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.

"Nathaniel Swain was exceptional"
"Practical, entertaining and informative."
"Nathaniel Swain was incredible"

Learning Outcomes

Gain insights on:

  • The importance of orthographic (in addition to phonics) knowledge
  • Common spelling errors at the orthographic and morphological levels
  • How to progress spelling to a more functionally effective level.

Ideal for

All educators and others interested in ways to lift literacy.

Delivery method

A presentation of about one hour and 12 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

Enrolment

SPELD NZ professionals please enrol via Moodle using your regular login details and clicking on the Webinars/Kōwae Ako tile.

All others, please go via the enrolment portal below.  You 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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Learning Capsules

Navigating Neurodiversity at Primary School
Phonics