Route2Reading

What does it actually mean for a student to know a word? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Margaret McKeown, whose groundbreaking research has shaped how educators understand vocabulary instruction, reading comprehension, and deep word knowledge. We move beyond vocabulary lists, definitions, and Friday quizzes to talk about what robust vocabulary instruction really looks like—and what it takes...

What makes a decodable text effective—and does "decodable" have to mean boring? In this episode, I sit down with author and educator Sue Marasciulo to talk about her journey from the classroom to creating Pat & Pals , a graphic novel series designed to give developing readers the practice they need without sacrificing engaging stories. We talk about what Sue learned from working with struggling re...

For years, teachers have been told to meet students where they are —find their instructional reading level, put them in a just-right text, and group them with other students reading at a similar level. But what if that approach is actually limiting how much students can learn? In this episode of Route2Reading , I sit down with literacy researcher and author Dr. Tim Shanahan to talk about reading l...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Louisa Moats , one of the leading voices in reading research and literacy education, to talk about her journey from feeling completely unprepared to teach students with reading difficulties to becoming a lifelong advocate for science-based reading instruction. Dr. Moats shares the experiences that shaped her work—from her early years as a teacher and psychologi...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brennan Chandler , Assistant Professor of Dyslexia at Georgia State University, to talk about how schools can move beyond simply collecting literacy data and actually use it to make better instructional decisions. We dig into what a meaningful data deep dive looks like—from looking at schoolwide benchmark data to identifying grade-level patterns, examining spec...

Why do so many literacy initiatives start with excitement but struggle to produce lasting results? In this episode, I dive into one of the most common literacy mistakes happening in schools today: disconnected instruction. Too often, Tier 1 instruction, small groups, intervention, tutoring, and progress monitoring all operate as separate systems. Teachers are working incredibly hard, but when inst...

Before you start buying new resources, rewriting your literacy block, or planning every detail of next year, there is one thing that matters more than all of it: reflection. In this episode, I share why the most effective teachers don't begin summer planning by searching for new programs or activities. Instead, they start by examining what actually worked, what didn't, and which instructional rout...

In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, I sit down with Maya Smart to explore how we can build stronger, more meaningful partnerships between schools and families to support early literacy. Maya brings a powerful parent perspective to this conversation, helping us rethink how we communicate with families, what parents truly need to know, and how we can better invite them into the literacy pr...

In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, I sit down with Pryor (Orton Gillingham Mama) to talk about how parents can support their young readers at home using simple, effective, and realistic strategies. Drawing from her experience as both an Orton-Gillingham educator and a mom, Pryor shares what actually makes a difference—and what doesn't—when it comes to helping children learn to read. We...

In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, I sit down with Katie Pace Miles to unpack one of the biggest challenges in early literacy—why phonemic awareness and phonics instruction don't always translate into real reading and spelling success for struggling readers. Katie shares insights from her extensive work in literacy research, teacher education, and intervention, along with the developmen...

In this episode, I sit down with Treasa Bowe, an educator from Ireland, to talk about literacy instruction across countries. We unpack the differences between Ireland and the U.S., what's contributing to teacher overwhelm, and what actually matters most when it comes to supporting students. This conversation is a good reminder that we don't need to do more—we need to be more intentional with what...

If you've ever thought, "My students just can't write," this episode is for you. Writing is one of the most misunderstood parts of literacy instruction — and often one of the most frustrating for teachers and students alike. In today's conversation with Barbara Friedlander, we unpack what's really happening beneath the surface when students struggle with writing — and what actually makes a differe...

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by educators from PS152Q in Queens to talk about what it really looks like to shift a school toward structured literacy. We dive into how their team moved away from practices that weren't serving all students and began building a literacy block grounded in explicit phonics, intentional routines, and strong Tier 1 instruction. What makes this conversation so pow...

If your students can decode CVC words but completely shut down when they see fantastic or instruction , this episode is for you. In today's conversation, we dig into what really helps students read multisyllabic words — and it's not just memorizing syllable types. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

In this episode, I sit down with speech-language pathologist Sydney Bassard to unpack one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) tools in literacy instruction: spelling error analysis. Together, we explore how spelling, reading, and writing are deeply interconnected—and why looking beyond percent correct can completely change how we support students. Whether you're a classroom teacher, lit...

In this episode, I'm joined by literacy researcher, former classroom teacher, and author Julia Lindsay for a powerful conversation about small group reading instruction —what works, what doesn't, and how we can rethink small groups in a way that actually supports students and teachers. Julia shares insights from her brand-new book, Small Groups, Big Results , and brings clarity to one of the most...

In today's episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Maria Murray , founder and CEO of The Reading League , to talk about one of the most consequential decisions schools make: choosing a reading curriculum . If you've ever felt overwhelmed by programs, sales pitches, reviews, or state requirements, this conversation is a breath of fresh air. Dr. Murray shares her story—from researcher to reading...

In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to turn the Science of Reading into daily classroom practice. From observing other teachers, to tightening routines, to managing time inside overloaded programs, this conversation is all about building a literacy block that actually works. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

In This Episode, We Cover Understanding Dyslexia and Misconceptions What dyslexia actually is Why eligibility labels alone are not enough How co-occurring needs (like ADHD) influence support Why early identification matters What Effective Support Looks Like Why intervention is not one-size-fits-all The myth of relying on brand-name programs instead of strong interventionists How to individualize m...

Today, I am joined by the brilliant and beloved Elise Lovejoy , author of Express Readers, creator of high-quality decodables, longtime classroom teacher, and founder of The Teachers Table — a growing professional learning platform designed to give every educator access to vetted, practical, research-based literacy support. In this episode, Elise shares her journey from classroom teacher to curric...

In this episode, we sit down with writing expert and longtime educator Amy Siracusano to unpack what early writing instruction should look like—and why so many teachers struggle with it. From handwriting and stroke formation to moving students from oral language to letters, words, and eventually sentences, Amy brings clarity to a process that often feels overwhelming in K–2 classrooms. Together, w...

In today's episode, I sit down with literacy legend Dr. Jan Hasbrouck — researcher, author, consultant, and co-creator of the widely used Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) norms. Known for her unmatched expertise in reading fluency, assessments, instructional coaching, and dyslexia, Dr. Hasbrouck brings decades of wisdom to this powerful conversation. Together, Jan and I unpack myths about learning to re...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to write your own decodable books—or how to make them both phonics-aligned and fun to read ? In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, Amie sits down with Brooke Vitale , former children's book editor turned author and co-creator of Charge Mommy Books , to talk about how she began writing decodable texts during the pandemic and what she's learned along the...

Are you using decodable books the right way? In this episode, we're breaking down six of the most common mistakes teachers make with decodable texts—and how to fix them. You'll learn how to align books to your phonics lessons, prep students before reading, balance decoding with meaning, and know when it's time to move beyond decodables. Practical, honest, and grounded in the Science of Reading—wit...

What if I told you morphology isn't too advanced for young readers—it's actually the missing piece that makes decoding, spelling, and vocabulary  stick ? In this episode, I'm joined by two of my favorite literacy leaders, Michelle Sullivan and Sarah Paul , to talk all things morphology. We unpack what it is, why it matters from the very start of reading instruction, and how to make it engaging and...