The Structured Literacy Podcast

Jocelyn Seamer

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. 

  1. 2D AGO

    S7 E8 - Why Your Spelling Approach Might Be Working Against You (Part 2)

    The fastest way to make spelling instruction fail is to assume every student is starting from the same place. They are not and your planning shouldn’t pretend they are. I’m getting practical about what to do with the real mix of spellers sitting in front of you, especially in upper primary and early secondary, where gaps can hide behind “good enough” writing and familiar word memory. I also walk you through the key design decisions behind Spelling Success in Action 1, including differentiated word lists within a shared lesson structure, 15 to 20 minute lessons across four days a week, embedded assessment and progress monitoring, retrieval practice, and text-level application so spelling transfers into writing. Download the free early morphology diagnostic from jocelynseamereducation.com, and share the episode with a colleague who’s wrestling with spelling 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 as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick. Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com 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

    23 min

  2. MAR 14

    S7 E7 - Why Your Spelling Approach Might Be Working Against You (Part 1)

    Spelling is not a side quest. When it isn’t automatic, it quietly steals the working memory students need for ideas, sentence craft, and clear argument, especially in upper primary and the early secondary years. If you are seeing capable students write small, play it safe with vocabulary, or avoid writing altogether, word-level knowledge may be the hidden barrier you cannot afford to ignore. Jocelyn focuses on Years 3 to 8 and lays out what the research says strong spelling instruction should look like, versus what it often becomes in practice.  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 as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick. Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com 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

    26 min

  3. MAR 7

    S7 E6 - Practical Steps When Grouping for Phonics

    We map out a practical path to targeted phonics that lifts every learner. We define instructional precision, show how to gather the right data, and share a step-by-step launch plan that works in real schools with limited adults. • clarifying whole class versus grouping and why size is not the point • defining instructional precision and cognitive load in phonics • sorting data as a team and narrowing the range per teacher • assigning teachers to groups • keeping class teachers connected to progress and practice • reducing stigma with neutral language and parent scripts • aligning evidence, workload, and student wellbeing We have a free phonics spelling assessment in the resources section on the Jocelyn Seamer Education website, here. 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 as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick. Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com 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

    27 min

  4. FEB 28

    S7 E5 - What Does the Research Actually Say About Grouping Students for Phonics?

    We challenge the assumption that whole-class phonics with a little extra is the most effective route and explore why targeted Tier 1 grouping often delivers stronger gains. Using cognitive load theory and intervention research, we show how matched content can raise progress without creating waitlists or missed learning elsewhere. • why many Year 3 students still need foundational code • what grouping studies actually tested and why that matters • how targeted, explicit, code-focused teaching drives gains • early, intensive support over waiting for intervention • designing Tier 1 to include intervention features • cognitive load as a lens for matching content • when to keep whole-class and when to regroup • practical next steps for data, grouping, and progress checks 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 as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick. Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com 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

    24 min

  5. FEB 21

    S7 E4 – The Top 5 Mistakes We Make When Using Decodable Texts

    We unpack how to use decodable texts with precision so beginners practise the code instead of guessing. We share the biggest mistakes schools make, how to spot readiness to transition, and a staged text diet that blends decodables with rich literature. • reframing the debate around suitability, not good or bad  • defining novice readers by code knowledge, not age  • risks of mixing leveled and decodable texts too early  • signs students are ready to shift text types  • planning a staged text diet across early years  • teaching set for variability while keeping decoding first  • free framework to guide movement beyond decodables As always, if you found this helpful, I would love to hear from you. And if you're looking for more resources on implementing effective instruction, head over to JustinSiemereducation.com or comb through the many, many, many podcast episodes we have in the catalogue for this podcast 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 as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick. Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com 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

    25 min

  6. FEB 15

    S7 E3 - What Does Research Really Say About Decodable Texts?

    In this episode, we weigh the current research on decodable and leveled texts, separate durable findings from weak claims, and explore which research findings we can confidently base decisions on.  Some of the research focus explored in this episode are:  • strengths and limits of the research base • how decodables build early decoding and pseudoword reading • strategy differences prompted by text type • why early gains fade without progression • cautions around comprehension claims and knowledge • aligning texts to scope and sequence and student readiness 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 as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick. Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com 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

    25 min

  7. FEB 7

    S7 E2 - The Top 5 Ways to Ensure Reading Success in Years 3 to 6

    We share five evidence-informed moves to boost reading in Years 3–6, from language-rich talk and explicit code knowledge to partner reading and smart text selection. We close with practical ways to thread reading through science, history, and geography without burning out. • creating a language-rich classroom with explicit, natural vocabulary use • assessing and addressing phonics and morphology gaps • using partner reading to differentiate practice efficiently • prioritising short, high-quality texts over length for its own sake • integrating reading across the curriculum to build knowledge and stamina • avoiding overestimation of foundational skills through class-wide screening • focusing on accuracy before fluency and then sophistication • choosing one change to start and one area to strengthen Email us at help@jocinseeducation.com 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 as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick. Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com 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

    21 min

  8. JAN 31

    S7 E1 - The Three Critical Questions Your Students Are Silently Asking You

    In this season opener of the Structured Literacy Podcast, Jocelyn argues that before any real learning can happen, students need answers to three unspoken questions: Do you like me? Are you going to help me? Can I trust you? Drawing on brain science and classroom experience, she offers practical strategies for building the connection and emotional safety that make everything else, including literacy instruction, possible. 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 as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick. Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com 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

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jocelyn Seamer
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Structured Literacy Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Structured Literacy Podcast

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