Listen to Dr. Kathryn Garforth and her guests as they discuss ways to support children's #RightToRead. These conversations provide information for educators and advocates about:
- how the brain learns to read
- best practices for reading instruction
- creating change at various levels
It is time for schools around the world to move away from a balanced literacy approach to reading instruction. It should be replace by practices aligned with the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy.
In this compelling episode of the Right to Read Initiative Podcast, Dr. Kathryn Garforth welcomes returning guest Dr. Moustapha Fall to explore the concept of "partial literacy"—a term coined by Dr. Fall himself. Together, they unpack the realities faced by children in Senegal and other African countries, where many grow up speaking their mother tongue but lack opportunities for reading and writing in it. The conversation contrasts this with literacy development in Western contexts, delving into the implications for bilingualism, educational success, and cultural preservation.
Listeners will hear firsthand how colonial history and current language policies impact home and school literacy, the transfer of reading and writing skills between languages, and the unique challenges and opportunities for authentic language preservation in Africa. The episode also touches on ways to overcome partial literacy—emphasizing the importance of environmental and home literacy, community involvement, and designing orthographies that fit the distinctive needs of African languages.
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Dr. Moustapha Fall for an insightful discussion on language, identity, and the right to read.
23 Jul 2026
Antonio Fierro: Bridging Spanish and English... Supporting Bilingual Students in the Classroom
Welcome to the Right to Read Initiative Podcast! In this episode, host Dr. Kathryn Garforth is joined by Dr. Antonio Fierro for an engaging discussion about supporting English language learners whose first language is Spanish. Building on Dr. Antonio Ferrero's personal story and professional expertise, the conversation explores the significance of understanding students’ linguistic backgrounds, the value of maintaining a child’s home language, and the unique challenges posed by transitioning from Spanish to English, particularly given the differences in orthographic transparency. Together, Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Dr. Antonio Fierro share insights on the cognitive demands faced by English learners, the importance of honouring their cultural and linguistic heritage, and practical strategies for educators to better bridge instruction across languages. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or education enthusiast, this episode will deepen your appreciation for language learning and the critical role of intentional, inclusive support in the classroom.
14 Jul 2026
Dr. Antonio Fierro: My Story
Welcome to the Right to Read Initiative Podcast. In today’s episode, host Dr. Kathryn Garforth sits down with Dr. Antonio Fierro—a renowned educational linguist with a remarkable backstory. Growing up along the U.S.–Mexico border in a Spanish-speaking, high-poverty neighborhood, Antonio’s first literacy was in Spanish. His journey took unexpected turns, from mastering both Spanish and English as a child, to working in federal law enforcement, and ultimately to a career in education and literacy research.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Antonio shares how his lived experiences shaped his understanding of language development, bilingualism, and the challenges faced by English learners. He reflects on the importance of respecting and maintaining home languages, the science of reading, his firsthand encounters with the school-to-prison pipeline, and his transition from law enforcement to the classroom. Along the way, he offers insights drawn from his research and work mentoring educators on how students can be empowered through intentional, explicit instruction—regardless of their linguistic background.
Tune in to hear an inspiring personal story and gain a deeper understanding of the connections between language, literacy, and opportunity.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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