Knowledge for Teachers

18 - Kevin and Robyn Wheldall on Effective Instruction in Reading

Jul 29, 2023

In this episode, listen to Emeritus Professor Kevin and Dr. Robyn Wheldall as they discuss their careers, co-founding MultiLit, and their book on effective instruction in reading. They share insights on laying reading foundations, teaching reading effectively, differentiation, positive behavior approach, tiered instruction, phonics, and maintaining instructional continuity. A must-listen for teachers interested in evidence-based literacy instruction.

01:16:13

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Episode guests

Kevin Wheldall

Robyn Wheldall

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Phonics instruction is essential for learning to read, starting with a few sounds and progressing to more complex ones.

MultiLit offers research-based programs and resources to help struggling readers, aiming to improve reading outcomes for all students.

The book 'Effective Instruction in Reading and Spelling' provides practical advice for teachers on evidence-based approaches in literacy instruction.

Deep dives

The Importance of Phonics Instruction

Phonics instruction is essential for learning to read as it teaches the relationship between sounds and letters, helping students decode and blend words. Teachers should provide direct instruction and practice in phonics, starting with a few sounds and building up to more complex ones. A systematic and synthetic phonics program is crucial, offering a comprehensive and structured sequence of sounds, explicit instruction, cumulative reviews, and ongoing assessments to monitor student progress.

Introduction

2min

Effective Instruction in Reading and the Multilit Initiative

22min

Work in the Multi Research Unit and the Importance of Empirical Evidence

4min

Teaching Reading: Effective Instruction and Challenges

13min

Differentiation and Positive Behavior Approach

25min

Tiered Instruction and the Current State of Education

7min

Effective Instruction in Reading: Phonics, Scripts, and Behavior Management

2min

Continuity in Instruction Approaches and a Sneak Peek into the Next Episode

1min

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Emeritus Professor Kevin Wheldall and Dr. Robyn Wheldall. They’ve achieved so much throughout their careers including co-founding MultiLit, a leading provider of effective literacy instruction. In this chat, they describe their journeys and how MultiLit came about. They also speak about their recently published book - Effective Instruction in Reading and Spelling.

Resources mentioned:

Book: Effective Instruction in Reading and Spelling

Dr. Coral Kemp

Dr. Mark Carter

Dr. Alison Madelaine

Dr Jennifer Buckingham

Short-Changed: Preparation to teach reading in initial teacher education

Alison McMurtrie