These videos support Australian schools by showcasing professional development, instructional model changes, curriculum connections, and literacy resourcing. They also align with the SA Department's four areas of impact: equity and excellence, learner agency, effective learners, and wellbeing.
Celebrating literacy growth across a whole school
In this video, Cassie Manton, principal at Mt Barker South Primary School in South Australia, explains how the whole school transformed its literacy approach by shifting teacher and student mindsets, implementing collaborative action teams, and providing personalised professional development.
They invested in classroom resources, emphasised responsive teaching methods, and focused on building a community of readers and writers.
The approach prioritises student strengths, independent learning, and continuous improvement across all year levels.
Celebrating literacy growth in a year 3 classroom
Education visionary Garth Boomer's Confirming (and Celebrating) Principle highlights the importance of celebrating learning milestones to reinforce and motivate progress. Boomer advocated designing experiences where learners apply new skills repeatedly in varied contexts, recognising the human need for celebration. This principle resonates with teachers, emphasising the importance of reflecting on and celebrating growth. Teacher Sarah Taylor celebrates transformative literacy practices at Mt Barker South Primary demonstrating the impact of integrated, meaningful teaching on student engagement and confidence.
Celebrating literacy growth in a years 3-6 Special Options classroom
Jess Kneebone reflects on her growth as a teacher, guided by literacy consultant Sharon Callen. Their collaboration began through an early career teacher program and evolved into personalised, in-classroom support. Jess now leads a diverse Year 3-6 special options class, fostering engagement through differentiated strategies and a focus on independence. Incorporating quality literature, mentor texts, and creative projects, Jess cultivates students' confidence and love of learning. Their journey exemplifies the transformative power of collaborative professional learning.
Celebrating literacy growth in a year 4/5 classroom
In this inspiring video, teacher Robert Kennedy shares how he transformed his classroom into a thriving literacy community. Through daily read alouds with rich texts, extended independent reading time, and deliberate connections between reading and writing, his students have become passionate readers and accomplished writers.
His carefully curated classroom library and authentic enthusiasm for books have ignited similar passion in his students—even former reluctant readers. As Robert puts it, "If you're not passionate about literacy, it's not going to come across in your classroom."
