Episode 95 of Podyallup is for Friday, October 2, 2026. Fall quarter is underway, the homework system is getting a real-world workout, Toys "R" Us is returning to South Hill Mall, and local fall sports are in full swing.

Building a better homework system

The new quarter is underway at Pierce College, with Spanish and ESL classes now in their second week.

Spanish students are also using a new homework system built around earning 50 XP each week. Instead of completing one prescribed set of exercises, students have several ways to earn those points.

They can complete assigned readings, choose additional readings, answer comprehension questions, practice flashcards, or play Lectoru. Students can mix and match activities while still maintaining regular engagement with Spanish throughout the quarter.

Lectoru and Read to Speak

Lectoru is one part of that system. Learners read Spanish one sentence at a time and then try to reproduce each sentence from memory.

New Lectoru readings are being released regularly, and the game is free to play at lectoru.com.

The larger homework and reading platform is Read to Speak. It grew out of an idea that started years ago: build the language-learning tools I actually wanted to use with my own students instead of relying on expensive textbooks and proprietary homework systems.

Pierce students get access through their classes, while independent learners can also use the platform at readtospeak.com.

Building software with AI

Building the system has taken thousands of hours over several years. AI has accelerated development, but it has not replaced the need to understand the software or decide what the product should actually do.

That includes occasionally learning an old software-development lesson the hard way: don't make risky production changes on a Friday. A recent change temporarily broke student homework, but the system is back up and running.

Giving students the materials

One of the goals behind all of this work is to give students the materials they need without requiring them to purchase an expensive textbook and separate homework system.

Instead, students can spend the quarter reading, listening, practicing, and earning XP using materials built directly around the course.

Toys "R" Us is coming to South Hill Mall

Toys "R" Us is returning to the Puyallup area with a new store planned for South Hill Mall.

The new location is expected to open sometime in October in the Target concourse near the food court. The store will be more than 5,000 square feet and carry familiar brands including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nerf, and Paw Patrol.

The Puyallup location is part of a larger expansion of smaller-format Toys "R" Us stores around the country. Some of the stores could remain open beyond the holiday season depending on demand.

Puyallup School District updates

The Puyallup School District's annual Impact Aid Survey is scheduled to arrive by email on October 6.

The survey helps identify military-connected students and students living on tax-exempt federal property. Those responses help the district document its eligibility for federal Impact Aid funding.

The district is also offering regional Patron Tours during the school year. The tours give families and community members a behind-the-scenes look at schools, district operations, programs, and partnerships.

Football standings

Fall football continues in the South Puget Sound League. Puyallup enters the week 4-0 overall and 1-0 in league play, with Sumner also at 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the league.

Emerald Ridge is 3-1 overall and 0-1 in league play, while Rogers is 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the league.

Volleyball

Puyallup is also off to a strong start in volleyball at 3-0 in league play. Curtis and Graham-Kapowsin are also 3-0, while Rogers sits at 1-2.

Current schedules and standings are available at spsl.org.

Approaching episode 101

Podyallup is getting close to the original goal of 100 episodes. Because one episode was missed during an illness, the current plan is to reach episode 101 and then evaluate whether the show should continue.

Podyallup is a value-for-value show. If you want it to continue, you can support it by sharing the show, sending stories or feedback, or making a financial contribution.

To support the show financially, visit podyallup.com/donate.

Oktoberfest Northwest

The Washington State Fair is over for the year, but the fairgrounds aren't finished yet. Oktoberfest Northwest returns October 9-11 and celebrates its 21st year in Puyallup.

The event includes German food and beer, live music and dancing, wiener dog races, the Stein Dash 5K, and other Oktoberfest festivities.

Event information is available at thefair.com.