S7 E5 - What Does the Research Actually Say About Grouping Students for Phonics?

About this episode

The episode challenges the effectiveness of whole-class phonics and discusses the benefits of targeted Tier 1 grouping for phonics instruction.

We challenge the assumption that whole-class phonics with a little extra is the most effective route and explore why targeted Tier 1 grouping often delivers stronger gains. Using cognitive load theory and intervention research, we show how matched content can raise progress without creating waitlists or missed learning elsewhere. • why many Year 3 students still need foundational code • what grouping studies actually tested and why that matters • how targeted, explicit, code-focused teaching...

People in this episode

Host: Jocelyn Seamer

Topics covered

• phonics
• grouping students
• cognitive load theory
• Tier 1 grouping
• explicit teaching
• foundational code

Keywords

• phonics
• grouping
• cognitive load
• intervention
• explicit teaching
• Year 3 students
• foundational code

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: cognitive load theory, intervention research

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• S7 E10 - How to Evaluate Spelling Instruction · April 19, 2026 · 25 min
• S7 E9 - Why We Should Keep the Early in Early Childhood · March 28, 2026 · 32 min
• S7 E8 - Why Your Spelling Approach Might Be Working Against You (Part 2) · March 21, 2026 · 23 min
• S7 E7 - Why Your Spelling Approach Might Be Working Against You (Part 1) · March 14, 2026 · 26 min
• S7 E6 - Practical Steps When Grouping for Phonics · March 7, 2026 · 27 min