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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.

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

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#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

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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.

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

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Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage
The Resource Room
Youtube channel
Facebook Page

#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

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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 intervention, and removing students from support too early. 

Jocelyn emphasises that Tier 2 should provide "extra, not different" instruction (additional practice of the same systematic phonics content rather than a separate program) and argues that if schools have large numbers of Tier 2 students, they actually have a Tier 1 problem that needs fixing first. 

Drawing on her experience achieving dramatic improvements by flexibly grouping all students across classrooms based on reading development rather than grade level, she advocates for data-driven decision-making, qualified teachers working with the most struggling students, and maintaining intervention until students truly master foundational skills regardless of their grade level. 

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

Quick Links
Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage
The Resource Room
Youtube channel
Facebook Page

#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

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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 with rich texts rather than skills taught in isolation. 

Jocelyn emphasises that comprehension is domain-specific and best assessed through text-based units where necessary knowledge has been explicitly taught, rather than through benchmark assessments that can't distinguish between inference ability and lack of background knowledge. For writing instruction, she promotes integrating reading and writing within the same lessons and prioritising foundational skills, stating that students must have automatic handwriting, spelling, and fluent sentence production before expecting successful multi-paragraph writing. 

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

Quick Links
Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage
The Resource Room
Youtube channel
Facebook Page

#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

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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 worksheet activities and memorisation strategies that leave students "going through the motions." 

For text selection, Jocelyn promotes moving away from levelled reading assessments toward rich, age-appropriate texts that provide suitable challenge, supported through intensive whole-class guided reading where teachers stop regularly to ensure comprehension rather than assigning independent reading followed by end-of-lesson questions. 

Drawing on research from Beck, McKeown, and Sandora's work on questioning techniques and Lemov's Reading Reconsidered, she emphasises that effective upper primary literacy instruction requires shifts in "how" rather than "what", making teaching more intensive, explicit, and responsive to ensure all students can access complex texts. 

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

Quick Links
Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage
The Resource Room
Youtube channel
Facebook Page

#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

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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 independently. Learn how to start with low variance explicit practices at the word level, such as spelling, to build strong foundational skills and a shared vision of knowledge and practice among teaching teams.

We also discuss the implementation of text-based units and the benefits of using short stories and picture books to integrate reading, comprehension, and writing seamlessly. Addressing the challenges of low variance syntax instruction, we provide strategies to support teachers in gaining confidence and transitioning to a structured literacy block. Tune in to discover free resources like "A Teacher's Guide to the Upper Primary Literacy Block" and a five-day course beginning July 22nd, 2024. Equip yourself with insights and practical advice to elevate your teaching practice and foster a more effective literacy environment in your classroom.

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

Quick Links
Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage
The Resource Room
Youtube channel
Facebook Page

#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

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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 programs fall into the latter category. Jocelyn presents 10 key criteria for evaluation, including ensuring instruction focuses on word structure rather than whole words, using decodable texts aligned with student knowledge, progressing from simple to complex concepts, incorporating direct explicit instruction with guided practice, and meeting students at their point of need through data-informed decisions. 

She emphasises moving beyond social media recommendations to systematic evaluation using evidence-informed criteria, while also considering practical factors like cost and ongoing training sustainability. The episode includes a downloadable evaluation checklist to help school leaders make confident, research-aligned decisions about phonics instruction resources. 

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

Quick Links
Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage
The Resource Room
Youtube channel
Facebook Page

#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

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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 changes are having on students, teachers, and principals alike. Hear from school leaders who can finally share their gains openly and find out how these statewide directives are easing the burden on schools already ahead of the curve.

But what about those schools that are just beginning to navigate these seismic shifts? We journey through the emotional landscape of educators facing this daunting transition, guided by the Kubler-Ross change curve. From initial shock and denial to ultimate acceptance, we explore the human side of educational reform. Tune in for a compassionate discussion filled with actionable strategies and resources designed to support your team through these pivotal changes in literacy education. This episode is more than just an update—it's a lifeline for educators at every stage of the journey.

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

Quick Links
Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage
The Resource Room
Youtube channel
Facebook Page

#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

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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 can transform classroom experiences for both students and teachers. By the end of this episode, you'll understand why having a shared vision is crucial for educational teams and how it can optimize instructional time, especially during the hectic first term in Australia.

Discover the secret to minimizing wasted time as students transition from one grade to the next and how using high-quality resources can make even novice teachers effective. We will discuss why inconsistency is the enemy of continuous improvement and how credibility in instruction can be built through consistency. With a unified approach, not only do we enhance the learning experience, but we also create an environment where every child receives the same high standard of education. Ready to learn why the "same place" might just be the best place to be? Tune in and find out.

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

Quick Links
Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage
The Resource Room
Youtube channel
Facebook Page

#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch!

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 as a teach along course. This coming August, I'm running the Build Your Foundations course online. Each Thursday evening for five weeks, you'll have the chance to join me for a live session to unpack the foundational knowledge and know-how of a structured literacy block in years three to six. Participants will receive a resource pack and printed workbook delivered straight to school or home and have access to all the course recordings and all of the courses I have inside the Evergreen Teacher Membership for a full 12 months.

You can come back time and time again to revisit the parts of the program that resonated most with you. There are no more live dates for this program, and I won't be running it again. So, if you want to hop on the three-to-six bus and start building confidence in your literacy block, visit https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/upper to sign your team up. I hope to see you in the program.

Are your students good readers, but poor spellers? If so, you are not alone. Spelling Success in Action addresses phonics, orthography, and morphology to give students a well-rounded understanding of how our language system works. 

Find out how you can help your students move beyond guessing and memorisation at https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

Quick Links
Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage
The Resource Room
Youtube channel
Facebook Page

#jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scienceofreading #classroom #learning #learningisfun #studentsuccess #studentsupport #teacherlife #theresourceroom #theevergreenteacher #upperprimary #upperprimaryteacher #thestructuredliteracypodcast #phoneme #grapheme #phonics #syntheticphonics