Handwriting, Spelling, and Student Voice: A Writing Deep Dive
Writing is anything but simple. In this episode, the hosts break down the foundational elements of writing instruction—from the mechanics of handwriting and spelling to the role of oral language and student motivation. They share insights, personal stories, and practical strategies for supporting students at every stage, with a special focus on transcription, composition, and the power of student voice. It's a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation about what it really takes to help students grow as writers.Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.
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Pet Peeves, Round 3: The Gripes That Just Won’t Quit
We’re back with more of the literacy gripes that make us wince, laugh, and think deeper. In our third pet peeves episode, the Literacy Talks team—Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay—sound off on persistent myths, misplaced blame, phonics fluff, and why reading will never be obsolete. With listener submissions in the mix, this candid conversation is part venting session, part professional reflection. If you’ve ever cringed at a reading log or been told teachers are the problem (spoiler alert: they’re not), this one’s for you.Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.
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100 Episodes Later: Our Never-Aired First Episode
We made it to 100 episodes! To celebrate, we’re doing something special—sharing the very first episode we ever recorded, one that never made it to air… until now. It’s raw, real, and full of heart. Join us as we look back on where it all began, reflect on how much has changed, and reconnect with the passion that started it all.Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.
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The Great Syllable Debate: Balancing Science, Structure, and Student Needs
In this episode, the hosts dive into the so-called “Great Syllable Debate,” unpacking recent research and long-standing practices around syllable instruction. From the reliability of syllable division rules to the role of flexibility, they explore what today’s educators need to consider when teaching students to read multisyllabic words—especially those with dyslexia or other reading challenges. It’s a conversation grounded in science, shaped by classroom experience, and focused on helping every student become a confident reader.Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.
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Making MTSS Work: Real Talk with Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown
In this episode of Literacy Talks, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown—two leading voices in reading improvement and MTSS. Together, they unpack what MTSS really means, how it connects to the science of reading, and why it's more than just moving students through tiers. With candid insights, practical tools, and a clear call for systems-level change, this is the real talk educators need to hear. You'll come away informed, inspired, and ready to take meaningful next steps.Do you teach Structured Literacy in a K–3 setting? Sign up for a free license of Reading Horizons Discovery® LIVE and start teaching right away—no setup, no hassle. Sign-up Now. Coming Soon: Reading Horizons Ascend™ From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend™ offers a consistent, needs-based reading experience across every grade, tier, and model—so every student can build mastery, one skill at a time. Learn More.
Welcome to Literacy Talks, a podcast from Reading Horizons, where reading momentum begins. Each episode features our trio of literacy champions: Stacy Hurst, an assistant professor of reading at Southern Utah University and Chief Academic Advisor at Reading Horizons; Donell Pons, a dyslexia specialist, educator, presenter, and writer, who now works with adults with reading challenges; and Lindsay Kemeny, a dedicated elementary teacher who is a CERI-certified Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher and author of 7 Mighty Moves. Each episode is a conversation among friends with practical literacy strategies, powerful tips, and a real passion for teachers and students alike. Listen, laugh, and learn with Literacy Talks, brought to educators everywhere by Reading Horizons.
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