Making Words Stick with Dr. Katie Pace Miles

Making Words Stick with Dr. Katie Pace Miles

If you've ever watched your child struggle to sound out the same word three times in one paragraph, this episode is for you. Today I'm talking with Dr. Katie Pace Miles — a former reading specialist turned researcher who now directs the Advanced Certificate in Reading Science at Brooklyn College and runs a nonprofit, The Reading Institute [https://www.readinginstitutenyc.org/], dedicated to making the science of reading accessible to every child, regardless of income. We dig into orthographic mapping — the cognitive process that explains exactly how words move from "hard to decode" into the part of memory where they're recognized instantly.  What you'll learn: Orthographic mapping is the three-way connection a reader builds between how a word is spelled, how it sounds, and what it means. When all three are linked, a word gets "glued" into long-term memory and can be retrieved instantly. For kids with dyslexia, that gluing process takes significantly more practice — but the process works exactly the same way, and it absolutely can happen. Guessing at words or memorizing them by sight actually undermines this process. The decoding — even when it's slow and effortful — is the mechanism that makes words stick. Skipping it is like skipping the workout and wondering why you're not getting stronger. Meaning is more important than most parents realize. If your child doesn't know what a word means, it's harder for that word to get stored in memory. Talking, narrating, reading aloud, and building vocabulary at home directly supports reading. Spelling and reading are connected. They develop together, and spelling gaps are worth addressing even when reading seems to be progressing. Spelling a word forces the brain to retrieve and confirm every letter-sound connection — which actually strengthens word memory. Questions to ask your child's school: What phonics scope and sequence are you using? Can I have a copy? What specific skills is my child's intervention group working on? What is the dosage — how many days per week, and for how long? Are all the students in the group working on the same skills? Dr. Pace Miles also shares free downloadable resources from the Reading Institute that parents can use at home, plus information about their low- and no-cost reading intervention programs for schools. Resources Mentioned Reading Institute [https://www.readinginstitutenyc.org/] Reading Ready Caregiver Guide  [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s7SApmxC1EjrGWBx3_ZhYHFT6csgYfKg/view] Word Analysis Guide [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K0o3rcU6WeexGLoXHvzvMi66Cr7C7sWj/view]  Letter knowledge guide [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n7yCfkNGU_XMmGUKsHPW45x3n4t8cdOy/view?usp=drive_link] Making Words Stick by Katie Pace Miles and Molly Ness [https://www.amazon.com/Making-Words-Stick-Instructional-Orthographic/dp/1546176454/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s5QVYGM966rlXk8mD2w_1P5aF5WYbyZDUSY3YLfXAhjWXVnX8IONqxHgCpXiY8mWDhInid4FBg-sQfKIYLt0f6Aj4WIZ13RdTxteZnIsBLkONXrzMCtaqIS20jdhC-L4WsgGDgKMkoPgwak4O1sx_63voClmH1B1lbNmQtWhi4KLzQ5HXuhrucEBgtyEoAZk1tslVYSTJlIZKuAyZYbZRWG3v5Er92isZAXcYOSfYQ4.ot3B-owpb1JAghd9prr57YPuysdiFIyg8j2B7nz6jb8&dib_tag=se&hvadid=792644416996&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9010956&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=8925031766107254539--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8925031766107254539&hvtargid=kwd-376255567894&hydadcr=22100_13694793&keywords=making+words+stick&mcid=50cde76be7fe3d30a2238ecf5a25c656&qid=1778595421&sr=8-1]

Understanding Progress Data with Dr. Renata Archie

Most parents of kids with dyslexia hear phrases like "she's making progress" at parent-teacher conferences and have no way to verify it. In this episode, Dr. Renata Archie translates the world of reading assessment data into language parents can actually use. With 25 years in education and a doctorate in Reading Science, Dr. Archie walks through the prerequisite skills that have to be in place before oral reading fluency can improve, why nonsense words are one of the most important assessment tools we have, and how often progress should be monitored for a struggling reader. She also shares the specific questions parents can ask their child's school to make sure intervention is actually moving the needle. This is a conversation for any parent who has ever sat across from a teacher and thought, "I need more than a feeling. I need to see the data." Resources & References Mentioned * DIBELS and Acadience — research-backed reading screeners * Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) * The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids Learning  * Elkonin boxes for phoneme segmentation practice About Dr. Renata Archie Dr. Renata Archie, Ed.D., is a contributing faculty member in the Reading Science Graduate Program at Mount St. Joseph University, where she teaches graduate courses and mentors doctoral students. She also serves as a district-level literacy and MTSS specialist in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, supporting a portfolio of NYC public schools with evidence-based practices, assessment, and data-driven decision-making. She has been featured on the International Dyslexia Association Ontario Canada Road Trip podcast and has contributed to the PBS/Thirteen show Let's Learn NYC. Dr. Archie has 25 years of experience in education, spanning pre-K through 9th grade, and holds degrees from UC Berkeley, NYU, College of St. Rose, and Mount St. Joseph University. * Twitter: @RAliteracy * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renata-m-archie-edd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/renata-m-archie-edd/] * Website: https://www.literacyconsultingllc.com/team [https://www.literacyconsultingllc.com/team] Connect If this episode was helpful, please share it with another parent who needs it — and follow the show so you don't miss the next one. Have a topic you'd like covered? Email Kate at kate@dyslexiamadeclear.com [kate@dyslexiamadeclear.com] or reach out on Instagram @dyslexiamadeclear [https://instagram.com/dyslexiamadeclear].

Avoiding Brain Overload with Dr. Jamey Peavler

This conversation with Dr. Jamey Peavler breaks down cognitive load, working memory, and how to maximize a child's learning when they have dyslexia. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking to better understand and support their children with dyslexia. Connect with Jamey through her consulting business, The Reading Clinic [https://www.thereading.clinic/], as well as Mount St. Joseph University where she is the co-director of the Graduate Reading Science Program [https://www.msj.edu/faculty-and-staff-directory/faculty-directory/jamey-peavler.html].  She will also be speaking at these upcoming events in 2026: * Plain Talk Conferences – New Orleans (March 12th-14th) * The Reading League (National) Compass https://www.thereadingleague.org/compass/ [https://www.thereadingleague.org/compass/] Stay in touch with Dyslexia Made Clear via social media @dyslexiamadeclear [https://www.instagram.com/dyslexiamadeclear/].

Empowering Parents to Advocate with Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley

In this conversation, Dr. Kelly Sandman Hurley discusses the complexities of dyslexia, emphasizing the importance of understanding its varied manifestations and advocating for children within the educational system. She provides insights into identifying dyslexia, the significance of early intervention, and the role of parents in navigating IEP meetings. The discussion highlights the need for specific, measurable goals in education and the emotional journey parents face while advocating for their children. Dr. Hurley also shares practical advice for building supportive environments and maintaining positive relationships with educators, ultimately empowering parents to take an active role in their child's education. Find her book Dyslexia Advocate here: https://www.amazon.com/Dyslexia-Advocate-within-Public-Education/dp/1849057370 [https://www.amazon.com/Dyslexia-Advocate-within-Public-Education/dp/1849057370] And more about her organization: Dyslexia Training Institute [https://www.dyslexiatraininginstitute.org/] Follow us on social for more resources and helpful tips @DyslexiaMadeClear [https://www.instagram.com/dyslexiamadeclear]

Dyslexia Toolkit with Yvonna Graham and Dr. Alta Graham

Join us for an inspiring conversation with mother-daughter duo Yvonna Graham and Dr. Alta Graham, co-authors of Dyslexia Toolkit. This powerful episode explores their personal journey navigating dyslexia, from Alta's early struggles in school to her success in music and math. Yvonna shares the creative, strengths-based strategies she developed as both a parent advocate and a tutor who has worked with children with dyslexia for decades. Their story offers hope and practical wisdom for families facing similar challenges, demonstrating that learning differences don't define a person's potential. This episode is packed with actionable strategies and encouragement. Dyslexia Toolkit by Yvonna Graham and Dr. Alta Graham https://www.amazon.com/Dyslexia-Tool-Kit-Expanded-phonics-ebook/dp/B092HCK89B [https://www.amazon.com/Dyslexia-Tool-Kit-Expanded-phonics-ebook/dp/B092HCK89B] Learn more about their book and other resources at: www.dyslexiakit.net [http://www.dyslexiakit.net/]   Contact Yvonna at yvonnagraham@gmail.com [yvonnagraham@gmail.com] Thanks for listening. We'd love to connect on social media at dyslexiamadeclear [https://www.instagram.com/dyslexiamadeclear/].