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Reading Road Trip

International Dyslexia Association Ontario

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!

Support our podcast by making a donation on our website: https://www.idaontario.com/donate/

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 44 min
  • English

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  • S5 · E10
    August 31 · 42 min

    S5E10: How To Maximize Student Learning with Dr. Zach Groshell

    In the Season 5 finale of Reading Road Trip, Kate welcomes Dr. Zach Groshell, teacher, researcher, and author of Just Tell Them, for a practical, energizing conversation about explicit instruction. They unpack why novices need structured teaching, how classroom setup and routines support attention, and the power of techniques like choral response, turn‑and‑talk, and well‑chosen examples. It’s a clear, actionable episode for anyone committed to evidence‑aligned instruction and stronger learning o

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  • S5 · E9
    August 24 · 1 hr

    S5E9: How To Intensify Reading Intervention with Dr. Jon Potter

    In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate welcomes Dr. Jon Potter, an expert in MTSS, literacy intervention, and data-based decision making, for an insightful conversation about the Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity. They explore seven evidence-based dimensions educators can use to intensify reading interventions, including strength, dosage, alignment, attention to transfer, and behavioral support. Dr. Potter shares practical examples and actionable guidance for using assessment and progress-m

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  • S5 · E8
    August 17 · 56 min

    S5E8: Real Talk About Literacy with Nellie Caruso and Leigh Fettes

    Kate is joined by literacy leaders and longtime collaborators Nellie Caruso and Leigh Fettes for a conversation packed with practical classroom ideas, evidence-based literacy strategies, and reflections on the current state of literacy education. From phonics and vocabulary instruction to data-driven decision making, French immersion, and system-level change, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for educators at every stage of their literacy journey. Resources Mentioned in thi

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  • S5 · E7
    August 10 · 53 min

    S5E7: Leading Literacy Change with Melissa Flynn & Kayla Abrams

    In this episode, Kate welcomes Melissa Flynn, Executive Director of the First Nations School Board (FNSB) in the Yukon, and literacy coach Kayla Abrams to discuss how authentic relationships, community partnership, and evidence-based literacy instruction are driving meaningful change for learners. Melissa and Kayla share FNSB’s journey from balanced literacy to structured literacy, the importance of screening and assessment data, transparent communication with families, and the ways local cultur

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  • S5 · E6
    August 3 · 40 min

    S5E6: The Power of Oral Language with Dr. Charles Hulme

    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

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  • S5 · E5
    July 27 · 40 min

    S5E5: From Screening to Systems Change with Anglophone School District West

    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 practic

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  • S5 · E4
    July 20 · 51 min

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

    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,

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  • S5 · E3
    July 13 · 42 min

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

    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 podc

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  • S5 · E2
    July 6 · 51 min

    S5E2: Busting Small Group Myths With Dr. Julia Lindsey

    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 consi

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  • S5 · E1
    June 29 · 53 min

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

    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

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  • June 15 · 1 min

    Season 5 Coming June 29!

    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 a

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  • S4 · E11
    January 2 · 42 min

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

    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 boo

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  • S4 · E10
    Sep 1, 2025 · 37 min

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

    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. Man

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  • S4 · E9
    Aug 25, 2025 · 57 min

    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? Und

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  • S4 · E8
    Aug 18, 2025 · 49 min

    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, moti

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  • S4 · E7
    Aug 11, 2025 · 36 min

    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 awa

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  • S4 · E6
    Aug 4, 2025 · 35 min

    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 T

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  • S4 · E5
    Jul 28, 2025 · 56 min

    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 educat

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  • S4 · E4
    Jul 21, 2025 · 35 min

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

    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

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  • S4 · E3
    Jul 14, 2025 · 41 min

    S4 E3: Scaffolding Complex Text with Dr. Sarah Lupo

    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 To

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