LET'S TALK. Gill Pote's Speech and Language Therapy Room

04/03/2026

Cognitive Load Matters in Word Learning.

High-frequency words taught one at a time
increase memory load. Those taught in patterns
reduce it.

Compare these two sets:

big, did, him, his, sit, will

versus

he, was, for, on, are, as

In the first set, students can apply a short i pattern. In the second, every word requires a different analysis.

One set supports pattern recognition.
The other builds six separate memory demands.

Clustering isn’t just organizational.
It’s neurological.

Patterns reduce cognitive load.
Analysis builds permanence.

21/02/2026

Let's process this.
I in 5 children.
Teachers, think of your class.

1 in 5 need structured language intervention/support.

Are they receiving it?
Have they even been identified as needing it?

1 IN 5.

WHEN WE KNOW BETTER.
WE DO BETTER.

21/02/2026

A little view into the week that was.

From My Room🩵

20/02/2026

Yes!

13/02/2026

A MUST to include in a literacy intervention.

12/02/2026

Words to heed....

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

10/02/2026

A few months ago, I shared about one of the most difficult school support team meetings I have ever experienced — where I was verbally attacked and left feeling that true collaboration was impossible. To this day, I do not accept new referrals from that school, because I know that meaningful partnership in the best interests of the child will never be part of the process there.

Today, however, reminded me why I do what I do. 💛

I attended a multidisciplinary meeting at another local school, and the difference was extraordinary.

Respectful dialogue.
Shared concerns.
Open ideas.
Genuine collaboration.
And, most importantly — the child placed first. Not egos.

It was engaging, honest, thoughtful, and filled with shared purpose. A meeting where professionals and a grandmother, listened and supported one another, and worked together with heart and integrity.

Thank you to this school, its incredible learning support teacher, and one outstanding Grade 3 teacher. This is what inclusive, child-centred education looks like.
This is how change happens.
This is how children thrive.
Thank you for reminding me that true partnership still exists.

From My Room ⚘️

07/02/2026

Silent reading has long been a common classroom practice, and for students who already read fluently, it can be a valuable part of the day.

For students who struggle with reading, research shows that silent reading on its own does not build the skills they are missing. These students need explicit instruction, guided practice, and feedback to develop accurate and automatic word reading before independent reading can be truly beneficial.

07/02/2026

Interesting.
Food for thought.