Show Notes
This week, Kate is joined by Nancy Chapel Eberhardt to discuss all things syntax. A key element of language comprehension, equipping students with an understanding of syntax is key to supporting strong reading and writing skills! Take a listen to learn more about how syntax develops and how to best teach this domain of language.
Nancy Chapel Eberhardt is the coauthor of Sortegories 3.0, a web-based app designed to provide practice for essential early literacy skills. She serves as a member of the International Dyslexia Association's Perspectives on Language and Literacy editorial board and is a board member of the Reading League Connecticut chapter.
Show Notes: Nancy is a wealth of knowledge! Here are links to the fantastic resources she mentions in this episode:
Sortegories 3.0 Literacy How: Syntax Knowledge to Practice course and book, co-authored with Dr. Margie Gillis Cheryl Scott article: A Case for the Sentence in Reading Comprehension Oakhill, Cain & Elbro book: Understanding and Teaching Reading Comprehension Coh-Metrix, a tool that analyzes text through measuring word frequency, sentence length, cohesion, and syntactic complexity Hochman & Wexler book: The Writing Revolution Saddler book: Teacher's Guide to Effective Sentence Writing Jennings & Haynes book: From Talking to Writing The cohesion circle Nancy mentions is described in this article from Perspectives on Language & Literacy by Haynes, Smith and Laud Melinda Hinch, SLP from Greater Essex County DSB, has aligned the teaching materials from the Syntax Project to the Ontario B3 Language Conventions continuum. PELI (Preschool Early Literacy Indicators) screening assessment CFOL (Comprehension, Fluency & Oral Language) diagnostic assessment Hennessy book: The Reading Comprehension Blueprint Coming January 2024:
More from Reading Road Trip
In the Season 5 finale of Reading Road Trip, Kate welcomes Dr. Zach Groshell, teacher, researcher, and author of Just Tell Them, for a practical, energizing conversation about explicit instruction. They unpack why novices need structured teaching, how classroom setup and routines support attention, and the power of techniques like choral response, turn‑and‑talk, and well‑chosen examples. It’s a clear, actionable episode for anyone committed to evidence‑aligned instruction and stronger learning outcomes. Resources Mentioned in This Episode
In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate welcomes Dr. Jon Potter, an expert in MTSS, literacy intervention, and data-based decision making, for an insightful conversation about the Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity. They explore seven evidence-based dimensions educators can use to intensify reading interventions, including strength, dosage, alignment, attention to transfer, and behavioral support. Dr. Potter shares practical examples and actionable guidance for using assessment and progress-monitoring data to make informed instructional decisions, helping educators intensify support in ways that truly meet students' needs. Whether you're a classroom teacher, interventionist, or school leader, this episode offers valuable tools for supporting struggling readers and improving literacy outcomes for all students. Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Kate is joined by literacy leaders and longtime collaborators Nellie Caruso and Leigh Fettes for a conversation packed with practical classroom ideas, evidence-based literacy strategies, and reflections on the current state of literacy education. From phonics and vocabulary instruction to data-driven decision making, French immersion, and system-level change, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for educators at every stage of their literacy journey. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
In this episode, Kate welcomes Melissa Flynn, Executive Director of the First Nations School Board (FNSB) in the Yukon, and literacy coach Kayla Abrams to discuss how authentic relationships, community partnership, and evidence-based literacy instruction are driving meaningful change for learners. Melissa and Kayla share FNSB’s journey from balanced literacy to structured literacy, the importance of screening and assessment data, transparent communication with families, and the ways local cultures, languages, and communities are reflected in literacy learning. They also highlight encouraging signs of progress, including improved attendance, stronger reading outcomes, and growing learner confidence and engagement. 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. Resources Mentioned in This Episode
What role does oral language play in learning to read and in learning, period? In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate Winn welcomes Dr. Charles Hulme. Dr. Hulme explains why oral language is far more than a contributor to reading comprehension. Drawing on decades of research, he describes how children's early language skills provide the foundation for phonological awareness, decoding, and later literacy success. He also discusses the critical role language plays as the "medium of instruction" across all areas of education. Listeners will learn about practical ways educators can assess and support oral language development, the importance of rich conversations and structured language instruction, and the connections between oral language difficulties and dyslexia. Dr. Hulme also shares insights from his research on effective language interventions and why their benefits can last for years. 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. Resources Mentioned in This Episode