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
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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-world settings.
This episode mentions:
If You Were Here by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Maya McKibbin
Katlynn's study, co-authored with Drs. Colby Hall & Philip Capin, Exploring the feasibility of implementing the SPELL-Links to Reading and Writing intervention (open source)
Translational science: A road map for the science of reading by Dr.Emily Solari et al.
Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)
Program integrity in primary and early secondary prevention: Are implementation effects out of control?
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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 Tough Texts by Sarah Lupo, Dan Reynolds, and Christine Hardigree
On the Trapline by David A. Robertson and Julie Flett
Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy – Special Issue on Foundational Skills (Guest Edited by Dr. Lupo)
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S4 E2: Inferences in the Early Years with Dr. Jen O'Sullivan
This week, Kate Winn welcomes Irish educator and researcher Dr. Jen O’Sullivan to explore how young children develop the ability to make inferences and how educators can explicitly support this essential skill. From playful, practical strategies to research-backed insights, this episode is packed with ideas to bring inferencing to life in the early years.
Mentioned in the Episode:
The Game by Henry Charles Ten Bears and Shoshannah Greene
RAND Reading Study Group (2002)
Oakhill and Cain (2012) study on inference and comprehension
Tighe and Schatschneider (2014) study on predictors of reading comprehension
Hall et al. (2019) study on inference instruction with English language learners
Jen O’Sullivan’s Substack
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S4 E1: thinkSRSD 101 with Dr. Leslie Laud
Buckle up - it's the Season 4 premiere of Reading Road Trip! Host Kate Winn kicks off the new season with Dr. Leslie Laud of thinkSRSD for a lively and practical conversation about transforming writing instruction. From kindergarten to high school, discover how this evidence-based approach is scaling across classrooms, building confidence, reducing teacher workload, and aligning beautifully with Canadian curricula.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Cedar School Decodables by Strong Nations Publishing
thinkSRSD
CommonLit
ONlit.org thinkSRSD resources: Getting Started with thinkSRSD and Grade 3 thinkSRSD-inspired POWeR Cycles
thinkSRSD Facebook Group
thinkSRSD Canadian Facebook Group
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!
Ireland