reading Road Trip with your colleagues? Use our Podcast Discussion Guide to support any discussion