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/

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