Literacy Landscapes

Literacy Landscapes

By Johanna David-Tramantano (Leveraging Literacy, LLC)Education
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Literacy Landscapes episodes

  • A Conversation with Dr. Schembari: CONNECTing the Dots: Building Self-Efficacy in Every Student

    This podcast episode features an insightful discussion between hosts Johanna and John, focusing on the critical transition for students from high school to college and careers. This episode was originally hosted on Dr. John Schembari's Have a Life Teaching Podcast, and I enjoyed the talk so much, I am sharing it with my audience, too!

    We discuss that many students are currently unprepared for post-secondary education, often struggling with executive functioning skills like time management, organization, and self-direction. Johanna introduces her evidence-based "CONNECT" framework, a practical guide for educators to build metacognition and self-efficacy in students, arguing that these essential life skills can be woven into the existing curriculum from elementary levels through high school, rather than being taught in isolation. The conversation highlights the importance of explicitly teaching study strategies, fostering communication and self-advocacy, and gradually empowering students to take ownership of their learning through tools like goal-setting and rubric-based self-assessment.

    Learn more about Dr. John Schembari on LinkedIn

    and follow his podcast, Have a Life Teaching Podcast

    https://linktr.ee/johnaschembari

    Follow Johanna on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/professoronyourside/

    26 min
  • Mastering the Move: High School to College Success with Professor Krisler Bailey

    In this episode of the Literacy Landscapes Podcast, Johanna is joined by Professor Krisler Bailey, an experienced college transition coach, professor, and expert in executive functioning and health coaching. Together, they explore the challenges students face as they move from high school to college, focusing on the essential skills needed for success—time management, independence, communication, and mental health.

    Professor Kler shares insights from both her professional experience and her perspective as a parent, discussing the importance of gradually scaffolding independence, supporting students with executive functioning skills, and preparing for the emotional and practical aspects of the college journey.

    This episode is a must-listen for parents and educators who want to better support students during this pivotal transition. Tune in for practical tips, personal stories, and actionable advice on helping students thrive in their first year of college and beyond.


    Follow Prof. Krisler Bailey on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/professorkrisler/

    Follow Johanna at https://www.instagram.com/professoronyourside/

    31 min
  • AI and Education: Bridging Human Connections with Francis Vigeant

    On this episode of Literacy Landscapes, Johanna sits down with Francis Vigeant, CEO of KnowAtom, to explore how custom AI is reshaping K–12 science instruction, deepening critical thinking, and supporting equitable, culturally responsive classrooms. Don't miss this future-focused conversation!

    https://www.knowatom.com/

    About Johanna: https://www.instagram.com/professoronyourside/

    leveragingliteracy.com

    34 min
  • Language and Literacy: Building a World of Readers and Writers with Susan Lambert

    Dr. Susan Lambert, Chief Academic Officer of Elementary Humanities at Amplify, draws on her vast experience as a classroom teacher, administrator, and curriculum developer to turn educational theory into effective, evidence-based literacy practices. As the host of Science of Reading: The Podcast, she explores the latest research in reading instruction, working to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world classroom implementation. 

    In this episode we discuss the importance of academic language development, the connection between reading and writing, and how Amplify’s resources cater to diverse learners. Our conversation highlights the critical role that student talk, discourse, and engagement play in the learning process—whether it’s in math, science, or English language arts. Through a thoughtful discussion on syntax, language development, and the pivotal role of building academic language, our guest offers invaluable insights for educators and parents alike. If you're passionate about literacy, teaching, and supporting diverse learners, this episode is packed with ideas, inspiration, and practical advice.

    For more information about Amplify and the Science of Reading: The Podcast, please follow this link.

    For more information about Johanna, follow her on Instagram @professoronyourside and at www.leveragingliteracy.com

    Here is more information about the article I mention: Mesmer, H. A., & Rose‐McCully, M. M. (2018). A closer look at close reading: Three under‐the‐radar skills needed to comprehend sentences. The Reading Teacher, 71(4), 451-461.  https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1639

    24 min
  • Sn 3. Ep 3: A Discussion with James Young about the Transformative Power of Music to Foster Change and Belonging

    Join Johanna in a heartfelt conversation with James Young (he/they), a social sciences professor, social justice advocate, award-winning LGBTQ+ activist, and musician. Also known as i.den.t, James spreads queer joy through art, music, and storytelling, inspiring change and fostering belonging.

    In this episode, James shares their journey of discovering music at 48, the inspiration behind their album Queerphoria, and the profound impact of finding community at The Loft, a vital LGBTQ+ support space. They discuss the transformative power of art, the nuances of representation, and why embracing joy is an act of resistance. From their first encounter with Wicked to their mission of redefining queer narratives, James offers insights that will leave you inspired and uplifted.

    Tune in for a conversation about resilience, liberation, and the magic of music in shaping our identities. Whether you’re here for the music, activism, or a deeper understanding of what it means to live authentically, this episode is for you. Subscribe now and step into the world of Queerphoria—where joy, art, and identity unite.

    You can find more information at:

    https://www.queery.us/

    https://www.instagram.com/i.den.t.t/

    23 min
  • Sn3. Ep2: A Conversation with Dr. Peter Crosthwaite about AI, Corpus Linguistics, and Data-Driven Learning

    This thought-provoking episode delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence, modern pedagogical approaches, and language acquisition, with a particular focus on the transformative potential of corpus linguistics in second language learning. The discussion illuminates how corpus linguistics, by analyzing vast collections of authentic language data, can uncover intricate patterns of language use. For second language learners, however, these patterns—such as collocations like "fast car" versus "quick car"—can be challenging to grasp. The episode explores how AI-driven corpus tools can expedite this learning process by exposing learners to these linguistic patterns more systematically and efficiently than traditional methods. By combining corpus technology with guided activities, educators can help students understand and internalize complex language structures more quickly and effectively, bridging the gap between natural language acquisition and formal language instruction.

    Dr. Peter Crosthwaite is an Associate Professor in the School of Languages and Cultures at UQ (since 2017), formerly assistant professor at the Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES), University of Hong Kong (since 2014).

    Additionally, Peter is Editor-in-Chief for the Australian Review of Applied Linguistics (from 20) and currently serving on the editorial boards of the Q1 journals IRAL, Journal of Second Language Writing, Journal of English for Academic Purposes, and System, as well as Applied Corpus Linguistics, a new journal covering the direct applications of corpora to teaching and learning.

    Links to the research discussed:

    Crosthwaite, P., & Baisa, V. (2023). Generative AI and the end of corpus-assisted data-driven learning? Not so fast!. Applied Corpus Linguistics, 3(3), 100066.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100278

    Crosthwaite, P., & Baisa, V. (2023). Generative AI and the end of corpus-assisted data-driven learning? Not so fast!. Applied Corpus Linguistics, 3(3), 100066.

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acorp.2023.100066

    Crosthwaite, P. (Ed.). (2024). Corpora for language learning: Bridging the research-practice divide. Taylor & Francis.


    57 min
  • Sn3. Ep.1: Carrie Osgood: A Conversation About The Art of Alternative Storytelling

    In this special first episode of Season 3, host Johanna returns from a brief hiatus, excited to introduce the extraordinarily talented Carrie Osgood. Carrie is a master at empowering businesses, organizations, and individuals to communicate with impact through innovative storytelling, branding, and education solutions. In this episode, Carrie shares her journey from a childhood love of pop-up books to her current work in multimodal literacies and alternative storytelling.

    Listen as Carrie discusses her evolution from theater and film to communications design, where she discovered the power of conceptual storytelling. She also talks about her work in journalism and branding, where she crafts narratives that go beyond traditional forms, offering new ways to engage audiences across different media. Whether you’re a creative, an educator, or someone fascinated by the many ways stories can be told, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

    To learn more about Carrie Osgood's work:

    https://clo-communications.com/

    https://dataworldatlas.com/

    https://yourstorygps.com/

    https://carrieosgood.com/

    37 min
  • Sn. 2 Ep. 8: A Conversation with Dean Tolson About the Power of Education

    Former NBA basketball player Dean Tolson, the author of: Power Forward discusses his personal journey, and the transformative power of education. We discuss Dean's background and early life, the power of persistence and reframing failure, keys to success as a student-athlete and the transformative power of education.

    Dean's book is available at major book sellers. For more information please follow this link.

    Power Forward: My Journey from Illiterate NBA Player to a Magna Cum Laude Master's Degree 

    42 min
  • Sn 2: Ep6: A Conversation with Ronni Diamondstein about Writing Jackie and the Books She Loved


    Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. We discuss our love of reading, the research that went into writing her book, and Ronni also provides some writing inspiration for all aspiring writers!




    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronni.diamondstein

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiemaepupreporter/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieMae10514

    Threads https://www.threads.net/@maggiemaepupreporter

    Bluesky: @ronnidiamondstein.bsky.social

    Local signed books are available at Susan Lawrence in Chappaqua https://susanlawrence.com

    JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED is available at all major booksellers:
    Local bookstores: Scattered Books, Chappaqua

    The Village Bookstore, PleasantvilleThe Reading Room, Katonah

    Need it shipped and signed: Scattered Books 

    The Village Bookstore

    39 min

About Literacy Landscapes

From the publisher's feed

On Literacy Landscapes, we re-examine literacy theory and watch it in action today. We'll give you an inside look into the classroom and take you outside to where play and practice meet.