The Reading Symphony Podcast helps families and caregivers understand how reading develops and what truly supports reading success, with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based guidance. Host Katie Megrian (educator, parent, and literacy advocate) interviews experts who translate research into practical next steps for home and school.

In this episode, Katie is joined by Kate Winn, an Ontario educator, literacy advocate, and co-author of Reading Assessment Done Right: Tools and Techniques for Data-Driven Instruction. With 25+ years of experience across K–8, Kate breaks down what structured literacy looks like in real classrooms and how families can spot strong instruction.

They cover the essentials of evidence-based reading instruction (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing), green flags parents can look for (explicit phonics, decodable texts, letter-sound practice, rich read-alouds), and red flags to avoid (predictable/leveled readers that encourage guessing, and level-based assessment language). Kate also explains a clear K–3 assessment system—universal screening, diagnostic assessment, and progress monitoring—and offers time-efficient ways families can support reading at home, including oral language, read-alouds, and short practice routines.

Books mentioned: Zoe and Sassafras series; Dog in Boots by Greg Gormley
Find Kate: Instagram @katethismomloves; Reading Road Trip podcast (IDA Ontario)
More from Katie: Substack katiemegrian.substack.com; Instagram @thereadingsymphony

In this episode of the Reading Symphony Podcast, host Katie Megrian interviews Dr. Julia B. Lindsey, a literacy expert and author of 'Reading Above The Fray.' They discuss how reading develops, the importance of evidence-based practices in literacy instruction, the role of phonics and comprehension, and the use of small group instruction. Dr. Lindsey shares her insights on the prerequisites for reading comprehension, ongoing professional development for teachers, and the integration of technology in reading instruction. She also emphasizes the significance of making reading instruction practical and actionable for educators and families. Throughout the conversation, the importance of clarity, explicitness, and coherence in teaching literacy is highlighted, with Dr. Lindsey providing practical tips for parents and educators. The episode concludes with recommendations on resources and ways to support children's reading development at home.

https://www.juliablindsey.com/

https://www.beyonddecodables.com/

email: hello@juliablindsey.com

https://www.instagram.com/juliablindsey/

00:00 Introduction to the Reading Symphony Podcast

00:26 Meet Dr. Julia B. Lindsey: Literacy Expert

03:22 The Journey from Classroom to PhD

04:42 Writing 'Reading Above the Fray'

07:51 Understanding How Children Learn to Read

13:46 A Day in the Life of an Early Elementary Classroom

22:08 Red Flags in Reading Instruction

30:04 Improving Teacher Training and Professional Development

33:23 Effective Small Group Instruction

37:00 The Role of Technology in Reading Education

39:38 Looking Forward: The Future of Reading Education

43:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 1: Why Reading Feels So Hard (and Why It Doesn’t Have to)

Welcome to the first episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast. I’m your host, Katie Megrian—educator, literacy leader, and mom to two very different readers.

In this episode, I break down the current state of reading in the U.S., why so many children struggle, and the hopeful truth that at least 95% of kids can learn to read with the right instruction. You’ll learn why reading isn’t natural, how it actually develops in the brain, and why all parts of reading—phonics, vocabulary, knowledge, and comprehension—must work together.

New episodes drop every Wednesday morning. Starting with Episode 2, I’m joined by leading literacy experts who help translate the science of reading into clear, practical guidance for parents and educators.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about your child’s reading, you’re in the right place.