Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

EP 19: The Building Blocks of Literacy with Maria Murray Summary In this episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, we dive into the fundamental principles of literacy development with a nationally recognized expert. Host Jose Miguel Longo is joined by Dr. Maria Murray, the founder and CEO of The Reading League, to discuss "The Building Blocks of Literacy." Dr. Murray breaks down the scienc...

EP 18: The Digital Age: Navigating Screen Time & Literacy with Allie Glassman Summary In this insightful episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, we delve into the evolving role of technology in early childhood education. Host Jose Miguel Longo sits down with Allie Glassman, a Teacher Trainer for Instructional Technology at OCM BOCES, to discuss how parents and educators can effective...

EP 17: Tech Tools for Literacy: Empowering Young Learners with Cara Rager Summary In this dynamic episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo is joined by Cara Rager, the Director of Early Learning at WXXI, to discuss the intersection of technology and literacy. Together, they explore the myriad of tech apps and resources available to parents, caregivers, and educators...

EP 16: Adult Literacy: Opening Doors While Transforming Lives and Communities Summary In this compelling episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo engages in a thought-provoking conversation with John Iorio, the Director of Adult and Alternative High School Education Programs for Syracuse City School District. Together, they delve into the critical topic of adult lit...

EP 15: Unlocking Potential: The Science of Reading & Parental Empowerment with Dr. Maria Murray Summary In this enlightening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Dr. Maria Murray, the founder and CEO of The Reading League. Together, they explore the vital topic of the science of reading and its profound implications for literacy education. Dr. Murra...

EP 14: Cultivating Literacy: How Book Buddies Transforms Literacy in Syracuse with Laurie Black Summary In this inspiring episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Laurie Black, the Community Education Director at the United Way and the visionary behind the Book Buddies program. Together, they delve into the transformative power of this local initiative that...

EP 13: Empowering Families: The Impact of Early Literacy on Health and Education with Dr. Matt Present Summary In this eye-opening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Madeline Rommer sits down with Dr. Matt Present, a Pediatric hospital medicine fellow and founder of the Rochester chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Together, they explore the critical relationship bet...

EP 12: Strengthening Early Literacy: Insights from the Early Childhood Alliance with Bethany Creaser Summary In this enlightening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, Madeline Rommer, whom y'all met on episode 2 host's this conversation with Bethany, the Executive Director of the Early Childhood Alliance (ECA) Onondaga. Together, they delve into the crucial role the ECA plays in suppo...

EP 11: The Gift of Reading: Holiday Book Recommendations for Every Age with Casey Rose Frank Summary In this festive episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Casey Rose Frank, the owner of the Golden Bee Bookshop in Liverpool, New York. Together, they explore delightful holiday book recommendations that cater to readers of all ages, making this the perfect...

EP 10: School Readiness: Preparing for Kindergarten & Beyond Summary In this informative episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo is joined by Debbie Moriarty, an experienced educator and literacy coach. Together, they delve into the vital topic of school readiness, providing parents and caregivers with essential insights and strategies to prepare their children...

EP 9: Back to School Literacy: Setting the Stage for Success with Marisa Montalto Summary In this engaging episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Marisa Montalto, an elementary literacy intervention coach at the Syracuse City School District. Together, they explore essential strategies for fostering literacy as children transition back to school, emphasiz...

EP 8: Overcoming Reading Challenges: Support Strategies for Parents & Caregivers In this empowering episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo sits down with Stephanie Finn, a seasoned literacy coach and advocate, to tackle the critical topic of overcoming reading challenges. With over 28 years of experience in education, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge to...

EP 7: The Magic of The Dolly Parton Imagination Library: Transforming Literacy in Onondaga County In this enlightening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Kim Kemp, the program director for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Onondaga County. Together, they explore the profound impact of this beloved program, which has been nurturing literacy in th...

Episode 6: Cultivating Biliteracy: Embracing Diversity in Literacy Education with Dr. Chelsea Stinson   In this insightful episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo is joined by Chelsea Stinson, a professor at Binghamton University and a passionate advocate for biliteracy. Together, they delve into the significance of cultivating biliteracy in our homes and communiti...

EP 5: Play & Learn: Literacy Through Everyday Activities  In this engaging episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Dr. Jaclyn Sisskind, a pediatrician and assistant professor of pediatrics, to discuss the vital role of play in developing literacy skills in young children. Dr. Sisskind shares her passion for integrating literacy into everyday activities...

Episode 4: Story Time Magic: The Power of Reading Aloud with Erin Martin In this enchanting episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo sits down with Erin Martin, a literacy specialist at the Liverpool Public Library, to explore the transformative power of reading aloud. Together, they delve into the magic of story time and the profound impact it has on children’s lit...

Welcome to Episode 3: Dive into Summer Reading Programs with Nan Brown!   In this vibrant episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Nan Brown, the children's librarian at the Central Library in Syracuse, New York. Together, they explore the exciting world of summer reading programs designed to keep children engaged and motivated throughout the summer months....

Welcome to Episode 2: From Passion to Purpose: How Literacy Launchpad Got Its Start! In this enlightening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes special guest Madeline Romer, a senior at Syracuse University, who shares her inspiring journey of creating a podcast as part of her capstone project focused on literacy. Madeline discusses her passion for educat...

Episode 1: Welcome to Literacy Launchpad! Join host Jose Miguel Longo as he kicks off the inaugural episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow. In this exciting introduction, Jose Miguel shares the mission behind the podcast, which is dedicated to promoting literacy education and awareness in Onondaga County, New York. Discover how this podcast aims to empower parents, grandparents, and care...