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Part 1: Student Agency with Lisa Burman
Posted by Sharon Callen
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? Lisa Burman, a respected literacy consultant and author, offers deep insights into the topic of student agency....
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Part 2: Teachers Celebrating Their Students’ Writing
Posted by Sharon Callen
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 in Foundation, teachers can ignite a lifelong love for reading and writing. This guide delves into effective...
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Part 1: Teachers Celebrating Their Students' Writing
Posted by Sharon Callen
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) from Mount Barker South Primary School, shared their journey of nurturing a vibrant writing culture in their...
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Part 3: Making Education Explicit and Possible: Insights from Garth Boomer's Closing Address
Posted by Sharon Callen
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 acknowledging these difficulties rather than being carried away by the temporary excitement of educational conferences. For educators,...
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Part 2: Understanding Garth Boomer's Influence on Modern Education
Posted by Sharon Callen
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, and a deep understanding of students, offer valuable insights for teachers today. This blog explores key aspects...
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Part 1: Garth Boomer - A Visionary in Education
Posted by Sharon Callen
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. With a BA Honours from the University of Adelaide and a Diploma of Teaching, Boomer started his...
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Part 4: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School
Posted by Diane Snowball
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 to debunk the simplistic media narrative that categorises teachers into two groups: those who teach phonics explicitly...
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Part 3: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School: A Comprehensive Approach
Posted by Diane Snowball
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 develop young readers' skills comprehensively. Balancing Phonemic Awareness and Comprehension In many schools, there is an overemphasis...
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Part 2: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School: Developing Deep Language Skills
Posted by Diane Snowball
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 educator Diane Snowball emphasises that developing a robust vocabulary and a strong understanding of grammar and language...
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Part 1: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers
Posted by Diane Snowball
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 comprehensive curriculum that addresses various aspects of reading education. This curriculum includes concepts of print, phonological awareness,...
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Part 1: Invitation to New Books with Genevieve Kruyssen
Posted by Sharon Callen
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 captivate young readers and fill gaps in existing libraries. This blog highlights key points from the discussion,...
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Part 2: Invitation to New Books with Genevieve Kruyssen
Posted by Sharon Callen
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 adventure to heartwarming stories of friendship, Genevieve offers valuable insights for teachers looking to inspire their students...
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Part 6: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Reading Aloud (2)
Posted by Sharon Callen
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), delves into various aspects of reading aloud and provides practical advice for teachers of students in Years...
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Part 7: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Paired Reading
Posted by Sharon Callen
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 Topping, offers a structured yet flexible way to enhance reading skills through one-on-one interactions. Here's a detailed...
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Part 5: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers: Years 3 to 6 – Reading Aloud
Posted by Sharon Callen
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, and vocabulary, supported by research from organisations like ALEA and the International Literacy Association. They emphasise the...
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Part 4: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Effective Book Selection (2)
Posted by Sharon Callen
Welcome back to the fourth part of our podcast series on supporting struggling readers in Years 3 to 6. In this episode, we delve into high-impact strategies that teachers can employ to foster student agency and success in reading. From selecting just-right books to implementing innovative techniques like the language...
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Part 3: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Effective Book Selection
Posted by Sharon Callen
Welcome back to the third instalment of our podcast series on high-impact strategies for struggling readers, focusing on students in grades three to six. In this episode, we delve into the crucial aspect of book selection strategies aimed at enhancing the reading experience and fostering literacy development among young learners....
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Part 2: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - The Reading Workshop
Posted by Sharon Callen
In the latest episode of our podcast series, Sharon Callen and her colleague Phil return to delve deeper into the transformative strategies of the Reading 'workshop'. This time, they shine a spotlight on the power of phrasing, a crucial element of fluency that can revolutionise reading comprehension and engagement, especially...
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Part 1: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Yrs 3-6 - The Reading Workshop
Posted by Sharon Callen
Teachers often find themselves grappling with the challenge of teaching struggling readers, particularly in the intermediate grades (years 3-6). Literacy expert Sharon Callen and her colleague Phil delve into this common struggle, acknowledging that it's not unique to these years but requires specific strategies tailored to this age group. They...
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Unveiling the Science of Teaching: A Journey into Evidence-Based Education
Posted by Sharon Callen
In the second part of the podcast series "Evidence-Based Teaching, What Is It?," Misty Adoniou, an expert in education, delves into the intricacies of evidence-based teaching. She sheds light on misconceptions surrounding ready-made materials for teachers and emphasises the importance of understanding the historical context and scientific principles behind teaching...
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Understanding Evidence-Based Teaching: A Conversation with Misty Adoniou
Posted by Sharon Callen
In this enlightening podcast, Evidence Based Teaching, What Is It? – Part 1, Misty Adoniou, a renowned literacy expert, joins the discussion to shed light on evidence-based teaching. Misty's extensive background in language, literacy, and TESOL education brings invaluable insights into this crucial topic. Misty Adoniou's Background: Misty Adoniou, an...
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Unlocking the Joy of Writing: Insights from Sharon Callen's Podcast
Posted by Sharon Callen
In a captivating podcast episode New Writing Units Uncovered, Part 2 with Sharon Callen, educators are invited into an enriching dialogue on nurturing students' writing skills with joy and purpose. Delving into the second part of their discussion on new writing units, Sharon shares invaluable insights and strategies for crafting...
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Announcing New Writing Units: A Teacher's Guide
Posted by Sharon Callen
Welcome back to The Teacher's Toolkit for Literacy podcast for a new season, where this fortnight we delve into the intricacies of teaching writing effectively. In this podcast episode, New Writing Units Uncovered – Part 1, Sharon and Phil explore the nuances of creating writing units tailored to the Australian...
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Navigating Teachific: A Treasure Trove of Resources for Educators
Posted by Sharon Callen
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey through Teachific, your ultimate destination for educational resources? in this 9 minute video, join us as we navigate through the wealth of materials available to enhance your teaching experience and empower your students' learning. Today, we're diving into the heart of...
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There Are So Many Reasons to Rhyme
Posted by Sharon Callen
Incorporating rhymes into reading instruction offers a plethora of benefits for young learners, making it a valuable tool in the classroom. Firstly, rhymes aid in developing phonemic awareness by helping children discern individual sounds within words. This skill lays a solid foundation for reading, as exemplified in familiar rhymes like...
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