Reading Road Trip

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 this Episode:

Cedar Mother by Brett D. Hewson illustrated by Natasha Donovan

Literacy & Learning Conference by IDA Ontario featuring Dr. Louisa Moats in April 2027!

ONlit

Son-au-graphe

Acadience PELI

The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading by Christopher Such

Shifting the Balance, Grades 3-5 by Katie Cunningham, Jan Burkins & Kari Yates

Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching by Anita Archer & Charles Hughes

Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching by Zach Groshell

Teaching Reading Sourcebook (3rd Edition) by Bill Honig, Linda Diamond, Linda Gutlohn, et al.

Effective Universal Instruction by Gibbons, Brown & Neebling

The Reading League Journal

IDA Perspectives on Language and Literacy

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 cultures, languages, and communities are reflected in literacy learning. They also highlight encouraging signs of progress, including improved attendance, stronger reading outcomes, and growing learner confidence and engagement.

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 consider supporting our organization.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Just a Walk by Jordan Wheeler, illustrated by Christopher Auchter

First Nations School Board (FNSB), Yukon

UFLI Foundations (University of Florida Literacy Institute) 

UFLI Toolbox - Free lesson resources, decodable passages, slide decks, and implementation supports.

IDA Ontario's Literacy and Learning Educator Conference (LitLearn) Annual conference featuring evidence-based literacy research and practice.

ONlit Free bilingual literacy resource hub created in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, IDA Ontario, and the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Reading Assessment Done Right by Kate Winn & Dr. Stephanie Stollar

Science of Reading with Nathaniel Swain Referenced as a source of learning and professional knowledge around evidence-based literacy instruction.

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" across all areas of education.

Listeners will learn about practical ways educators can assess and support oral language development, the importance of rich conversations and structured language instruction, and the connections between oral language difficulties and dyslexia. Dr. Hulme also shares insights from his research on effective language interventions and why their benefits can last for years.

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 consider supporting our organization.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Storyteller Skye: Teachings from My Ojibway Grandfather by Lindsay Christina King, illustrated by Carolyn Frank

OxEd & Assessment (Dr. Hulme's company)

LanguageScreen (oral language assessment tool discussed by Dr. Hulme) An evidence-based oral language screener for children ages 3.5–11 that assesses expressive vocabulary, receptive vocabulary, listening comprehension, and sentence repetition.

Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) Dr. Hulme referenced the structured oral language intervention programs he and colleagues have developed; NELI is one of the best-known early language interventions emerging from this work.

Charles Hulme – Google Scholar

Book Display at Perth & District Union Public Library - Thank you Susan!

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 practices helped strengthen core classroom instruction and accelerate student growth. The conversation explores the power of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), the importance of focusing on foundational skills in Kindergarten and Grade 1, and how strong Tier 1 instruction can both lift students at risk and challenge those who are already thriving.

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 consider supporting our organization.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Jenny's Concrete Powwow by Shawna Lee Corbould, illustrated by Regina Alice Wilman

Reading Assessment Done Right: Tools and Techniques for Data-Driven Instruction by Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn (Additional Reading Road Trip Listening S4 Bonus Episode)

MTSS for Reading Improvement: A Leader's Tool Kit for Schoolwide Success by Sarah Brown & Stephanie Stollar

Acadience Learning 

DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills)

Quick Phonics Screener (QPS)

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, mental health, and family life, while offering practical advice for parents and educators who want to better support learners with dyslexia.

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 consider supporting our organization.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

The Corn Chief by Karen Whetung, with photography by Lindsay Delaronde

Bright Lights Psychology Clinic Dr. Cunningham's clinic, providing psychoeducational assessments, intervention, and mental health support for children and youth.

Learn Different Professional learning organization founded by Dr. Cunningham that provides educator training and resources grounded in evidence-based practice and the science of learning.

Ontario Human Rights Commission's Right to Read Inquiry Report Referenced in the discussion about system change, screening, and evidence-based reading instruction.

International Dyslexia Association Ontario (IDA Ontario) Resources, advocacy, and professional learning related to dyslexia and evidence-based literacy instruction.

Lifting The Curtain on EQAO Scores by IDA Ontario

Other Dyslexia Support: 

Dyslexia Canada

Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario 

New Definition of Dyslexia