Episode #168
Ep 168: Teaching Reading the Right Way | What Every Parent and Educator Should Know
Learning to read is one of the most important skills a child develops - but teaching reading requires more than simply exposing children to books. It requires an understanding of how the brain learns to read and the evidence-based practices that help learners build strong foundations. Host Lynn McLaughlin welcomes Mary-Anne Mouawad, Founder and Director of The Reading Clinic and a literacy educator with more than 25 years of experience supporting children, youth, and adults on their reading journeys. Mary-Anne shares her passion for the Science of Reading and explains why explicit, systematic, sequential, and multisensory instruction matters. They explore how readers develop skills, why some learners struggle, and what parents and educators can do to provide meaningful support. In this episode, youโll discover: Why many educators feel unprepared to teach children how to read and why understanding the Science of Reading is essential The four key components of effective reading instruction: Explicit instruction* Systematic instruction with a clear scope and sequence Sequential skill development Multisensory learning approaches The connection between decoding and language comprehension, and why both are necessary for reading comprehension The difference between phonological awareness and phonemic awareness, and why these skills begin with listening before reading and writing How young children can build early literacy skills through rhyming, songs, chants, syllable activities, and sound play. Practical strategies for parents, including ways to support pre-reading skills with young children Why older students who struggle with reading need assessment to identify specific areas for support How educators can use evidence-based resources and approaches aligned with the Science of Reading Why choosing a literacy tutor or support provider who understands how reading develops matters. Mary-Anne holds Bachelorโs degrees in Arts and Education, as well as a Masterโs in Education from the University of Windsor.Throughout her career, Mary-Anne has worked as a classroom teacher, Special Education teacher, Learning Support teacher, and literacy specialist. She is passionate about the Science of Reading and believes every child can learn to read when provided with explicit, systematic, sequential, and multisensory instruction. Mary-Anne developed The Reading Clinicโs Structured Literacy program to support struggling readers of all ages and to help educators and parents implement evidence-based reading practices. She has also served in leadership roles with the Ontario College of Teachers, the International Dyslexia Association, and several organizations supporting students with learning disabilities. Today, Mary-Anne continues to advocate for early literacy and is dedicated to closing the reading gap by equipping teachers, parents, and schools with practical, research-based strategies that change lives. Connect with Mary-Anne: https://thereadingclinic.info/mary-anne-mouawad The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services. Connect with Lynn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla... Website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/
