Literacy Talks

Reading Horizons
  • 4.7 (63)
  • Education
  • Updated Semiweekly

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.

  1. 21h ago

    Episode 127: When Reading Struggles Follow Students to Middle School | The Braxton Story, Part 1

    Braxton was in kindergarten when the pandemic interrupted his first year of formal reading instruction. But his mother, Kristie, soon realized there was more to his struggles. Donell Pons talks with Kristie about the years Braxton spent “hanging on,” his eventual dyslexia identification, and what changed when he finally received targeted support—just as he prepares to enter middle school. Show NotesToday’s middle schoolers were just beginning their education when the pandemic disrupted classrooms across the country. For some students, that interruption came at a critical point in learning to read—and years later, foundational reading needs may still be following them into the secondary grades. Braxton was one of those beginning readers. He started kindergarten in fall 2019. When COVID closed his school the following spring, he spent the final two and a half months of kindergarten at home. That was when his mother, Kristie Nelson, a former kindergarten teacher, began noticing that something wasn’t right. Braxton struggled to identify letter names and sounds, and Kristie ultimately decided to have him repeat kindergarten. But the pandemic wasn’t the whole story. Kristie remembered concerns dating back to preschool, and as Braxton moved through elementary school, he continued to struggle with reading even as he found ways to compensate. He made progress. He worked hard. He was “hanging on.” And because he was never dramatically behind, the underlying problem remained difficult to see. But by fifth grade, the work had become harder and those compensatory strategies were no longer enough. In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell Pons talks with Kristie about the journey that ultimately led to Braxton being identified with dyslexia. Kristie shares the signs she learned to recognize, how his school responded, and what began to change once instruction could target his specific needs. The results have been encouraging. With focused work on phonics and other foundational skills, Kristie reports substantial improvement in Braxton’s reading accuracy. Perhaps even more telling, a child who had found reading difficult and exhausting began asking to read aloud. Now another transition is coming: middle school. Instead of spending most of his day with one teacher who understands how he learns, Braxton will move among multiple teachers and face increasingly complex reading and writing demands. An IEP, targeted intervention, and continued support will be critical as he enters sixth grade. Braxton’s story is his own. But it also raises a much larger question: How many students are entering middle school with unfinished foundational reading needs—and what will it take to ensure those needs don’t follow them any further? This conversation is Part 1 of The Braxton Story, a Literacy Talks series following Braxton and his family through the transition to middle school. We’ll check back during his sixth-grade year to hear about his progress, the challenges that emerge, and what his experience can teach us about supporting older struggling readers. In this episode: How the pandemic interrupted the end of Braxton’s first kindergarten yearThe early reading difficulties Kristie noticed before and after that disruptionHow Braxton compensated for reading difficulties through the elementary gradesWhy increasing academic demands made his struggles harder to overlookHow learning about dyslexia helped Kristie recognize what she was seeingWhat happened when his school identified his needs and targeted instruction accordinglyWhy putting an IEP in place mattered before the transition to middle schoolWhat Braxton’s experience can teach us about the unfinished reading needs students may carry into the secondary grades💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward. From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact. See how Ascend works. 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.

    Episode 127: When Reading Struggles Follow Students to Middle School | The Braxton Story, Part 1

  2. 6d ago

    Episode 126: 5 Back-to-School Priorities for Every Teacher

    A new school year brings fresh opportunities—and plenty of preparation. In this back-to-school episode of Literacy Talks, classroom teacher Lindsay Kemeny shares the five priorities she focuses on every year to create a strong start for both students and teachers. From getting to know your students before the first day to planning instruction, building relationships with families, organizing your classroom, and even taking time to celebrate the start of a new year, Lindsay offers practical strategies that can help make those first weeks more intentional and less overwhelming. Along the way, Stacy Hurst and Donell Pons expand the conversation with insights on supporting students across grade levels, fostering self-advocacy, communicating effectively with families and educators, and creating learning environments where every student can thrive. If you're looking for practical ideas to make the transition back to school smoother and more successful, this episode offers actionable strategies you can put into practice from day one. Watch on YouTube. Show Notes Lindsay's 5 Principles 1: Get to know your students before day one. A fresh start doesn't have to mean starting with a blank slate. Lindsay explains how she reviews academic data, previous interventions, IEP accommodations, health considerations, and other available information before school begins. That knowledge helps her make intentional decisions about seating, initial small groups, and the support individual students may need. 2: Plan instruction—and teach routines through it. Rather than spending the first weeks focused exclusively on rules and procedures, Lindsay begins teaching content right away, slowing down instruction as needed to explicitly teach classroom routines along the way. Procedures for using materials, transitioning, working at desks, and participating in lessons become part of actual instruction. 3: Build communication and connection early. Positive relationships with families shouldn't begin when there's a problem. The hosts discuss welcome communications, parent questionnaires, regular classroom updates, and the value of intentionally reaching out with something positive—especially to families who may be accustomed to hearing from school only when something has gone wrong. 4: Design the classroom around students and learning. Classroom setup isn't just about decoration. Lindsay considers traffic flow, accessibility, attention, student needs, seating, materials, and how easily students can see and participate in instruction. Donell extends the conversation to helping older students recognize environmental distractions and advocate for learning conditions that help them succeed. 5: Make room to celebrate. Preparing for a new school year is a lot of work. Lindsay's final priority is simple: intentionally do something enjoyable to mark the beginning of a new year. The hosts also discuss checking in and celebrating after the first week as a way to reflect on what went well, what was challenging, and what's ahead. 💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward. From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact. See how Ascend works. 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.

    Episode 126: 5 Back-to-School Priorities for Every Teacher

  3. May 27

    Episode 125: What We’re Carrying Into Summer

    As another school year comes to a close, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny reflect on the moments, challenges, and lessons that shaped their year in literacy education. From advocating for students and navigating legislative pressures to celebrating reading breakthroughs and planning for growth, this candid conversation explores the very human side of teaching reading. The hosts discuss the realities educators face beyond academics, the importance of literacy advocacy, what students truly need to become successful readers, and how they hope to reset and recharge over the summer months. This episode is a reminder that the work of literacy changes lives — and that educators are never carrying the work alone. Show Notes In this episode, we discuss: Reflections on a year of literacy leadership and advocacyWhy literacy instruction is deeply human workStudent moments that stayed with us all yearThe growing need for writing instruction in teacher preparationBalancing research-based practices with real classroom time constraintsVocabulary instruction, small groups, and instructional flexibilityLegislative challenges impacting literacy educationSummer reset ideas, reading lists, and personal growth goalsResources Mentioned Reading Horizons Literacy Talks Podcast Reading Horizons Ascend Mastery Cascade Reading & Julie VanDyke Lindsay Kemeny — Rock Your Literacy Block Young-Suk Kim — Integrating Reading and Writing Instruction Stewart Brand — Whole Earth Catalog 💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward. From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact. See how Ascend works. 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.

    Episode 125: What We’re Carrying Into Summer

  4. May 21

    Episode 124: The Best Assessment Takeaways from the Reading League Summit

    In this special conference rewind episode of Literacy Talks, Stacy Hurst and Lindsay Kemeny are joined by Reading League leader, Andrea Setmeyer, to unpack the biggest assessment insights from the Reading League Summit. From classroom data and progress monitoring to district systems and policy, this conversation highlights the practical literacy assessment practices educators can apply right away as they reflect on the current school year and prepare for the next one. The conversation explores how assessment can drive stronger instruction, the importance of actionable data, the difference between screening and diagnosis, myths around popular assessment tools, and what educators at every level can do to improve outcomes for students. This episode offers meaningful takeaways to help you turn assessment into action. Show Notes Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode The Reading LeagueTRL Facilitation Guide for PLCs on Reading AssessmentReading League JournalReading Horizons Literacy Talks PodcastReading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate WinnNational Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) Tools ChartsFlorida Center for Reading Research (FCRR)Margaret Goldberg’s “Right to Read” ProjectPALS Reading Fluency ResourcesAnita Archer Instruction ResourcesSpecial thanks to Andrea Setmeyer and the Reading League for sharing additional assessment resources and professional learning tools with Literacy Talks listeners. YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/s0BB2ur4AHM 💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward. From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact. See how Ascend works. 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.

    Episode 124: The Best Assessment Takeaways from the Reading League Summit

  5. May 14

    Episode 123: The “Overteaching Phonics” Debate—What Teachers Need to Know

    A recent article questioning the “cost of overteaching phonics” sparked major discussion across the literacy world—and in this episode, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny unpack it all. Are schools really overteaching phonics? What does the research actually say? And how do teachers balance explicit instruction, reading practice, spelling, assessment, and student engagement without swinging too far in either direction? The conversation explores the nuance behind phonics instruction, the dangers of clickbait headlines, the importance of teacher knowledge, and why struggling readers still need intentional, explicit teaching. The hosts also discuss phonemic awareness, spelling instruction, scaffolds, differentiation, and the critical role of meaningful reading practice. Show Notes Referenced Article The Cost of Overteaching Phonics by Liana Loewus (Education Next)Researchers & Experts Mentioned Dr. Mark SeidenbergDr. Louisa MoatsDr. Devin KearnsDr. David KilpatrickTim ShanahanResources Mentioned Devin Kearns’ PHINDER ToolLanguage at the Speed of Sight by Mark Seidenberg 💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward. From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact. See how Ascend works. 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.

    Episode 123: The “Overteaching Phonics” Debate—What Teachers Need to Know

  6. May 7

    Episode 122: From Awareness to Action: Lessons from Literacy Changemakers

    What does it really take to improve literacy outcomes? In this wrap-up to the Changemakers series, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore the systems, support, instructional practices, and leadership moves behind Mississippi’s widely discussed reading gains. From structured literacy and coaching to accountability and long-term implementation, this episode connects big-picture reform to practical classroom impact. Listeners will walk away with insights into how lasting literacy change happens—and what educators at every level can do to support it. Show Notes In this episode, we discuss: The national conversation around the “Mississippi Miracle”Why literacy improvement requires systems, support, and sustained effortThe role of structured literacy and the science of readingAccountability paired with coaching and professional learningWhy implementation matters more than quick fixesClassroom-level takeaways for raising expectations and supporting readersResources Mentioned The Daily podcast episode: “The Miracle Unfolding in Mississippi Schools” (The New York Times) Reading Horizons: Literacy Talks Podcast NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) The Reading League 💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward. From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact. See how Ascend works. 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.

    Episode 122: From Awareness to Action: Lessons from Literacy Changemakers

  7. Apr 30

    Episode 121: Turning Awareness into Impact with Kareem Weaver

    In this powerful conversation, Kareem Weaver—literacy advocate, educator, and featured voice in The Right to Read—challenges us to rethink what’s at stake when students don’t learn to read. From personal stories to system-wide solutions, Kareem makes a compelling case: literacy isn’t just an educational issue—it’s a matter of opportunity, equity, and responsibility. This episode moves beyond awareness and into action, exploring what it really takes for schools, leaders, and communities to ensure every child has a genuine chance to read. If you’ve ever wondered what it will take to truly change literacy outcomes, this conversation is a must-listen. Show Notes Kareem Weaver’s journey into literacy advocacy and educationWhy literacy is more than instruction—it’s access to opportunityThe concept of “civil wrongs” in educationWhat’s holding schools back from improving reading outcomesThe critical role of leadership, policy, and teacher preparationWhat successful literacy systems have in commonWhy adult collaboration (or lack of it) is the biggest barrierA vision for schools where all students learn to readResources Mentioned The Right to Read documentary (featuring Kareem Weaver)Fulcrum Literacy (Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder & Executive Director)Left Behind documentary (NAACP-nominated film on dyslexia)Landmark College (school supporting students with dyslexia)EdTrust – Extraordinary Districts seriesLeverage Leadership and Driven by Data (books by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo)💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward. From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact. See how Ascend works. 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.

    Episode 121: Turning Awareness into Impact with Kareem Weaver

  8. Apr 22

    Episode 120: Too Many Reading Assessments? What to Keep—and What to Let Go

    Are you spending too much time on assessments without getting the clarity you need? In this episode, we break down which reading assessments actually matter, which ones may be wasting your time, and how to make smarter, more efficient decisions about the data you collect. Show Notes Guests in this Episode: Andrea Setmeyer – National Chapter Director at The Reading League and former school psychologist. Andrea works with literacy leaders and educators across the country to support evidence-aligned assessment and instruction.Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller – Associate Professor at Michigan State University and a school psychologist. Her research focuses on assessment, writing development, and improving how educators use data to inform instruction. She is the principal investigator of the federally funded Writing Architect project.Resources & References Mentioned: The Reading League Journal (Jan/Feb 2026 issue) Subscribe. Article: “Balancing Cost and Accuracy: How to Select Reading Assessments for Universal Screening”Intervention in School and Clinic (Special Issue on Assessment) Guest edited by Adrea Truckenmiller & Jessica TosteWriting Architect Project (Assessment tool for identifying key writing components to support student progress)Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate WinnCommon Assessment Tools Referenced:DIBELS: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy SkillsAcadience Reading AssessmentsFastBridgeeasyCBMMAP GrowthAmira💬 Want more insights like this? Subscribe to the Literacy Talks Podcast Digest for episode recaps, resources, and teaching takeaways delivered straight to your inbox! Core Instruction and Reading Intervention. One System. One Path Forward. From Pre-K readiness to advanced fluency, Ascend®️ gives educators a consistent, needs-based approach to literacy—helping every teacher deliver the right instruction and every student build lasting mastery, one skill at a time. Coherent literacy for lasting impact. See how Ascend works. 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.

    Episode 120: Too Many Reading Assessments? What to Keep—and What to Let Go
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Reading Horizons
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Literacy Talks
  • Show Website
    Literacy Talks

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