Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations

Learning Without Tears
  • 5.0 (15)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Uncover early literacy secrets with Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift & experts, offering monthly insights, tips, and perspectives to transform your teaching.

  1. JAN 30

    S5E3. Jaime Drew - Real Schools, Real Impact: Practical Dysgraphia Strategies from Magnolia ISD

    This episode brings the dysgraphia conversation into classrooms. Jaime Drew, district-level Reading Specialist from Magnolia ISD, shares practical strategies teachers can use right away, from simple Tier 1 writing routines to brain-body connections and family partnerships. Together, Cheryl and Jaime explore sustainable ways schools can support students whose writing challenges affect learning and confidence.

    26 min

  2. JAN 23

    S5E2. Katrina Erickson - From Identification to Impact: What Really Supports Dysgraphia

    In Part 2, the conversation turns to action. Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and occupational therapist Katrina Erickson discuss what effective dysgraphia support looks like in schools, from instruction and practice to accommodations that build access, confidence, and long-term success for students.

    14 min

  3. JAN 15

    S5E1. Katrina Erickson - Dysgraphia vs. “Dys-Teach-ia”: Identifying the Difference

    In this Season 5 opener of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations, Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and occupational therapist Katrina Erickson explore what dysgraphia is—and isn’t. They examine how it differs from lack of instruction, early classroom signs, and why accurate identification matters for student confidence and support.

    33 min

  4. 4D AGO

    S5E4. Shawn Datchuk - Sentence Writing: The Missing Link in Literacy Instruction

    Sentence-level writing is often overlooked, yet it plays a critical role in literacy development. Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and Dr. Sean Datchuk explore how sentences bridge oral language, reading, and writing, and share research-based, practical ways educators can strengthen writing instruction across grade levels.

    53 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    S4E14. Dr. Leslie Laud - Self-Regulated Writers: Practical Tools to Build Confidence and Skill

    Dr. Leslie Laud explains how explicit writing strategies, modeling, and goal setting help students take ownership of their writing. She shares practical, research-based approaches for supporting diverse learners, strengthening vocabulary and structure, and building confident, independent writers through consistent routines and student-centered assessment. Social: @thinkSRSD

    38 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    S4E13. Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC - See the Student, Not the Label: Neurodivergent-Affirming Teaching

    Host Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift talks with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris about creating neurodiversity-affirming schools. They explore how educators can move beyond inclusion to support neurodivergent learners in reading and writing while fostering flexible, collaborative classrooms where every student feels understood, valued, and empowered to succeed.

    47 min

  7. 10/14/2025

    S4E12. Dr. Romana T. Pittman - Language, Identity, and Literacy: Teaching with Cultural Responsiveness and Clarity

    Educator and researcher Dr. Ramona T. Pittman sheds light on African American English, its features, cultural significance, and how teachers can affirm students’ identities while building literacy success. Dr. Pittman shares evidence-based strategies to support diverse learners and close opportunity gaps.

    42 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    S4E11. Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown - Breaking the Pyramid Myth: Rethinking MTSS for Reading Growth

    Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown reveal how rethinking MTSS can improve schoolwide reading success. From strengthening Tier 1 instruction to breaking down silos, they share actionable strategies and system-level insights that help educators move beyond myths and achieve lasting literacy growth.

    39 min
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Uncover early literacy secrets with Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift & experts, offering monthly insights, tips, and perspectives to transform your teaching.

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