“We’ve been making reading and writing harder for kids than they need to be.”

—Natalie Wexler

Systematic phonics instruction is essential, but it's not enough to ensure strong reading outcomes. In this episode of The Orton-Gillingham Podcast, education journalist and author Natalie Wexler joins us to discuss the vital role of background knowledge in reading instruction, why students struggle when it’s overlooked in lesson planning, and how educators can most effectively integrate knowledge building into their daily practice.

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In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Shawn Anthony Robinson, joined by his longtime mentor, Dr. William Kitz. Dr. Kitz played a pivotal role in Dr. Robinson's academic development, beginning with his support through Project Success, a program for adult learners at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, and continuing as Dr. Robinson worked toward earning his Ph.D. We discuss their enduring relationship, how Dr. Kitz helped shape Dr. Robinson’s path, and the powerful, life-changing impact mentors can have, especially for struggling readers and students with dyslexia.

Dr. William Kitz

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In this episode, we speak with Dr. Shawn Anthony Robinson, a truly inspiring guest who struggled with dyslexia throughout his childhood. After learning to read at age 18, Dr. Robinson went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in Literacy and Language. He is also the creator of Doctor Dyslexia Dude, an award-winning graphic novel about a superhero with dyslexia. Learn more about Dr. Robinson and his work at drshawnarobinson.com/

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Today, we'll speak with special guest Anna Toomey, director of LEFT BEHIND, an award-winning documentary about a group of mothers who band together to create the first public school for children with dyslexia in New York City. For more information about the film, including how to watch it, please visit: https://www.leftbehindthefilm.com

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Today, we'll speak with Olivia Whicker, co-author of Talewinds™, Brainspring's new collection of decodable readers, about what makes decodable texts so effective, how decodables differ from other readers, and what teachers and parents should consider when purchasing a collection.

Talewinds™ Decodable Readers by Brainspring are coming this September!

Preorder today at https://brainspring.com/talewinds-library/

Developed with Brainspring’s trusted Orton-Gillingham expertise, these readers follow a carefully sequenced path that reinforces phonics skills while bringing stories to life through rich characters and imaginative plots. 

Designed to grow with the reader, each book builds confidence and fluency by integrating newly learned skills with previously taught concepts. Beyond the books, educators also receive digital access to a detailed Teacher Guide, filled with lesson ideas, skill breakdowns, Phonics First® Scope and Sequence alignment guides, and support for targeted instruction. 

Take a look inside our flipbook at https://heyzine.com/flip-book/0f4a492fa4.html#page/1

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Today, we’ll speak with Denise Sherman, Curriculum and Instructional Specialist at Brainspring, about the importance of handwriting instruction for students, how handwriting helps develop important skills later in life, and what we risk losing if we cut back on handwriting instruction in schools.

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Today, we’ll speak with special guest Maryanne Wolf, a renowned scholar and director of UCLA’s Center for Dyslexia, about her research on the reading brain, how digital technologies are affecting our brains, and what we can do to prepare young children for an increasingly digital world.

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Today, we’ll speak with Dr. Ryan Lee-James, a speech-language pathologist with expertise in reading disabilities, about her research on inequities in education, what we can do to improve literacy rates, and how we can make classroom environments more equitable.

Dr. Lee-James recommends the following resources for families interested in advocating for their children:

National Center for Improving Literacy (https://www.improvingliteracy.org/index.html)

Cox Campus (https://coxcampus.org/)

Florida Center for Reading Research (https://fcrr.org/) 

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Today, we're joined by Jordan Toma, an inspirational author who overcame multiple learning disabilities to become the number one youth motivational speaker and youth advocate in the United States.

Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/C0vj72zCXEg

#dyslexia #inspiration

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Today, we’ll speak with Krista Weltner, a gifted artist who overcame dyslexia and found success as an author, illustrator, puppet maker, stop-motion animator, filmmaker, costume designer, and comic book creator.

Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/OpsG4Rl8k54

Also, be sure to check out Krista's wonderful short film Partially Compensated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dk1KAy16Fs

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