Mastering NAPLAN: The Authentic Way
As educators, we often grapple with the challenge of preparing students for standardised tests while maintaining authentic teaching practices. Sharon Callen's insights on NAPLAN preparation offer a refreshing perspective that aligns test readiness... Read more
The Power of Expert Coaching in Sustainable Change
Transforming School Literacy: The Power of Expert Coaching in Sustainable Change When schools undertake literacy transformation, the role of expert coaching can be transformative. Mt Barker South Primary School's five year journey demonstrates... Read more
Part 3: Celebrating Growth in Literacy
Transforming Literacy Learning: A School's Journey of Collaboration, Confidence, and Student Empowerment In the ever-evolving landscape of education, some schools manage to create remarkable transformations that inspire and challenge traditional approaches to teaching... Read more
Evidence-Based Literacy Teaching: A Workshop Roadmap for Educators
Evidence-Based Literacy Teaching: A Workshop Roadmap for Educators We recently designed and presented this workshop for a school in far north South Australia. It offers a comprehensive approach to powerful literacy teaching that... Read more
Part 2: Celebrating Growth in Literacy
Starting a Literacy Journey: Jess Kneebone and Sharon Callen Reflect on Growth in Literacy Teaching Five years ago, a young teacher named Jess Kneebone began her teaching career fresh out of university. It... Read more
Part 1: Celebrating Growth in Literacy
Celebrating Teacher Practice Education visionary Garth Boomer emphasised the significance of celebrating learning journeys, for both students and teachers. His 10th learning principle, the Confirming (and Celebrating) Principle, highlights the joy and empowerment... Read more
Part 2: The Essential Classroom Setup in 2025
By Sharon Callen As teachers, we constantly seek ways to improve the learning environment for our students, making literacy engaging and effective. This blog, inspired by my latest podcast episode, brings together ideas... Read more
Part 1: The Essential Classroom Setup in 2025
By Sharon Callen As teachers, we understand the importance of setting the tone for a productive, inspiring school year. Creating a literacy-rich environment isn't just about the aesthetics of your classroom—it's about equipping... Read more
Part 3: The Importance of Teaching Comprehension, F-2
Teaching Comprehension in the Early Years: A Practical Guide for Educators In the foundational years, teaching comprehension is one of the most impactful ways to foster confident, engaged readers. This narrative, inspired by... Read more
Part 2: The Importance of Teaching Comprehension, F-2
The Importance of Teaching Comprehension in Foundation to Year 2: Insights from Diane Snowball Teaching comprehension in the early years lays the foundation for lifelong literacy. Diane Snowball's recent podcast offers a wealth... Read more
Part 1: The Importance of Teaching Comprehension, F-2
Teaching Comprehension in the Early Years – A Conversation with Diane Snowball In the world of early literacy, comprehension often takes a back seat to the foundational skills of phonics and decoding. However,... Read more
Part 3: A New Assessment Tool for Teachers
Unlocking Literacy with Purpose: A New Assessment Tool for Teachers In the world of teaching literacy, we're always striving to support each student's growth in reading and writing. But how do we track... Read more
Part 2: A New Assessment Tool for Teachers
Part 2: A New Assessment Tool for Teachers – Enhancing Literacy Through Observation and Strategy In this episode, Sharon dives into a new, actionable assessment tool that helps teachers pinpoint where students are... Read more
Part 1: A New Assessment Tool for Teachers
Part 1: A New Assessment Tool for Teachers – Listening to Reading, Watching While Writing Protocol In the ever-evolving landscape of education, assessment tools that effectively capture the nuances of student learning are... Read more
Part 3: Blessing the Book with Sharon Callen
Blessing the Book: Nurturing Readers through Stories In part three of the podcast series, Sharon Callen invites teachers to explore the magic of children's literature, emphasising the idea of "blessing the book." This... Read more
Part 4: Blessing the Book with Sharon Callen
Blessing the Book: Exploring Picture Books with Sharon Callen – Part 4 Picture books hold a special place in a child's life, offering them a chance to explore the world, their emotions, and... Read more
Part 2: Blessing the Book with Sharon Callen
Blessing the Book: A Framework for Building Student Engagement In this blog, we delve into how teachers can foster reading engagement in the classroom. Drawing from research by experts like Linda Gambrell and... Read more
Part 1: Blessing the Book with Sharon Callen
Motivating Young Readers: Unlocking the Joy and Purpose of Reading One of the most common challenges teachers face is ensuring that students not only read but also understand and enjoy what they are... Read more
Part 2: Student Agency with Lisa Burman
Cultivating Student Agency in the Classroom: A Journey from Control to Empowerment In a recent podcast conversation with Lisa Burman, a passionate educator and advocate for student agency, several insightful themes were explored... Read more
Part 1: Student Agency with Lisa Burman
In the ever-evolving field of education, the role of both teachers and students has come under increasing scrutiny. How do we, as educators, best foster environments where children take charge of their learning?... Read more
Part 2: Teachers Celebrating Their Students’ Writing
Celebrating Student Writing: A Guide for Teachers In the world of education, few moments are as rewarding as witnessing the growth of young writers. By fostering a classroom environment that celebrates students' writing... Read more
Part 1: Teachers Celebrating Their Students' Writing
Celebrating Student Writing: Fostering a Community of Young Authors at Mount Barker South Primary School In an inspiring conversation, Tamara Biddle, a Foundation year teacher, and Hayley Allen, a student support officer (SSO)... Read more
Part 3: Making Education Explicit and Possible: Insights from Garth Boomer's Closing Address
Garth Boomer's address begins with a sobering reflection on the world we live in, drawing attention to the socio-political struggles and global challenges that teachers must navigate daily. He emphasises the importance of... Read more
Part 2: Understanding Garth Boomer's Influence on Modern Education
Garth Boomer, a legendary figure in the world of education, continues to inspire educators with his forward-thinking approach to teaching and learning. His ideas, shaped by a blend of intellectual rigor, practical experience,... Read more
Part 1: Garth Boomer - A Visionary in Education
Garth Boomer was a transformative figure in Australian education, leaving a lasting legacy in curriculum development and pedagogy. His journey began in Mount Barker, South Australia, where he distinguished himself academically and athletically.... Read more