Reading Road Trip

International Dyslexia Association Ontario
  • 4.7 (44)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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! Support our podcast by making a donation on our website: https://www.idaontario.com/donate/

  1. 1d ago

    S5E4: Navigating Dyslexia: From Personal Impact to Professional Support with Dr. Todd Cunningham

    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

    S5E4: Navigating Dyslexia: From Personal Impact to Professional Support with Dr. Todd Cunningham

  2. Jul 13

    S5E3: Outsmart Your Brain - Expert Tips for Learning with Dr. Daniel Willingham

    Kate Winn is joined by cognitive psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Willingham to discuss Outsmart Your Brain and the science of learning. From reading comprehension and background knowledge to note-taking, studying, procrastination, sleep, test anxiety, and focus, this episode is packed with practical tips for educators, parents, students, and lifelong learners. 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 Minnow (Graphic Novel) by Willie Poll, illustrated by Emily Graceanna Pearson Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning Is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy by Dr. Daniel Willingham Why Don’t Students Like School? by Dr. Daniel Willingham Articles Referenced: “The Usefulness of Brief Instruction in Reading Comprehension Strategies” by Dr. Daniel Willingham Dr. Willingham’s website, www.danielwillingham.com, where articles, videos, blog posts, and many copyright-owned resources are freely available

    S5E3: Outsmart Your Brain - Expert Tips for Learning with Dr. Daniel Willingham

  3. Jul 6

    S5E2: Busting Small Group Myths With Dr. Julia Lindsey

    In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate Winn is joined by Dr. Julia Lindsey to debunk common myths about small-group reading instruction. From ditching leveled texts to using data for flexible, targeted groups, this conversation highlights how small groups can be a powerful, efficient tool to support student learning, without adding hours of prep. 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 the episode: The Trees Talk by Jennifer Scott, illustrated by Carla Joseph Small Groups, Big Results by Dr. Julia Lindsey Reading Above the Fray by Dr. Julia Lindsey Alphabet Embedded Mnemonics from ONlit.org Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) Student Center Activities Beyond Decodables Text Series (created by Dr. Julia Lindsey)

    S5E2: Busting Small Group Myths With Dr. Julia Lindsey

  4. Jun 29

    S5E1: Handwriting and Early Literacy - What the Research Really Says with Dr. Shawn Datchuk

    Handwriting isn’t just about tidy letters on a page, it’s a powerful bridge to reading, spelling, and early literacy. In this episode, Kate sits down with Dr. Shawn Datchuk to unpack the science behind handwriting instruction, the three processes every child needs to master, and five research‑aligned practices teachers can use right away. From tracing to scaffolding to memory retrieval, this conversation brings clarity and practical strategies for the classroom. 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 I Am Not a Costume — Maria DesJarlais, illustrated by Regina Alice Willman Dr. Shawn Datchuk can be found at https://www.shawndatchuk.com/ along with the free, evidence-based resources to teach print (LIFTER) and cursive (CLIFTER) Handwriting: The ABCs of Explicit Instruction and Assessment By Dr. Shawn Datchuk — OnLit hosts a webinar where Dr. Datchuk breaks down the research behind handwriting instruction, including orthographic coding, motor skills, and explicit teaching routines. A practical, teacher‑friendly resource for anyone implementing evidence‑based handwriting practices. Ray et al. (2022) Systematic Review on Handwriting Instruction A research review examining handwriting instruction in kindergarten. The authors found that explicit handwriting instruction improves letter formation and boosts early literacy skills such as letter names, letter sounds, and early word reading—highlighting handwriting’s strong connection to reading development. Explicit Instruction Framework — Anita Archer & Charles Hughes A foundational model for structured teaching that emphasizes clear, consistent, and concise instruction. Their work guides teachers in modeling, guided practice, and gradual release—principles that apply directly to handwriting instruction. Steve Graham & Karen Harris — Writing and Handwriting Research. Graham and Harris are leading scholars in writing development. Their studies show that short, explicit handwriting lessons (2–3 times per week, 15 minutes each) can significantly improve handwriting fluency and overall writing performance. Their broader work underpins much of today’s evidence‑based writing instruction. Iowa Reading Research Center A research and outreach center focused on improving literacy outcomes through evidence‑based practices. Dr. Datchuk previously served as Director, and the center’s work informs many of the instructional approaches discussed in the episode. Council for Exceptional Children — Division for Learning Disabilities A professional organization dedicated to supporting learners with disabilities. Dr. Datchuk serves as Chair of its Research Committee, and the division’s work emphasizes high‑quality, research‑aligned instruction for diverse learners.

    S5E1: Handwriting and Early Literacy - What the Research Really Says with Dr. Shawn Datchuk

  5. Season 5 Trailer

    Season 5 Coming June 29!

    Season 5 of Reading Road Trip arrives June 29, bringing a fresh lineup of literacy conversations to fuel your summer learning. Join classroom teacher Kate Winn for another jam‑packed summer of practical, evidence‑based literacy learning. This season features an incredible lineup of guests, including researchers, clinicians, educators, and system leaders, all sharing insights that you can apply immediately in your classroom. Follow Reading Road Trip and get ready for the journey ahead. 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.

    Season 5 Coming June 29!

  6. Jan 2 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn

    Buckle up. This surprise, between-seasons bonus episode of Reading Road Trip goes behind the scenes of the soon-to-be-released book Reading Assessment Done Right. Kate Winn steps out from the host role and into the guest seat alongside co-author Dr. Stephanie Stollar. Together, Kate and Stephanie candidly discuss why they wrote the book, how the collaboration came together, and the real questions about assessment and instruction that shaped it. It’s an insider look at the thinking behind the book, with practical reflections educators can bring back to their own classrooms. 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. Show Notes: We All Love by Julie Flett – A beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating care, connection, and love, shared as part of this episode’s land acknowledgement and commitment to amplifying Indigenous artists. Reading Assessment Done Right – The soon-to-be-released book by Kate Winn and Dr. Stephanie Stollar that anchors this bonus episode, exploring how assessment can be used to inform instruction and improve reading outcomes. IDA Ontario's Literacy and Learning Conference 2026 – Kate Winn and Dr. Stephanie Stollar will be presenting together at LitLearn 2026 in Toronto; registration details are available through IDA Ontario. Perspectives on Language and Literacy – Reading Assessment Done Right will be featured in the Winter 2026 issue Data: What's Your Question?, co-edited by theme editors Dr. Michelle Hosp and Dr. Una Malcolm; IDA members can access the issue through the member portal, and non-members can learn more about joining the International Dyslexia Association to gain access.

    Bonus Episode: Reading Assessment Done Right with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn

  7. 09/01/2025

    S4 E10: Expert Tips for Your Best School Year Yet!

    It’s the season finale of Season 4 of Reading Road Trip! Kate wraps up the season with an all-star lineup of nine expert guests, each sharing one powerful tip to set you up for your best school year yet. From data meetings to integrated instruction, parent communication to avoiding burnout, this finale is packed with practical advice you can use right away. Join us as we celebrate the close of another fabulous podcast season with insights from some of the most thoughtful voices in the field. Many thanks to this episode's fabulous guests: Dr. Renata Archie, Dr. Sonia Cabell, Dr. Pam Kastner, Dr. Holly Lane, Dr. Matt Burns, Dr. Jamie Metsala, Alicia Smith, Jacqueline Chartier, and Dr. Todd Cunningham! Reading Road Trip Mentioned Season 1, Episode 6 — Dr. Renata Archie on universal screening Season 1, Episode 2 — Dr. Sonia Cabell on early literacy Season 3, Episode 1 — Sonia Cabell and Anita Archer (recorded live at Lit Learn 2024) Season 1, Episode 3 — Dr. Holly Lane on foundational reading skills

  8. 08/25/2025

    S4 E9: Attention, Memory and Learning with Blake Harvard

    Kate chats with educator and author Blake Harvard about his book Do I Have Your Attention? Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning. They explore what we know about attention, working memory, and long-term memory, why multitasking doesn’t work, and practical strategies like retrieval and spaced practice that help students remember more.   This episode mentions: Métis Christmas Mittens by Leah Marie Dorion, with Michif translation by Norman Fleury Do I Have Your Attention? Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning by Blake Harvard The Effortful Educator blog by Blake Harvard Powerful Teaching by Pooja Agarwal and Patrice Bain

    S4 E9: Attention, Memory and Learning with Blake Harvard
See All (51)

Trailers

4.7
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

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! Support our podcast by making a donation on our website: https://www.idaontario.com/donate/

Information

  • Creator
    International Dyslexia Association Ontario
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Reading Road Trip IDA Ontario
  • Show Website
    Reading Road Trip

You Might Also Like