Nail your Structured Literacy Approach Teaching through Communities of Practice
In this episode, we check out the power of Communities of Practice and how they can transform your structured literacy approach teaching. Jenny shares the benefits of joining these collaborative sessions — from shared ideas and reflective practice to evidence-based strategies and stronger student outcomes. Discover how each session is intentionally designed to build confidence, capacity, and clarity across the key elements of structured literacy, including assessment, phonemic awareness, fluency, writing, and differentiation.
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12:03
The Game Changer: Why Fluency and Automaticity Matter
Dive into the game-changing role of fluency, automaticity, and processing delays in learning success. Jenny shares powerful insights from her recent work with teachers, exploring how oral language, handwriting, and reading fluency are foundational to comprehension and achievement. Discover how structured literacy, when combined with targeted assessment and explicit teaching, can unlock student potential—especially for those with learning difficulties.
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12:46
Why Cognitive Load Theory Deserves a Front Row in Education
In this thought-provoking episode, Karen Tui Boyes and Jenny Tebbutt delve into Cognitive Load Theory — not just as a scientific concept, but as a crucial tool for everyday classroom planning. They explore why understanding how students process information is essential, how teachers can use cognitive load strategies across subjects, and the fact that many educators never received in-depth training on this vital topic. You’ll learn about the three types of cognitive load, how classroom environments and teaching materials impact memory, and the seven key strategies that help put the theory into practice. With stories, practical tips, and reflections on structured literacy, this episode is a must-listen for educators, leaders, and parents wanting better outcomes for all learners. 🔗 Plus: We’ve linked helpful resources on cognitive load in practice to support your teaching journey. https://www.spectrumeducation.com/meeting-the-needs-sl-podcast/
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Explicit Teaching: The Secret Sauce for Learning Success
Are you really teaching explicitly—or just scratching the surface? In this episode, Karen and Jenny unpack what explicit instruction looks like in real classrooms, why it's non-negotiable for beginner learners, and how even experienced teachers often miss key elements. They explore the “what” (phonemic awareness, phonics, morphology, comprehension, and more) and the “how” (gradual release, managing cognitive load) that turn good teaching into great teaching. Plus, remember to watch the masterclass video from Anita Archer on vocabulary instruction—guaranteed to change how you teach. 🎥 Watch the video here → www.spectrumeducation.com/meeting-the-needs-sl-podcast
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Is Differentiation - Grouping, Planning & Targeted Teaching?
Differentiation gets talked about a lot—but what does it actually mean in a real classroom with diverse learners? In this episode, Jenny dives deep into how we can group, plan, and teach with purpose to meet every student where they are—using assessment as the foundation. Discover practical insights into learner waves, structured literacy, and how we can better support both our gifted learners and those who need intensive interventions. A must-listen for every teacher navigating the complexity of today's classrooms.
Meeting the Needs of At-Risk Learners through Structured LiteracyThis podcast is all about empowering teachers with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively support at-risk students through structured literacy. Host Karen-Tui Boyes is joined by our expert, Jenny Tebbutt, who brings a wealth of experience in literacy education. Together, they explore how to implement structured literacy in your classroom, improve student outcomes, and create lasting change.
New Zealand