Handwriting isn’t just about tidy letters on a page, it’s a powerful bridge to reading, spelling, and early literacy. In this episode, Kate sits down with Dr. Shawn Datchuk to unpack the science behind handwriting instruction, the three processes every child needs to master, and five research‑aligned practices teachers can use right away. From tracing to scaffolding to memory retrieval, this conversation brings clarity and practical strategies for the classroom.

Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization.

• I Am Not a Costume — Maria DesJarlais, illustrated by Regina Alice Willman
• Dr. Shawn Datchuk can be found at https://www.shawndatchuk.com/ along with the free, evidence-based resources to teach print (LIFTER) and cursive (CLIFTER)
• Handwriting: The ABCs of Explicit Instruction and Assessment By Dr. Shawn Datchuk — OnLit hosts a webinar where Dr. Datchuk breaks down the research behind handwriting instruction, including orthographic coding, motor skills, and explicit teaching routines. A practical, teacher‑friendly resource for anyone implementing evidence‑based handwriting practices.
• Ray et al. (2022) Systematic Review on Handwriting Instruction A research review examining handwriting instruction in kindergarten. The authors found that explicit handwriting instruction improves letter formation and boosts early literacy skills such as letter names, letter sounds, and early word reading—highlighting handwriting’s strong connection to reading development.
• Explicit Instruction Framework — Anita Archer & Charles Hughes A foundational model for structured teaching that emphasizes clear, consistent, and concise instruction. Their work guides teachers in modeling, guided practice, and gradual release—principles that apply directly to handwriting instruction.
• Steve Graham & Karen Harris — Writing and Handwriting Research. Graham and Harris are leading scholars in writing development. Their studies show that short, explicit handwriting lessons (2–3 times per week, 15 minutes each) can significantly improve handwriting fluency and overall writing performance. Their broader work underpins much of today’s evidence‑based writing instruction.
• Iowa Reading Research Center A research and outreach center focused on improving literacy outcomes through evidence‑based practices. Dr. Datchuk previously served as Director, and the center’s work informs many of the instructional approaches discussed in the episode.
• Council for Exceptional Children — Division for Learning Disabilities A professional organization dedicated to supporting learners with disabilities. Dr. Datchuk serves as Chair of its Research Committee, and the division’s work emphasizes high‑quality, research‑aligned instruction for diverse learners.

Season 5 of Reading Road Trip arrives June 29, bringing a fresh lineup of literacy conversations to fuel your summer learning.

Join classroom teacher Kate Winn for another jam‑packed summer of practical, evidence‑based literacy learning. This season features an incredible lineup of guests, including researchers, clinicians, educators, and system leaders, all sharing insights that you can apply immediately in your classroom.

Follow Reading Road Trip and get ready for the journey ahead.

Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization.

Buckle up. This surprise, between-seasons bonus episode of Reading Road Trip goes behind the scenes of the soon-to-be-released book Reading Assessment Done Right. Kate Winn steps out from the host role and into the guest seat alongside co-author Dr. Stephanie Stollar. Together, Kate and Stephanie candidly discuss why they wrote the book, how the collaboration came together, and the real questions about assessment and instruction that shaped it. It’s an insider look at the thinking behind the book, with practical reflections educators can bring back to their own classrooms.

Our work at IDA Ontario, which is a registered charity, depends on the generosity of people like you. If you find the podcast helpful, please consider supporting our organization.

Show Notes:

• We All Love by Julie Flett – A beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating care, connection, and love, shared as part of this episode’s land acknowledgement and commitment to amplifying Indigenous artists.

• Reading Assessment Done Right – The soon-to-be-released book by Kate Winn and Dr. Stephanie Stollar that anchors this bonus episode, exploring how assessment can be used to inform instruction and improve reading outcomes.

• IDA Ontario's Literacy and Learning Conference 2026 – Kate Winn and Dr. Stephanie Stollar will be presenting together at LitLearn 2026 in Toronto; registration details are available through IDA Ontario.

• Perspectives on Language and Literacy – Reading Assessment Done Right will be featured in the Winter 2026 issue Data: What's Your Question?, co-edited by theme editors Dr. Michelle Hosp and Dr. Una Malcolm; IDA members can access the issue through the member portal, and non-members can learn more about joining the International Dyslexia Association to gain access.

It’s the season finale of Season 4 of Reading Road Trip! Kate wraps up the season with an all-star lineup of nine expert guests, each sharing one powerful tip to set you up for your best school year yet. From data meetings to integrated instruction, parent communication to avoiding burnout, this finale is packed with practical advice you can use right away. Join us as we celebrate the close of another fabulous podcast season with insights from some of the most thoughtful voices in the field.

Many thanks to this episode's fabulous guests: Dr. Renata Archie, Dr. Sonia Cabell, Dr. Pam Kastner, Dr. Holly Lane, Dr. Matt Burns, Dr. Jamie Metsala, Alicia Smith, Jacqueline Chartier, and Dr. Todd Cunningham!

• Season 1, Episode 6 — Dr. Renata Archie on universal screening

• Season 1, Episode 2 — Dr. Sonia Cabell on early literacy

• Season 3, Episode 1 — Sonia Cabell and Anita Archer (recorded live at Lit Learn 2024)

• Season 1, Episode 3 — Dr. Holly Lane on foundational reading skills

Kate chats with educator and author Blake Harvard about his book Do I Have Your Attention? Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning. They explore what we know about attention, working memory, and long-term memory, why multitasking doesn’t work, and practical strategies like retrieval and spaced practice that help students remember more.

This episode mentions:

• Métis Christmas Mittens by Leah Marie Dorion, with Michif translation by Norman Fleury

• Do I Have Your Attention? Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning by Blake Harvard

• The Effortful Educator blog by Blake Harvard

• Powerful Teaching by Pooja Agarwal and Patrice Bain

Kate welcomes three educators from the Near North District School Board to share how they transformed reading outcomes for intermediate students through a targeted, data-driven structured literacy intervention. Lisa Rogers, Courtney Berger, and Kristen Roy walk us through the data that prompted the initiative, the logistics of scheduling and grouping, and the instructional choices that made a difference for older students. From explicit instruction with the REWARDS program to building safe, motivating classroom spaces, their stories highlight not only measurable academic growth but also powerful shifts in student confidence and identity as readers.

This episode mentions:

• Indigenous Peoples in the World Wars by Simon Rose (Beech Street Books)
• Fluency in Perspective: Grade 8 Changemakers (ONlit)
• Fluency in Perspective: Grade 7 Across the Curriculum (ONlit)
• REWARDS program by Anita Archer, Mary Gleason, and Vicki Vachon
• Tolentino Teaching website
• No Time to Waste: Structured Literacy with Young Adults (Dr. Julie Brown)

This week, Kate welcomes Dr. Tiffany Hogan to explore Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). They dig into what DLD is, how it relates to dyslexia, signs educators can watch for at different grade levels, and how to support students in the classroom. Dr. Hogan shares insights on screening, assessment, and instructional strategies, as well as misconceptions that can impact identification and services. The conversation is packed with practical advice for educators and a call to action to raise awareness about DLD.

This episode mentions:

• Miya Wears Orange by Wanda John-Kehewin, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina
• DLD and Me
• See Hear Speak podcast
• Open access article reviewing DLD screeners
• PELI - Preschool Early Literacy Indicators
• LanguageScreen
• CUBED Narrative Language Measures
• Acadience CFOL - Comprehension, Fluency & Oral Language

Reading Road Trip hits the road! In this special episode, co-producer Dr. Una Malcolm swaps her behind-the-scenes hat for a mic as she and host Kate Winn unpack their highlights and hot takes from the 2025 Society for the Scientific Study of Reading Conference in Calgary. From poster sessions to practitioner panels (and even a scenic detour to Banff), Kate and Una reflect on their conference adventure. Plus, listen in for a bonus segment featuring top structured literacy tips from Reading Road Trip listeners!

Links to past Reading Road Trip episodes mentioned:

• Season 4, Episode 4 – Implementation Science with Dr. Katlynn Dahl Leonard
• Season 3, Episode 8 – Higher Education & Systems-Level Literacy with Dr. Andrea Fraser
• Season 1, Episode 3 – Foundational Literacy Skills with Dr. Holly Lane
• Season 1, Episode 2 – Language and Literacy with Dr. Sonia Cabell