Reading aloud to children during their first five years significantly influences their language development, comprehension, and future academic success. Known as the Million Word Gap, this phenomenon highlights the gap in vocabulary exposure between children who are regularly read to and those who are not, potentially exposing children who are read to regularly to up to a million more words by age five than their peers. Let’s look into why this is critical and how early reading helps set the foundation for future learning.

Supporting a dyslexic learner at home can be both rewarding and challenging. The good news is that there are plenty of practical strategies parents can implement in everyday activities to help improve their child’s reading and writing skills. Our latest blog includes evidence-based tips to make literacy learning a more enjoyable and supportive experience for dyslexic students and their parents.

Dyslexia is one of the most misunderstood learning differences, often clouded by myths and misconceptions. These myths can prevent early intervention, leaving children struggling unnecessarily. In this blog, I’ll address some common myths about dyslexia and emphasise the importance of seeking support early.

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.

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.

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.

In a world where education is rapidly evolving, the role of tutors is becoming increasingly crucial in supporting student success. Traditional classroom environments often cater to a wide range of learning abilities, but there is a significant group of students who still benefit from additional support. These students may not qualify for specialised funded support, but they still struggle with certain aspects of their learning, requiring additional help to keep up with their peers. This is where tutoring steps in, not just as a remedial measure but as a tool that bridges educational gaps and improves overall student outcomes.

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.

Levelled readers can sometimes mask underlying reading difficulties. Children with great visual memory might seem to progress well through the levels by memorising words and patterns. However, this reliance on memory over decoding skills becomes problematic as they reach mid-primary school, where the reading demands increase…

Meet Dwayne, a passionate advocate for dyslexia awareness. Discover his inspiring journey from struggling student to successful professional and co-founder of The Study Nook.

Discover why early identification and intervention are crucial for helping children develop strong reading skills. This blog explores the research on effective early reading strategies, the impact of late identification, and the challenges of intervening with older students.

Maths anxiety in children is a real concern that can hinder their learning and overall academic success. As a parent, understanding this phenomenon, its potential causes, and effective strategies to overcome it is crucial in supporting your child's mathematical journey.

Home learning – it's a topic that often sparks debate among parents, educators, and students alike. Let's face it, the idea of adding more work to an already packed schedule can feel like a tough sell. But before you dismiss it entirely, let's explore why home learning holds a crucial role in education.

Reading is not just about recognising letters on a page; it's about uncovering the layers of language that lie beneath the surface. For parents, understanding the nuances of reading instruction can be the key to supporting their child’s development as a reader and writer. In this blog, I explain the concepts of decoding and encoding, shedding light on how structured literacy approaches can empower children to become confident readers and writers.

I am a big believer in Multisensory teaching, and that is because I have seen the results. For that reason, you’ll see the words ‘Multisensory Teaching’ all over my website, but what does that actually mean? Continue reading to find out - what it is, where it came from, how it benefits learners and what it looks like in a Study Nook lesson.

In the realm of mathematics education, the significance of automaticity in basic math facts cannot be overstated. My teaching philosophy aligns with a science of learning approach, advocating for the automatic recall of facts to enhance cognitive resources and problem-solving capabilities. Backed by research, this approach is not just about learning facts but fostering automaticity for improved mathematical proficiency.

As we head into a new school year, many parents want to know how they can best support their child’s learning in reading, writing and spelling at home. Let's explore my Top 5 tips…

Providing your four year old with structured learning experiences can have a significant impact on their future learning. Imagine it as the first step towards laying the groundwork for a lifetime of curiosity and success. Here are my top 5 reasons structured learning experiences are beneficial from a young age - No fancy jargon, just straightforward insights into the incredible benefits backed by evidence.

As we approach a new year, I thought it timely to share my insights into the educational changes taking place in New Zealand's schools. With a new government often comes new change in the realm of Education. With this current change, Education Minister Erica Stanford and the government are steering a course that places an emphasis on the basics, read more below…

The turning point came closer to home, with my step-daughter now navigating her way through Year 9. Eager to excel in her exams, she faced a disheartening message from her English teacher – her potential was limited due to her struggles with spelling. A closer look revealed foundational gaps; she hadn't even mastered the basics of short and long vowel sounds.