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.

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.

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/