As morphology becomes a formal requirement in literacy instruction, decisions are being made quickly about what to teach and how to teach it. Those decisions will not land evenly. When instruction lacks coherence, real students, the same students who have always found literacy difficult, are the ones who will continue to struggle, often with more […]
Morphology is Having a Moment: A Cautionary Tale Read More »
It was a genuine honour to deliver a keynote address at the International Dyslexia Association Ohio Summit earlier this year. To be invited to speak to a room filled with educators, clinicians, and parents who are deeply committed to improving outcomes for students was both humbling and energising. These are important professional conversations, and I
Spelling Errors are More than Mistakes: They’re Data Read More »
Lexicons for Life – Adelaide Launch Feb 28 2026 Yesterday I ran the first Lexicons for Life workshop in Adelaide, and the conversations in the room were sharp, practical and focused. Teachers brought real classroom words and real classroom problems. We worked through them together. It was bliss. To put it all into context:
Steering the Ship Back to Words Read More »
Is Spelling for Life a “Program”? Recently, someone asked whether Spelling for Life is a spelling program. Another educator responded: “I don’t see it as something to implement. It’s not really a program.” That comment stayed with me. Not because it offended me. It didn’t. It was thoughtful and respectful. But because it highlights
Is Spelling for Life a “Program”? Read More »
I get a lot of people contacting me looking for “packages”. You know the sort of thing: scope and sequence documents, slide decks, word lists, advice on blending multiple programs together, neatly ordered prescriptions about “what to teach and when”. I understand why. They feel safe. They feel concrete. They look like a solution. My
Why Lists Can’t Replace Knowledge (and how we can ask for better) Read More »
Treasa in action. Board in constant use. During my recent visit to Carrigtwohill Community National School, I had the privilege of spending a morning in Treasa Bowe’s classroom. What unfolded was an inspiring example of how structured literacy can be taught with warmth, clarity, and intellectual depth. From an opening question and answer session to whole class morphology,
Recently, I found myself back in Colac, a place I once called home for many years. My late daughter attended the specialist school (for students with intellectual disability) there, so returning was always bound to be a bittersweet journey. I’m happy to say that this visit brought something entirely new and deeply heartening. Through a conference
A Visit to Colac and Down Memory Lane Read More »
These past few days in Christchurch, New Zealand, were a whirlwind of professional growth, connection, and inspiration. Saturday: Upper Primary Workshop On Saturday, I had the pleasure of running a one-day Upper Primary Spelling for Life workshop with an incredible group of educators. Some attendees even flew in from Auckland and other parts of the country to
This past week has been a feast of professional development, school visits, and shared insights from some of the best educators in (and outside) the country. Each day offered an opportunity to deepen my understanding of what great teaching looks like and how schools can refine their practice to serve students more effectively. Conferences notebook
Refining Practice: A Week of Learning and Inspiration Read More »
Do you wear a T-shirt sometimes? How about jeans? Tracksuit pants? Slip-on shoes? A hat that doesn’t fasten under your chin? How lazy! Those lazy clothes, and many more besides are the curse of civilization. We are losing so many clothes that take effort to wear. I’m calling for a return to corsets, collared shirts,
Stop Wearing Lazy Clothes! Read More »