When you first go to school, you’re faced with one of the hardest tasks you’ll ever encounter in life: learning how to read.

Over the centuries, the approach to teaching others how to read has varied, but teaching it, has been a priority. We know that if you don’t attain literacy, everything else is going to be really, really difficult.

So for me, my priorities are clear: first, I want my students be safe and feel loved and valued; second, I want them to become literate. In fact, my longterm vision for student literacy is for each them to be able to listen well, read widely, think deeply, write thoughtfully, and converse civilly.

That’s why literacy always comes first when I think about budgets. I’m not a finance expert. I don’t spend my nights chasing obscure grant opportunities or cranking out hundred-page proposals. What I am is a practitioner—a curriculum director who manages and optimizes the federal dollars our district already receives.

And right now, with budget uncertainty and the possibility of funding cuts looming, stretching every one of those dollars matters more than ever.

Managing grants is a lot like managing a household budget: you keep track of what’s coming in, pay attention to what’s going out, and make sure your most important priorities are covered first. For us, that priority is literacy—especially the foundational reading skills that set students up for success across every subject.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few lessons about stretching grant funds. Here are five that have kept literacy at the forefront of everything we do:

1. Maximize What You Already Have

My other duties don’t allow me to chase every shiny new funding stream. Instead, I start by taking inventory of the core programs we can count on year after year — Title I, Title II, and, recently, ESSER. The key is asking: Are we using each of these funds as effectively as possible? Sometimes dollars are spread too thin or used for initiatives that don’t directly support student learning. By evaluating our current allocations up front, we can ensure every funding stream is aligned with our top priority — literacy.

2. Treat Grants as Living Documents

A family budget changes month to month — so do grants. Projections never match reality exactly. That’s why I review ours every month. If we budgeted for more bus routes than we actually needed during summer school, I’ll amend the grant and move those funds into areas like phonics or intervention. Small reallocations add up quickly when you’re disciplined about monitoring. The flexibility to make small, frequent adjustments keeps every dollar working for kids. When actual expenses come in lower than projected, I redirect those dollars to literacy. 

3. Put Literacy First

Every budget has its “non-negotiables.” For families, it’s the mortgage or groceries. For us, it’s literacy. Especially in K–2, where reading is the foundation for everything else, we don’t compromise. Starting with that priority makes every other funding decision easier — because if it doesn’t move the needle on literacy, it doesn’t make the cut.

4. Be Ready When Extra Dollars Appear

Sometimes, a surprise tax refund shows up at home. In schools, it might be unused funds redistributed from the state or leftover dollars from a project that cost less than expected. The key is readiness. At the start of the year, no matter how little the amount, I set aside what I can for literacy so that if extra money appears, I can put it to work immediately — without having to start from scratch.

5. Funding Is a Team Sport

I may manage the spreadsheets, but I don’t make decisions in isolation. Teachers, administrators, and district staff help determine where money will make the biggest impact. At the end of the day, literacy isn’t something one person can “fund” into existence. It takes all of us, pulling in the same direction.

You Don’t Need to Be a Finance Expert to Get Funding Right

Managing grants isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the most powerful levers we have to improve student outcomes. The formula is simple: maximize what you have, stay flexible, prioritize literacy, prepare for windfalls, and make it a team effort.

If sharing my experience helps another administrator stretch their dollars a little further, it’s worth it. Because at the end of the day, grant management isn’t about paperwork. It’s about giving students the literacy foundation they need for everything else in life.

The post 5 Simple Ways to Stretch Grant Dollars to Support Literacy appeared first on Reading Horizons.

Reading Horizons recaps this episode to highlight what educators, parents, and literacy advocates can learn from one young man’s journey through dyslexia—and the mother who walked it with him.

A Story of Early Struggles and Discovery

Bridger’s story begins with early signs that reading and writing were not coming easily. Diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, Bridger’s academic journey often felt like a mismatch with how his brain worked. What emerged, however, was a remarkable ability to tell stories and connect emotionally with others through imagination and creativity.

Donell shares the emotional complexities of parenting a child who was misunderstood in school, even by educators who were aware of his diagnosis. She reflects on moments of helplessness, advocacy, and ultimately, pride in watching Bridger find his own voice.

From Misunderstood Learner to Emerging Writer

A powerful thread throughout the episode is Bridger’s lifelong connection to storytelling. Unable to access reading easily as a child, he developed a sharp sense of narrative and emotional tone by listening—and by telling stories himself. His mother recalls his early stories beginning with, “I’m going to tell you something you don’t know that is mostly true,” a phrase that captures both his curiosity and creativity.

Bridger discusses how, despite remediation and progress, he still felt like he straddled two worlds: not fully part of the dyslexic community anymore, but still different from typical learners. This in-between space, while sometimes isolating, has also fueled his creative drive.

Key Themes from the Conversation

This episode touches on several essential themes for educators and families:

Recognizing the Emotional Impact of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is more than a reading difficulty—it affects how students see themselves. Misunderstanding and under-support can lead to lasting emotional scars, as Bridger shares from his own experience.

The Power of Supportive Intervention

Donell credits intensive, early intervention—including sessions at the University of Utah Reading Clinic—as critical to Bridger’s success. Their story is a testament to the life-changing power of timely and evidence-based instruction.

Storytelling as Survival and Self-Expression

For Bridger, storytelling became a way to connect, be seen, and work through the world. He references story expert Brian McDonald as a mentor figure whose work helped him articulate what he had long understood intuitively: that story is about survival, teaching, and truth.

Viewing Struggling Readers Through a Different Lens

One of the episode’s strongest messages is that “different is not deficient.” Students who struggle with reading may be telling stories we don’t yet know how to hear.

Books and Resources Mentioned

• Brian McDonald – Bridger discusses how McDonald’s work helped him make sense of storytelling. McDonald is the author of:
  • Invisible Ink: A Practical Guide to Building Stories That Resonate (link)
  • The Golden Theme: How to Make Your Writing Appeal to the Highest Common Denominator (link)
  • Future of Storytelling Podcast with Brian McDonald (link)
• International Dyslexia Association (IDA) – Resource for understanding the definition and indicators of dyslexia. Visit IDA
• National Center on Improving Literacy – Evidence-based information on supporting dyslexic learners. Visit NCIL

Takeaways for Educators and Parents

• Students with dyslexia often experience school as emotionally challenging—even with support.
• Literacy instruction should be paired with empathy and attention to emotional development.
• Creative strengths may show up early and outside of traditional academic tasks.
• Understanding a student’s full story can lead to better connection and more effective teaching.

Listen to the Episode

To hear the full conversation, listen to Episode 13 of Literacy Talks:
Through the Eyes of Dyslexia: A Mother-Son Story
Listen here

This episode is a reminder that literacy is not just about reading—it’s about connection, compassion, and hearing the full story behind the learner.

The post The Emotional Impact of Dyslexia: A Mother-Son Conversation on Literacy Talks appeared first on Reading Horizons.

By Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons & Lindsay Kemeny

Why This Conference Mattered

We spent three inspiring days at the Reading League Conference in Chicago, surrounded by passionate educators and researchers focused on evidence-aligned reading instruction. This event not only recharged our commitment to literacy but also provided us with fresh tools, perspectives, and practices to bring back to our classrooms and communities.

Major Themes That Emerged

Evidence-Aligned Instruction

The conference reaffirmed that the science of reading isn’t just theory—it’s a research-backed approach that must be woven into daily practice. We were reminded how essential it is to bridge research and instruction, and how powerful it is when teachers are equipped with the knowledge to do so.

Explicit Instruction and Foundational Skills

Session after session emphasized the importance of explicit teaching and intentional scaffolding. From phonemic awareness to word recognition, we walked away with new ideas for strengthening foundational skills through structured routines and modeling.

Reading and Writing Integration

One of the most energizing insights was the growing focus on integrating writing into literacy instruction. Presenters shared strategies for embedding sentence work, paragraph construction, and writing tasks across grade levels in ways that support reading comprehension and language development.

Supporting Multilingual Learners

We attended several sessions centered on building inclusive, asset-based classrooms for multilingual learners. The focus on translanguaging, linguistic diversity, and intentional instructional supports was both timely and essential.

AI and the Future of Literacy Instruction

The conversations about AI in education were balanced and thought-provoking. While we explored new possibilities for using AI tools to support instruction, the clear consensus was that human relationships and teacher judgment must remain central.

Practical Takeaways We’re Applying

• We’re rethinking our literacy blocks to create more time for orthographic mapping, decoding practice, and writing fluency.
• We’re embedding sentence-level instruction into meaningful writing activities, not as isolated grammar drills.
• We’re creating space to understand and support students’ working memory needs more intentionally.
• We’re piloting digital tools with purpose, using instructional goals—not tech trends—as our guide.
• We’re revisiting how we design instruction for multilingual learners to ensure language development and literacy grow side by side.

A Moment We’ll Never Forget

One personal highlight was Lindsay’s book signing at the Reading Horizons booth. The energy, support, and excitement from fellow educators was unforgettable. We’re grateful to Reading Horizons for making that event possible and for being such a strong supporter of teachers and evidence-based literacy practices.

Suggestions for Your Team

• Use one breakout session as a team study topic for a PD meeting.
• Revisit your daily schedule and look for opportunities to strengthen explicit instruction.
• Reflect on how you’re currently integrating writing into reading instruction.
• Ask: Are our multilingual learners visible in our planning and practices?
• Explore how cognitive load and working memory affect student performance—and how we can help.

Final Thoughts

The Reading League Conference 2025 was more than a professional event—it was a catalyst. We left inspired, reflective, and ready to continue growing. Literacy is complex, but the research is clear. With knowledge, collaboration, and intentional planning, we can transform outcomes for every student.

The Reading League 2025 Conference Resources List

1. Resources page, The Reading League – A comprehensive hub of evidence‑aligned reading instruction webinars, books, and professional‑development materials: https://www.thereadingleague.org/resources/
2. Conference Agenda (2025) – Full PDF of breakout session titles and descriptions from the October 8‑10 (Chicago) conference, offering insight into the breadth of content: https://www.thereadingleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the_reading_league_conference_agenda_2025.pdf
3. Online Academy, The Reading League – Self‑paced / live virtual course catalog on foundational topics like phonemic awareness, morphology, dyslexia, and writing‑instruction alignment: https://www.thereadingleague.org/online-academy/
4. Live Events Library, The Reading League – On‑demand webinars and videos of past symposiums, which make for excellent follow‑up or professional learning team viewing: https://thereadingleague.uscreen.io/
5. “What Is the Science of Reading?” – The Reading League’s defining guide – A free resource that outlines the research base behind evidence‑aligned reading instruction: https://www.thereadingleague.org/
6. Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines – A tool included in the Resources page that helps teams evaluate whether a reading curriculum aligns with the science of reading research: https://www.thereadingleague.org/resources/
7. “Beyond the Hype: The Opportunities and Limitations of AI in Structured Literacy” session – Part of the Conference agenda. Valuable for planning how AI fits (and doesn’t) in structured literacy. Note: The PDF agenda lists this as a session.
8. “Writing Development and Instruction for Multilingual Students” session – Also listed in the agenda. Emphasizes integration of writing + multilingual learner asset‑based instruction.
9. “Making Words Stick: The What, Why, and How of Orthographic Mapping” session – From the Conference agenda, useful for deep word‑study and orthographic mapping planning.
10. Chapter Network & State Chapters – The Reading League – Support network of U.S. state‑based chapters that share events, book‑studies, and collaborative professional learning: https://www.thereadingleague.org/chapter/

The post Reflections and Key Takeaways from the Reading League Conference 2025 appeared first on Reading Horizons.

Syntax & Comprehension Tools

Cascade Reading
Breaks sentences into vertical chunks with meaningful indentation to support comprehension and syntax awareness. Great for struggling readers and 1:1 tutoring.

Recommended By: Donell
Bonus: Includes browser extension, grade-leveled passages, and interactive lessons.

Comprehensive Structured Literacy Resources

Cox Campus
Free, video-based professional development and classroom tools for structured literacy, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, and more.

Recommended By: Stacy
Best For: PreK–Grade 3 educators, interventionists, and teacher prep programs.

Phonics and Decodable Support

UFLI Toolbox
The University of Florida Literacy Institute offers free decodables, phonics games, home practice sheets, and printable resources—even if you don’t use their full program.

Recommended By: Lindsay
Tip: Check alignment with your own scope and sequence.

Dyslexia, Literacy Facts, & Advocacy

International Dyslexia Association
A longtime leader in structured literacy resources, fact sheets, and research-based tools for educators, parents, and advocates. Includes access to Perspectives journal and more.

Recommended By: Donell

Articulation & Language Support

Peachie Speechie
Free articulation videos by a speech-language pathologist—great for students working on specific sounds or preparing for referral.

Recommended By: Lindsay
Use Case: One-on-one support during small group time.

Teacher PD & Assessment

AIM Institute for Learning & Research
Home of the AIM Pathways educator training. Offers assessments, webinars, writing instruction, and personalized PD in science of reading.

Recommended By: Stacy
Notable Feature: Personalized PD plans based on your knowledge gaps.

Free Online Text & Audio Resources

Project Gutenberg
75,000+ free ebooks, including classics and original texts. Some titles include audio.

OverDrive/Libby
Library-connected app for free audiobooks and ebooks. Use with your library card.

Storynory
Free audio stories for kids with engaging narration and sound effects.

Recommended By: Donell

Articles, Lessons & Writing Prompts

New York Times Learning Network
Free classroom resources including writing modules, discussion prompts, and teen-centered articles.

Recommended By: Donell

Printable Passages & Teaching Texts

ReadWorks
Free leveled passages with comprehension questions and thematic units. Includes some decodables (with caveats).

TextProject
Founded by Elfrieda Hiebert, this site offers vocabulary-rich texts like FYI for Kids and Talking Points for Kids. Great for grades 2–5.

Recommended By: Lindsay

Literacy Teacher Training & Classroom Models

Reading Universe
Free bite-sized PD, explainers, and teacher-modeled classroom videos. Includes a free paraeducator training course.

The Teacher’s Table
Subscription-based site with classroom video models across structured literacy topics. Offers visual examples for everything from Elkonin boxes to phonics routines.

Recommended By: Stacy & Lindsay

Word Search Tools

Phinder by Devin Kearns
Search for words by phonics pattern, spelling, or syllable count. Ideal for crafting decodable lists.

Etymonline
A free etymology dictionary—great for morphological instruction and teacher reference.

Recommended By: Lindsay

Bonus: Try Reading Horizons for Free

Reading Horizons Free Access
Reading Horizons is offering K–3 teachers free access to the Discovery LIVE Teacher License for the entire 2025-26 school year. No setup, no student accounts—just structured literacy you can start using today. It’s perfect for classrooms where time is tight and support is limited.

The post Free Literacy Websites and Tools Teachers Actually Use (and Love) appeared first on Reading Horizons.

Episode 10 of Literacy Talks takes listeners on a deep dive into the complex, rewarding work of teaching writing. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny unpack what writing instruction looks like from early transcription skills to confident composition — and how teachers can nurture each step along the way.

The Simple and Not-So-Simple View of Writing

The conversation begins with Donell Pons introducing the Simple View of Writing, which breaks writing into two main components: transcription (handwriting and spelling) and composition (expressing ideas). But as the hosts discuss, writing is never simple. It demands fine motor skills, language development, executive function, and a healthy dose of motivation.

The trio shares their experiences with students who struggle with writing and emphasizes the importance of early intervention and practical classroom adjustments — from slanted writing boards to better handwriting tools.

Handwriting and Spelling: Building Blocks of Literacy

Lindsay Kemeny highlights how teaching handwriting goes beyond neat penmanship. It’s about automaticity — helping students write letters fluently so their brains can focus on spelling and meaning.
The group discusses:

• Connecting letter formation to phonemic awareness (linking sounds and symbols)
• Why even older students benefit from transcription support
• The value of “temporary” or “estimated” spelling as a learning step

These insights remind educators that writing fluency starts with handwriting fluency — and both require explicit, patient instruction.

The Role of Oral Language in Writing

A key takeaway from this episode is how oral language development supports writing.
As Lindsay puts it: “If you can’t say it, you can’t write it.”
The hosts stress giving students time to talk, think aloud, and organize their ideas before writing. Structured conversations, sentence-level practice, and vocabulary use all strengthen students’ ability to compose meaningful written work.

Student Voice, Motivation, and Joy in Writing

As the discussion moves into composition, student voice takes center stage. Donell and Stacy reflect on how older students often lose confidence in writing when their voices aren’t valued. Teachers can bring joy back into writing by:

• Encouraging personal connections to prompts
• Allowing choice and opinions in responses
• Modeling writing alongside students
• Using creative activities like reporter notebooks or birthday interviews

When students see writing as a way to express their thoughts and experiences, they engage more deeply — and that’s when learning sticks.

Key Takeaways for Teachers

• Writing instruction is multi-layered: transcription, composition, and language all connect.
• Early and explicit handwriting instruction pays off in long-term writing fluency.
• Oral language is the foundation for written expression.
• Building student confidence and joy in writing makes all the difference.

Resources Mentioned in Episode 10

• The Simple and Not-So-Simple View of Writing (academic articles referenced by Donell)
• Research on alphabet knowledge and name writing as early indicators of writing success
• SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) strategies from Dr. Karen Harris and Dr. Leslie Laud
• Language Experience Approach (LEA) for connecting oral language to written text

Listen and Learn More

Listen to Episode 10: “Handwriting, Spelling, and Student Voice: A Writing Deep Dive”
Available now on ReadingHorizons.com/LiteracyTalks and wherever you get your podcasts.

The post Teaching Writing: From Handwriting to Student Voice – A Literacy Talks Deep Dive appeared first on Reading Horizons.

In the latest episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny return with the third installment of a fan-favorite tradition: sharing their biggest science of reading pet peeves. This candid and often humorous episode surfaces deep concerns about what’s still holding educators back from achieving literacy success for all students.

From outdated beliefs to systemic issues, this conversation pulls no punches—and listener submissions prove that these frustrations are widely shared across classrooms and communities.

What’s Inside Episode 9 of Literacy Talks?

Each round of pet peeves brings new angles, but the core frustrations remain deeply relevant. Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll hear in Episode 9:

1. “Reading Will Be Obsolete”? Not So Fast.

Stacy kicks off with a jaw-dropping moment: a fellow professor suggesting reading will soon be unnecessary. The team unpacks the dangers of minimizing literacy in a tech-forward world.

2. Why Are We Still Here?

Donell shares her perennial peeve: Why are we still having basic conversations about dyslexia and evidence-based reading practices decades into the science of reading movement?

3. Stop Blaming Teachers

Lindsay dives into how the burden of literacy reform is unfairly placed on classroom teachers—often without the necessary training, tools, or support.

4. Intervention Needs an Overhaul

Stacy and Donell discuss the gap between general education and special education, and how interventionists are often underprepared to support struggling readers effectively.

5. Cut the Fluff (Phonics Crafts, Anyone?)

Phonics activities that prioritize glue over graphemes? The hosts argue for maximizing instructional time with meaningful practice.

6. Let Kids Choose What to Read

Listeners shared frustration over limiting student book choices based on arbitrary levels. The team advocates for preserving the joy of reading.

7. Assessments Are Only as Good as Their Follow-Through

Data without action is a wasted opportunity. The team stresses the importance of using screeners, like Acadience, meaningfully.

8. Can We Check Our Egos?

Professional growth only happens when we admit we don’t know it all. Donell and Lindsay emphasize the importance of humility in the literacy space.

9. Can Research Meet Real Life?

Educators want answers they can actually apply. The hosts highlight the need for better bridges between research and classroom practice.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• A History of Reading by Alberto Manguel
• Rock Your Literacy Block by Lindsay Kemeny
• Scarborough’s Reading Rope
• Acadience Learning

Related Episodes

• Pet Peeves, Part 1 (Season 1, Episode 3)
• Pet Peeves, Part 2 (Season 6, Episode 15)

Join the Conversation What are your literacy-related pet peeves? Share them with us in the Science of Reading Collective and they just might make it into our next episode.

The post Pet Peeves, Round 3: What Still Bothers Literacy Experts (and Why It Matters) appeared first on Reading Horizons.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Personal paths into literacy work—from dyslexia advocacy and classroom experience to higher education and curriculum design.
• Reflections on how understanding dyslexia, phonics, and structured literacy has grown over the last four years.
• The role of research in refining instructional practice, especially influences from authors like David Kilpatrick, Sally Shaywitz, and Marianne Wolf.
• A nostalgic and inspiring look back at the original goals of the podcast—and how far it’s come.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Here are the books, authors, and organizations discussed—perfect for deepening your own science of reading journey:

• David Kilpatrick – Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties
  Find on Amazon
• Sally Shaywitz – Overcoming Dyslexia
  Official Site
• Marianne Wolf – Proust and the Squid
  Find on Amazon
• Dr. Steve Dykstra – Noted for his “Bullseye Analogy” presentation at the Reading League Conference
  The Reading League
• Structured Literacy framework
  International Dyslexia Association on Structured Literacy
• Andrew Watson – The Goldilocks Map
  Author Site
• Daniel Willingham – When Can You Trust the Experts?
  Find on Amazon

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Reflecting on four years of progress, the hosts encourage listeners to consider: What has changed in your literacy practice since 2021? Whether you’re just starting or well into your journey, this episode reminds us that growth comes from staying curious, connected, and committed to better literacy for all.

Listen to the episode and access more resources here: Reading Horizons – Literacy Talks

The post 🎉 Celebrating 100 Episodes: Our Journey into the Science of Reading appeared first on Reading Horizons.

Why Syllables Still Matter—But Not the Way You Think

Syllables are foundational units of language, but teaching them effectively isn’t as straightforward as once thought. Educators often debate how much time and emphasis to place on syllable division rules. The team emphasizes that:

• Syllable knowledge helps decoding and spelling but should be used as a scaffold, not a rigid framework.
• Labels like “closed syllable” or “open syllable” may help teachers, but might not always benefit young learners.
• For struggling readers, especially those with dyslexia, having a clear, systematic strategy can reduce cognitive overload and improve confidence.

The Research Behind the Conversation

Central to this discussion is Dr. Devin Kearns’ work on syllable division, particularly his findings on the reliability of syllable patterns:

• VCCV (vowel-consonant-consonant-vowel) patterns are generally reliable for syllable division.
• VCV (vowel-consonant-vowel) patterns, however, are much less consistent and may not be worth the instructional time required.

Read the key articles mentioned:

• On Eating Elephants and Teaching Syllabication” by Tim Shanahan
• Does English Have Useful Syllable Division Patterns? by Devin Kearns (2020)

When and How to Teach Syllable Division

The hosts discuss the value of teaching procedural strategies—such as Reading Horizons‘ “One will run” approach—for initial decoding, especially for learners who need a step-by-step guide.

However, they caution against:

• Spending too much instructional time on rigid rules.
• Overloading students with terminology (e.g., macron, breve, vowel team).
• Neglecting morphological instruction as students advance into more complex, multisyllabic words.

Embracing Flexibility and Morphology

As students grow, flexibility in decoding becomes crucial. Instead of relying solely on syllable division, educators should help students:

• Flex vowel sounds when initial attempts don’t yield recognizable words.
• Use morphemic strategies, especially when decoding Latin- and Greek-based words.
• Build orthographic mapping by connecting phonology, spelling, and meaning.

One example mentioned was the REWARDS program by Dr. Anita Archer, which teaches students to decode using prefixes, suffixes, and base words—a powerful approach for older or struggling readers.

Practical Takeaways for Teachers

1. Start with what’s most common: Focus on open and closed syllables, which make up ~75% of syllables in English.
2. Teach strategies, not just rules: Provide students with flexible tools to decode unfamiliar words.
3. Don’t skip meaning: Integrate vocabulary and comprehension by connecting spoken language to print.
4. Use scaffolds where needed: Systems like marking syllables or underlining morphemes can support early learning.
5. Adjust for your learners: What works for first graders may differ from what works for students with dyslexia or English learners.

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Unlocking Literacy by Marcia Henry
• Literacy Talks, past episodes

Final Thoughts

The episode encourages educators to stay open, flexible, and research-informed. As Lindsay says, “Don’t get too married to one approach.” Whether you’re working with early readers or supporting struggling older students, syllable instruction can—and should—evolve with both science and student needs.

Ready to Try These Strategies in Your Classroom?
Get a free teacher license to Reading Horizons Discovery and start applying proven syllable division techniques with your students today.
Claim Your Free License

The post Rethinking Syllable Instruction: What Science and Experience Say About Teaching Multisyllabic Words appeared first on Reading Horizons.

Episode Summary: Why MTSS is the Framework Schools Need Now

This episode unpacks the shift from RTI (Response to Intervention) to MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), highlighting how the new model centers on proactive, systemic change rather than reactive, student-by-student fixes.

Key takeaways include:

• The Difference Between RTI and MTSS: MTSS zooms out to focus on system-level responsibility rather than viewing student struggles as isolated issues.
• Tier 1 is Not a Starting Point—It’s the Foundation: Dr. Brown and Dr. Stollar stress that an effective MTSS model hinges on strong, evidence-based Tier 1 instruction for all students.
• MTSS + Science of Reading = Real Change: The guests emphasize the synergy between the science of reading and a well-implemented MTSS framework.
• Teachers Deserve to See Results: When MTSS is working, educators see the payoff of their hard work in real student growth—boosting retention, satisfaction, and confidence.
• The Power of Assessment: Knowing what to teach and whether instruction is working hinges on smart data collection and interpretation using tools like Acadience Reading or FastBridge.
• Community and Collaboration: From classroom teachers to administrators to parents, MTSS brings everyone into the conversation and empowers collective action.

“Teachers are always working hard… many leave because they don’t see the payoff for that hard work. MTSS can change that.” — Dr. Stephanie Stollar

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

MTSS for Reading Improvement – The Book

A comprehensive, practical guide for school leaders and educators. Includes free downloadable agendas and data protocols.
Order the Book + Free Resources

Facilitator Collaborative for Book Study

Dr. Brown and Dr. Stollar are offering materials and guidance for hosting a school-wide book study.
Join the Facilitator Collaborative

MTSS for Reading Improvement Conference – December Workshop

An in-person professional development opportunity with hands-on guidance from the authors.
Register for the December Workshop

Extend Your Learning

Watch a recording of our webinar: MTSS Made Simple: The Six-Step Blueprint for Success
Watch the Recording Today!

The post Empowering Educators Through MTSS: Transforming Reading Instruction One System at a Time appeared first on Reading Horizons.

The Literacy Talks team—Stacy Hurst, Lindsay Kemeny, and Donell Pons—attended the Big Sky Literacy Summit, a gathering known for its intimate setting and advanced conversations on the science of literacy. This year’s theme, Language Is Everything, carried through every keynote, panel, and breakout session.

Cookies, Connections, and Conference Culture

One lighthearted thread of the conference was the now-famous “last cookie” story, reminding us that Big Sky is as much about connection and community as it is about research and practice. Smaller in scale than other literacy conferences, Big Sky fosters repeated, meaningful interactions among attendees and presenters.

Keynotes and Sessions That Stood Out

The hosts reflected on impactful presentations, including:

• Louisa Moats on teacher knowledge and the courage to innovate.
• Dr. Julie Van Dyke on the critical role of syntax in comprehension.
• Dr. Charles Hulme introducing his Reading is Language (RIL) Model.
• Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan on language, heritage, and the importance of honoring students’ identities.
• Dr. Bruce Perry on trauma and its impact on learning.

Powerful Takeaways for Educators

• Oral language is foundational. Comprehension begins with spoken language, not just print.
• Teacher knowledge matters. As Moats shared, educators can’t be innovators without deep knowledge.
• Language instruction must be intentional. Myths around literacy instruction were unpacked, emphasizing that explicit language teaching benefits all learners.
• Parents are partners. Several sessions highlighted the untapped potential of parent training in early language development.

Resources Mentioned at the Summit

Here are some of the tools and references highlighted during the episode:

• Cascade Reader – a free online tool for supporting syntax and comprehension (mentioned by Dr. Julie Van Dyke).
• Story Champs – oral language and narrative intervention program (Doug Petersen).
• Strive for Five Framework – strategies for meaningful language interactions.
• Scarborough’s Reading Rope – a widely used infographic to understand reading development.
• Dr. Louisa Moats – resources on teacher knowledge and the science of reading.

Looking Ahead

The Big Sky Literacy Summit left participants energized, challenged, and inspired to bring stronger language and literacy practices back to their classrooms. As one host reflected: “We’re not in competition with each other. We’re here to change the world.”

The post 2025 Big Sky Literacy Summit Recap: Keynotes, Cookies, and Classroom Insights appeared first on Reading Horizons.