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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

Part 4: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School

In the fourth part of our podcast series 'Teaching Reading in the First Year of School', we delve into the complexities of teaching reading in the first year of school. This discussion aims...  Read more

Part 3: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School: A Comprehensive Approach

Understanding how to teach reading effectively in the first year of school is crucial for educators. This narrative, based on insights from experienced educators Di and Phil, explores the multi-faceted approach needed to...  Read more

Part 2: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School: Developing Deep Language Skills

The Importance of Reading Aloud in Early Education In the journey of teaching children to read, especially in their first year of school, the role of reading aloud cannot be overstated. Expert literacy...  Read more

Part 1: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers

Introduction: The Importance of a Comprehensive Curriculum In the first year of school, teaching reading is a foundational task that requires a well-rounded and thorough approach. Diane Snowball, a literacy expert, outlines a...  Read more

Part 1: Invitation to New Books with Genevieve Kruyssen

Genevieve Kruyssen from Brisbane's beloved bookshop, Where the Wild Things Are, recently joined a podcast to discuss a curated selection of children's books. From picture books to middle-grade novels, her recommendations promise to...  Read more

Part 2: Invitation to New Books with Genevieve Kruyssen

In the latest episode of our podcast, 'Invitation to New Books,' Genevieve Kruyssen, a passionate advocate for children's literature, shares her excitement about new books that captivate young readers. From enchanting tales of...  Read more

Part 6: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Reading Aloud (2)

Reading aloud in the classroom is a simple yet incredibly effective tool for fostering literacy among students, particularly those who struggle with reading. This blog post, based on a podcast discussion (part 2),...  Read more

Part 7: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Paired Reading

In the latest episode of "High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6," Sharon introduces a proven technique to support struggling readers called Paired Reading. This approach, developed by researcher Keith...  Read more

Part 5: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers: Years 3 to 6 – Reading Aloud

In part five of the podcast series on high-impact strategies for struggling readers in grades 3-6, Sharon and Phil explore the power of reading aloud. They discuss how reading aloud enhances fluency, comprehension,...  Read more