The Structured Literacy Podcast

Have you ever wondered if the ticking of a timer could transform reading fluency in young learners? Join us on this episode of the Structured Literacy Podcast as we untangle the complexities of using timed reading in primary education. I recount my journey from initial skepticism to embracing a more nuanced understanding of this technique. We delve into the intricate components of fluency—accuracy...

In this episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, Jocelyn examines the common classroom practice of bringing one student to the front to answer questions, arguing that while it benefits the chosen student, it creates passive learning experiences for the rest of the class whose attention spans are already limited. Drawing on research showing that Grade 1 students can maintain on-task behaviour fo...

This week, we are going to have a spring clean. In this episode, I'll share a practice that I think we should reconsider. I'm not focusing on this practice in the episode because I think it should be forever banished or because I want to criticize past practices. I've used this practice myself, but I'd like to encourage you to consider whether it is having the maximum impact in...

In this episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, Jocelyn explores why traditional professional learning fails to improve student outcomes, drawing on research from Joyce and Showers to demonstrate that effective teacher knowledge building requires more than one-off workshops or program implementation. She explains how knowledge exists on a continuum from tacit/implicit (what we know but can&apo...

How can educators transcend the rote memorisation of teaching steps to foster genuine understanding and meaningful learning? Join me, Jocelyn, on this episode of the Structured Literacy Podcast as we uncover the intricate relationships between cognitive load theory, literacy frameworks, and effective classroom practices. We'll dissect Timothy Shanahan's latest insights on the importance...

What if implementing a new teaching program could transform your school's instructional practices and student outcomes? Promise kept! Join us on the Structured Literacy Podcast as we unpack the critical elements of successfully rolling out these initiatives. From meticulous planning to effective execution, we guide you through the journey educators will undertake—from initial excitement to ac...

What if you could transform your spelling lessons from monotonous drills to engaging, multi-dimensional learning experiences? This week on the Structured Literacy Podcast, we promise you'll discover how to make spelling instruction both explicit and exciting. Jocelyn shatters the myth that structured teaching is synonymous with dull repetition. By integrating phonics, orthography, morphology,...

Our literacy blocks are so full that it's difficult to find time for all of the things we need to fit in, including morphology.   In this week's episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, I share tips for finding time for this important area of instruction in both the early years and upper primary grades.  Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! We have released...

In this episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, Jocelyn explores the nuanced debate around scripted teaching programs, moving beyond polarised views to examine when and why such approaches might be appropriate. Drawing on Ken Blanchard's Situational Leadership Model, she explains how teachers at different stages, from enthusiastic beginners needing high direction to peak performers requir...

In this week's episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, I address the common challenge of tracking student reading progress.  Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! We have released Spelling Success in Action 1, a catch-up program for phonics, early morphology, and orthographic conventions for years 3 to 8. This program can be used one-on-one, in small groups, or a...

Oral language is listed as one of the six key areas of reading instruction but what does it look like to really address it effectively across the school? In this episode, I draw connections to theoretical frameworks and share my top 5 tips for effectively including oral language in all areas of the curriculum. Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! We have released Spellin...

It is wonderful to have Tier 2 support for students who need that little bit extra, but the real key to inclusive instruction is to make Tier 1 as robust as humanly possible. In this episode of the Structure Literacy Podcast, we outline the critical factors in delivering Tier 1 instruction that hits the mark. Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! We have released Spelling...

In this episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, Jocelyn addresses why Tier 2 intervention instruction often fails to produce results, identifying five critical issues: misalignment between Tier 1 and Tier 2 efforts, asking struggling students to learn double content from separate programs, weak Tier 1 instruction that creates too many intervention needs, unqualified staff delivering interventi...

In this second part of the series on transitioning upper primary literacy instruction, Jocelyn focuses on essential shifts in reading comprehension and writing approaches for Years 3-6. She advocates moving away from strategy-focused comprehension instruction toward text-focused learning where background knowledge and vocabulary building take precedence, with strategies serving as tools to engage...

In this first part of a two-part series on implementing structured literacy in upper primary, Jocelyn outlines critical shifts in word-level instruction and text selection for Years 3-6. She advocates transitioning from phonics-only spelling instruction to incorporating orthography and morphology once students master approximately 70 graphemes, emphasising explicit knowledge-building over workshee...

Discover the transformative power of structured literacy practices for grades three to six with our latest episode! What if you could create a consistent literacy block that enhances teaching effectiveness and reduces cognitive load? We're diving into the critical importance of common structures and routines, and exploring the potential pushback from teachers who are used to working independe...

In this episode of the Structured Literacy Podcast, Jocelyn provides practical guidance for educators choosing phonics programs for their schools. She distinguishes between truly "evidence-based" programs (which have undergone rigorous third-party testing) and "evidence-informed" programs (which draw on research-backed instructional practices), noting that most available progra...

Ever wondered why some schools are celebrating massive advancements in literacy while others are scrambling to keep up? Join us as we unpack the transformative mandates in Victoria and Tasmania that are revolutionizing literacy education. With Victoria rolling out mandatory daily phonics lessons and Tasmania following suit with structured literacy, we're spotlighting the profound impact these...

Ever wondered why consistency in teaching practices is more than just a buzzword? Join me, Jocelyn, on the Structured Literacy Podcast as we unpack the magic of a unified approach to reading instruction. In this episode, I'll share insights from my popular 2021 blog post, "Eight Reasons the Same Place Is A Great Place To Be," and reveal how a consistent, evidence-based methodology c...

I have some exciting news. For the past year, I've been delivering my Upper Primary Focused Workshop, Build the Foundations for Your Literacy Block, live and in person in Years 3 to 6. Over 600 people have joined me for a full day of learning, followed up by 12 months of ongoing PL through our evergreen teacher membership platform. I've decided it's time to bring that program online...

Spelling knowledge is critical for strong text-level writing, but how do we know that our instruction is explicit and evidence-informed? This episode of the structured literacy podcast reviews key characteristics for explicit instructions and shares reasons that some common practices might not be as explicit as first thought.  Take-aways from this episode include:  - Transform spelling instruction...

Discover practical strategies for engaging and challenging high-achieving students in our latest episode on the Structured Literacy Podcast. Many teachers are concerned that moving to a structured, explicit approach to teaching will disadvantage students who are capable of doing more.  In this episode of the podcast, we'll cover ways to maintain engagement and equity in the classroom, as well...

Nonsense words play an important part in phonics assessment, but what about in Years 3-6? This week's episode of the structured literacy podcast explores whether middle and upper primary teachers need to include them in their classroom. Highlights from this episode: 2min 33 sec - teaching nonsense words vs assessing using nonsense words 5 min 06 sec - assessments that use nonsense words 7 min...

Ready to transform the headache of report writing? Join me, Jocelyn, on the Structured Literacy Podcast, where we unpack the art of aligning curriculum with classroom planning. This episode offers practical tips to grade with ease. We'll reveal how a well-organized classroom and targeted 'I can' statements not only empower your students but also pave the way for straightforward asse...

There are four decisions we need to make in pacing phonics for our students. 1) when to begin phonics 2) how much content to teach at once 3) when to move on in the code 4) when to stop teaching phonics. Key moments in this episode: 3min 14 sec -deeper understanding of phonemic awareness has implications for our decision making about when to introduce phonics 7min 5sec - As with when to begin phon...