Literacy Talks

As we work to improve how we teach phonics, phonemic awareness, and word recognition while adding in writing instruction and content knowledge, we’re all working toward a key goal. It’s reading comprehension. In this episode of Literacy Talks, we turn our attention to comprehension and the tapestry of skills that come together for readers and learners of all ages as they read for meaning, knowledge, and the sheer joy of learning and discovery. This episode delivers best practices for building knowledge and will give you a new understanding of—that’s right—understanding what we read! Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

As momentum continues to build for instructional practices and strategies rooted in the science of reading, sometimes controversies can arise. In this episode of Literacy Talks, Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay tackle some of the little disagreements among well-meaning, well-informed educators, all from the perspective of sharing information, supporting colleagues, and strengthening our literacy community. From best practices in introducing the alphabet’s letters and sounds to the concepts of blends and blending, get in touch with the topics and ideas that keep the literacy community talking. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

Dyslexia is often misunderstood, missed altogether, and surrounded by myths. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our literacy experts revisit the state of dyslexia. From gaps in professionals’ knowledge to challenges in early identification and intervention, we need more and better conversations, bolder advocacy, and strong systemic support. In short, there’s work to do, and this episode will enrich and deepen the path forward. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

As literacy instruction evolves and improves and the science of reading informs classroom practice more and more, we all need to make room for each other’s ideas, perspectives, and expertise. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts ask themselves and teachers everywhere if we’re being too judgmental. How can we approach conversations with colleagues as we strive to improve students’ reading proficiency together? From guidelines for productive conversations to kinder, gentler ways to share best practices and insights, this episode will inspire you to think about ways to help colleagues and grow professionally. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

There is much to know as we teach foundational and more advanced literacy. Here’s where questions arise. How much do teachers need to know about the science of reading to be effective and successful in the classroom? A related question: How much do students need to know about technical reading and language terms to develop and grow their literacy skills and confidence? In this episode, our trio of literacy experts looks at reading terminology and who needs to know what so learners become readers. Take away some insight and perspective every educator can use to hone their practice. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

In October of 2023, The Reading Council of North America filed a lawsuit against Ohio, attempting to reverse the state’s move to align classroom instruction to the science of reading principles and practices. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts discuss the growing momentum behind instruction based in the science of reading and the importance of looking closely, carefully, and analytically at the research that supports any approach. Listeners will hear common sense, clear thinking, and data-informed perspectives about choosing curricula and staying involved in legislative initiatives. Educator voices matter! Let’s get started. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

The Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching literacy is growing in popularity for students with dyslexia, and now it is often included in state-level education policy. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts talk in-depth about the research supporting key components of the “OG” approach and explore where additional research is needed. The spark for this conversation is an important article published in October of 2023 in The Reading League Journal. Tune in and learn more about what’s known and what’s yet to be studied. It will reaffirm some things you know and open the door to new learning. As educators, we know there’s always more to learn about reading instruction. Let’s get started. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

Whether you attended the Plain Talk 2024 Conference or wish you did, this episode is a whirlwind wrap-up of the event. From our hosts’ responses to several keynote presentations to quick summaries of the breakout sessions that made an impact, you’ll get the inside story about how the literacy community embraces science of reading instruction. You’ll also hear about new research and how this data can impact educators’ practice. From great takeaway phrases like “We need a call to curiosity…” to “One caring adult makes all the difference…” you’ll get post-conference perspectives that will fuel your professional learning. So sit back and enjoy an auditory field trip to #PlainTalkNOLA 2024. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

There is new interest in small group instruction as a key component of early literacy learning. Some educators are talking about skipping the small groups. Others have important ideas about making small group instruction better and more effective. In this episode, our hosts explore strategies and tactics for organizing, supporting, and evaluating small group instructional time. From carefully grouping students as their skills grow to using technology and audiobooks, this in-depth look at small groups will give every educator new ideas and important insights into making small groups BIG contributors to student progress. You may even want to gather a small group of colleagues to listen to this episode! Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

Season 5 of Literacy Talks begins with a visit from special guest Dr. Elfrieda “Freddie” Hiebert, noted researcher, educator, author, and president and CEO of TextProject, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on bringing beginning and struggling readers to high levels of literacy using a variety of strategies and tools, particularly the texts used for reading instruction. In this episode, our hosts explore how small changes in teaching vocabulary and text complexity can lead to big differences in students’ literacy growth. From helping students unlock the treasure box of vocabulary to remembering that language and literacy are always about meaning, this episode invites educators to the world of words and enriching literacy instruction. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

As the saying goes, “That’s a wrap!” This episode closes Season 4 of Literacy Talks. Our listening audience has grown remarkably, and we’re grateful to every educator who tunes in to share the gift of literacy with us and our special guests. Join our trio of terrific literacy leaders, Stacy Hurst, Lindsay Kemeny, and Donell Pons, for a retrospective look at the season’s most memorable guests and topics. From the launch of Lindsay’s new book, 7 Mighty Moves, to our groundbreaking four-part series that unpacks the seminal work on ending the reading wars by authors Castles, Rastle, and Nation, you’ll pick up highlights and nuggets worth remembering. We’ll also turn our focus forward to help teachers keep the reading momentum going strong in the run-up to and beyond the winter break. In that spirit, you’ll hear some unforgettable and inspirational thoughts about the importance of everyone who teaches students to read. Join us for some joy and affirmation, and watch for announcements of Season 5 coming soon! Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

How can we encourage young learners to become confident writers? It’s a question every elementary classroom teacher continues to ponder. In this episode of Literacy Talks, writing takes center stage as our hosts explore how to rethink writing workshop strategy and transform it so students can build a solid foundation for writing—from the basics of letter formation to the creativity that comes from expressing and communicating ideas. Like early reading instruction, early writing instruction benefits from explicit, systematic methods, with writing skills developing in tandem with reading. If you’re looking for effective ideas for building writing skills as part of everyday literacy instruction, this episode will give you a wealth of ideas and inspiration. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

Students’ ability to write fluently is important for literacy success. This episode tackles how we can confidently and carefully teach handwriting so students can make critical connections between the shape of letters, the construction of words, and the meaning of their writing and reading. From helping young learners write legibly to building knowledge of the alphabet, this episode will give every educator new ways to think about writing automaticity and fluency. Our terrific hosts share tips, tricks, and resources they turn to as they teach handwriting to students and educators alike. So pop in those earbuds and get ready to take notes about teaching students to write in this episode of Literacy Talks! Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

The Reading League Conference 2023 was a high-energy, high-impact event, and our three Literacy Talks hosts were there. This episode voices their observations on the conference’s many noteworthy sessions, key takeaways, and new insights about research and classroom practice. From Kareem Weaver’s unforgettable message of love to standout sessions from the profession’s leading researchers and practitioners, including Katie Pace Miles, Dr. Tiffany Hogan, Steve Dykstra, and more, this episode delivers a recap of one of the year’s most important science of reading events. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

With this episode of Literacy Talks, our literacy experts wrap up a four-part mini-series exploring the article Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition from Novice to Expert by Anne Castles, Kathleen Rastle, and Kate Nation. The trio shines a spotlight on the complex, multi-faceted nature of reading comprehension and how both decoding and linguistic comprehension come together as students learn to understand written language. Listeners will gain helpful insight into the layers of skills students need to know and master so they can construct meaning from text. And, of course, there’s a lively conversation about how to apply this information in the classroom so student reading proficiency soars. Don’t miss this opportunity to understand more about the critical path to comprehension. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

“There’s more to learning to read than phonics…” This statement is true, but without phonics at the core of foundational literacy, the progression from beginning reading to fluent reading is at risk. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our three hosts look at skilled word reading and how the process develops in children. From decoding to spelling, from spelling to sound, and then from sound to meaning, skilled word reading takes both experience and time with text. The answer? It’s not either/or. It’s and! The article “Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition From Novice to Expert” by Anne Castles, Kathleen Rastle, and Kate Nation provides important research data and practical examples of explicit and sequential ways to ensure students build orthographic knowledge. They help make it all classroom-friendly and practical, which benefits students, educators, and families alike. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

This episode focuses on cracking the alphabetic code in part two of studying the article Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition From Novice to Expert by Anne Castles, Kathleen Rastle, and Kate Nation. The discussion emphasizes the significance of spoken language comprehension for young learners and the crucial role of engaging students in the writing system in connecting spoken and written language. Debunking myths about phonics and highlighting the years of practice and instruction needed for reading proficiency, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide where research meets classroom practice. Let’s explore this crucial intersection together in Literacy Talks. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

Whether you participate in more formal professional learning communities or informal study groups with colleagues, you know the power of sharing and discussing articles and information that are important, thought-provoking, and meaningful. In this episode of Literacy Talks, we launch a four-part conversation centered on the article Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition From Novice to Expert by Anne Castles, Kathleen Rastle, and Kate Nation. Our hosts will dive deep into this seminal work, discussing why they find it so impactful and why they recommend it to the science of reading enthusiasts and skeptics alike. It’s like a book club meeting and a professional learning experience all rolled into one. The first episode of this mini-series looks at the article’s opening section, including the importance of reading proficiently, the genesis of “the reading wars,” and the authors’ definition of reading along the way. Join the journey and invite your colleagues for a close look at this critical, robust review of how we can truly help all students read proficiently. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

This installment of Literacy Talks features and celebrates the publication of our own Lindsay Kemeny’s new bestselling book, 7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-to-3 Reading Success, from Scholastic. It’s an opportunity to hear how Lindsay, a first-grade reading teacher and popular presenter, decided to write the book while giving listeners an inside look at her writing process. Most importantly, you’ll get a preview of the book’s content and its unique features, including images and videos from Lindsay’s classroom demonstrating specific foundational literacy strategies and an accessible “can-do” approach to helping teachers put the science of reading research into classroom practice. Spend a little time with some of the brightest voices in literacy teaching and learning and come away inspired and energized. Tune in to this mighty moving episode of Literacy Talks! Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.

In this episode of Literacy Talks, the trio excitedly welcomes Emily Hanford, the award-winning journalist and media producer whose work and Sold a Story podcast have changed the literacy landscape. You’ll hear Emily talk about her career reporting on education and how she uncovered problems in reading instruction, which were, in her words, hiding in plain sight. Her work has enlightened a growing audience of educators, parents, community members, policymakers, and more. She’s forthright and engaging, and she’s helped thousands of people understand more about the science of reading and the importance of putting that research into practice. Don’t miss this special, must-hear episode of Literacy Talks. Subscribe to our Literacy Talks podcast digest and never miss an episode! We’ll send you summaries of every session, links to the resources discussed on each show, and some extra goodies so that your learning never stops. Subscribe to our podcast digest. Download the new Reading Horizons Discovery Product Guide. Access the show notes. Read the transcripts.