Route2Reading
by Amie Burkholder
A step-by-step roadmap guides you through a reader's journey—at every level. This podcast was made for you if you're ready to, get clear on what structured literacy is and the science behind it. Join me to learn precisely what your struggling readers need and find ways to reach them.
Episodes
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Why Vocabulary Isn't What We've Been Teaching with Dr. Margaret McKeown
What does it actually mean for a student to know a word? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Margaret McKeown, whose groundbreaking research has shaped how educators understand vocabulary instruction, reading comprehension, and deep word knowledge. We move beyond vocabulary lists, definitions…
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From Struggling Readers to Engaged Readers: Rethinking Decodable Text with Sue Marasciulo
What makes a decodable text effective—and does "decodable" have to mean boring? In this episode, I sit down with author and educator Sue Marasciulo to talk about her journey from the classroom to creating Pat & Pals, a graphic novel series designed to give developing readers the practice they…
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Are Reading Levels Holding Students Back? with Tim Shanahan
For years, teachers have been told to meet students where they are—find their instructional reading level, put them in a just-right text, and group them with other students reading at a similar level. But what if that approach is actually limiting how much students can learn? In this episode of...
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The Science We Know, The Change We Still Need: A Conversation with Louisa Moats
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Louisa Moats, one of the leading voices in reading research and literacy education, to talk about her journey from feeling completely unprepared to teach students with reading difficulties to becoming a lifelong advocate for science-based reading instruction....
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Using Data to Make Better Instructional Decisions with Brennan Chandler
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brennan Chandler, Assistant Professor of Dyslexia at Georgia State University, to talk about how schools can move beyond simply collectingliteracy data and actually use it to make better instructional decisions. We dig into what a meaningful data deep dive…
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Stop Planning Activities. Start Building Systems.
Why do so many literacy initiatives start with excitement but struggle to produce lasting results? In this episode, I dive into one of the most common literacy mistakes happening in schools today: disconnected instruction. Too often, Tier 1 instruction, small groups, intervention, tutoring, and...
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Repeatable Instructional Routines that Matter
Before you start buying new resources, rewriting your literacy block, or planning every detail of next year, there is one thing that matters more than all of it: reflection. In this episode, I share why the most effective teachers don't begin summer planning by searching for new programs or...
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Building Stronger Family-School Partnerships in Literacy with Maya Smart
In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, I sit down with Maya Smart to explore how we can build stronger, more meaningful partnerships between schools and families to support early literacy. Maya brings a powerful parent perspective to this conversation, helping us rethink how we communicate...
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How Parents Can Support Reading at Home (Without Overwhelm) with Pryor Rayburn
In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, I sit down with Pryor (Orton Gillingham Mama) to talk about how parents can support their young readers at home using simple, effective, and realistic strategies. Drawing from her experience as both an Orton-Gillingham educator and a mom, Pryor shares...
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From Sounds to Words: Fixing the Missing Link in Early Reading Instruction with Katie Pace Miles
In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, I sit down with Katie Pace Miles to unpack one of the biggest challenges in early literacy—why phonemic awareness and phonics instruction don't always translate into real reading and spelling success for struggling readers. Katie shares insights from...
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Literacy Across the Globe: What We Can Learn From International Classrooms with Treasa Bowe
In this episode, I sit down with Treasa Bowe, an educator from Ireland, to talk about literacy instruction across countries. We unpack the differences between Ireland and the U.S., what's contributing to teacher overwhelm, and what actually matters most when it comes to supporting students. This...
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Why Writing Feels So Hard and What Actually Helps with Barbara Friedlander
If you've ever thought, "My students just can't write," this episode is for you. Writing is one of the most misunderstood parts of literacy instruction — and often one of the most frustrating for teachers and students alike. In today's conversation with Barbara Friedlander, we unpack what's…
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Making the Shift to Structured Literacy with Educators from PS152Q
This week on the podcast, I'm joined by educators from PS152Q in Queens to talk about what it really looks like to shift a school toward structured literacy. We dive into how their team moved away from practices that weren't serving all students and began building a literacy block grounded in...
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Moving Beyond Syllable Rules: Helping Students Decode Multisyllabic Words with Flexibility with Devin Kearns
If your students can decode CVC words but completely shut down when they see fantastic or instruction, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, we dig into what really helps students read multisyllabic words — and it's not just memorizing syllable types. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES
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What Spelling Errors Reveal and Why They Matter with Sydney Bassard
In this episode, I sit down with speech-language pathologist Sydney Bassard to unpack one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) tools in literacy instruction: spelling error analysis. Together, we explore how spelling, reading, and writing are deeply interconnected—and why looking beyond...
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Small Groups, Big Results with Julia Lindsay
In this episode, I'm joined by literacy researcher, former classroom teacher, and author Julia Lindsay for a powerful conversation about small group reading instruction—what works, what doesn't, and how we can rethink small groups in a way that actually supports students and teachers. Julia…
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Choosing a Reading Curriculum with Dr. Maria Murray, Founder & CEO of The Reading League
In today's episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Maria Murray, founder and CEO of The Reading League, to talk about one of the most consequential decisions schools make: choosing a reading curriculum. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by programs, sales pitches, reviews, or state…
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Resetting your Literacy Block for the New Year with Lindsay Kemeny
In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to turn the Science of Reading into daily classroom practice. From observing other teachers, to tightening routines, to managing time inside overloaded programs, this conversation is all about building a literacy block that actually works. CLICK...
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Supporting Struggling Readers: What Schools, Teachers, and Families Need to Know
In This Episode, We Cover Understanding Dyslexia and Misconceptions What dyslexia actually is Why eligibility labels alone are not enough How co-occurring needs (like ADHD) influence support Why early identification matters What Effective Support Looks Like Why intervention is not…
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Bringing Everyone to the Table: How The Teachers Table Is Transforming Teacher Support
Today, I am joined by the brilliant and beloved Elise Lovejoy, author of Express Readers, creator of high-quality decodables, longtime classroom teacher, and founder of The Teachers Table — a growing professional learning platform designed to give every educator access to vetted, practical,...
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Strengthening Early Writing Through Foundational Skills with Amy Siracusano
In this episode, we sit down with writing expert and longtime educator Amy Siracusano to unpack what early writing instruction should look like—and why so many teachers struggle with it. From handwriting and stroke formation to moving students from oral language to letters, words, and eventually...
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Tips and Tricks for Building Reading Fluency in Grade K- 2 with Jan Hasbrouck
In today's episode, I sit down with literacy legend Dr. Jan Hasbrouck — researcher, author, consultant, and co-creator of the widely used Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) norms. Known for her unmatched expertise in reading fluency, assessments, instructional coaching, and dyslexia, Dr. Hasbrouck brings...
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Writing Your Own Decodables with Brooke Vitale: Turning Research Into Engaging Stories
Have you ever wondered what it takes to write your own decodable books—or how to make them both phonics-aligned and fun to read? In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, Amie sits down with Brooke Vitale, former children's book editor turned author and co-creator of Charge Mommy Books, to…
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6 Common Mistakes Teachers Make with Decodable Texts (and How to Fix Them)
Are you using decodable books the right way? In this episode, we're breaking down six of the most common mistakes teachers make with decodable texts—and how to fix them. You'll learn how to align books to your phonics lessons, prep students before reading, balance decoding with meaning, and know...
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Morphology Made Easy: Building Word Power in K- 2 with Michelle and Sarah
What if I told you morphology isn't too advanced for young readers—it's actually the missing piece that makes decoding, spelling, and vocabulary stick? In this episode, I'm joined by two of my favorite literacy leaders, Michelle Sullivan and Sarah Paul, to talk all things morphology. We unpack…
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Beyond the Rules: Teaching Syllables with Flexibility with Savannah Campbell
Syllables can feel "big" or confusing—but they don't have to be. In this episode, I chat with reading specialist Savannah Campbell (Campbell Creates Readers) about how to make syllable instruction clear, doable, and effective from k–5. We cover the six syllable types, how (and whether) to teach...
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How to Implement the Science of Reading with Young Learners
In this episode, I'm excited to share a conversation I originally had on the Triple R Teaching Podcast with Anna Geiger (The Measured Mom). Together, we dive into my book Literacy Unlocked: How to Implement the Science of Reading with Young Learners and explore how to bridge research with…
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Why Language is the Heart of Literacy with Susan Lambert
In this episode of Literacy Unlocked, I'm joined by Susan Lambert, host of the Science of Reading: The Podcast by Amplify, to dig into one of the most essential—and often overlooked—components of reading success: language. Susan shares personal stories and professional insights that make a…
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Letter Sounds That Stick: 8 Research Backed Strategies that Actually Work
In today's episode, Amie breaks down eight essential, research-backed strategies for teaching letter sounds in ways that are practical, effective, and rooted in the science of reading. These aren't trendy tricks or rigid programs—they're flexible, powerful routines that actually work in real...
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Teaching the Alphabet with Intention: Dr. Shayne Piasta
In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Shayne Piasta — a developmental psychologist, early literacy researcher, and professor at The Ohio State University. Her work has deeply influenced how I think about alphabet instruction, and I couldn't wait to sit down with her to talk about what...
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Why I Wrote Literacy Unlocked — And Why It's the Book I Wish I Had as a New Teacher
In this heartfelt episode, Amie Burkholder takes you behind the scenes of her new book, Literacy Unlocked. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the nonstop buzz around the Science of Reading or unsure how to turn research into real-life instruction, this episode is for you. Amie walks through each...
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Interview with Shannon Moore
Whether you're supporting readers in your classroom, after school, or during summer tutoring, intervention doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with literacy coach and intervention specialist Shannon Moore, Ed.S., to talk about what actually makes intervention...
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5 Small Group Reading Must-Haves Every Teacher Needs
Episode Summary Small group time is where the most powerful reading growth can happen — but if you're feeling overwhelmed by what to use, how to organize it, or whether you have the "right stuff," this episode will give you clarity (and a deep breath). I've spent years trying all the things —...
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Yvette Manns: An Author's Journey
Episode Summary: In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Yvette Manns — educator, certified dyslexia practitioner, and the creative mind behind the Phonics Readalouds series. If you've ever wished your phonics lessons could be more engaging and aligned with the science of reading, you're in...
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Five Ways to Move Away from Sound by Sound Reading and Build Fluency
Episode Summary: If you've ever had a student who reads "c...a...t..." and by the time they finish the sentence, they can't remember what it was about, this episode is for you! Today, we're diving into a super common (and totally normal!) stage of early reading: sound-by-sound decoding — why...
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MTSS for Reading Improvement
🎙 Episode Title: Bridging MTSS and the Science of Reading with Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown 📚 Episode Summary: In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant minds behind the upcoming book MTSS for Reading Improvement — Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown. These two powerhouses bring decades of...
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From Scribbles to Sentences – Helping Young Writers Grow
Episode Summary: In today's episode, we're tackling one of the biggest transitions in early literacy—helping students move from writing individual letters to constructing full sentences. If you've ever wondered how to bridge the gap between handwriting and confident writing, this episode is for...
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Foundations of Writing: Why Letter Formation Matters
Episode Summary: Handwriting often gets pushed aside, but it's a game-changer for literacy success. In this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ Why handwriting matters for reading and spelling ✔️ Research-backed strategies to build fluency ✔️ The 5 essential components of writing success ✔️ Simple,...
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Leading the Way: Supporting Teachers with the Science of Reading
All About Lisa Russo: Administrator in New York Public Schools at P.S. 152. Became a teacher in 2022 at P.S. 152 and taught for 13 years in a variety of grades. Pursued a masters and became assistant principal at P.S. 152 for seven years - the same school she grew up in! Now serves as the…
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Mastering Small Group Instruction
Small group instruction: where the magic happens. It's here where we get to see those long-awaited lightbulb moments. But with so many needs and so little time, it can feel overwhelming. Today, we will help you simplify your planning, chat about why small groups are so important, and give you all...
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The Importance of Decodable Text with Elise Lovejoy
LE Podcast #52 The Importance of Decodable Text with Elise Lovejoy All About Elise Lovejoy: Former teacher and currently serves as an probono interventionist at a nearby school. Runs Express Readers, a foundational skills reading program as well as a decodable book series. Passionate about the...
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Podcast #51: New Year, New Goals: Using Data to Reset and Plan for 2025
LE Podcast #51 New Year, New Goals: Using Data to Reset and Plan for 2025 What's the most important question we can ask ourselves as teachers and reading specialists and coaches? That's easy: How do we teach reading in a way so that we can reach every student and every need? The answer may not be...
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LE Podcast #50: Moving Students From Letter Sounds to CVC Words: The Secret Sauce
I want to share with you essential building blocks that can help your students move from letters to reading CVC words. Before we begin, let's start with some vocabulary we'll use during these show notes today. Phonemic awareness - the ability to blend, segment, and manipulate phonemes. This is…
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Interview with Anna Geiger
All About Anna Geiger: Author of Reach All Readers: Using the Science of Reading to Transform Your Literacy Instruction. Former teacher in 1st-4th grades. Currently serves educators through her website, www.themeasuredmom.com. Shares tons of hands-on lessons, thoughtful articles, and printable...
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Yearlong Phonics Pacing Guide
Podcast #48 - Yearlong Phonics Pacing Guide Show Notes You guys - it's here! My Yearlong Phonics Pacing Guide for Grades K-2 is designed to help you plan and implement effective phonics instruction throughout the school year. Here, we'll share tips on how to make the most of this invaluable...
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Interview with Neena Saha
All About Neena Saha: Neena earned her master's degree in educational neuroscience from Columbia and has a PhD in special education from Vanderbilt. Her doctoral work on decoding resulted in a patent and her research can be found in journals like The Journal for Learning Disabilities and The...
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Structuring Literacy Blocks
Scheduling literacy blocks and finding enough time in a day is an ever-present challenge in our classrooms. How do we do it, and where do we start? Today, we'll go over some of the challenges we face, what to do about them, and how we can get in the time we need to teach literacy. The Challenges…
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Interview with Meghan Hein
All About Meghan Hein: Proudly been in education for 20 years with jobs as a 2nd grade teacher as well as a math coach. Eventually transitioned into a literacy intervention teacher and served there for 5 years. She's now back in the classroom using the skills and knowledge she learned as a…
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Letter Formation
The Complexity of Letter Formation Letter formation is the foundation for literacy development. This is because practicing letter formation helps students with shapes and sounds of letters, which is important for foundational reading skills. Students also need fine motor skills in order to...
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Alphabet Quest
The Birth of Alphabet Quest During the pandemic, I was asked to leave my literacy coaching role and teach kindergarten. When I went back to the classroom, I discovered that we were in desperate need of speeding up and enriching how we learned our alphabet. My time in the classroom was what…
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About this show
A step-by-step roadmap guides you through a reader's journey—at every level. This podcast was made for you if you're ready to, get clear on what structured literacy is and the science behind it. Join me to learn precisely what your struggling readers need and find ways to reach them.
Hosted by
Amie Burkholder