Differentiation gets talked about a lot—but what does it actually mean in a real classroom with diverse learners? In this episode, Jenny dives deep into how we can group, plan, and teach with purpose to meet every student where they are—using assessment as the foundation. Discover practical insights into learner waves, structured literacy, and how we can better support both our gifted learners and those who need intensive interventions. A must-listen for every teacher navigating the complexity of today's classrooms.

In this week’s episode of Meeting the Needs of At-Risk Learners Through Structured Literacy, Jenny shines a light on something often overlooked: visual processing difficulties.

Many students with perfect eyesight still battle with reading, tracking, and comprehension. Jenny explains why—and what teachers can do to help. Learn how visual discrimination, sequencing, and Irlen Syndrome may be holding students back, and how structured literacy and visual training can work together to fast-track success.

Did you know that 99% of children with learning difficulties have a phonological weakness? In this episode, Karen and Jenny look into what phonological awareness really is, why it matters so much, and how structured literacy addresses this foundational skill. They also explore how early intervention—even before school—can set children up for literacy success, and highlight the powerful (and often overlooked) HPP junior language programme. A must-listen for anyone passionate about helping at-risk learners thrive.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of auditory processing—what it is, how it affects learning, and why some students struggle to "hear the difference." Jenny unpacks the five key types of auditory processing difficulties, from auditory discrimination to figure-ground challenges, and explains how Structured Literacy provides powerful strategies to support these learners.

You'll also hear practical examples, including the Weird Word Game, and discover simple yet effective techniques teachers (and even parents!) can use to help children develop strong auditory processing skills. Plus, a little bonus: some unexpected marital advice on listening!

Join us for this insightful and engaging conversation, packed with real-life strategies to support struggling learners.

Learn how Structured Literacy helps address key underpinning weaknesses, including phonological challenges, working memory, and processing speed. Jenny shares practical strategies that empower teachers to support at-risk learners, ensuring stronger reading, writing, and overall learning success.

Plus see the visual demo of some strategies at https://www.spectrumeducation.com/meeting-the-needs-sl-podcast/

In this episode, we explore the importance of a multimodal approach in structured literacy, emphasising that learning challenges go beyond academics. Jenny shares insights on how integrating social, emotional, and behavioural support alongside structured literacy can significantly impact student success. By addressing cognitive load, executive functioning, and self-esteem, educators can create a holistic learning environment that better supports at-risk and neurodiverse students.

Unlock the power of Structured Literacy to better support at-risk learners in your classroom! In this episode, we explore why Structured Literacy is not a programme, rather a proven, evidence-based approach that empowers teachers with the tools to assess, differentiate, and accelerate student learning. Join host Karen Tui Boyes and expert Jenny Tebbutt as they discuss the essential strategies to improve literacy outcomes, reduce teacher workload, and ensure every student gets the support they need to thrive.