Literacy Talks
A PODCAST WITH FRESH PERSPECTIVES ON LITERACY, LEARNING, AND TEACHING
Season 1
Hear Here! The Sound Wall and Its Connections to Speech-to-Print Instruction
Children hear and speak before they learn to read. Sound walls can accelerate students' articulatory learning and their production of speech, on the road to becoming proficient readers and spellers....
Bridging Research to Practice: The Need to Focus on the “How” for Classroom Teachers
Research in the science of reading is expanding in breadth and depth, and the data points to important changes in classroom instructional practice and materials. The challenge for frontline...
MTSS in the Spotlight
MTSS is more than a hot topic or a trend in literacy teaching and learning. In this Literacy Talks podcast episode, our three experts share their insights into making a Multi-Tiered System of...
Reading about Reading: The Books that Make A Professional Difference
If you love teaching reading, and you love reading, this episode of Literacy Talks is for you! Our trio talks in-depth about the professional books that have inspired them, informed their practice,...
Plain Talk: Sharing Our Plain Talk Conference Takeaways
In this episode of Literacy Talks, our three literacy experts share their experiences at the recent 2022 Plain Talk conference in New Orleans. Listeners will get a “you are there” recap of the most...
A Movement Building Momentum: Supporting Our Colleagues in the Science of Reading
This episode of Literacy Talks explores how reading leaders and practitioners can collaborate. Our shared goal? To help teachers learn and apply the methods of reading science to help all students...
Legislating Literacy: Legislation Can Support Improved Literacy Achievement
Legislation that supports and funds initiatives to boost literacy can make a difference for students, educators, families, and communities. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our experts focus on...
A Little Bit of Myth Busting: The Pet Peeves of Reading Experts
In this episode of Literacy Talks our three literacy experts share some of their reading instruction pet peeves. From humorous to heartwarming, you’ll hear why English is not a complicated language...
Decodable Text: Training Wheels for Reading
Decodable text can be a critical component of what you do as a reading teacher. In this episode of Literacy Talks, hear three experts explore the learning connection between phonics instruction and...
Rethinking How We Teach Sight and High Frequency Words
In this episode of Literacy Talks our terrific trio of reading experts tackles the need to rethink and redesign the way we approach sight words and high frequency words in literacy instruction....
Season 2
Are We Overcorrecting? Making a Case for Clearing the Confusion
In the world of education and instructional approaches, the pendulum is always swinging. In early literacy, there’s a new and welcome emphasis on applying the science of reading to teaching...
Field Trip: Literacy Talks at The Reading League Conference
If you were among the fortunate educators who attended The Reading League 2022 Conference in Syracuse, NY, you’ll enjoy this conversation between our Literacy Talks hosts and the speakers who...
Writing: Words of Wisdom about Developing Students’ Early Writing Skills
The early literacy landscape is filled with phonics, decoding skills, and all the components of Structured Literacy instruction. Is there room for writing? Our three Literacy Talks hosts say, “Yes!”...
Sharing the Knowledge: A Recap from the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading Conference (SSSR)
There are so many valuable reading and literacy conferences it can be challenging to attend them all, but our Literacy Talks audience is in luck. Donell Pons, one of our podcast hosts, traveled to...
Dyslexia: What Every Teacher Needs to Know
Too often, parents, classroom teachers, administrators, and even pediatricians have difficulty identifying the signs of dyslexia. Students are sometimes adept at hiding their reading struggles…and...
Words of Wisdom: A Special Literacy Talks Episode with Dr. Anita Archer
This is an episode to listen to many times over and share with your literacy colleagues. With featured guest Dr. Anita Archer, this Literacy Talks episode covers the literacy landscape and explores...
Game-Changer: A Book Talk about Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers
For many of us, one book can make a profound difference in how we teach, our understanding of reading science, and our insights into how students learn to read. In this episode of Literacy Talks,...
Professional Learning: What Reading Teachers Need Most…Now.
Ask most reading teachers if they learned everything they needed while in college, and chances are, they’ll say no. Hands-on classroom experience and in-the-classroom coaching and mentoring have...
Spelling: It’s a Literacy Teaching Opportunity
This episode can be a classroom game-changer. For many of us, spelling means a weekly word list handed out on Monday and assessed on Friday. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our experts share new...
Teaching: Where Science and Art Connect
Teaching is an art, and yes, it’s a science as well. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our three literacy experts talk about both the art and science of teaching. They unpack the need for educators...
Educator Knowledge: The Essential Element of Literacy Success
Educators’ knowledge about reading science, its’ practical applications in the classroom, and its impacts on students’ experience is core to literacy learning and success. In this episode of...
Phonics Lessons: The Important Elements Every Teacher Can Include
Teaching Pre-K–3 learners to make sound/symbol connections can be challenging. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our trio of literacy experts tackles this challenge with wit, insight, and a...
Season 3
Reading: The Numbers Help Tell the Story
Reading and literacy statistics offer valuable insights. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our trio of reading experts takes a helpful look at the numbers of reading. The “one in five” stat...
More Than a Few Words About Vocabulary
Once students can master decoding, their vocabularies can blossom. In this episode of Literacy Talks, our trio of literacy experts tackles the challenges and joys of helping students build their...
Encouraging a Love of Reading
How can we, as educators, caregivers, and family members, encourage a love of reading in students? This episode of Literacy Talks explores the challenges and joys of teaching students to read, our...
IDA 2022 Conference Recap
In November 2022, our Literacy Talks hosts attended the International Dyslexia Association’s 73rd annual conference. In this episode, you’ll have the opportunity to travel with them virtually as...
Being Intentional about the “Why!”
The reading pendulum is swinging, and in this episode of Literacy Talks, our reading experts talk candidly about how to frame and navigate the changing priorities and emphases. This conversation...
Brave Voices for Literacy
Our Literacy Talks trio of hosts took time to reflect on the things they’re grateful for and what they’re looking forward to in the months ahead. From the strides their own children are making in...
Podclassed
Explore current educational topics from a variety of perspectives and learn practical solutions for the challenges facing educators.
Season 1
Innovations in Education: Project-Based Learning
July 25, 2018 | Duration: 00:38:59 | With Laura Axtell Featuring John Larmer, Nick Provenzano SEASON 1, EPISODE 6 In this episode, Laura speaks to experts, a parent, and a current student...
Part 2: Is Response to Intervention (RTI) Really the Road to Improvement?
July 09, 2018 | Duration: 00:32:00 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Jim Wright, Dr. Douglas Fuchs, Lynn Hobratschk SEASON 1, EPISODE 5 In this episode, Laura speaks to educators and experts...
Part 1: Is Response to Intervention (RTI) Really the Road to Improvement?
June 21, 2018 | Duration: 00:31:44 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Jim Wright, Dr. Douglas Fuchs SEASON 1, EPISODE 4 In this episode, Laura speaks to educators and experts about Response to...
Beyond the Weekly Spelling Test: What Works and Why It Matters
June 11, 2018 | Duration: 00:41:16 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Rebecca Treiman SEASON 1, EPISODE 3 In this episode, Laura speaks to experts and educators about the complexities and...
Part 2: Are educators being adequately prepared for the challenges of teaching reading?
May 29, 2018 | Duration: 00:32:51 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Lindsie, Rob Rickenbrode, Liz Barnes, Dr. Emily Cantrell, Lisa Toole SEASON 1, EPISODE 2 Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher This...
Part 1: Are educators being adequately prepared for the challenges of teaching reading?
May 17, 2018 | Duration: 00:39:40 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Patricia Schroder, Rob Rickenbrode, Dr. Emily Cantrell season 1, EPISODE 1 The first episode of the inaugural season of...
Season 2
Intervention for Students with Dyslexia: A Structured Literacy Approach
January 08, 2019 | Duration: 00:35:01 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling season 2, EPISODE 6 An extensive conversation with Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling discussing the...
Supporting Students with Autism in Reading and Writing
December 19, 2018 | Duration: 00:28:25 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Dr. William Therrien, Lauren Haskins season 2, EPISODE 5 This episode includes conversations with a parent of a student...
Ed Tech in the Classroom: Taking a Look at Training and Support for Educators
December 04, 2018 | Duration: 00:40:02 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Michael Karlin, Brianna Hodges season 2, EPISODE 4 Laura addresses the topic of Ed Tech in the Classroom and more...
Part 2: Adolescent Literacy: Challenges and Changes For Increasing Engagement and Achievement
November 20, 2018 | Duration: 00:34:43 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Dr. Michael W. Smith, Christopher Butts season 2, EPISODE 3 Laura continues the conversation about research and recommendations...
Part 1: Adolescent Literacy: Challenges and Changes For Increasing Engagement and Achievement
November 07, 2018 | Duration: 00:32:51 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Dr. Jeffrey Wilhelm season 2, EPISODE 2 In Part One of a Two-Part series, Laura explores research and recommendations...
Q&A with Reading Researcher, Mark Seidenberg, Ph.D.
October 23, 2018 | Duration: 00:29:11 | With Laura Axtell Featuring Dr. Mark S. Seidenberg season 2, EPISODE 1 Laura discusses various topics and issues in reading with Dr Seidenberg. ...
Season 3
Creating Culturally Competent Classrooms
October 15, 2019 | Duration: 00:43:22 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Rann Miller SEASON 3, EPISODE 6 Rann Miller, educator, writer, and trainer, shares his insights and suggestions...
Increasing Family Engagement in Schools
October 01, 2019 | Duration: 00:39:40 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Sarah Sayko, Dr. Hollins-Sims, Dr. Zesiger SEASON 3, EPISODE 5 Increasing engagement with the families of our...
Putting Evidence-Based Literacy Initiatives in Action
September 17, 2019 | Duration: 00:38:25 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Sarah Sayko, Josh Spangler, Tambra Isenberg SEASON 3, EPISODE 4 There are many challenges connected to reading...
The Emotional Impact of Undiagnosed Dyslexia, Part II
August 20, 2019 | Duration: 00:23:30 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Curtis, Tammy SEASON 3, EPISODE 3 Shame is a powerful emotion. Recently, the role of shame and its impact on...
The Emotional Impact of Undiagnosed Dyslexia, Part I
August 20, 2019 | Duration: 00:20:19 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Greg, Lindsie SEASON 3, EPISODE 2 Shame is a powerful emotion. Recently, the role of shame and its impact on...
Decodable Text, Leveled Text, and All the Rest
August 06, 2019 | Duration: 00:24:51 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. Amy Murdoch SEASON 3, EPISODE 1 Dr. Amy Murdoch discusses the importance of text in reading instruction for...
Season 4
Closing the Achievement Gap, Part II
March 17, 2020 | Duration: 00:36:10 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. Tyrone Howard, Dr. Julie Washington, Dr. Patrick Tudryn, Keith Dysarz season 4, EPISODE 6 Our four guests continue...
Closing the Achievement Gap, Part I
March 17, 2020 | Duration: 00:26:03 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. Tyrone Howard, Dr. Julie Washington, Dr. Patrick Tudryn, Keith Dysarz SEASON 4, EPISODE 5 Four guests share...
Addressing Sensory Differences at Home & in the Classroom
March 03, 2020 | Duration: 00:32:34 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Wendy Bertagnole SEASON 4, EPISODE 4 A parent/former educator discusses her journey of discovery with her own son's...
The Importance of Social Emotional Learning
March 18, 2021 | Duration: 00:25:37 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. Ivy Bonk SEASON 4, EPISODE 3 Dr. Ivy Bonk joins Laura Axtell on Podclassed as they discuss the impact of childhood...
Is Middle School the Key to Positive Outcomes for Students?
February 04, 2020 | Duration: 00:31:28 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. Geoffrey Borman SEASON 4, EPISODE 2 A new study with middle school students shows promising results for improving...
Game-Changing Resources for Special Education
January 21, 2020 | Duration: 00:36:20 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. Wendy Thompson SEASON 4, EPISODE 1 An experienced educator discusses the value of communication with students in...
Season 5
What the Research Says: Reading Difficulties in Secondary Students and Adults
October 20, 2020 | Duration: 00:32:55 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Laura Axtell, M.Ed. EPISODE 6 Understanding the unique characteristics of older struggling readers is critical...
Digging Deeper Into Elements of Structured Literacy with William Van Cleave
September 29, 2020 | Duration: 00:41:26 | With Laura Axtell, M.Ed. Featuring William Van Cleave EPISODE 5 William Van Cleave shares insights, research, and instructional considerations...
Rethinking Education During COVID-19 School Closures and Beyond
September 15, 2020 | Duration: 00:33:20 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Sara Roth EPISODE 4 Many parents have made or will make, decisions about how to best provide education for...
Current Legal Implications for Special Education: Before, During, and After COVID, Part II
September 01, 2020 | Duration: 00:25:32 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Pete Wright EPISODE 3 Host, Laura Axtell, M.Ed., continues her conversation with Peter Wright, special education...
Current Legal Implications for Special Education: Before, During, and After COVID, Part I
August 18, 2020 | Duration: 00:29:03 | With Poclassed Featuring Pete Wright EPISODE 2 A conversation with Peter Wright, special education lawyer and founder of Wrightslaw. This...
An Educator’s Journey Through the World of Literacy Instruction
August 04, 2020 | Duration: 00:32:07 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Stacy Hurst, M.Ed. EPISODE 1 Stacy Hurst, M.Ed., shares her unique journey through the world of education,...
Season 6
Adapting Classroom Practices to Reflect Recent Reading Research
May 06, 2021 | Duration: 00:33:34 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Paul Black, M.Ed SEASON 5, EPISODE 6 Paul Black, M.Ed, Ed.S., NCSP, a school psychologist and literacy consultant, joins...
Tuning In to the Social-Emotional Needs of College Students and Adults With Dyslexia
April 21, 2021 | Duration: 00:36:07 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. Barbara Wirostko and Donell Pons, M.Ed., MAT SEASON 5, EPISODE 5 Dr. Barbara Wirostko and Donell Pons, M.Ed, MAT,...
Is This a Learning Disability or Is This Childhood Trauma?
March 18, 2021 | Duration: 00:25:37 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. Ivy Bonk SEASON 5, EPISODE 4 Dr. Ivy Bonk joins Laura Axtell on Podclassed as they discuss the impact of childhood...
Using Positive Psychology to Reduce Educator Stress and Burnout
March 03, 2021 | Duration: 00:39:41 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Carrie Drake Saunderson, MA SEASON 5, EPISODE 3 Carrie Drake Saunderson, MA, joins the host of Podclassed, Laura Axtell,...
Strategies for Building Stress Resilience as an Educator
February 16, 2021 | Duration: 00:32:28 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. William Blake and Shantell Berrett Blake, MAseason 6, EPISODE 2 In this episode of Podclassed, Dr. William...
Is Anxiety the New Learning Disability?
February 02, 2021 | Duration: 00:35:33 | With Reading Horizons Featuring Dr. Lori Desautels season 6, EPISODE 1 To kick off Season 6 of Podclassed, Dr. Lori Desautels explores the impact...