Welcome to SPELD NZ's online Kōwae ako-Learning Capsules. We've created these in response to the huge demand from educators and families seeking skills and wisdom to better support those who struggle with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities.

Click on each tile for full details on each Kōwae ako-Learning Capsule.  We’ll continue to add more to this knowledge hub so watch this space!

Kōwae ako / Learning Capsules

Top Ten Resources to Help Your Child at Home

How can I help boost my child’s literacy and numeracy at home? Learn ways to help using simple, everyday, household materials.

Navigating Neurodiversity at Secondary School

Expert advice on communicating with teachers and learning support staff, navigating workload and stress, building resilience, making the most of A.I., classroom accommodations, special assessment conditions, changes to NCEA and much more.

Navigating Neurodiversity in Early Childhood

Research shows the earlier we identify and support children with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities, the better the outcomes. So what are the first signs of dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities and what can we do to help?

Phonemic & Phonological Awareness

Phonemic & Phonological Awareness – Updated 2025

Delve deeply into how sounds are learned in the English language and understand their critical place in developing skills for reading and writing. Learn strategies and tools to strengthen your teaching kete.

Phonics

Explore the importance of phonics for reading and writing skill development. Understand how phonics skills are assessed and learn ways to strengthen phonics for writing and spelling.

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

Learn from Dr Nathaniel Swain’s infectious energy and deep expertise. Understand common writing errors at the sentence level and how to remedy challenges in writing.

What Do I Do After Phonics? Advanced spelling instruction and morphology

Learn advanced spelling instruction and morphology from the dynamic Dr Nathaniel Swain in this presentation from SPELD NZ’s 2025 conference.

Oral Language Competence and Transition to Literacy

Oral Language Competence and Transition to Literacy – What can we learn from research? A SPELD NZ Lifting Literacy conference presentation by Dr Pamela Snow.

Literacy in First World, English-Speaking Nations

How did we get here and where are we going next? A presentation by Professor Pamela Snow at SPELD NZ’s Conference Lifting Literacy.

The Power of Etymology and Morphology

How knowledge improves spelling. A presentation by Dr Lillian Fawcett at SPELD NZ’s Lifting Literacy conference.

Dyscalculia

New Learning Capsule coming soon

Personal Stories

Find out how SPELD NZ has helped both children and adults overcome their struggles with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities.

Canine Comfort

A canine companion can soothe and calm the frustrations of a child struggling to learn.

She’s Enriched Our Lives

Grandparents often play a critical role in supporting neurodivergent grandchildren – none more so than Lena and Phillip Stirrup.

Understanding My Dyslexia

We never cease to be amazed at the courage of SPELD NZ students.  Once they’ve had the support they need, their confidence soars. 

Igniting the Joy of Reading

Inspired by her own students, SPELD NZ Teacher Ali Fullick taught herself to write, illustrate and publish her own decodable books.