Syntax as the 'Phonics' of Writing: It's as fundamental as that!

Learn from Dr Nathaniel Swain's infectious energy and deep expertise

Dr. Swain’s blend of clarity, enthusiasm, and hands-on techniques inspire and equip educators with tools to elevate both their literacy teaching and their students’ outcomes. Dr Swain offers a dynamic mix of evidence-based theory and student-ready practice. He is a powerful reminder that effective instruction is both an art and a science – and, when done well, can be deeply transformative.

"Informative, well-researched and dynamically presented."

"An exceptional and engaging speaker."

Learning Outcomes

Gain insights on:

Understanding common writing errors at the sentence level
Looking at a progression of key sentences and how to remedy challenges in writing.

Ideal for

All educators and others interested in ways to lift literacy.

Delivery method

A dynamic presentation (approximately 68 minutes) at SPELD NZ’s 2025 conference Navigating Neurodiversity. PowerPoint slide notes are provided.

Want to know more?

Dr Nathaniel Swain is a Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Writer. He works as a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences at La Trobe University School of Education and SOLAR LAB, and he produces a blog for teachers called Dr Swain’s Cognitorium. Nathaniel has taught a range of learners in schools and universities, and founded a community of teachers committed to the Science of Learning: Think Forward Educators, now 23,000 members and growing. Dr Swain is a sought-after speaker on educational circuits, and has written a book entitled “Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success stories to help kickstart your school improvement”. Read more about Dr Swain »

Contact

Email: nationaloffice@speld.org.nz
Phone: 028 2552 5822

Cost

$50 including GST

SPELD NZ professionals enrol via Moodle using their usual login details and clicking on the Webinars/Kōwae Ako tile.

For all others, please go via the enrolment portal below. It will ask you to create your own login, if you do not already have one. You can then choose your Learning Capsule/Kōwae Ako. Once you have made payment via credit or debit card, you will be given immediate access to the recording and PowerPoint notes. The recording will be available for seven days.

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