KINL Podcast Network

S6:E24 The Magic of Reading Aloud

What makes a book a "read-aloud" winner? In this episode, "The Magic of Reading Aloud," Anna, Morgan, and Martie explore the special connection built through shared stories. As we look ahead to World Read Aloud Day (2/4/26) and Read Across America (3/2/26), the Lit Gals are sharing their absolute favorite titles - the ones that have sparked the best discussions and the biggest smiles. Don’t miss this collection of proven hits that will help you celebrate reading in your home or classroom! Books Shared: Young Reader - "Please Don't Read This Book!" (D. Kizis) "What Should Danny Do?" (A. Levy & G. Levy) "What Do You Do with an Idea" (Kobi Yamada) Middle Grade - "Clean Getaway" (N. Stone) "Code of Honor" (A. Gratz) "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" (J. Marks) "Front Desk" (K. Yang) "Ghost Boys" (J. Parker Rhodes) "The Scammer" (T. Jackson) "Tripping Over the Lunch Lady and Other School Stories" (edited by N. Mercado) Adult - "The Last Letter" (R. Yarros) "Tisha: The Wonderful True Love Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaskan Wilderness" (R. Specht) "Who Fears Death" (N. Okorafor) The Lit Gals are proud to be part of the Keep Indiana Learning network and are excited to also be airing on the KINL Podcast network this season!

E3: AI, The Ultimate Student Learning Co-Pilot

Supporting students in using AI for deeper learningIn Episode 3, KINL Innovation Coaches Stevie and Karisa explore what it really means to use AI as a student learning co-pilot. Together, they unpack common concerns around cheating and academic integrity and offer a perspective on how AI can support student thinking, creativity, and voice. Through real classroom stories and practical examples, this episode highlights why teaching students how AI works and how to use it responsibly matters now more than ever, especially when it comes to equity and access. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking for thoughtful ways to integrate it into teaching and learning, this episode offers a down-to-earth conversation about guiding students confidently into the future.

Mathers Math! With Deborah Peart Crayton

Today’s guest is Deborah Peart Crayton. My apologies in advance (again!), but this is a longer episode because again, we are talking about things that are just so important for educators to know and every minute is well worth it! Deborah is a teacher, author, PhD candidate, and overall incredible contributor to the world of mathematics education. Her new book, Readers Read, Writers Write, Mathers Math is another MUST READ. In fact, Keep Indiana Learning and Mt. Holyoke’s Math Leadership program is co-hosting a book study starting on January 26. You can sign up at the link in the show notes - and join us for any and all of the sessions. If you can’t join us, the book study recordings will live on Keep Indiana Learning’s YouTube page. We want to support you in your learning on how to create an incredible culture of mathematics in your schools and classrooms! This is my third episode around math identity, culture, and why math anxiety is a real thing in our classrooms. I cannot stress how important this part of math teaching is and Deborah, and her book, are crucial resources for our mathematics classrooms. My favorite quote from this episode is, "They’re capable if they're invested and they’re invested if they’re curious and interested.” So have a listen and find out HOW we can create invested, curious, and interested mathers in our classrooms!Places to find Deborah:⁠www.mathersgonnamath.com⁠⁠Readers Read, Writers Write, Mathers Math!⁠⁠Mather Merch!⁠⁠Sign up for our Book Study!⁠⁠⁠Deborah Peart Crayton is the founder and Queen Mather of My Mathematical Mind. She started the #MatherMovement to disrupt the idea that math is optional. Deborah is a sought-after keynote speaker and dynamic elementary education consultant. With over 30 years in the field of education, Deborah speaks on a variety of topics related to math identity, elementary math content and instructional practices, and literacy connections to mathematics. She has shared her message at the local, regional, and national levels at state, district, and community events, and educational conferences.Deborah is an expert at creating invitational and nurturing environments to cultivate positive mathematical identities, and has served in that capacity as a mentor and coach for elementary educators for over 20 years. She has had success with adapting instruction while maintaining grade-level expectations and possesses a deep knowledge of instructional practices and frameworks to engage all learners, including Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), Math Recovery, the Orton-Gillingham Approach, and Mathematical Language Routines (MLR).Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and early childhood education, a master’s degree in educational studies with a concentration in literacy, graduate endorsements in elementary mathematics and teacher development, and is pursuing a doctorate degree in education program development and innovation. Her research interests are focused on the connections between math anxiety and math teaching efficacy and effective practices for developing high-quality professional learning. Deborah has dedicated her career and doctoral studies to supporting educators with innovative teaching strategies that allow students to see themselves as assets to the learning community and curious problem-solvers. Deborah believes that all children deserve high-quality instruction and the opportunity to become competent readers, writers, and mathers.

Setting SAIL: AI for District Leaders

Dr. Chase Huotari, Superintendent of Franklin Township, is a leader in the intentional integration of AI into K-12 education. He focuses on building a responsible framework that empowers teachers and prepares students for a technology-driven future.

E2: The Science of Reading & Writing, Turning Research Into Classroom Practice

In Episode 2, the KINL Innovation Coaches return to break down what the Science of Reading and writing look like in real Indiana classrooms, focusing on practical instructional moves that help students strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Innovation Coaches Jonathan, Nicole, and Sara share examples from their districts, highlight simple ways technology can enhance (not replace) high-quality literacy instruction, and share classroom-ready tools. If you're looking for clear, doable guidance for turning research into everyday reading and writing instruction, this episode provides a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation rooted in real classroom practice.Resources