Reading Road Trip: Novels in the Elementary Class: Best Practices with Clara Maria Fiorentini

Kate chats with Clara Fiorentini this week. Tune in to explore novels in the classroom: how class novel studies fit into structured literacy, how complex text can be scaffolded, using « read-alikes » to choose texts, and avoiding the perils of « extractitis » – don’t miss this thoughtful conversation about chapter books!

Reading Road Trip: Classroom Comprehension with Dr. Kristin Conradi Smith, Tamara Williams & Ellen Frackelton

This week Kate talks to Kristin Conradi Smith, Tammy Williams, and Ellen Frackelton about research-based comprehension strategies for the classroom, including considerations for text selection and preparation, common pitfalls to avoid and “use it tomorrow” ideas. Bottom line: no more strategy of the week!

Reading Road Trip: Next STEPS for Targeted Instruction with Dr. Deb Glaser

This week, Kate chats with Dr. Deb Glaser about the second edition of Next STEPS for Literacy Instruction, co-authored with Dr. Susan Smartt. Kate and Deb unpack how to use valid and reliable assessments to shape effective literacy instructions, particularly through the Next STEPS framework: Set-up, Teach, Engage, Practice, and Show You Know.

Reading Road Trip: The Structured Literacy Shift in a First Nation School with Catherine Shawana

Kate welcomes Catherine Shawana, a member of Wiikwemkoong unceded territory, for a candid discussion about her First Nation school’s journey from balanced literacy to structured literacy, as well as a broader conversation about First Nations education. Catherine’s passions are rooted in the foundation of building Anishnawbek identity and establishing a connection to Indigenous ways of knowing,…