The writing framework unpacked (5): Why some pupils thrive in writing

Spelling isn’t what you think! (With Lyn Stone)

In this episode of The English Teacher Feature, Nicola Romaine is joined by Lyn Stone, author of Spelling for Life, to explore the science of spelling and challenge common misconceptions about how English words work. Together, they unpack how spelling is shaped by phonics, morphology and etymology, and why understanding word structure is key to improving both reading fluency and writing accuracy. The episode explores essential concepts such as orthographic mapping, cognitive load in writing, and how pupils build a strong mental lexicon for long-term word retention. Lyn also shares her practical “spelling detective” approach, offering teachers a clear alternative to traditional spelling lists and tests—supporting deeper learning through word investigation and pattern recognition. To close the episode, Sam Denno offers a focused reflection for secondary English teachers, drawing out key takeaways and practical ways to apply these ideas in the classroom. Key topics: * How children learn to spell (beyond phonics) * The role of morphemes in spelling and vocabulary development * What is orthographic mapping and why it matters * Teaching the schwa sound in multisyllabic words * Moving from spelling tests to deep word knowledge Ideal for primary and secondary English teachers, literacy leads, and anyone interested in evidence-informed approaches to reading and writing.

Can video gaming be harnessed for reading engagement? (With Sharna Jackson)

In this fascinating episode of The English Teacher Feature, Sam Denno speaks to children's author and video game writer, Sharna Jackson, about the worlds of print publishing and game development. 2026 is the National Year of Reading. As part of the government's ambition to raise literacy levels and to increase reading engagement, there is an imperative to reconsider the definition of what reading is for our rapidly evolving, digital-literate society. As part of this, multi-modal text has to be considered. Sam and Sharna delve into the relationships between the two forms and consider the ways in which educators, creatives and writers might play a role in signposting connections between text. Sharna speaks passionately and enthusiastically about the world of creativity and storytelling in all of its forms.

Could we do a better job of engaging parents with English? (With the Kitchen Table Teacher)

Sam Denno and Nicola Romaine welcome their first guest onto the show. Caroline Hudson, aka the "Kitchen Table Teacher", joins Nicola to talk through her own first-hand experiences of going deeper with parental engagement around literary concepts and the English curriculum in primary settings. Following the interview, Sam contemplates the implication of Caroline's ideas for secondary schools.

The writing framework unpacked (5): Why some pupils thrive in writing

Sam Denno and Nicola Romaine look at the case of Jamal, a confident, competent writer in year 6, who has had a positive experience during his primary schooling and is about to embark on his secondary school journey with a robust set of writing skills. They look at where things went right for Jamal and consider the application for classroom teachers of English and writing up and down the key stages. Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: RYJOR8WMSINGNIXA Artist: Benjamin Tissot

The writing framework unpacked (4): What the simple view of writing means for your classroom

English teachers, Sam Denno and Nicola Romaine examine the "simple view of writing" model as presented in the 2025 writing framework and consider its implications for primary and secondary teachers. Should pupils be literally plotted onto an SVW graph or is it more of a metaphorical tool for educators. And, what can be done with pupils who fall into the respective quandrants. Join Sam and Nicola as they discuss transcription, composition and everything in-between! Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: RYJOR8WMSINGNIXA Artist: Benjamin Tissot