The Reading Symphony

Katie Megrian
  • 5.0 (22)
  • 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. Trust Your Gut and Raise Your Voice with Missy Purcell

    6D AGO

    Trust Your Gut and Raise Your Voice with Missy Purcell

    Katie Megrian hosts Missy Purcell, a literacy and inclusion advocate, educator, and parent, to discuss what parents can do when they know something is wrong but the school data says their child is “fine.” Missy shares how advocating for her dyslexic son’s right to read led her into parent advocacy, structured literacy work, and state-level dyslexia reform. She explains why grades can hide serious reading struggles, how dyslexic children often compensate, and why parents should trust their gut when reading, spelling, writing, or school avoidance feels off. Katie and Missy discuss dyslexia, reading intervention, evidence-based instruction, Orton-Gillingham style support, IEP meetings, school pushback, dyslexia screening, and how to support children after a long, exhausting school day. This episode is for parents of struggling readers, educators, and advocates who want to better understand dyslexia, the science of reading, structured literacy, and how to support children who learn differently. Missy is the co-founder of Gwinnett Advocates for Dyslexia and serves as Education Chair with Decoding Dyslexia Georgia. Missy’s links: Website: https://misspurcell.com/ Instagram: @misspurcelladvocates Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misspurcelladvocates/ X / Twitter: @MissyPurcell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missy-purcell-84061b143/ Chapters: 00:00 – Opening: “I Shouldn’t Be the Most Knowledgeable Person in the Room” 01:18 – Meet Missy Purcell: Dyslexia Advocate & Educator 03:10 – Fighting the School System to Get Her Son Help 09:40 – When Good Grades Hide Reading Struggles 15:20 – How Parents Can Spot Dyslexia Early and Push for Support 33:59 – What Effective Reading Intervention Looks Like 36:20 – Why Dyslexia Laws Need Real Accountability 43:50 – How Parents Can Advocate With School Boards 50:20 – Being Brave When Your Child Is Being Failed 01:03:00 – Helping Dyslexic Kids Decompress After School #dyslexia #scienceofreading #structuredliteracy #strugglingreaders #parentadvocacy

    1h 11m
  2. From Confusion to Confidence. Navigating Dyslexia & Empowering Parents with Michelle Henderson

    MAY 7

    From Confusion to Confidence. Navigating Dyslexia & Empowering Parents with Michelle Henderson

    Katie Megrian hosts Michelle Henderson, a literacy and dyslexia specialist and creator of the Parent Blueprint, to discuss how reading develops and how parents can advocate for struggling readers. Michelle shares that her son’s reading struggles led her to study the science of reading and focus on equipping parents, noting many children fall through cracks due to gaps in training, not lack of care. They explain why “just read more at home” is insufficient, contrasting structured literacy (explicit, systematic, evidence-based) with balanced literacy, and connect NAEP results to the need for better instruction. Michelle outlines early dyslexia signs, stresses early action, and describes her $47 Parent Blueprint course and free parent-teacher conference guide at michellehendersonliteracy.com. They address older students whose grades mask deficits, the value of OG-style individualized intervention, graphic novels and movies for access and motivation, continuing read-alouds, and supporting children’s self-esteem and self-advocacy. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:30 Meet Michelle Henderson 01:15 Why Advocacy Matters 03:13 Reading Symphony Analogy 04:43 Read Aloud Is Not Enough 07:46 Basics of Reading Skills 08:52 Structured Literacy Training 10:09 Balanced Literacy Debate 14:08 Why Dyslexia Name Matters 19:19 Kindergarten Wake Up Call 24:34 Early Signs of Dyslexia 27:17 Parent Blueprint Course 29:20 Tools Modules And PDFs 32:16 Pricing Giveaway And Free Guide 33:40 Teen Dyslexia Hidden Struggles 37:43 Orton Gillingham For Older Readers 43:20 Movies Graphic Novels And Joy 46:51 Read Alouds And Audio Access 49:55 Handling Discouragement And Hope 51:29 Final Thanks And Podcast Outro Michelle's Website Michelle's course

    54 min
  3. From Struggling to Successful: Teaching Reading with Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter

    APR 1

    From Struggling to Successful: Teaching Reading with Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter

    Linda Farrell and Michael Hunter are founding partners at Readsters in Alexandria, VA. They work in schools all over the country to help educators provide assessment and instruction that ensures all students learn to read. Teachers tell Linda and Michael that they appreciate the practicality of their consulting and their presentations. The reason they can provide practical solutions for helping struggling readers is that they have taught struggling readers from ages 4½ to 81 to read. They also learn from the hundreds of teachers they have worked with in the classroom who work their magic every day with students. Linda and Michael have presented workshops about effective instruction for beginning and struggling readers for more than 20 years. They participated in reviewing required early reading courses in all colleges and universities in two states. They have coauthored curricula for struggling readers and diagnostic assessments to pinpoint decoding difficulties. Linda is the instructor in Looking at Reading Interventions on the Reading Rockets website. Michael is featured in videos used to demonstrate effective teaching techniques in LETRS modules. Episode Summary Katie sits down with two titans of literacy intervention — Michael Hunter and Linda Farrell — whose unconventional paths from investment banking and concrete construction led them to become nationally recognized reading specialists. Together, they unpack the most common reasons children struggle to read, how to identify exactly where a student is stuck, and the powerful (and often overlooked) practice strategies that make the difference between a child who can read and a child who reads fluently and automatically. https://www.readsters.com/ https://www.decodingdyslexia.net/

    29 min
  4. Babies, Books, and Brilliance with Salley King Edwards

    MAR 24

    Babies, Books, and Brilliance with Salley King Edwards

    🎧 Episode Summary In this episode of the Reading Symphony Podcast, I sit down with early childhood educator Salley King Edwards, whose 25+ year career spans classrooms, coaching, and national literacy work through Cox Campus. We explore how language, knowledge, and everyday interactions lay the foundation for reading long before formal instruction begins. Salley shares her personal journey as both an educator and a parent navigating reading challenges, including the early signs she noticed, what she missed, and what she wishes more families understood. This conversation is both deeply practical and incredibly reassuring: reading development doesn’t start in kindergarten—it starts from birth. And there is so much families can do, in simple and meaningful ways, to support it. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Cox Campus (free courses for families and educators) Brilliance of Babies (Salley’s book series and resources) "How Knowledge Helps" (Willingham)

    24 min
  5. Books, Bonds, and Beyond with Kindred Obas

    MAR 18

    Books, Bonds, and Beyond with Kindred Obas

    In this special live episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast, Katie sits down with colleague and friend Kindred Obas for a conversation about joyful reading culture, complex texts, identity, and the kinds of classroom experiences that help children see themselves as readers. Together, Katie and Kindred discuss: how to build a classroom culture where reading feels joyful, social, and meaningfulwhy classroom libraries should include both mirrors and windowswhat Kindred learned from watching students move from books like Dog Man to much more complex texts over timehow her sixth grade Jane Austen book club is helping students grow as readers, thinkers, and community memberswhy exposure to complex text, paired with support and belonging, can strengthen comprehension and confidencehow families can talk with children about harder histories with honesty, empathy, and carewhy it matters to offer books about children of color that are not only rooted in struggle, but also in joy, curiosity, and possibilityKindred’s next chapter at Stanford, where she will study curriculum, teaching, race, language, and healing-centered approaches to teaching hard historyThis episode is a beautiful reminder that reading growth is not just about skill. It is also about identity, access, belonging, and the communities we build around books. Katie Megrian | 10:15 AM (0 minutes ago) | | to me Fundraiser by Kindred Obas : Fund Our Journey to Jane Austen's England https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-our-journey-to-jane-austens-england https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-our-journey-to-jane-austens-england?attribution_id=sl:e9fcfcf6-52f6-4666-8406-5c5cc968e35a&lang=en_US&ts=1773612248&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp17_tb-amp20_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link Books and Texts Kindred Discusses Kindred by Octavia ButlerEmma by Jane AustenA Wind in the Door by Madeleine L’EngleA Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’EnglePersuasion by Jane AustenNorthanger Abbey by Jane AustenOne Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-GarciaAda Twist, Scientist by Andrea BeatyThe Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson and Vanessa Brantley-NewtonLove Is by Diane AdamsThe Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall SmithThe Breakfast Club Adventures series by Marcus RashfordThe Joy Luck Club by Amy TanMillicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa YeeStanford Wong Flunks Big-Time by Lisa Yee

    28 min
  6. Balancing Trust and Urgency in Early Reading with John Bennetts

    MAR 7

    Balancing Trust and Urgency in Early Reading with John Bennetts

    Episode Show NotesIn this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast, Katie sits down with national literacy consultant John Bennetts to discuss what reading development actually looks like in real classrooms and real families. John shares how an unexpected start in education led him to work alongside renowned literacy expert Linda Farrell early in his career, shaping his approach to evidence-based reading instruction. Together, Katie and John explore a question many parents quietly carry: How do we know if a child is progressing normally in reading? Their conversation unpacks the difference between healthy developmental variation and signs that a child may need additional support. They also discuss how screening data should be used by schools, how parents can ask better follow-up questions, and why strong literacy systems depend on coherence across instruction and intervention. The episode also highlights the powerful early literacy work of Reach Out and Read, a national program that partners with pediatricians to help families build read-aloud routines from birth. Whether you're a parent trying to understand reading benchmarks or an educator working to build stronger systems, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical guidance. Resources MentionedReach Out and ReadResearch on phases of reading development (Linnea Ehri)Stephanie Stollar’s work on MTSS

    31 min
  7. Decodables, Advocacy, and Supporting Teachers with Elise Lovejoy

    MAR 4

    Decodables, Advocacy, and Supporting Teachers with Elise Lovejoy

    Episode Summary In this episode, Katie sits down with literacy advocate and author Elise Lovejoy, creator of Express Readers and founder of The Teacher’s Table. Elise shares her journey into the science of reading, explains the critical difference between leveled readers and decodable books, and offers practical guidance for parents supporting early readers at home. She also discusses the importance of research-aligned instruction in schools and how The Teacher’s Table is helping teachers access credible, evidence-based resources. In This Episode, We Discuss: How Elise began writing decodable books to make early reading both effective and joyfulThe difference between leveled readers and decodable texts — and why it mattersWhy guessing words from pictures can undermine long-term reading developmentWhat makes a strong decodable bookA simple, low-stress routine parents can use when decodables come homeThe importance of repeated practice and building automaticityHow parents can advocate for science-aligned reading instructionSigns that a school is moving toward (or away from) evidence-based literacy practicesWhy ongoing teacher professional learning is essentialThe mission behind The Teacher’s Table and how it supports teachers with research-backed resourcesKey Takeaways for Parents Decodable books align directly with the phonics skills children have been taught.It’s okay to help with tricky words — reading practice should feel supportive, not stressful.Re-reading builds fluency and confidence.Asking thoughtful questions is one of the most powerful advocacy tools parents have.Supporting teachers ultimately supports all children.Resources Mentioned Express Readers – Decodable book series👉 expressreaders.orgThe Teacher’s Table – Research-aligned literacy membership for educators👉 theteacherstable.orgTo set up a gift subscription to The Teacher’s Table, email contact@theteacherstable.org!

    26 min
  8. Insights on Literacy and Policy with Chad Aldeman

    FEB 24

    Insights on Literacy and Policy with Chad Aldeman

    Katie Megrian speaks with education policy expert Chad Aldeman, founder of Aldeman Education LLC and creator of ReadNotGuess.com, about early reading development, intervention, and broader K–12 trends. Chad shares that his son’s kindergarten experience during COVID revealed that his son had not been taught to decode and was guessing words. That realization led him to create Read Not Guess, a free, sequential, parent-facing resource with Levels 1–3, a “daily-ish decodable” program, and an optional app to support sound practice at home. They discuss declines in national achievement that began around 2013–2015, with the largest drops among lower-performing students. Chad explores possible contributors, including shifts in accountability policy, increased screen time, declining independent reading, and reduced emphasis on foundational skills. The conversation also highlights systems such as Mississippi, Louisiana, DoDEA schools, and England that have emphasized phonics and knowledge-rich instruction. Chad explains why rising per-pupil spending has not translated into comparable teacher salary growth, citing increased benefit costs and staffing shifts, and discusses alternative staffing and compensation models. The episode closes with guidance for families: look for high standards paired with high support, seek objective indicators of progress, and do not wait to intervene when a child is struggling. Resources:ReadNotGuess.comchadaldeman.com https://www.chadaldeman.com/p/do-not-wait https://www.the74million.org/article/these-schools-are-beating-the-odds-in-teaching-kids-to-read/

    32 min
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

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
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Reading Symphony
  • Show Website
    The Reading Symphony

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