We're excited to be rereleasing some of our favorite episodes this summer! Before we jump into Season 5, join us to review some of the most popular episodes that you may have missed. We're starting today with 2.12. In this episode, we’re diving into handwriting. Even for those who do not have difficulty, handwriting in the early years is essential. When students have not yet reached automaticity or legibility in letter formation, it taxes their working memory and places a higher demand on cognit...
Jul 07, 2025•51 min
This is the last episode of season FOUR! Whenever we wrap up a season, we like to look back and chat about each episode, provide some important takeaways, and share information about actionable steps you can take this summer to keep growing your knowledge base. Resources mentioned in this episode: All episodes of the Together in Literacy podcast Towards a dynamic, comprehensive conceptualization of dyslexia. Annals of dyslexia Super Dville 2.14 Using Evaluations to Better Understand Our Learners...
Jun 02, 2025•55 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Nicky Humphreys and Ally Lewis, the founding members of Dyslexia Awareness Northern Ireland, for a transatlantic talk on dyslexia. Nicky Humphreys did her PGCE Primary in 2004/05; in 2016, she commenced a postgraduate diploma in teaching literacy to learners with dyslexia/SpLD through the Northern Ireland Dyslexia Centre. She worked as a tutor for the Centre in Belfast for a few years before setting up her own small business teaching children in her local area an...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 11 min
In this episode, Casey Welsh, of Savannah Dyslexia , joins us to answer the most important questions about morphology. Casey Welsh is an Accredited Training Fellow with OGA and has her M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, focusing on Dyslexia Studies & Language-Based Learning Disabilities. She is the CEO of Savannah Dyslexia, a private practice in Savannah, GA, focused on providing OG intervention, professional development courses for classroom teachers, and mentoring trainees through trai...
May 05, 2025•57 min
Have you ever had a student who knows a concept in the first moments of the lesson, but the next time it pops up, it’s as if they had never seen it before? You may wonder what is happening and what you can do to help. This may happen for several reasons, but it should cause us to pause and think - and that is what this episode is all about! We’re discussing the transfer of learning or knowledge. In this episode, we’ll explore: What is the transfer of learning/knowledge? Why do we sometimes not s...
Apr 21, 2025•51 min
In this episode, we are highlighting the vital role of bringing student awareness and attention to the forefront in effective dyslexia lessons. Grounded in cognitive science research, we discuss how intentional focus and metacognition can enhance learning outcomes for students with dyslexia. From building foundational skills in reading and writing to strengthening comprehension and retention, guiding students to engage with their learning process actively is key to unlocking their full potential...
Apr 07, 2025•57 min
In this episode, we’re sharing the second part of our interview with Missy Purcell. In this conversation, we look at what drives her dedication and discuss the impact of effective intervention and the power of community in shaping literacy success. Whether you're a teacher seeking better strategies, a parent looking for hope, or a student finding your way, this conversation will inspire and equip you with the tools to move forward. We’ll be back with the second half of the interview in two weeks...
Mar 17, 2025•44 min
In this episode, we’re sharing the first part of our interview with Missy Purcell. In this conversation, we look at what drives her dedication and discuss the impact of effective intervention and the power of community in shaping literacy success. Whether you're a teacher seeking better strategies, a parent looking for hope, or a student finding your way, this conversation will inspire and equip you with the tools to move forward. We’ll be back with the second half of the interview in two weeks!...
Mar 03, 2025•33 min
To follow up on our interview with Tiffany Solomon in episode 10, we brought her back with another special guest, Helaine Schupack. Helaine has played an instrumental role in Tiffany’s life as she navigated her education with dyslexia. Helaine Schupack is one of the founding Fellows of the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA), which was founded in 1995 and now has over 3,800 members. Her mission to help individuals with dyslexia receive the interventions they need to thrive eventually expanded to her ...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Tiffany Solomon to discuss the ripple effects of dyslexia, and how it impacts not just the classroom but also shapes lives, families, and the workplace. Tiffany Solomon is the Family and Student Engagement Coordinator for Decoding Dyslexia Rhode Island, an Associate member of the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA), and was honored to serve as a Literacy Ambassador through the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) in 2019-2020. She spent over a decade as a 2nd g...
Feb 03, 2025•50 min
Working with older students with dyslexia presents unique challenges due to their complex needs and gaps in foundational literacy skills. These students are often overlooked in broader conversations about the Science of Reading (SOR) and Social-emotional Learning (SEL), with most resources tailored to younger learners. In this episode, we’re providing diagnostic and prescriptive advice for supporting older dyslexic students in educational and personal growth contexts. Resources mentioned in this...
Jan 20, 2025•51 min
The diagnostic-prescriptive approach to teaching clinically focuses directly on the student. This includes knowledge about the strengths and needs of a student, and this information is gathered through assessments or diagnostic measures that let a teacher diagnose their student’s academic abilities. In turn, the teacher uses this information to prescribe an appropriate course of action, which includes prescribing or ordering sequential learning tasks that enable a student to reach a given goal. ...
Jan 06, 2025•48 min
Observation is a powerful move in our roles as educators. It can help us make decisions in the moment and the future. In a time when assessments seem to take up much of our time, we must remember the power and impact student observation has on our teaching. It is truly an art and a science. But knowing what to observe and when can sometimes feel tricky. In this episode, we discuss student observation and how it can be efficiently used to improve teaching practices in the present and future. Reso...
Dec 23, 2024•54 min
Many social media posts and articles highlight well-known myths about dyslexia, and that information has been disseminated well. However, there are additional myths, when it comes to dyslexia, that deserve a more robust discussion. In this episode, we’re exploring seven lesser-known myths about dyslexia. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Neurobiology of Dyslexia by Devin M. Kearns, Roeland Hancock, Fumiko Hoeft, Kenneth R. Pugh, and Stephen J. Frost Towards a dynamic, comprehensive concep...
Dec 09, 2024•42 min
This is part 2 of our series about the foundational principles of Orton-Gillingham. You can listen to part 1, here ! In that episode, we discussed that Orton-Gillingham is Direct and Explicit, Individualized, Structured, Sequential, Cumulative and Flexible, and Emotionally Sound. In this episode, we will look at the remaining Orton-Gillingham principles and the structured literacy elements and guidelines. And, at the beginning of the episode, Casey will share her experience at the recent IDA con...
Nov 25, 2024•47 min
In today’s landscape of literacy instruction, we continue to hear about the importance of bridging the science of reading to practice. The Orton-Gillingham approach is grounded in research and what brings learning to life. So what are those foundational pieces that we all hold dear - that we know are critical to have within our work with dyslexic students? In this episode, we will take a look at the Orton-Gillingham principles and the structured literacy elements and guidelines. Resources mentio...
Nov 11, 2024•46 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Peggy Stern for a conversation about a whole-child approach where each child no matter how he or she learns, is respected and heard, and the emotional and academic tools we can provide to develop strategies for success! Peggy Stern is an Academy Award-winning film Producer/Director with more than 30 years of experience. Her dyslexia led her to filmmaking and animation at a young age, and in March 2006 Stern won the Oscar for Best Animated Short. Stern has produce...
Oct 28, 2024•54 min
The recent movement to look deeply into the Science of Reading (SOR) has shifted the training we seek for teachers, the training and programs endorsed at the state level, and the curriculum school districts purchase. So, why are our students still not reading and writing proficiently? Is it the instruction, curriculum, or teacher training and knowledge that is seriously impacting learning outcomes? Or, is it a combination of all three factors? In this episode, we discuss the SOR movement and why...
Oct 14, 2024•54 min
We’re back for season 4! In just a few days, it will be October which is Dyslexia Awareness Month. At the Together in Literacy podcast, we recognize that dyslexia awareness happens throughout the year. It is so important to us that we continue to spread awareness. In this episode we discuss dyslexia from a historical perspective, the SEL (social/emotional learning) connection, and how we can take a more global view. Resources mentioned in this episode: Wise Words Story Collection Bundle by Emily...
Sep 30, 2024•46 min
The Together in Literacy podcast now has over 50 episodes and we’ve had over 200,000 downloads! We are floored by the amount of people our message has reached and the impact it’s had on students, their families, and the educators who serve them. In this final episode of season 3, we’re recapping the episodes from this season and discussing ways you can keep journeying through the Science of Reading all summer long! Resources mentioned in this episode: All season 3 episodes of the Together in Lit...
Jun 03, 2024•46 min
Even with the wave of SOR at the Tier I level, we still have students who won’t be making effective progress, leading teachers and parents to ask questions about how to help all students meet their potential. You may be seeing more questions arise from parents and teachers regarding possible dyslexia and what this means for a pathway to diagnosis or proper instruction. In this episode, we’re sharing some of our top tips for parents and teachers who might be suspecting dyslexia. Resources mention...
May 06, 2024•49 min
This is part two of our episode with Dr. Nancy Young. You can listen to part one, here . In this episode, we’re once again joined by Dr. Nancy Young for a conversation about differentiation, meeting students where they are, and understanding students' learning profiles to determine instructional needs. Dr. Nancy Young is a Canadian educational consultant providing professional development in reading and writing instruction for an international audience. Nancy’s literacy focus is effective differ...
Apr 22, 2024•34 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Nancy Young for a conversation about differentiation, meeting students where they are, and understanding students' learning profiles to determine instructional needs. Dr. Nancy Young is a Canadian educational consultant providing professional development in reading and writing instruction for an international audience. Nancy’s literacy focus is effective differentiation of instruction to meet the needs of a wide range of learners, including students who have ...
Apr 08, 2024•51 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Cathleen Killeen-Pittman for a conversation about setting up our learning spaces for success! Dr. Cathleen Killeen-Pittman, founder of Our Learning Studio, is an academic support specialist and literacy coach. She works with parents, teachers, tutors, and students in her private practice based in North Carolina. Cathleen’s career as an educator spans over 30 years. She began her teaching career in a 5th-grade classroom before going on to serve as a teacher or...
Mar 25, 2024•40 min
In this exciting episode, we’re joined by Katie Larew for a conversation about using assistive technology to empower students with dyslexia! Katie began her journey in the field of education in 2007 as a classroom Special Education Teacher in New Jersey. In 2014, she moved to San Diego, California, and worked as an Assistive Technology Specialist for a K-12 School District for eight years. As a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional, Katie has worked with students from elementary scho...
Mar 04, 2024•44 min
In this special episode, we’re joined by Michelle Breitenbach, founder of Read to Rewire, for a conversation about tutoring online. Michelle Breitenbach is an enthusiastic and dynamic tutor and coach. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, she is a certified dyslexia practitioner. After 7 years as a special educator, she founded Read to Rewire in Miami, Florida. Michelle provides online support as a private educator and offers coaching to teachers worldwide. Her passion lies in teaching others how ...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Imagine being a learner who is new to English. Someone says to you, "Can you lend me a hand?” Imagine what that learner is processing. First, it’s a question. Second, think about the word lend. Do I know what that means? Third, lend a hand. Does that mean they literally want one of my hands? In just one sentence, we’ve highlighted the essentials of language acquisition. A well-developed vocabulary is not only important in our conversations but also in the academic setting. For our challenged lea...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In previous episodes, we’ve discussed how decodable texts can support social-emotional learning for our students and how they have a specific purpose within our lessons. Yet, we continue to hear questions and conversations surrounding the use of decodable text for early readers. Join us for a discussion of the purpose of decodable texts, the stages of use, and how we use them to move towards a transfer of knowledge in reading and spelling. Listen in as we dig into the purpose and goals of decoda...
Jan 22, 2024•46 min
There’s quite a conversation happening around double dosing of curriculums or lessons as instruction for our struggling students. And we wanted to speak about what works and doesn’t for our children through the lens of appropriate interventions. In this episode, we will: Share some reasons why we need to be cautious about how we provide interventions Discuss what a double dose of curriculum is Look at why this may not be the best option for our students Share tips for how to best serve students ...
Jan 08, 2024•30 min
Have you ever had a student who struggles with blending words or over-emphasizes the strategy of letter-by-letter decoding? Or a student who segments, or pulls apart, individual sounds in words but cannot blend them to read the word? What can you do to move a student forward? In this episode, we discuss the importance of using diagnostic and prescriptive teaching measures when applying the appropriate scaffolds. Tune in as we define what scaffolds are in literacy instruction, explain what diagno...
Dec 18, 2023•43 min
