Literacy Talks

In our Season 6 finale, the hosts dive deep into an article from The Reading League Journal that addresses common misunderstandings about the science of reading. They explore a range of topics, including the role of comprehension, the 95% claim, the debate between speech-to-print and print-to-speech, the necessity of learning spelling and syllable division rules, and the use of nonsense words in phonics instruction. Through insightful discussions and real-world examples, the hosts help clarify misconceptions and provide a nuanced understanding of the science of reading. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the field, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities and separate fact from fiction when it comes to effective reading instruction.SHOW NOTESLiteracy Leaders:Sharon VaughnNathan ClemensLouisa MoatsDevin KearnsResources:The Reading League JournalNarrowing the Third-Grade Reading GapChat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.Access past show notes.Read the transcripts.

This episode of Literacy Talks focuses on the hosts' shared pet peeves related to literacy education. Donell expresses frustration with the persistent challenges around dyslexia awareness and support in schools. Stacy sometimes gets frustrated with the "checklist mentality" in teaching, where some pre-service teachers struggle to move beyond rigid requirements. Lindsay discusses her concerns about overcorrection in teaching high-frequency words and creating simplistic "black and white" lists categorizing educational practices. The hosts emphasize the importance of nuance, context, and supporting teachers with adequate time and resources to implement evidence-based literacy instruction effectively.SHOW NOTESLiteracy Leaders:Katie Pace MilesDanielle ColenbranderChat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.Access past show notes.Read the transcripts.

This episode provides a powerful and inspiring look into the work of the Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation, which supports high school and college students with dyslexia who wish to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Co-founder Dr. Barbara Wirostko Morelli shares her personal story of navigating the challenges of dyslexia with her own son, Joseph, and the motivation behind creating the foundation in his memory. Listeners hear from scholarship recipient Amy Mabile and mentor Jake Sussman, who offer firsthand accounts of the life-changing impact of the foundation's mentorship, community support, and financial assistance. The episode delves into the unique obstacles students with dyslexia face in the education system, the importance of early intervention and proper documentation, and the power of resilience, self-advocacy, and finding one's voice to overcome adversity and achieve academic and personal success.This is the final installment of the Literacy Talks miniseries Dyslexia Talks, hosted by Donell Pons.SHOW NOTESLiteracy Leaders:Barbara Wirostko (Morelli)Jake SussmanResources:Joseph James Morelli Legacy FoundationDyslexia: Tapping into the potential | Barbara Wirostko (Morelli), MD | TEDxBozemanMorelli Foundation Scholarship ProgramThe Forgotten Child: A Poem Dedicated to the neurodiverseSuperpower MentorsChat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.Access past show notes.Read the transcripts.

This episode of Literacy Talks examines the fundamental role of oral language in student success and literacy development. The hosts - Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay - share their journeys of understanding the distinction between speech and language and how oral language forms the foundation for all literacy skills, from reading comprehension to writing. They explore practical strategies for creating a language-rich classroom environment, including techniques like the "strive for five" approach to extend student conversations. The discussion also covers effective ways to assess oral language development and research-backed interventions to support students’ language comprehension. Throughout the conversation, the experts emphasize the long-term, far-reaching impact of prioritizing oral language instruction in the classroom.SHOW NOTESLiteracy Leaders:Elsa Cárdenas-HaganTricia A. ZuckerSonia CabellJulie WashingtonHugh CattsStanislas DehaeneLeslie LaudResources:Right to Read inquiry report—Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)Strive-for-Five ConversationsScarborough’s Reading RopeLiteracy Talks—Comprehension: It’s the Heart of the MatterSeesawSelf-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD)Evidence-based interventions for reading and language difficulties: creating a virtuous circle (Snowling & Hulme, 2011)Terms:Dialogic reading: a shared reading technique that involves a conversation about a book between an adult and a child. The goal is to help the child become the storyteller while the adult listens and guides the conversation. Dialogic reading can help children develop their language and literacy skills, including oral vocabulary and listening comprehension.Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective.Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite.Access past show notes.Read the transcripts.