Structured Literacy, Maths Dani Archer Structured Literacy, Maths Dani Archer

The Summer Slide – Why Summer Learning Matters and How to Keep on Top of Learning

As the final school bell of the year rings, children eagerly look forward to summer: trips to the beach, family holidays, and long, lazy days. While these breaks are essential for rest and relaxation, there is a hidden consequence many parents and educators are aware of: the summer slide.

But what exactly is the summer slide, why does it matter, and how can we help our children keep on top of their learning throughout the summer months? Let's take a look…

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How Structured Literacy Supports Students with Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading and writing skills. For many years, educators and researchers have sought effective ways to help students with dyslexia develop strong literacy skills. One approach that has gained widespread support is Structured Literacy. This evidence-based method provides a comprehensive, explicit, and systematic approach to reading instruction, and research shows that it is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia.

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Structured Literacy, Dyslexia Support Dani Archer Structured Literacy, Dyslexia Support Dani Archer

Signs of Dyslexia: What Every Parent Should Know

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities, affecting about 15-20% of the population. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to helping children with dyslexia thrive. As a parent, being aware of the signs of dyslexia and understanding when to seek support can make all the difference in your child’s learning journey. In this blog, we’ll cover the key indicators of dyslexia across different age groups and offer guidance on when to pursue professional support.

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Structured Literacy, Maths, Primary Education Dani Archer Structured Literacy, Maths, Primary Education Dani Archer

New Curriculum: Easy to Change Curriculum, Hard to Change Mindsets

As New Zealand moves towards significant changes in the English and Maths curriculums from 2025, there is a growing debate around how the education system should adapt. The government’s focus is clear: improving literacy and numeracy levels among students. Education Minister Erica Stanford has emphasised the importance of starting the process now, given the declining achievement rates, particularly in maths. However, the question isn’t just about what needs to change - it’s about whether schools and teachers are prepared to shift their long-standing approaches and embrace new methodologies. While I support these reforms, it’s evident that changing mindsets, not just curriculum content, may be the biggest challenge we face.

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Structured Literacy Dani Archer Structured Literacy Dani Archer

Irregular Words: What Are They and Why Is It Important to Teach Them Explicitly?

As parents, you may have heard the term “irregular words” or “heart words” when helping your child with reading. These are words that don’t follow the usual spelling rules, so they can’t be easily sounded out. Traditionally, children were taught to memorise these words as a whole. But recent research shows that there’s a better way to help kids learn these tricky words.

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