The Structured Literacy Podcast - podcast cover

The Structured Literacy Podcast

Hi there, I'm Jocelyn Seamer. Teacher, former school leader, author, and all around cheerleader for teachers everywhere. Learning to read and write is a matter of social justice. Every child deserves to learn through evidence informed practices, and every teacher deserves to be fully supported to make that happen.The Structured Literacy Podcast goes beyond the program to get to the heart of what it's really like to build a structured approach to literacy across the school. 

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Episodes

Summer Series - Five Ways to Get Ready for the Coming Change

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! What is the Summer Series A collection of listener favourites from the Structured Literacy Podcast to help you prepare for 2025. Todays Episode 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. Quick Links Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage The Res...

Nov 30, 202418 minSeason 4Ep. 15

S4 E14 - Guidance for Evaluating Impact

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! Unlock the secrets to achieving literacy goals that truly make a difference. This episode of the Structured Literacy Podcast promises to equip educators with the tools they need to effectively assess and enhance students' phonics growth. We'll share practical strategies for recognizing high achievers and those students who may be "cruising" without sufficient growth, and show you how to make informed adjustments to your teaching pra...

Nov 23, 202423 minSeason 4Ep. 14

S4 Ep13 - Let's Talk Year 3-6 Reading Assessment and Grading

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! What if your current reading assessments fall short of truly capturing your students' abilities? Get ready to transform your approach as we unravel the complexities of assessing and grading reading for years three to six. Discover how to effectively align assessment practices with the Australian Curriculum's achievement standards, steering clear of the limitations of traditional methods like benchmark assessments. We'll guide you th...

Nov 16, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 13

S4 E12 - The Secret to Grading Early Years Reading

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! This episode provides guidance and insights about grading early years reading using your state's achievement standard and your chosen normed reading tool. Quick Links Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage The Resource Room Youtube channel Facebook Page #jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #structuredliteracy #scien...

Nov 09, 202425 minSeason 4Ep. 12

S4 E11 - Making Decisions When the Floor is Lava

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

Nov 02, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 11

S4 E10 - Instructional Spring Cleaning - Timers During Classroom Fluency Work

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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, automaticity, and prosody—and disc...

Oct 25, 202423 minSeason 4Ep. 10

S4 E9 - Instructional Spring Cleaning - One Student at the Front

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

Oct 19, 202420 minSeason 4Ep. 9

S4 E8 - Instructional Spring Cleaning - Student News

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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 your classroom. So, without further ado, grab your feat...

Oct 12, 202413 minSeason 4Ep. 8

S4 Ep7 - The Critical Issue of Teacher Knowledge Building

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! In this episode, we’ll discuss what you can do to help your teachers build knowledge that leads to improved student outcomes and doesn’t just take up valuable time and money. Quick Links Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage The Resource Room Youtube channel Facebook Page #jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #struc...

Oct 05, 202416 minSeason 4Ep. 7

S4 E6 - Five Reasons That Traditional Professional Learning Methods Don’t Build Long-Term Knowledge

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! How can educators transcend the rote memorization 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 of purpose-driven education and explore how bu...

Sep 28, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 6

S4 E5 - The Key to Successfully Implementing a New Program in Your School

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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 achieving high commitment and skill levels....

Sep 21, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 5

S4 E4 - Connecting Explicit Teaching and Engagement in Years 3 to 6 Spelling

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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, and etymology, you'll learn to teach you...

Sep 14, 202413 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Listener Favourites - How Do I Fit Morphology Into My Literacy Block?

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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. Quick Links Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage The Resource Room Youtube channel Facebook Page #jocelynseamereducation #literacy #b...

Sep 07, 202413 minSeason 4Ep. 4

S4 E3 - Can Great Teaching Be Scripted?

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! Scripted programs are becoming a feature of many schools' curriculum approach. In this episode of the Structured Literacy Podcast, I discuss whether great teaching can come from a script. Quick Links Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage The Resource Room Youtube channel Facebook Page #jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearsed...

Sep 01, 202418 minSeason 4Ep. 3

S4 E2 - Tracking Reading Growth Without a Benchmark Assessment

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

Aug 24, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 2

S4 E1 - Harnessing Oral Language for Reading and Spelling Success

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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. Quick Links Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage The Resource Room Youtube channel Facebook Page #jocelynseamereducation #liter...

Aug 17, 202420 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Listener Favourites - Tier One Instruction That Hits the Mark

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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. Quick Links Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage The Resource Room Youtube channel Facebook Page #jocelynseamereducation #litera...

Aug 10, 202419 minSeason 3Ep. 27

Listener Favourites - Tier-Two Instruction That Hits The Mark.

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! Originally published in 2023 under the title Why Isn't My Tier-Two Instruction Working, this week's episode describes how you can get your Tier-Two instruction to hit the mark. Quick Links Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage The Resource Room Youtube channel Facebook Page #jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #str...

Aug 03, 202421 minSeason 3Ep. 26

Listener Favourites - Shifts to move to a structured approach in Years 3 to 6 Part 2

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! This episode continues our exploration of the key elements of an upper primary literacy block. I unpack how we can bring more structure to writing and reading comprehension. Quick Links Jocelyn Seamer Education Homepage The Resource Room Youtube channel Facebook Page #jocelynseamereducation #literacy #bestpractice #earlyprimaryyears #primaryschool #primaryschools #primaryschoolteacher #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearseducator #struct...

Jul 21, 202414 minSeason 3Ep. 25

Listener Favourites - Shifts to move to a structured approach in Years 3 to 6 Part 1

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

Jul 13, 202410 minSeason 3Ep. 24

S3 E23 - Supporting Your Year 3-6 Team to Board the Bus

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

Jul 06, 202417 minSeason 3Ep. 23

S3 E22 - How to Choose a Phonics Program

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

Jun 29, 202428 minSeason 3Ep. 22

S3 E21 - 5 Ways to Get Ready for the Coming Change

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

Jun 20, 202416 minSeason 3Ep. 21

S3 E20 - 8 Reasons that the Same Page is a Great Place to be

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

Jun 15, 202416 minSeason 3Ep. 20

New Online Course: Build the Foundations for Your Literacy Block in Years 3 to 6

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 r...

Jun 11, 20243 min

S3 E19 - How To Make Sure That Your Spelling Instruction Is Explicit

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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 to help every student excel - Break d...

Jun 08, 202423 minSeason 3Ep. 19

S3 E18 - Explicit Instruction That Doesn't Come At The Expense Of High Flyers

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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 as methods for stretching our high-flying...

Jun 01, 202420 minSeason 3Ep. 18

S3 E17 - Do Nonsense Words have a Place in Upper Primary?

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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 21 sec - the importance of non-word spel...

May 25, 202417 minSeason 3Ep. 17

S3 E16 - Planning To Make Report Writing Easier

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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 assessments. Say goodbye to the common pitfalls that bo...

May 18, 202423 minSeason 3Ep. 16

S3 E15 - Four Points to Consider When Pacing Phonics Instruction

Has something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! 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 phonics instruction, how many correspond...

May 11, 202424 minSeason 3Ep. 15
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