The Reading Symphony

Katie Megrian
  • 5.0 (24)
  • Parenting

Hosted by Katie Megrian - literacy leader, former principal, and mom of two young readers - The Reading Symphony brings the science of reading to life for parents, teachers, and school leaders who want clarity, not confusion. Each episode blends research-based insight with real-world strategies for helping children thrive in reading, writing, and comprehension. From phonemic awareness and decoding to fluency, vocabulary, and background knowledge, Katie demystifies what great instruction looks like and how families can support it at home. You’ll hear from expert guests in literacy education, cognitive science, and classroom practice - along with relatable stories from parents navigating the journey right beside their kids. Whether you’re an educator implementing the Science of Reading, a school leader designing literacy PD, or a parent decoding report cards and assessments, this podcast is your roadmap to evidence-based reading success. Topics include: How children learn to read and why some struggle What to look for in a strong school literacy program The truth about reading assessments and progress reports Strategies to build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension The role of knowledge building and background knowledge Advocacy tips for parents and educators Inspiring stories from classrooms and homes that got reading right

  1. Oct 28

    Instruction Rocketfuel for Reading: Foundations for Life | Lyn Stone

    In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast... Katie talks with Lyn Stone, educational linguist, author, and founder of Lifelong Literacy, about why writing is essential for learning to read - and how explicit instruction, handwriting, and a better understanding of English spelling can help children become stronger readers and writers. 📩 Subscribe to The Reading Symphony on Substack Get practical literacy tips, science-of-reading insights, and evidence-based strategies to help children become stronger readers. Subscribe here: 👉 https://katiemegrian.substack.com/ 👤 About Lyn Stone Lyn Stone is an educational linguist, author, and founder of Lifelong Literacy, an international literacy consultancy and tutoring practice. Her latest book, Foundations for Life: Structured Literacy for Reading and Writing, provides practical lessons designed to help parents and educators strengthen children's foundational literacy skills. 📚 Foundations for Life by Lyn Stone In this episode, Lyn shares the story behind Foundations for Life, explains why she wrote it, and discusses how families and teachers can use it to support children's reading and writing development. The book is available through Express Readers, with international purchasing information available through Lyn's website. 🔗 Lyn Stone's Links Purchase Foundations for LifeLyn’s WebsiteLinkedinSubstack Chapters 00:00 - Why Children Get Stuck Learning to Read 00:45 - Meet Lyn Stone 01:36 - How Lyn Became a Literacy Educator 03:41 - Why Guessing Words Can Hurt Reading Development 05:46 - Introducing Foundations for Life 06:30 - The Story Behind Lyn's New Book 08:28 - Helping Children Move Beyond Early Literacy 10:13 - How Parents Can Use Foundations for Life 10:37 - Why Phonics Alone Isn't Enough 12:10 - Why Writing Should Be Taught From the Beginning 12:46 - How Writing Strengthens Reading Development 14:42 - What Happens When Writing Becomes the Priority 16:17 - Why Handwriting and Letter Formation Matter 18:17 - How to Support Children Learning to Write 20:05 - Why English Spelling Isn't Random 20:45 - Useful Words vs. Tricky Words 21:17 - A Practical Lesson: Understanding the Word "Was" 24:06 - The History Behind English Spelling 26:29 - How Literacy Tutors Can Support Families 27:13 - What Parents Should Look for in a Reading Tutor 28:05 - Why Reading Assessments Matter 30:04 - Where to Find Foundations for Life 30:48 - What Keeps Lyn Passionate About Literacy Education 🎧 The Reading Symphony Podcast is recorded and produced by Clear-Cut Podcasting - professional podcast production made simple. 👉 https://clearcutpodcasting.com #ScienceOfReading #LearningToRead #WritingInstruction #StructuredLiteracy #ReadingInstruction #Handwriting #LiteracyEducation

    Instruction Rocketfuel for Reading: Foundations for Life | Lyn Stone

  2. Oct 21

    A Second Grade Teacher’s Science of Reading Journey | Meghan Hein

    In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast... Katie welcomes Meghan Hein, a second-grade teacher, former reading intervention specialist, and instructional coach with over 20 years of experience in education. Meghan shares how discovering the Science of Reading transformed her approach to literacy instruction, even after years of supporting struggling readers. Together, they discuss why experienced teachers are rethinking reading instruction, how phonics and decoding help children become stronger readers, how parents can recognize potential reading difficulties, and practical ways to support reading fluency at home. They also explore the importance of effective classroom instruction and communication between parents and teachers. 📩 Subscribe to The Reading Symphony on Substack Get practical literacy tips, science-of-reading insights, and evidence-based strategies to help children become stronger readers. Subscribe here: 👉 https://katiemegrian.substack.com/ About Meghan Hein Meghan is a second-grade teacher in San Diego, California, with more than two decades of experience in education. Through her Instagram account, Always More to Learn, she shares practical literacy strategies, classroom experiences, and resources grounded in the Science of Reading. Connect with Meghan Meghan’s Instagram Meghan’s Learning Library Chapters 00:00 – Why an Experienced Reading Teacher Had to Rethink Everything 00:38 – Meet Meghan Hein 01:50 – Meghan's Journey Into the Science of Reading 04:00 – What Teacher Preparation Didn't Teach About Reading 06:00 – Helping Struggling Readers With Decoding 09:00 – Supporting Reading Practice at Home 12:00 – Addressing Gaps in Foundational Reading Skills 15:00 – Recognizing Reading Difficulties in Your Own Child 17:49 – Questions Parents Should Ask Teachers 20:00 – What Effective Literacy Instruction Looks Like 23:00 – Building Strong Parent-Teacher Partnerships 27:00 – Advocating for Better Reading Instruction 30:00 – Helping Children Develop a Love of Reading 33:00 – Building Comprehension and Reading Fluency 35:00 – Simple Reading Strategies Parents Can Use at Home 38:00 – Where to Find Meghan and Her Literacy Resources Subscribe to The Reading Symphony for conversations about evidence-based reading instruction, literacy development, and helping every child become a stronger reader. #ScienceOfReading #ReadingInstruction #TeachingReading #LiteracyEducation #TheReadingSymphony

    A Second Grade Teacher’s Science of Reading Journey | Meghan Hein

  3. Oct 13

    Exposure Is Not Instruction: How Children Really Learn to Read | Kim Lockhart

    In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast... Katie talks with Kim Lockhart, literacy educator and teacher trainer, about why exposure alone isn't enough to teach children how to read - and how evidence-based instruction, oral language development, and structured literacy can help teachers reach struggling readers. Drawing on 25 years of teaching experience, Kim discusses the Science of Reading, structured literacy, the myth of learning styles, and why explicit, evidence-based instruction is essential for struggling readers. They also explore oral language development, French immersion, and practical ways parents and teachers can support children's literacy. 📩 Subscribe to The Reading Symphony on Substack Get practical literacy tips, science-of-reading insights, and evidence-based strategies to help children become stronger readers. Subscribe here: 👉 https://katiemegrian.substack.com/ 👤 About Kim Lockhart Kim Lockhart, M.Ed., is a Lecturer in Education and Education Consultant with 25 years of experience in French Immersion and Special Education. She specializes in structured literacy, teacher training, and evidence-based reading instruction. 🔗 Kim Lockhart's Links: SoRticle: Science of Reading Article Discussion Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1183541269592100/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmelockhartlds/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-betts-lockhart-852788249/ Chapters 00:00 – Why Teacher Education Needs to Change 00:52 – Meet Kim Lockhart 02:16 – Why Kim Became Passionate About Teaching Reading 03:45 – Bridging the Gap Between Reading Research and Classroom Practice 04:50 – What Structured Literacy Looks Like in the Classroom 07:09 – How One Teacher Helped Change Literacy Instruction 09:26 – Starting a Science of Reading Book Club 11:27 – Learning Through Podcasts and Research Articles 12:25 – Building a Community of Literacy Educators 14:45 – The Gaps in Teacher Education 16:07 – Why Reading Research Doesn't Always Reach Teachers 17:10 – Turning Research Into Effective Teaching Practice 18:30 – The Myth of Learning Styles 20:35 – Why Teaching Methods Should Match the Skill 22:36 – What Every New Teacher Needs to Learn 23:02 – Why Oral Language Is Essential for Literacy 25:00 – Speech, Articulation and Language Development 26:35 – How Parents Can Develop Children's Oral Language 28:20 – Why Correct Pronunciation and Grammar Matter 32:15 – Structured Literacy in French Immersion 33:45 – Building Language Comprehension in a Second Language 36:10 – Why Exposure Is Not Instruction 37:50 – Supporting Children Learning a Second Language at Home 40:00 – Understanding the Differences Between Languages 42:00 – Why Reading Aloud Doesn't Automatically Teach Reading 43:00 – The Importance of Everyday Conversations 45:30 – Why Independent Reading Isn't Always Enough 47:15 – What Parents Should Know About Reading Difficulties 48:00 – Why Children Need Intervention, Not More Time #ScienceOfReading #StructuredLiteracy #ReadingInstruction #LiteracyEducation #LearningToRead #OralLanguage #ReadingDifficulties

    Exposure Is Not Instruction: How Children Really Learn to Read | Kim Lockhart

  4. Oct 7

    How to Build Your Child’s Curiosity Through Science and Reading | Rudo Kashiri

    In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast... Katie talks with Rudo Kashiri, science educator, children’s book author, and former NASA educator, about how science, storytelling, and hands-on learning can help children develop stronger reading skills, build background knowledge, and become more curious learners. 📩 Subscribe to The Reading Symphony on Substack Get practical literacy tips, science-of-reading insights, and evidence-based strategies to help children become stronger readers. Subscribe here: 👉 https://katiemegrian.substack.com/ 👤 About Rudo Kashiri Rudo Kashiri is a National Board Certified science educator, children’s book author, and founder of Curious Minds Explorers Publishing. A retired NASA science educator, she now combines storytelling and interactive science to make STEM accessible and engaging for young learners. 🔗 Rudo’s Links: Curious Minds Explorers Publishing: https://www.curiousmindsexplorerspublishing.com/ Rudo’s Learning Resources & Substack: https://substack.com/@curiousmindsexplorerspublishing Chapters 00:00 – How Storytelling Makes Science Easasier to Understand 00:52 – Meet Rudo Kashiri 02:06 – How a Love of Science Led to NASA 03:54 – What Is STEM? 04:17 – Teaching Science Through Stories 05:31 – How NASA Inspired Rudo’s Children’s Books 06:25 – Combining Science, Reading and Hands-On Learning 07:36 – Turning Children’s Interests Into Science Lessons 08:18 – Do Stars Really Twinkle? 09:00 – Clouds, Rainbows and Everyday Science 09:58 – Teaching Kids How Airplanes Fly 10:31 – Exploring NASA’s Artemis Missions 11:23 – Hands-On Science Activities for Kids 12:07 – Correcting Common Science Misconceptions 12:50 – Introducing Science to Young Children 14:02 – Teaching States of Matter Through Ice Cream 14:59 – How Reading and Science Work Together 16:00 – Why Early Science Knowledge Matters 17:43 – Encouraging Kids to Ask Questions 18:24 – What Parents Should Ask About Science Education 19:01 – Are Children Doing Enough Science Experiments? 20:05 – Finding Science in Everyday Life 20:57 – The Role Parents Play in Science Learning 21:55 – Parents Don’t Need to Know All the Answers 23:07 – Science Resources for Families and Teachers 23:30 – Rudo’s Classroom Activities and Learning Resources 24:09 – Science Programs From Earth to Mars 24:49 – Encouraging Children to Read 26:53 – Rudo’s Advice for Parents 27:00 – Science Is All Around Us 27:54 – How Science Conversations Build Language Skills 28:34 – Why Representation in STEM Matters #ScienceForKids #ScienceEducation #STEMEducation #Reading #Literacy #ScienceOfReading #ScienceForKids #ScienceBooksForKids

    How to Build Your Child’s Curiosity Through Science and Reading | Rudo Kashiri

  5. Sep 30

    Why Literacy Instruction Must Be Explicit and Coherent | Dr. Jen O’Sullivan

    In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast... Katie talks with Dr. Jen O’Sullivan, education researcher and lecturer, about what effective reading instruction looks like beyond phonics - and why strong literacy teaching needs to connect the different skills involved in learning to read. 📩 Subscribe to The Reading Symphony on Substack Get practical literacy tips, science-of-reading insights, and evidence-based strategies to help children become stronger readers. Subscribe here: 👉 https://katiemegrian.substack.com/ 👤 About Dr. Jen O’Sullivan Dr. Jen O’Sullivan is an education researcher and lecturer specializing in literacy education. A former primary school teacher, her work focuses on early reading development, early intervention for reading difficulties, teacher professional learning, and the role of children’s literature in literacy instruction. 🔗 Dr. O’Sullivan’s Links: Read Write Jen: readwritejen.com Read Aloud with Intent by Dr. Jen O’Sullivan and Dr. Clara Fiorentini: Read Aloud with Intent The Power of Playful Language: Read Dr. O’Sullivan’s article Picture Book Vocabulary Finder: Vocabulary Finder International Reading Achievement Results (PISA): PISA 2025 Results Chapters 00:00 – The Science of Reading vs. the Science of Teaching Reading 00:55 – Meet Dr. Jen O’Sullivan 02:16 – From Classroom Teacher to Literacy Researcher 04:18 – Bridging the Gap Between Reading Research and Practice 05:26 – What Effective Teacher Training Looks Like 07:05 – Why Teachers Need Ongoing Professional Development 09:43 – Connecting the Pieces of Literacy Instruction 11:03 – Why Reading Skills Shouldn’t Be Taught in Isolation 12:22 – Reading Is Like an Orchestra 14:43 – Why Phonics Is Fundamental — But Not Enough 16:27 – Vocabulary and Background Knowledge Matter Too 18:21 – How Background Knowledge Supports Reading 20:03 – Why Reading Multiple Books on One Topic Helps 20:34 – Why Vocabulary Is So Important for Comprehension 22:30 – Why Dictionary Definitions Aren’t Enough 25:04 – Playful Ways to Build Vocabulary at Home 29:43 – The Picture Book Vocabulary Finder 33:03 – How Picture Books Build Sophisticated Language 35:27 – Using Books to Develop Vocabulary 39:32 – How Parents Can Evaluate Reading Instruction 42:04 – What to Do If Your Child Is Struggling 42:38 – Nursery Rhymes and Building Early Literacy 43:20 – Let Your Children See You Read and Write 44:05 – Why Reading Aloud Is So Powerful 45:21 – Making Read-Alouds More Engaging 48:19 – The INTENT Framework 50:28 – Should Parents Worry About Graphic Novels? 55:13 – Where to Find Dr. Jen O’Sullivan #ScienceOfReading #ReadingInstruction #Phonics #ReadingComprehension #Vocabulary #Literacy #ReadingAloud

    Why Literacy Instruction Must Be Explicit and Coherent | Dr. Jen O’Sullivan

  6. Sep 23

    Crafting Reading Minds | Dr. Melissa Orkin

    In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast... Katie talks with Dr. Melissa Orkin, educator and developmental psychologist, about dyslexia, structured literacy, reading fluency, and why the emotional side of learning matters. Melissa explains how motivation, confidence, and a child’s willingness to make mistakes can affect reading development. They explore the difference between intrinsic motivation and rewards, how the RAVE-O approach connects different parts of the reading brain, and practical ways parents and teachers can build stronger readers. 📩 Subscribe to The Reading Symphony on Substack Get practical literacy tips, science-of-reading insights, and evidence-based strategies to help children become stronger readers. Subscribe here: 👉 https://katiemegrian.substack.com/ 👤 About Dr. Melissa Orkin Dr. Melissa Orkin is an educator and developmental psychologist specializing in literacy achievement. She is Director of Crafting Minds Group, has taught at Tufts University and Harvard University, and is co-author of The Structured Literacy Playbook. 🔗 Dr. Orkin's Links: RAVE-O Curriculum: https://www.craftingmindsgroup.com/site/rave-o Crafting Minds Group: https://www.craftingmindsgroup.com/ Beyond Gold Stars: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nke-VZYlAssz1mVUyoDC77_hdEySfkeo/view?usp=sharing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-orkin-ph-d-1876311/ The Structured Literacy Playbook: https://www.amazon.com/Structured-Literacy-Playbook-Preplanned-Playbooks/dp/0593970942 Chapters 00:00 – Dyslexia, Motivation and the Emotional Side of Reading 00:52 – Meet Dr. Melissa Orkin 01:41 – From Structured Literacy to Dyslexia Research 03:50 – Why Schools Were Afraid to Say Dyslexia 05:27 – Reading Fluency, Motivation and Student Confidence 11:12 – Rewards vs. Intrinsic Motivation 14:40 – Teaching Children That Mistakes Are Part of Learning 18:16 – Why Learning Is Emotional and Social 18:44 – Why Are Schools Afraid to Say Dyslexia? 21:11 – How the Reading Brain Learns to Read 22:39 – Phonology, Orthography and Structured Literacy 23:44 – Building Vocabulary and Word Knowledge 25:57 – Syntax and Reading Comprehension 29:44 – How RAVE-O Reading Intervention Works 35:34 – RAVE-O for Struggling Readers 39:08 – Gaps in the Science of Reading 39:52 – Why Progress Monitoring Matters 46:10 – Hope for the Future of Reading Instruction 48:41 – Advice for Parents of Struggling Readers #Dyslexia #StructuredLiteracy #ScienceOfReading #ReadingInstruction #ReadingFluency

    Crafting Reading Minds | Dr. Melissa Orkin

  7. Sep 14

    Why Writing Instruction Is Essential | Dr. Stephen Ciullo

    In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast... Katie talks with Dr. Stephen Ciullo, Professor of Education, about what effective writing instruction actually looks like - and why many students, particularly struggling writers and students with learning disabilities, may need more explicit support. 📩 Subscribe to The Reading Symphony on Substack Get practical literacy tips, science-of-reading insights, and evidence-based strategies to help children become stronger readers. Subscribe here: 👉 https://katiemegrian.substack.com/ 👤 About Dr. Stephen Ciullo Dr. Stephen Ciullo is a Professor of Education whose research focuses on writing instruction for students with and without learning disabilities and on improving teachers' effectiveness in writing and content-area instruction. His work examines what writing instruction looks like in real classrooms and how research can be translated into practical strategies teachers can use with students. 🔗 Dr. Ciullo's Links: Email: ciullo@txstate.edu Bio: https://faculty.txst.edu/profile/1921294 Chapters 00:00 - Why Teachers Aren't Taught How to Teach Writing 01:00 - Meet Dr. Stephen Ciullo 03:21 - Why Writing Instruction Needs More Attention 05:57 - How Students Become Skilled Writers 07:24 - Skills Students Need to Become Better Writers 08:19 - Cognitive Load and Writing Strategy Overload 11:57 - What Research Says About Teaching Writing 12:18 - Why Writing Skills Don't Transfer Across Genres 14:13 - Teaching Text Structure and Purpose 15:10 - How Parents Can Support Writing Through Reading 17:11 - The Connection Between Reading and Writing 17:51 - Writing Problem or Comprehension Problem? 21:02 - Why Teachers Need More Writing Training 25:42 - What Effective Writing Instruction Looks Like 30:41 - Explicit vs. Incidental Writing Instruction 33:56 - Writing Support for Students With IEPs 34:36 - How to Write Better IEP Goals for Writing 37:37 - What Parents Should Ask About Writing Instruction 41:41 - When Your Child Struggles With Writing

    Why Writing Instruction Is Essential | Dr. Stephen Ciullo

  8. Sep 3

    Why Background Knowledge Is Essential for Reading Comprehension | Lauren Brown

    In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast... Katie talks with longtime history educator and education consultant Lauren Brown about why knowledge matters for literacy - and why subjects like history and social studies shouldn't be pushed aside to make more room for reading instruction. Lauren explains why "knowledge is the material that we think with," how gaps in background knowledge can become gaps between students, and why building knowledge from an early age makes later learning easier. 📩 Subscribe to The Reading Symphony on Substack Get practical literacy tips, science-of-reading insights, and evidence-based strategies to help children become stronger readers. Subscribe here: 👉 https://katiemegrian.substack.com/ 👤 About Lauren Brown Lauren Brown taught U.S. history at the middle and high school levels for more than 20 years and spent another eight years working with future social studies teachers at the university level. Today, she works as an education consultant and writes about teaching, learning and why social studies matters. Her work focuses on how rich history and social studies instruction can build students' knowledge, strengthen reading and writing, sharpen thinking and prepare young people to participate thoughtfully in democracy. 🔗 Lauren's Links: LinkedIn Teach Stuff That Matters MiddleWeb Writing & Consulting Services Chapters 00:00 Why Background Knowledge Matters 00:45 Meet Lauren Brown 04:19 Why Science and Social Studies Matter 08:12 What Parents Should Ask Schools 10:02 Helping Struggling Readers 13:02 Should Kids Memorize Facts? 20:17 How Knowledge Makes Learning Easier 28:16 Building Knowledge at Home 35:22 Connecting School and the Real World 37:32 Where to Find Lauren

    Why Background Knowledge Is Essential for Reading Comprehension | Lauren Brown
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out of 5
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About

Hosted by Katie Megrian - literacy leader, former principal, and mom of two young readers - The Reading Symphony brings the science of reading to life for parents, teachers, and school leaders who want clarity, not confusion. Each episode blends research-based insight with real-world strategies for helping children thrive in reading, writing, and comprehension. From phonemic awareness and decoding to fluency, vocabulary, and background knowledge, Katie demystifies what great instruction looks like and how families can support it at home. You’ll hear from expert guests in literacy education, cognitive science, and classroom practice - along with relatable stories from parents navigating the journey right beside their kids. Whether you’re an educator implementing the Science of Reading, a school leader designing literacy PD, or a parent decoding report cards and assessments, this podcast is your roadmap to evidence-based reading success. Topics include: How children learn to read and why some struggle What to look for in a strong school literacy program The truth about reading assessments and progress reports Strategies to build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension The role of knowledge building and background knowledge Advocacy tips for parents and educators Inspiring stories from classrooms and homes that got reading right

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Megrian
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Reading Symphony
  • Show Website
    The Reading Symphony

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