The Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy: Recent Episodes
Cue Learning, Apiro Media
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Literacy expert and co-founder of Cue Learning Sharon Callen and special expert guests provide practical literacy insights that you can apply in the classroom today.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves, using the fullness of the Australian curriculum.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In the fifth and final episode of their series, hosts Phil and Sharon are joined once again by De and Danielle, two Year 6 teachers whose approach to writing instruction has quietly transformed what their students believe they are capable of.
The conversation centres on the writing cycle — the fifth of De and Danielle's five pillars — and the teachers are quick to challenge the assumption that writing is a neat, linear process. In their classrooms, writing moves forwards and backwards. Students draft, revisit, revise, and return to earlier stages whenever the work demands it. The "one-and-done" habit, deply ingrained across many schools, is something De and Danielle have worked deliberately and persistently to dismantle.
The episode moves through the practical architecture that makes this possible. De and Danielle explain their school-wide editing code, which gives students a shared visual language for feedback, and walk through the self-edit, peer-edit, teacher-edit sequence that distributes responsibility across the classroom. Flexible conferencing — conversations that happen before school, between lessons, and in any available gap — is described as a cornerstone of the approach, always beginning with specific, genuine praise before moving to areas for growth.
Two powerful student-centred practices take centre stage. "Pinking your win" asks students to highlight, in pink, the moment in their writing where they can see their personal goal being met — making individual progress concrete and owned. The hot task, completed independently at the end of each unit, gives students the chance to perform without scaffolding, while the cold task completed at the start of the unit sits alongside it as a record of how far they have travelled.
Two students, Seb and Spenny, share their experience of the cycle from the inside — and what they describe is a process that has changed not just their writing, but how they think about improvement itself.
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In Episode 154 of A Teacher's Toolkit for Literacy, hosts Sharon and Phil sit down with classroom teachers De and Danielle to explore the fourth pillar of effective writing instruction: mastery through high-impact teaching. The conversation digs into the practical strategies that move students beyond basic competence and into genuine craft.
De and Danielle introduce the master class as one of their most powerful tools — a short, targeted small-group session that runs alongside whole-class mini lessons. Unlike traditional remediation groups, master classes are open to every student. Stronger writers are extended and challenged while emerging writers receive focused support. Sessions are invitational, allowing students to come and go freely, which creates genuine engagement and builds trust between teachers and learners.
Mentor texts sit at the centre of every unit De and Danielle teach. Rather than simply reading books aloud, they pull texts apart with students — examining structure, vocabulary, and authorial choices — and keep them accessible throughout the writing process as living models. Books by authors such as Gary Crew, Philip Bunting, and Tristan Bancks are chosen because they intrigue both teachers and students alike, and because they serve the classroom reading life well beyond the writing unit itself.
Access to published authors adds another dimension to the programme. When authors visit — in person or via Zoom — writing becomes tangible and real for students. The class's encounter with Gary Crew is a standout moment, with students surprising even the author himself with the depth of their insight.
Explicit instruction ties everything together. De and Danielle move through the I do / We do / You do cycle quickly, ensuring students reach independent practice in every lesson. Student Peyton's interview closes the episode powerfully, describing how being asked to restart a major piece from scratch becomes the turning point that transforms her understanding of planning, word choice, and revision.
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
Hosts Phil and Sharon return with classroom teachers De and Danielle to explore the third pillar of their writing framework: independence in learning. The conversation cuts straight to something that matters Deply in any writing classroom — the difference between students who follow instructions and students who genuinely own their work.
De and Danielle explain that independence is not about removing support. It is the result of teaching so explicitly and consistently, with such clear curriculum alignment, that students eventually internalise the process and begin making real decisions about their writing for themselves. The tools that make this possible — anchor charts built collaboratively with students, shared meta-language, structured learning intentions, success criteria, and a multi-stage editing process — are discussed in generous, practical detail.
What makes the episode particularly compelling is the student interviews. Three Year Six students, Jaxson, Lil, and Lucas, speak with striking clarity about their own development as writers. Each one independently identifies editing as the stage that has helped them most, and each can name exactly what they are working on and why. Their ability to articulate their growth — using precise language like cohesion, exposition, sentence structure, and audience — is itself a testament to the teaching they have received.
The conversation also surfaces a central insight that runs through the entire episode: structure and creative freedom are not in tension. They are mutually dependent. When students know the writing cycle so well that navigating it requires no conscious effort, their attention is freed for the craft itself — the choices, the risks, the voice.
Sharon, Phil, De, and Danielle close the episode reflecting on years of accumulated practice, a standout cohort, and the quiet satisfaction of watching students become writers who understand not just how to write, but why it matters.
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In the second episode of their 2026 series, Phil and Sharon welcome back Danielle Monique and De Ludlum from Fairview Primary School in Collie, Western Australia, to explore the second of their five pillars of effective writing instruction: every student can produce quality writing.
De and Danielle open with the belief that underpins everything they do — that every child, regardless of ability or background, is capable of being a writer. This is not an aspiration. It is a daily operational reality, built through careful planning, consistent structures, and a classroom environment designed to support every student at every stage of the writing process.
The teachers walk listeners through the practical tools that bring this belief to life. Their word wall, Phrases We Love door display, anchor charts, graded writing samples, and critical features document work together to ensure that no student is ever left without a clear path forward. Plot in a Box provides a structured planning framework that students and teachers build together, with De and Danielle modelling every step before students attempt it independently. Plans are submitted and reviewed before drafting begins, and staged submission points throughout the unit keep every student on track.
Editing, the teachers reveal, has undergone the most significant transformation in their practice. Where once Danielle was rewriting student work in the early hours of the morning, editing now belongs to the students themselves — carried out in deliberate stages through a school-wide editing code, with teacher feedback focused on showing students not just what to fix, but how.
The episode concludes with interviews from two students, Riley and Kobi, whose candid, articulate reflections on what has helped them grow as writers provide the most compelling evidence of all: that when teachers build the right conditions and hold firm to high expectations, every child genuinely can produce quality writing.
RESOURCES WITH THIS PODCAST
- Quality Writing - Photo and Text Examples from the Classroom
RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THIS PODCAST
- Named Resources
Plot in a Box A structured narrative planning framework. Danielle discovered it through a writing course and she and De adapted it for their classroom — adding character adjective boxes and adjusting the original structure.
Craft Lessons - Teaching Writing K-8 — Ralph Fletcher Sharon and De both reference this book. De describes it as their early go-to resource when they were changing the way they worked. The full title isn't stated but the author's name — Ralph Fletcher — is confirmed in the transcript.
School-Developed Resources
- School-wide editing code and checklist — a consistent set of symbols used across the school, not a commercial product
- Critical features document — their own unit planning tool for students
- Graded writing samples — C, B, A exemplars displayed in the classroom
- Modelled texts — written by Danielle and De themselves for each unit
Tools and Platforms
- Teachific — where their units and podcast resources are uploaded (referenced by Sharon and Danielle)
READ THE BLOG - Every Student Can Produce Quality Writing
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In the first episode of their 2026 series, Phil and Sharon welcome two Year 6 teachers from Fairview Primary School in Collie, Western Australia — Danielle Monique and De Ludlum — to share the first of five pillars underpinning their approach to writing instruction: purposeful planning.
Danielle and De describe how every unit begins with the end in mind. Working backwards from a clear goal, they map each learning intention against curriculum expectations, anticipate where students will struggle, and plan day by day across five- to six-week blocks. Front-end loading — a two-week immersion in a mentor text through reading workshops — ensures students enter every writing unit already familiar with the language, style, and structure they are about to produce themselves.
To bring the pillar to life, the teachers walk listeners through an actual unit built around Philip Bunting's picture books, in which students mash two animals together to create an entirely new creature. The unit's title — When Animals Collide: The World's Most Bizarre Creatures — signals immediately the spirit of the work: ambitious, joyful, and purposeful.
Throughout the conversation, Danielle and De emphasise that planning is never kept in the teachers' heads. Students receive a critical features document that maps the full unit, including staged submission dates, so that every child can see exactly where they are heading and take genuine ownership of the journey.
The episode closes on a quietly powerful note. A student named Riley — dyslexic and living with ADHD — writes to his teachers at year's end, saying he never knew he could be creative until they gave him the chance. It is, the teachers agree, exactly why purposeful planning matters: not for the grids and documents, but for what becomes possible when every child is genuinely planned for.
RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THIS PODCAST
- The Five Pillars of Effective Writing Instruction - Overview
- Writing Unit 1 - Text Innovation
- Writing Unit 2 - Autobiography
- Writing Unit 3 - Poetry ballads
- Student text: Voices Under the Southern Sky: Australian Ballad Anthology
- Purposeful Planning - Photo examples from the classroom
- Other resources coming soon!
READ THE BLOG HERE
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
Part Two: Practical Implementation and Beyond
Building on her foundational principles, Hiebert delves deeper into practical classroom implementation, distinguishing between narrative and informational text vocabulary demands. She explains how stories use varied, sophisticated words for familiar concepts—characters "lumber" rather than simply "walk" or "eavesdrop" instead of "listen"—while informational texts introduce entirely new concepts requiring background knowledge development alongside vocabulary instruction.
The conversation takes a modern turn as Hiebert shares her innovative use of artificial intelligence tools like Claude to create sophisticated semantic maps and organise word relationships. She provides specific prompts teachers can use: "Which of these words are really important to generalise to other topics?" and "Can you put them into important categories?" This approach transforms technology from a simple definition-lookup tool into a thinking partner that helps identify patterns and relationships.
Hiebert addresses concerns about overwhelming linguistic instruction by emphasising that students don't need to know everything before they can engage meaningfully with texts. She advocates for giving children fundamental insights about how language works rather than exhaustive technical knowledge, comparing effective vocabulary instruction to basketball coaching—providing strategic guidance rather than micromanaging every movement.
The discussion reveals alarming trends in American education where interventions promise to teach 150 letter-sound correspondences, which Hiebert warns will "kill a kid's interest" in reading. She advocates for statistical learning through extensive reading rather than explicit instruction of every possible pattern.
Throughout both segments, Hiebert consistently emphasises that children are naturally brilliant learners who develop word consciousness through meaningful engagement rather than drill-and-practice methods. Her approach transforms vocabulary instruction from passive memorisation into active investigation, offering educators research-backed alternatives that honour both language complexity and student intelligence. The conversation concludes with her invitation for continued collaboration and her promise to share practical resources including AI prompts, semantic map examples, and implementation guidelines with the Australian teaching community.
TEXT PROJECT WEBSITE BY FREDDY HIEBERT
- Text Project website - free student texts (Plus +)
SPECIFIC RESOURCES FROM FREDDY HIEBERT, AS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
1. AI Semantic Map Examples
- You will find an example in this ILA presentation .
- As well as the presentation, the following paper, which is in review at a journal, gives examples of maps and grids created with AI
2. ILA Website Presentation
- Fundamentally, the ILA presentation will have a similar structure to the above presentation:
- See the ILA webinar here on YouTube.
3. AI Prompt Examples
- The above presentations and the paper (Leveraging AI) should give some examples).
4. 'The Story of English' Picture
- Visual representation showing bratwurst (German) in baguette (French) with yogurt (Greek)
- Illustrates how English draws from multiple language traditions
5. Etymology Resources
- Stories of Words develops students' interest in fascinating words like snickerdoodles and terrapin. Using the TExT model, this 16-volume series explores vocabulary through four word-formation methods: borrowed words, life themes, manipulated words, and technological innovations.
6. Text Models Examples
- Text Models Examples are here.
- From Freddy: "This site at TextProject provides illustrations of texts that I have developed with AI assisted. I should emphasise that I do AI-assisted, not simply AI-generated. A text typically goes through numerous iterations and I also analyse the texts to determine its distribution according to word zones (more on word zones)
- And I’m attaching a blog on Word Zones as well
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
Part One: Foundations
Dr Freddy Hiebert, President and CEO of Text Project and literacy researcher at UC Santa Cruz, opens her conversation with Australian literacy consultants Sharon and Phil by immediately challenging conventional vocabulary instruction. She declares that lists and flashcards simply don't work, despite being the go-to methods in countless classrooms worldwide.
Hiebert introduces her groundbreaking research revealing that 95% of English texts derive from just 2,500 morphological families—interconnected word systems where understanding one member unlocks numerous related words. She demonstrates how "help" generates "helper," "helpful," "unhelpful," and "helpless," transforming vocabulary learning from rote memorisation into systematic understanding that empowers students as independent word solvers.
The conversation explores English's fascinating linguistic complexity through Hiebert's memorable culinary metaphor: a German bratwurst in a French baguette with Greek yogurt sprinkled on top represents how English draws from multiple traditions. This understanding helps students recognise why compound words from Anglo-Saxon roots, academic phrases from French influences, and consistent meaning patterns from Greek elements function differently across texts.
Hiebert champions semantic maps as powerful alternatives to traditional lists, describing how students build visual connections between related concepts. She illustrates how mapping cats' movements, colours, and features creates meaningful vocabulary networks that expand naturally as students encounter different texts about the same topic.
The discussion addresses practical concerns when Hiebert explains that approximately 40-50% of the 2,500 word families never actually require explicit teaching—they're straightforward enough for students to acquire through natural exposure. This revelation reassures teachers worried about covering overwhelming amounts of content.
Hiebert emphasises fundamental principles students should understand by third grade: recognising that English draws from different language systems, understanding that certain words perform most of the work in English, and knowing that narrative and informational texts present different vocabulary challenges. These insights prepare students to approach any text with systematic thinking rather than anxiety about unknown words.
TEXT PROJECT WEBSITE BY FREDDY HIEBERT
- Text Project website - free student texts (Plus +)
SPECIFIC RESOURCES FROM FREDDY HIEBERT, AS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
1. AI Semantic Map Examples
- You will find an example in this ILA presentation .
- As well as the presentation, the following paper, which is in review at a journal, gives examples of maps and grids created with AI
2. ILA Website Presentation
- Fundamentally, the ILA presentation will have a similar structure to the above presentation:
- See the ILA webinar here on YouTube.
3. AI Prompt Examples
- The above presentations and the paper (Leveraging AI) should give some examples).
4. 'The Story of English' Picture
- Visual representation showing bratwurst (German) in baguette (French) with yogurt (Greek)
- Illustrates how English draws from multiple language traditions
5. Etymology Resources
- Stories of Words develops students' interest in fascinating words like snickerdoodles and terrapin. Using the TExT model, this 16-volume series explores vocabulary through four word-formation methods: borrowed words, life themes, manipulated words, and technological innovations.
6. Text Models Examples
- Text Models Examples are here.
- From Freddy: "This site at TextProject provides illustrations of texts that I have developed with AI assisted. I should emphasise that I do AI-assisted, not simply AI-generated. A text typically goes through numerous iterations and I also analyse the texts to determine its distribution according to word zones (more on word zones)
- And I’m attaching a blog on Word Zones as well .
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
Continuing their exploration of mathematical proficiencies, Rob and Phil discuss how these elements can transform classroom practice. Rob expresses concern about approaches that block proficiency development, particularly rigid "explicit teaching" models that begin with teacher lectures. He argues that lecturing is an ineffective teaching method that disengages students and fails to acknowledge their existing knowledge.
The conversation shifts to implementation strategies for schools wanting to embrace proficiency-based mathematics teaching. Rob acknowledges that change is challenging but notes encouraging developments in South Australia's educational approach. He advises schools to audit their current practices against the proficiencies and seek out quality resources for rich, engaging tasks. Rob emphasises that many excellent materials are readily available online and through publications, offering his own resources as options for teachers seeking alternatives to worksheet-heavy approaches.
Rob and Phil discuss how the proficiencies connect to assessment practices, noting that rich tasks naturally generate meaningful evidence of student learning. They contrast this with standardised testing like NAPLAN, which provides limited insight into students' mathematical thinking. Rob suggests that integrating proficiency-focused questions into standardised tests might help raise awareness of their importance.
The conversation highlights how mathematical proficiencies prepare students for future employment, where employers value communication, problem-solving, logical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—all skills developed through proficiency-focused mathematics education. Rob notes these capabilities are far more valuable than test scores in the workforce.
The podcast concludes with information about Rob's series of webinars focusing on each proficiency, offering teachers practical strategies for implementation. Throughout the conversation, Rob maintains his conviction that mathematical proficiencies should be central to mathematics education rather than peripheral considerations, encouraging teachers to embrace tasks that naturally develop these essential capabilities.
RESOURCES
- Read the blog: Proficiencies: The Main Game in Mathematics Teaching
- Rob Vingerhoet's website: Maths is Fun
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In this insightful podcast, Phil interviews expert maths consultant Rob Vingerhoets about the four mathematical proficiencies that form the foundation of effective mathematics education in Australia. Rob explains that these proficiencies—fluency, reasoning, understanding, and problem solving—are often misunderstood or overlooked despite being fundamental to the Australian Curriculum.
Rob passionately argues that these proficiencies are "the thing" in mathematics education, not just supplementary elements. He clarifies that fluency extends beyond knowing multiplication tables to include number sense and articulating mathematical thinking. Reasoning involves justifying and explaining mathematical approaches, while understanding requires grasping concepts rather than rote memorisation. Problem solving is the application of mathematical knowledge to varied situations.
Rob mentions a potential fifth proficiency some educators discuss: productive disposition, which relates to student motivation and engagement with mathematics. He emphasises that high-quality mathematical tasks should incorporate multiple proficiencies simultaneously, creating rich learning experiences that engage students.
The conversation highlights how teachers can audit their lessons against these proficiencies. Rob suggests that open-ended tasks naturally accommodate different proficiency levels and allow for differentiation. He provides an example of transforming a closed question (12 + 13 = 25) into an open one (what two numbers add to 25?), demonstrating how this simple shift creates opportunities for deeper learning.
Rob shares his experience in a Prep-2 classroom using the "three cookie challenge," where young children naturally engage with division and fractions through a meaningful context. This illustrates that even very young students can reason mathematically when presented with appropriate tasks, challenging the notion that certain mathematical concepts should be reserved for older students.
Throughout the conversation, Rob emphasises that worksheet-based approaches and excessive PowerPoint use often fail to develop these essential proficiencies, advocating instead for rich, engaging tasks that promote authentic mathematical thinking.
RESOURCES
- Read the blog: Proficiencies: The Main Game in Mathematics Teaching
- Rob Vingerhoet's website: Maths is Fun
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
Part 4: Implementing Conferring in the Classroom
Sharon briefly mentions two Year 4 students who struggle with punctuation, affecting both their fluency and comprehension. She explains how the protocol's fluency rubric provides specific language to identify and address these issues, such as "not adhering to punctuation, stress and intonation." During conferring, Sharon models proper phrasing and has students practise immediately with their own books, creating strategy goals they can continue independently.
The conversation shifts to practical implementation in classrooms. Sharon reassures teachers that conferring doesn't require perfection and encourages them to start with just one aspect of the protocol, such as fluency. She emphasises that even brief, focused conferences can make significant differences in students' reading development.
Phil and Sharon discuss how these short conferences inform whole-class instruction. When teachers notice similar issues across multiple students, they can develop targeted mini-lessons addressing these common needs. The conferring process mirrors the structure of effective mini-lessons: observe, model, teach, practise, and reflect.
They highlight the broader impact of conferring beyond specific reading strategies. Students learn a process for identifying problems, applying strategies, and self-regulating their reading. The conferences make thinking visible and concrete, especially when strategy goals are recorded on Reading Calendars or Anchor Charts where students can reference them daily.
Sharon concludes by emphasising how conferring contributes to developing strategic readers who continually grow in their abilities. The Year 3-6 period represents an enormous time of reading growth, and effective conferring ensures students develop the tools they need for increasingly complex texts, building readers who know which strategies to apply in different situations.
RESOURCES
- The Listening to Reading Watching While Writing Protocol Duke, Ward, & Klingelhofer
- The Reading Strategies Book 2.0 by Jennifer Serravallo
BLOG
- Getting Better at Conferring, Years 3-6
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
Part 3: Addressing Diverse Reading Challenges
Sharon shifts focus to a Year 5 girl who, like the first boy, immediately expresses difficulty remembering what she reads in chapter books. When examining her reading, Sharon notices the girl has strong decoding skills but struggles with comprehension. Using the same "keep your eyes and mind in the book" strategy, Sharon guides her through reading paragraph by paragraph.
The breakthrough comes when the girl connects this strategy to visualising. She explains that while she's been taught visualisation techniques, she never knew how to apply them effectively. By focusing her mind on the text paragraph by paragraph, she can now create mental images that accurately reflect the author's words rather than going off on tangents with personal connections. The girl develops her own strategy of writing one-sentence summaries at logical breaks in the text.
Sharon then discusses a Year 5 student who has been reading only graphic novels and wants to abandon her first attempt at a regular novel because "the author jumps all over the place." Through careful observation, Sharon identifies that the girl reads continuously without pausing for punctuation, paragraphs, or other text organisation features. When questioned about how graphic novels organise information versus novels, the girl reveals her misconception that novels "just write everything all mixed up together."
This leads to a teaching moment about text structure and organisation—how novels use paragraphs, punctuation, and white space to organise information that graphic novels convey through illustrations and speech bubbles. The teacher later connects this to the student's writing, realising she never uses paragraphs because she doesn't understand how they function in text.
RESOURCES
- The Listening to Reading Watching While Writing Protocol Duke, Ward, & Klingelhofer
- The Reading Strategies Book 2.0 by Jennifer Serravallo
BLOG
- Getting Better at Conferring, Years 3-6
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
Part 2: Strategic Reading Interventions
The conversation continues as Sharon and Phil discuss the importance of giving students space to develop their own strategies after receiving initial guidance. Sharon emphasises how the boy's Post-It note idea emerged because she asked him how the strategy helped and gave him time to reflect. She notes this technique would be temporary but highly effective as he transitions to chapter books.
Sharon then shares her experience with a second Year 3 student reading a more complex chapter book. This boy demonstrates good decoding skills but makes mistakes he doesn't correct. Sharon records words he reads correctly and incorrectly, noting that he seems aware when he misreads but lacks strategies to fix errors. When she points this out, he confirms: "I don't know what else to do."
Returning to the misread words, Sharon introduces the strategy "try a different sound" without specifying which letter to focus on. Remarkably, the boy immediately corrects all four misread words, including "kindy" and "manage." This success transforms his reading experience, making previously difficult text accessible. The strategy is recorded on his reading calendar with a specific date, creating accountability and a reference point for future reading sessions.
Sharon explains how these conferences build a comprehensive picture of students as readers, far more detailed than multiple-choice assessments could provide. She stresses that conferring should happen with books that challenge students appropriately—not too easy, as Tim Shanahan has advocated. Teachers need to equip students with strategies to access increasingly complex texts, especially as they progress through upper primary years.
RESOURCES
- The Listening to Reading Watching While Writing Protocol Duke, Ward, & Klingelhofer
- The Reading Strategies Book 2.0 by Jennifer Serravallo
BLOG
- Getting Better at Conferring, Years 3-6
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
Part 1: Understanding the Conferring Process
In this insightful podcast, Phil and Sharon Callen explore the art of conferring with students in Years 3-6. Sharon begins by explaining that conferring is a powerful tool for both learning about students and helping them develop as readers. She emphasises that the key shift in her conferring practice came when she realised these sessions should provide immediate learning opportunities rather than just collecting information to use later.
Sharon introduces the "Listening to Reading, Watching While Writing Protocol," a freely available tool developed by Duke Ward and Klingelhoffer. This protocol aligns with the Active View of Reading developed by Duke and Cartwright, covering word recognition, comprehension, and the bridging processes between them. The protocol guides teachers on what to observe during conferring and helps them make informed decisions about what to teach.
The focus of these conferences is to identify what strategies students are currently using effectively or ineffectively and to provide targeted instruction. Sharon explains that these short, five-minute conferences allow teachers to observe students reading from their current books and help them develop a specific strategy they can practice immediately and apply independently.
Sharon shares her first story about conferring with a Year 3 boy reading an early chapter book. The student immediately reveals his struggle: "I find it difficult to remember what I'm reading." As he reads, Sharon notices he keeps his eyes on the page while decoding but struggles with comprehension. When asked to recall what he read, he can remember the first two paragraphs but not the third, longer one. Sharon teaches him the strategy of keeping not just his eyes but also his mind in the book. When he practises this strategy, he experiences immediate success and even suggests using Post-It notes to track his understanding page by page.
RESOURCES
- The Listening to Reading Watching While Writing Protocol Duke, Ward, & Klingelhofer
- The Reading Strategies Book 2.0 by Jennifer Serravallo
BLOG
- Getting Better at Conferring, Years 3-6
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In this engaging episode of The Teacher's Toolkit for Literacy, Sharon Callen explores how to establish a thriving literacy environment for the year ahead. With her hallmark blend of enthusiasm and expertise, Sharon shares actionable insights to help teachers create purposeful, connected, and engaging spaces for students to learn and grow.
Sharon begins by emphasising the importance of seamless literacy routines, offering a roadmap for integrating key tools like the writer’s notebook, reading journal, classroom library, and word walls. She highlights the Teachific platform, showcasing its curated resources, including grade-specific literacy units designed to launch reading and writing workshops with ease. Sharon illustrates how these routines can evolve into meaningful learning experiences, emphasising the natural connection between reading and writing to foster deeper engagement.
The conversation dives into practical resources, including sample spelling planners and a comprehensive spelling scope and sequence, ensuring teachers have the scaffolding needed for consistent word work. Sharon underscores the value of linking spelling to the processes of reading and writing, empowering students to transfer word knowledge across contexts.
The episode also celebrates the art of the read-aloud, a daily ritual Sharon champions for its role in teaching reading strategies, expanding vocabulary, and nurturing comprehension. From selecting the perfect chapter books for younger readers to spotlighting captivating texts like The Fox and the Ghost King by Michael Morpurgo, Sharon shares tips for building a library that excites and inspires.
Finally, Sharon explores transformative assessment strategies, including conferring and the groundbreaking Listening to Reading, Watching While Writing Protocol. This episode is a treasure trove for educators seeking a confident, connected start to the literacy year. Tune in for tools, inspiration, and a wealth of practical advice!
READ THE BLOGHERE
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In this engaging podcast episode, Sharon Callen delves into the essential tools every teacher needs to kickstart a literacy-rich classroom for a successful year. She emphasises that creating a learning environment isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about equipping students with tools that inspire curiosity, agency, and growth. Sharon introduces five transformative strategies: Classroom Libraries, Reading Journals, Quick Writes, Writer’s Notebooks, and Word Walls, highlighting their practical impact on fostering lifelong reading and writing habits.
The Power of Classroom Libraries
A vibrant classroom library is more than a collection of books—it’s the heartbeat of literacy learning. With research showing that students in classrooms with libraries read 50% more, Sharon discusses how a diverse and inviting library fuels a love for reading. She provides tips on curating “tantalising texts” and designing cosy spaces that encourage exploration.
Reading Journals: Documenting Growth
Sharon describes Reading Journals as personal spaces for students to reflect on their reading journeys. From tracking books to responding creatively to literature, these journals build ownership and motivation. Tailored for different ages, they are also a treasure trove of insights for teachers into students’ preferences and progress.
Quick Writes: Unleashing Creativity
Quick Writes offer students the freedom to write without fear, boosting fluency and creativity in just 5–10 minutes. Sharon explains how playful prompts and low-pressure environments transform reluctant writers into confident ones, helping them generate ideas for future writing projects.
Writer’s Notebooks: A Home for Writing
A Writer’s Notebook becomes a sanctuary for student writing, fostering revision and experimentation. Sharon encourages frequent publishing and demonstrates how tools like margins and dual-page setups help students refine their craft over time.
Word Walls: Anchoring Vocabulary
For younger learners, alphabetical Word Walls offer accessible vocabulary support, while Personal Word Walls empower older students to curate meaningful words. Sharon shares tips for integrating Word Walls seamlessly into classroom routines.
Each strategy is a cornerstone of a supportive literacy classroom, cultivating a culture of joy and purpose. Sharon encourages teachers to implement these tools early, ensuring 2025 is a year filled with growth and creativity for all learners.
Stay tuned for four more strategies in Part 2.
READ THE BLOGHERE
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
Unlocking the Joy of Comprehension in Early Literacy
In this inspiring episode, literacy expert Diane Snowball delves into the transformative power of teaching comprehension in the foundational years (F-2). She underscores that comprehension is not just about understanding words but unlocking meaning, purpose, and the joy of reading. Diane shares practical strategies for educators and parents to nurture confident, thoughtful readers who engage deeply with texts.
Diane begins by celebrating the enduring value of reading aloud, even as children become independent readers. She emphasises its role in modelling comprehension strategies like questioning, predicting, and visualising, and turning shared reading sessions into opportunities for rich discussion and wonder. Parents, she notes, can keep reading enjoyable and purposeful by focusing on open-ended questions such as, “What are you picturing as I read?”
Choosing the right books is another cornerstone. Diane encourages educators and families to explore curated recommendations from trusted sources like Trevor Cairney’s blog and specialist bookstores. A mix of engaging fiction and nonfiction builds diverse comprehension skills and exposes children to text features like headings and diagrams.
In classrooms, Diane highlights the importance of integrating comprehension strategies naturally rather than teaching them in isolation. From inferring character motives in I Want My Hat Back to using nonfiction visuals for deeper understanding, the strategies come alive when applied authentically. She also champions teaching text structures, such as recognising the sequence in a recipe or the narrative arc in a story, to build confidence in approaching varied texts.
Diane concludes with a call to action for educators, families, and policymakers to prioritise access to quality books and teacher training. By working together, we can ensure every child discovers the magic and power of reading.
Takeaway for Teachers: Embrace comprehension as a joyful, meaningful practice. How will you spark curiosity and connection in your readers this week? Share your reflections!
READ THE BLOGHERE
RESOURCES
- Duke, Nell K., Ward, Alessandra, E. and Pearson, P. David. (2021) The Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction.
- Duke, Nell K. And The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading
- Kambach, Anna Elizabeth and Mesmer, Heidi Anne. (2024) Comprehension for Emergent Readers: Revisiting the Reading Rope.
- Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast, Episode 66: Re-thinking the Reading Rope with Nell Duke.
- Science of Reading: The Podcast, Season 3, Episode 10: Deconstructing the Rope: Language structures with Kate Cain.
- Sedita, J. (2020, May 16). Syntactic awareness: Teaching sentence structure (part 1). Keys to Literacy
- Timothy Rasinski - Fluency Rubric
- Trevor Cairney Blog
TEACHIFIC
- Teaching Comprehension, F-2 Quick Guide
- Teaching Comprehension, F-2 Comprehensive Guide
- Picture Books to Read Aloud to F-2 Students
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In Part 2: The Importance of Teaching Comprehension in F–2, Diane Snowball captivates listeners with her invaluable insights on teaching comprehension to Foundation through Year 2 students in Part 2 of this illuminating podcast series. Her wisdom bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering educators to weave decoding and comprehension seamlessly into their teaching.
The Role of Shared Reading
Diane paints a vivid picture of shared reading (together, all eyes on enlarged text)as a powerful tool for nurturing young readers. She delves into teaching cohesive ties—those linguistic threads that connect ideas in texts—and offers practical strategies, like revisiting pronouns to establish meaning. Through examples such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, she demonstrates how teachers can encourage students to actively engage with texts and illustrations, fostering critical thinking from the very first page.
Inferring: Unlocking Meaning Beyond Words
Through her discussion of Rosie’s Walk and Saturday Mornings, Diane underscores the importance of inference. She highlights how teachers can guide students to combine textual and visual clues, transforming them into confident meaning-makers. These skills, she asserts, are just as crucial for nonfiction as they are for narrative texts.
Integrating Decoding and Comprehension
Diane champions a holistic approach where decoding and comprehension grow in tandem. Shared reading becomes the conduit, combining phonics, vocabulary, and sentence structure with comprehension strategies in authentic contexts. This integrated method enhances literacy and maintains the joy of reading.
A Focus on Quality Texts
Diane emphasises selecting rich, multifaceted texts that offer opportunities for repeated readings. She encourages teachers to harness the power of these texts for decoding, writing, and comprehension instruction, simplifying planning while maximising learning.
A Lifelong Literacy Foundation
By embracing Diane’s practical, intentional methods, educators can set their youngest learners on a path to literacy success. With cohesive teaching strategies, meaningful texts, and a love of learning, the foundation for lifelong readers is built.
READ THE BLOGHERE
RESOURCES
- Duke, Nell K., Ward, Alessandra, E. and Pearson, P. David. (2021) The Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction.
- Duke, Nell K. And The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading
- Kambach, Anna Elizabeth and Mesmer, Heidi Anne. (2024) Comprehension for Emergent Readers: Revisiting the Reading Rope.
- Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast, Episode 66: Re-thinking the Reading Rope with Nell Duke.
- Science of Reading: The Podcast, Season 3, Episode 10: Deconstructing the Rope: Language structures with Kate Cain.
- Sedita, J. (2020, May 16). Syntactic awareness: Teaching sentence structure (part 1). Keys to Literacy
- Timothy Rasinski - Fluency Rubric
- Trevor Cairney Blog
TEACHIFIC
- Teaching Comprehension, F-2 Quick Guide
- Teaching Comprehension, F-2 Comprehensive Guide
- Picture Books to Read Aloud to F-2 Students
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In the latest episode of “The Importance of Teaching Comprehension in F-2 – A Conversation with Diane Snowball,” literacy expert Diane Snowball sits down with Phil to explore why comprehension should be the heartbeat of early literacy, especially in an era dominated by phonics and decoding. Diane passionately explains that teaching comprehension is not something to reserve for later; instead, it should be woven into reading instruction from the very first day a child encounters a book.
Diane discusses how comprehension isn’t just about words—it's about engaging young minds in the "who, what, where, and why" of stories, even when they’re just listening. Through read-alouds, children not only hear the words but also experience the deeper mechanics of storytelling. Diane emphasises that read-alouds, like in her example of sharing “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” invite children to explore concepts of character, setting, and make-believe in an accessible way, building a foundation for thoughtful reading as they progress.
As they chat, Diane explains the importance of choosing texts with coherent structures and rich language, helping children develop an ear for narrative flow and language patterns that support comprehension. She talks about the role of varied sentence structures, how listening comprehension aids independent reading, and the vital role that illustrations play in helping young readers visualise and make sense of stories.
Diane’s insights remind us that comprehension is far from a passive skill. It’s a dynamic process involving curiosity, connection-making, and critical thinking. With her strategies and thoughtful approach, Diane empowers educators to prioritise comprehension, guiding children to become not just readers, but engaged, thoughtful participants in the world of stories. For more on Diane's insights and practical tips, tune in to this episode and dive into the show notes for additional resources.
READ THE BLOGHERE
RESOURCES
- Duke, Nell K., Ward, Alessandra, E. and Pearson, P. David. (2021) The Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction.
- Duke, Nell K. And The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading
- Kambach, Anna Elizabeth and Mesmer, Heidi Anne. (2024) Comprehension for Emergent Readers: Revisiting the Reading Rope.
- Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast, Episode 66: Re-thinking the Reading Rope with Nell Duke.
- Science of Reading: The Podcast, Season 3, Episode 10: Deconstructing the Rope: Language structures with Kate Cain.
- Sedita, J. (2020, May 16). Syntactic awareness: Teaching sentence structure (part 1). Keys to Literacy
- Timothy Rasinski - Fluency Rubric
- Trevor Cairney Blog
TEACHIFIC
- Quick Guide to Teaching Comprehension, F-2
- Picture Books to Read Aloud to F-2 Students
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In this podcast episode, Sharon continues to dive into an innovative protocol designed by Dr. Nell Duke and her team, aimed at enhancing literacy instruction for teachers and students alike. Sharon explores how this assessment tool serves as a guide to help teachers track and support students’ growth in reading and writing with a focus on clarity, purpose, and alignment with curriculum standards.
The protocol’s foundation lies in purpose-driven literacy tasks, helping students understand the "why" behind their work. By prompting questions like, “Why am I writing this?” or “Who is this for?”, teachers encourage students to connect personally with reading and writing, fostering a deeper, more meaningful engagement. Sharon discusses how this tool spans all year levels, adapting to age-appropriate curriculum expectations and offering insights into language complexity. For instance, Year 3 students are supported to move beyond phonics, learning varied letter patterns and decoding strategies essential for understanding complex words.
This protocol doesn’t just benefit students; it’s invaluable for teachers at any career stage. Early-career educators gain structured guidance in assessment, while experienced teachers find new insights that validate and enrich their practice. The tool encourages teachers to make intentional observations, providing data to shape class-wide and individualised instructional plans. As Sharon explains, the protocol’s collaborative approach helps schools unify their literacy strategies, fostering reflective practice and shared growth among teaching staff.
Teachers interested in this tool will find resources like printable forms, prompts, and instructional videos on Dr. Nell Duke’s website. Join Sharon as she illustrates how this protocol empowers teachers to teach with purpose, offering a pathway to unlock every student’s full literacy potential.
READ THE BLOGHERE
RESOURCES
- Listening to Reading, Watching While Writing protocol
TEACHIFIC
- Personal Word Walls
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In part two of this enlightening series, Sharon Callen dives into a practical conversation about a revolutionary assessment tool designed to aid teachers in observing, understanding, and enhancing student literacy. From initial implementation to on-the-spot teaching moments, Sharon shares the real-world impact this tool has had as she’s modelled its use alongside teachers in classrooms across Australia. Sharon highlights how the tool's flexible structure—covering reading, spelling, and comprehension—offers teachers immediate insights into students' literacy strengths and areas for growth.
Listeners gain a front-row seat as Sharon explains how teachers can narrow their focus to specific elements, such as fluency. She delves into the details of using Tim Rasinski’s multidimensional fluency scale and how it allows teachers to set targeted goals and track progress in real time. Sharon also brings in examples from her own experiences, illustrating the ‘aha’ moments when students begin to comprehend nuanced aspects of reading, like the power of italics for emphasis in storytelling.
The conversation then expands into the tool’s prompting framework for comprehension and composition. Rather than relying on rote recall, Sharon reveals how thoughtfully designed prompts can deepen students' meta-cognitive skills and comprehension. Teachers are encouraged to use prompts that invite students to reflect on what they learned, their responses to texts, and how reading aligns with their personal goals.
With her warmth and depth of expertise, Sharon provides teachers with a clear path for embedding these practices into daily teaching, enabling richer student engagement and empowering educators with actionable data. This episode is packed with practical advice for any educator eager to make a lasting impact in literacy education.
READ THE BLOG HERE
RESOURCES
- Listening to Reading, Watching While Writing protocol
TEACHIFIC
- Personal Word Walls
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In this episode, Sharon Callen dives into a groundbreaking tool for educators—the "Listening to Reading, Watching While Writing" protocol, developed by literacy experts Nell Duke, Ward, and Klingelhofer. Sharon explores how this informal, formative assessment tool, launched between 2020 and 2023, is reshaping the way teachers assess and support their students' literacy skills in real-time.
Unlike traditional formal assessments, this tool places teachers in the role of a researcher, empowering them to observe, reflect, and teach on the spot. Sharon highlights that the protocol bridges reading and writing in a way that reflects their natural reciprocity, emphasising that what students learn as readers, they apply as writers—and vice versa.
Sharon discusses how this tool doesn’t replace formal assessments, but complements them by guiding educators in their observations during daily instruction. It provides nuanced insights into areas like word identification, comprehension, and vocabulary strategies. By capturing these moments, teachers can make informed, immediate decisions about how to scaffold students’ learning.
The episode underscores the protocol's flexible and evolving nature, inviting teachers to adapt it to their needs. Sharon shares her experiences working with educators to trial the tool, noting its potential to humanise assessment—focusing not just on data collection, but on real-time learning and growth. With this tool, the goal is clear: empowering teachers to make a difference right there, right then, for every student’s reading and writing journey.
Listeners are encouraged to explore the protocol and its resources, readily available for free online, and to see how this innovative approach can transform their teaching practice.
RESOURCES
- Listening to Reading, Watching While Writing protocol
- Timothy Rasinski - Fluency Rubric
TEACHIFIC
- Personal Word Walls
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In Blessing the Book: Exploring Picture Books with Sharon Callen – Part 4, listeners are once again invited into the world of children’s literature as Sharon Callen shares her insightful exploration of picture books that captivate the imagination while addressing real-world themes.
In this episode, Sharon highlights how carefully chosen picture books can be powerful tools for teachers, offering both joyful escapism and meaningful engagement with complex topics like grief, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Sharon dives into a series of picture books that exemplify the magic of storytelling for young readers. From the heartwarming journey in The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart, which teaches hope through the Global Seed Vault, to the poignant Mizuto and the Wind by Kaye Baillie and Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki, which gently addresses loss and healing, these stories offer profound learning experiences.
She also delves into Eat My Dust, a historical adventure that brings to life the fearless contributions of women to Australia's history.
Sharon explains how each book can be a “mirror” for children to see themselves or a “window” to experience new perspectives. From the lyrical flow of Whisper on the Wind to the thought-provoking themes in Egg by Clare Atkins, she emphasises how these books can inspire deep conversations about community, diversity, and belonging.
Through this engaging and thought-provoking episode, Sharon encourages educators to not just read picture books, but to bless them—inviting students into narratives that spark curiosity, foster emotional growth, and broaden their understanding of the world. The episode underscores the power of stories to connect us all, no matter our age.
RESOURCES
Books:
- The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart
- Mizuto and the Wind by Kaye Baillie and Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki
- Eat My Dust by Nerida McMullin and Lucia Masciullo
- Whisper on the Wind by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft
- The Tree at Number 43 by Jess McGeachin
- Old Fellow by Christopher Cheng and Liz Anelli
- Mama’s Chickens by Michelle Worthington and Nicky Johnston
- Egg by Clare Atkins and Harrison Vial
- A Feather on a Wing by Maria Speyer
- Hope is the Thing by Johanna Bell and Erica Wagner
Podcast:
- Read Aloud: Mem Fox on Capturing hearts and Minds through Literature
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In the latest episode of Blessing the Book: Nurturing Readers through Stories, Sharon Callen explores how thoughtfully selected children’s books can transform classrooms and create meaningful connections with young readers. Sharon introduces her concept of “blessing” books—honouring the stories and voices of the authors while guiding students through rich discussions that build empathy, spark imagination, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
The episode highlights a variety of titles that range from heartfelt explorations of family and grief to exciting tales of adventure and mystery. Each book offers unique classroom connections that encourage students to think critically and creatively.
Whether it’s The Letterbox Tree, a tale of environmental resilience, or The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet, which dives into magic and time travel, Sharon shows how these stories open up new avenues for students to reflect on their own experiences and the world at large.
Sharon’s approach emphasises the power of the read-aloud experience, where teachers can bring books to life simply by sharing them with students. Whether it’s a novel in verse or an adventurous historical fiction, these moments of shared reading allow for deeper exploration of emotions, themes, and the beauty of storytelling.
The episode reinforces how, through books, teachers can foster empathy and curiosity, transforming both their students and classrooms in profound ways. It is a celebration of the magic of literature and its power to nurture readers who think critically, connect deeply, and engage joyfully with the written word.
RESOURCES
Books:
- The Letterbox Tree by Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon
- Jane Doe and the Quill of All Tales by Jeremy Lachlan
Dusty in the Outwilds by Rhiannon Williams - Meet Me at the Moon Tree by Shivaun Plozza
- The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet by Jaclyn Moriarty (Author), Kelly Canby (Illustrator)
- The Bookseller’s Apprentice by Amelia Mellor
- Silver Linings by Katrina Nannestad
- Waiting for the Storks by Katrina Nannestad
- My Brother Ben by Peter Carnavas
- What Snail Knows by Kathryn Apel
- How to Spell Catastrophe by Fiona Wood
- Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer
Podcast:
- Read Aloud: Mem Fox on Capturing hearts and Minds through Literature
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In this episode of Blessing the Book: A Framework for Building Student Engagement, Sharon Callen explores actionable strategies to ignite a passion for reading in the classroom. Drawing from Linda Gambrell’s Rules of Engagement, Sharon emphasises the importance of creating opportunities for sustained reading, offering choice, and encouraging social interaction around texts. The concept of "blessing the book" is a key strategy for guiding striving readers toward accessible and engaging texts, fostering ownership in their choices.
Sharon introduces independent reading time as an essential practice for cultivating sustained engagement, urging teachers to make this time intentional and focused on building students' relationships with their books. She shares insights on helping students tackle appropriately challenging books, ensuring growth without overwhelming them.
The podcast also highlights tools like the Engagement Inventory, adapted from Jennifer Serravallo, to track students’ focus during reading sessions, revealing patterns of engagement and disengagement. This data-driven approach informs tailored strategies to help students stay engaged.
Listeners gain valuable classroom tips, from implementing peer discussions after reading to incorporating reading logs that encourage reflection and build agency. Sharon concludes by reminding teachers that engagement doesn’t happen by accident—it is nurtured through intentional, supportive practices. By implementing these strategies, teachers can help students not only improve their reading skills but develop a lasting love for reading, empowering them to take ownership of their learning.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Seven Rules of Engagement by Linda Gambrell
- Motivation to Read Profile by Linda Gambrell
- Reading Calendars 2024 - Teachific
TEACHER’S TOOLKIT PODCASTS
- Genevieve Kruyssen: New Release Books 2022, Latest Release Books 2023, Invitation to New Books 2024 Part 1Part 2
- Rebecca Bird: A Book Lover’s Story 2020, Great Books for High School 2021, New Books to Inspire 2022,
- Giselle Pulford: Picture Books for Older Readers 2021, Information Books in My Classroom 2021,
- Motivation: Key to Reading Success with Sharon Callen
- Tantalising Texts and Classroom Libraries with Sharon Callen
JENNIFER SERRAVALLO
- Engagement inventory
TEXTS (AMAZON)
- No More Reading for Junk by Barbara Marinak and Linda Gambrell
- Best Practices in Literacy Instruction by Lesley Mandell Morrow and Linda B Gambrell
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In this episode of Blessing the Book, host Phil sits down with Sharon Callen to explore the power of professional collaboration, reflective teaching practices, and how intentional planning can transform literacy classrooms. Sharon, an experienced educator, shares her insights from working with schools across Australia, highlighting the importance of teacher agency in driving student success.
The conversation begins with Sharon discussing her work with teachers, emphasising the importance of noticing patterns in the classroom to spark inquiry and drive improvement. She gives a compelling example of a school where students could decode text but weren’t choosing to read. This observation led teachers to collaboratively explore strategies to engage students more deeply in their reading journeys.
Sharon introduces the concept of “Blessing the Book,” a term coined by renowned literacy researcher Linda Gambrell. She explains how this idea focuses on motivating students to read by making books relevant and engaging for them. Sharon encourages teachers to create an environment where books are valued and reading becomes a meaningful, intrinsic activity for students.
Throughout the podcast, Sharon emphasises the importance of intentional planning and reflective practice. She shares stories of working alongside teachers to map out literacy strategies tailored to their students’ needs, with each step driven by thoughtful consideration and professional knowledge.
This episode is a call to action for teachers to reflect on their classroom practices and consider how they can bless the book for their students, fostering a love of reading that goes beyond school tasks and becomes a lifelong joy. Stay tuned for part two, where Sharon dives deeper into practical strategies to bring this concept to life.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Seven Rules of Engagement by Linda Gambrell
- Motivation to Read Profile by Linda Gambrell
- Reading Calendars 2024 - Teachific
PODCASTS (TEACHER'S TOOLKIT FOR LITERACY)
- Genevieve Kruyssen: New Release Books 2022, Latest Release Books 2023, Invitation to New Books 2024 Part 1 Part 2
- Rebecca Bird: A Book Lover’s Story 2020, Great Books for High School 2021, New Books to Inspire 2022,
- Giselle Pulford: Picture Books for Older Readers 2021, Information Books in My Classroom 2021,
- Motivation: Key to Reading Success with Sharon Callen
- Tantalising Texts and Classroom Libraries with Sharon Callen
TEXTS (AMAZON)
- No More Reading for Junk by Barbara Marinak and Linda Gambrell
- Best Practices in Literacy Instruction by Lesley Mandell Morrow and Linda B Gambrel
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au
In the second part of the podcast with Lisa Burman, the discussion centres on the concept of student agency and its direct link to teacher agency. Lisa emphasises that educators play a crucial role in shaping learning experiences, and how a teacher’s sense of agency directly affects students’ ability to take ownership of their learning.
Teacher Agency as the Foundation for Student Agency
Lisa reflects on her teaching career in the 1980s when teachers had more freedom to design learning experiences tailored to their students’ needs. She stresses that teachers should view students as individuals developing identities—as readers, writers, scientists, or mathematicians—rather than just teaching specific subjects. However, she notes that increased educational pressures today risk undermining this sense of agency.
The Bigger Picture: Education and Democracy
Lisa connects student and teacher agency with democratic values, referencing Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms children’s right to have a say in matters that affect them. She argues that for true student agency to thrive, teachers must feel empowered to make instructional decisions. However, some educational systems restrict this freedom, hindering creativity and students' development of agency.
Agency and Wellbeing: Lessons from the Pandemic
The conversation turns to the impact of agency on wellbeing. Reflecting on the pandemic, Lisa points out how restrictions led to feelings of helplessness, similar to how students feel in rigid, formulaic teaching environments. Teachers play a key role in creating spaces where students feel their voices matter.
Leadership’s Role and Small Changes
Lisa encourages teachers to introduce small changes, even in controlled settings, and suggests taking a professional stance with leadership to promote student agency. By focusing on student interests and co-constructing classroom routines, teachers can foster a learning culture where students become engaged, purposeful learners.
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In the latest podcast episode, listeners are invited to delve into the transformative power of student agency with Lisa Burman, a literacy consultant, author, and expert in early childhood education. With over 20 years of experience working across Australia, New York, and Southeast Asia, Lisa shares her insights into how fostering agency can radically enhance both teaching and learning.
The conversation begins by tracing Lisa’s journey, from her teaching roots in South Australia to her decade-long work in New York. Here, she encountered a different educational landscape where many teachers leaned heavily on scripted programs, limiting their professional autonomy. This experience prompted Lisa to reflect on the importance of teacher agency—encouraging educators to rely on their expertise and instincts, adapting lessons to suit their students’ unique needs.
A highlight of the episode is Lisa’s exploration of how schools can foster student agency. Drawing from her book, Are You Listening?, she emphasises the value of listening to children’s voices and incorporating their ideas into the curriculum. Lisa explains that by giving students ownership over their learning, through activities like writing workshops where they choose topics and publish their work, classrooms become more dynamic, and students are more engaged and motivated.
As the conversation unfolds, Lisa shares practical strategies for building a classroom culture where agency thrives. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking to empower both students and teachers to take control of their learning and teaching journeys.
RESOURCES
- See Lisa's new book: A Culture of Agency
- Lisa's previous book: Are You Listening?: Fostering Conversations That Help Young Children Learn
'Are You Listening?: Fostering Conversations That Help Young Children Learn' by Lisa Burman
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In the second instalment of the podcast series "Teachers Celebrating Their Students’ Writing," Sharon, Phil, Tamara and Hayley dive into the process of how young Foundation learners transition from recognising words to actively using them in their writing. The episode explores the practical methods teachers employ to reinforce phonics, such as using digraphs like "CK" in words like "back," "duck," and "kick," integrating these into morning messages and playful, decodable sentences that students find amusing and memorable.
The discussion highlights the importance of connecting reading and writing in daily routines. The team describe how structured morning activities help students settle into learning, fostering a sense of accomplishment and readiness for the day's word work. By focusing on a specific sound each day, students practise reading, writing, and identifying these sounds in books, which not only reinforces their learning but also brings a sense of discovery and excitement into the classroom.
A key theme of the episode is the emphasis on student choice and creativity, particularly in writing. Teachers explain how allowing students to choose topics for nonfiction reports or create their own books, both in school and at home, empowers them to take ownership of their learning. This approach has even led to students creating books outside of class, with families contributing to their children's writing projects.
The narrative also touches on the inclusive nature of the classroom, where students of varying abilities are supported and encouraged to participate at their own level. Whether through drawing, tracing, or scribing, every child is recognised as a reader and writer, fostering a community where each student’s progress is celebrated.
This episode encapsulates the joy and growth experienced in a classroom where writing is not just an academic exercise but a vibrant, creative outlet for every student.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- See writing samples from Tamara and Hayley's Foundation class
- Read the BLOG here
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In this special episode of the podcast, Sharon welcomes guests Tamara Biddle and Hayley Allen from Mount Barker South Primary School to discuss their innovative approach to fostering writing skills among Foundation Year students. Tamara, a foundation teacher with a decade of experience in early childhood education, and Hayley, a student support officer with a diverse background, share their successful strategies for creating a vibrant writing culture in their classroom.
Tamara begins by recounting her journey from childcare to teaching, highlighting her focus on early years education. Hayley adds her unique perspective, detailing her transition from teaching swimming to becoming an SSO and the collaborative dynamic she shares with Tamara. Together, they illuminate their approach to embedding writing deeply into their classroom culture.
The conversation delves into their method of initiating writing experiences through a series of class books, starting with simple name books and expanding to a variety of themes such as “When I Grow Up” and “Caring for Country.” These books, created with the children’s input, not only boost their ownership but also enhance their reading engagement. The duo discusses how these books are used throughout the day, fostering a sense of community and individual authorship among the students.
Listeners learn about the practical aspects of their program, including the use of various writing tools and resources, and how students are encouraged to create their own books during free time. Tamara and Hayley emphasise the importance of blending reading and writing activities, showing how early literacy skills are supported through engaging and meaningful projects.
As the episode wraps up, Sharon and the guests reflect on the profound impact this approach has had on the students’ confidence and creativity, showcasing a successful model for integrating writing and reading in early education.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- See writing samples from Tamara and Hayley's Foundation class
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In this third part of the "Education Great" podcast series, Garth Boomer delivers a powerful closing address titled "Making it Explicit, Making it Possible." Boomer opens with a stark reflection on the harsh realities of the world, cautioning educators against being swept away by the temporary excitement of conferences, and reminding them of the challenges that await in their everyday professional lives. He emphasises the importance of making the implicit explicit in education—ensuring that the hidden dynamics of power and influence in classrooms are brought to the forefront.
Boomer delves into the concept of power, challenging the notion that it can be handed over or shared by teachers with their students. Instead, he argues that power is a complex force that flows through interactions between people, institutions, and ideas. He warns that teachers who believe they can empower students may actually be reinforcing their own power, rather than genuinely liberating their students.
He further critiques the individualistic approach to education, advocating for a more socially interactive classroom environment where learning is seen as a collective endeavour. Boomer highlights the dangers of rigidly adhering to educational theories and methods, urging educators to remain adaptable and to re-theorise their practices in response to the dynamic nature of the classroom.
The address concludes with a call for teachers to recognise and navigate the cultural barriers that can exclude students, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. Boomer's narrative is a compelling reminder of the complexities of teaching and the need for educators to be both reflective and proactive in their approach to fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- In Search of a Universal Literacy Program - by Garth Boomer
- Practical Steps to Take in the Literacy Classroom - based on the ideas of Garth Boomer
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In Part 2 of the "Education Great" podcast, listeners are drawn deeper into the legacy of Garth Boomer, a pioneering educator whose influence stretched across continents. The episode paints a vivid picture of Boomer's educational philosophy and its enduring impact. Sharon and her co-hosts delve into the nuances of Boomer's approach, which was rooted in the belief that education should be child-centred, emphasising the importance of understanding how children learn rather than imposing rigid structures.
The discussion highlights a critical period in global education when economic rationalism began to dominate, leading to widespread standardisation and testing. Boomer foresaw the dangers of this shift and worked tirelessly to develop alternative assessment methods that would empower teachers and students rather than constrain them.
The conversation touches on Boomer's collaboration with international educators and his ability to take innovative ideas and adapt them to the Australian context, often extending their influence back to their countries of origin.
Boomer’s colleagues reflect on his intellectual brilliance, his eclectic interests, and his deep commitment to education. His ability to inspire and mentor others through his writing, presentations, and personal interactions is a recurring theme. The episode also explores the broader implications of Boomer's work for today's educators, emphasising the need for a renewed focus on understanding and teaching complex content, particularly in the middle years.
This instalment of the podcast offers a rich narrative that not only honours Boomer's legacy but also challenges current educational practices, urging listeners to consider how past insights can inform future innovations in teaching and learning.
READ THE BLOG:
- Part 2: Understanding Garth Boomer's Influence on Modern Education
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- In Search of a Universal Literacy Program - by Garth Boomer
- Practical Steps to Take in the Literacy Classroom - based on the ideas of Garth BoomerJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In Part 1 of this podcast, listeners are transported into the world of Garth Boomer, a revolutionary Australian educator whose legacy still resonates in the halls of academia and the classrooms of South Australia. Known for his innovative approaches to curriculum and pedagogy, Boomer's journey begins in the modest town of Mount Barker, where his academic and athletic prowess quickly shone through. With a Bachelor of Arts Honours from the University of Adelaide and a Diploma of Teaching, Boomer's early career saw him imparting knowledge in English, Latin, and Mathematics at secondary schools. His passion for education propelled him to become South Australia's first English consultant, setting the stage for a transformative career.
Boomer's scholarship at the University of London in 1973 ignited his fervour for language and learning, leading to his pivotal role as an education officer, school inspector, and director at Wattle Park Teacher Centre in Adelaide. His work had far-reaching impacts on curriculum development and teacher training, not only in South Australia but across Australia and the globe. By 1984, Boomer was the director of the National Curriculum Development Centre in Canberra and later chaired the Commonwealth Schools Commission. His return to South Australia saw him as the Associate Director General of Education Curriculum, further cementing his influence.
Boomer's advocacy for a pragmatic, socially just education system emphasised collaborative learning and the intellectual agency of teachers. His writings, including "The Spitting Image" and "Negotiating the Curriculum," remain seminal. The University of South Australia's Education Faculty Building stands in his honour, a testament to his enduring impact. As Dr. Mike Dilena and host Sharon reflect on Boomer's contributions, they celebrate a legacy of educational innovation that continues to inspire teachers and students alike (to be continued).
Read the blog here.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- In Search of a Universal Literacy Program - by Garth Boomer
- Practical Steps to Take in the Literacy Classroom - based on the ideas of Garth Boomer
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In the fourth part of our podcast series ‘Teaching Reading in the First Year of School’, we delve into the intricacies of teaching reading in the first year of school. Hosted by Phil and Diane, this episode tackles the often oversimplified narrative that there are only two types of reading instruction: those who teach phonics explicitly and those who don't. They emphasise that teaching reading is a multifaceted process requiring a comprehensive approach.
Phil expresses frustration with the media's misrepresentation of reading instruction, which can lead to misconceptions among parents and educators alike. Diane highlights the importance of professional development and statewide programs, like the Early Literacy in Service Course (ELIC), which equipped teachers with the knowledge and skills needed for effective reading instruction.
They discuss the critical role of parents in fostering a love of reading at home, noting that children who are read to frequently tend to perform better in school. Diane offers practical advice for parents, including a curated list of recommended books, which will be available in the show notes.
The episode also explores the significance of a well-organised classroom library and the impact of children having access to a variety of books. Phil and Diane stress that having individual book boxes and a diverse classroom library helps children develop a daily reading habit and fosters a sense of ownership over their learning.
High-frequency words and phonics are central topics, with Diane explaining the different methods for teaching these skills. She underscores the importance of teaching children to recognise and write high-frequency words through engaging and interactive methods. Additionally, Diane highlights the need for children to understand the meaning and structure of words, rather than relying solely on rote memorization.
In addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged schools, they shared a poignant story about a boy in Year 7 who lacked access to books, underscoring the need for equitable resources in education. She advocates for making school libraries accessible to both students and parents to bridge this gap.
Ultimately, this episode emphasises the complexity of teaching reading and the need for a balanced, comprehensive approach. Phil and Diane advocate for professional development, parental involvement, and equitable access to resources as key components in fostering literacy and a love of reading among young learners.
NEW TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- The Comprehensive Reading Curriculum 2024
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words F-1, 2024
- Learning About Letter-Sound Relationships to Read Words F-1, 2024
- The Usefulness of Onsets and Rimes When Reading and Writing F-2, 2024
- Comprehension in Foundation - Strategies, Instruction, Assessment F, 2024
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Course: Understanding English Orthography
- Picture books for 5-6 year olds
- Alphabet books for 5.6 year olds
- Nursery Rhymes and Songs
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In this enlightening episode (Part 3) of the " Teaching Reading in the First Year of School" podcast, literacy education expert Diane Snowball dives deeply into the often overlooked yet crucial aspects of teaching reading in schools. She stresses that while phonemic awareness and phonics are essential, comprehension and vocabulary instruction must also be prioritised. Diane highlights a common issue: some schools focus so heavily on phonics that they leave little room for students to practise reading and develop comprehension strategies. This imbalance can hinder students' overall reading proficiency.
Diane shares a poignant example from her teaching experience. A young girl inferred that it must be summer in a story because the shop displayed sandals, not boots. This story illustrates how children can use illustrations to enhance comprehension, underscoring the importance of teaching students to use various cues and strategies to understand texts.
Diane discusses the necessity of teaching multiple reading strategies beyond phonics. She emphasises the value of teaching children to use context clues, syntax, and self-correction to decode and comprehend words. She explains that understanding the role of morphemes and rimes (e.g., recognising that 'lay' and 'day' share a common ending sound) can significantly enhance a child’s reading skills.
The conversation also covers the broader implications of focusing too narrowly on one aspect of reading instruction. Diane argues that while phonics is important, it should not overshadow other vital components like comprehension and vocabulary. She criticises the trend in some educational policies that overly emphasise phonics at the expense of a well-rounded approach to reading.
Diane advocates for a balanced, comprehensive approach to reading instruction that includes phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary. She calls for professional development for teachers to ensure they are equipped to teach these multifaceted aspects of reading effectively.
Diane’s extensive experience and insights offer valuable guidance for educators seeking to foster robust reading skills in their students. This episode is a must-listen for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in the nuances of comprehensive reading instruction.
NEW TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- The Comprehensive Reading Curriculum 2024
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words F-1, 2024
- Learning About Letter-Sound Relationships to Read Words F-1, 2024
- The Usefulness of Onsets and Rimes When Reading and Writing F-2, 2024
- Comprehension in Foundation - Strategies, Instruction, Assessment F, 2024
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Course: Understanding English Orthography
- Picture books for 5-6 year olds
- Alphabet books for 5.6 year olds
- Nursery Rhymes and Songs
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
Welcome back to Part 2 of our podcast series on “Teaching Reading in the First Year of School" with literacy expert, Diane Snowball. In this episode, we delve into the vital components of building a strong foundation in literacy for young learners. Diane emphasises the importance of creating a rich linguistic environment through Read-Aloud, Shared Reading, and exposing children to a variety of texts, both fiction and non-fiction.
Diane explains that a deep well of language, vocabulary, and grammar is essential for comprehension. This is achieved not through simple texts but through rich, diverse literature that provides children with background knowledge and different text structures. She highlights the significance of exposing children to various genres, including poetry, folktales, historical fiction, realistic fiction, and science fiction, to enhance their understanding and appreciation of language.
A central theme of the discussion is the role of read-alouds in early literacy development. Diane stresses that read-alouds should not be an occasional activity but an integral part of daily teaching. Teachers should carefully plan the fiction and non-fiction materials they will read to ensure a wide range of content and text types. This approach not only builds children's knowledge but also their motivation and enjoyment of reading. Motivation, Diane notes, is a crucial factor in learning to read, and providing access to books that children love can make a significant difference.
The conversation moves to the importance of a rich classroom library. Diane underscores the need for multiple copies of beloved books to ensure that all children have access to them. She shares anecdotes about children enthusiastically re-reading their favourite books, following the teacher's expression and pace, and gaining fluency and comprehension skills. She also discusses the concept of cohesive ties and the importance of teaching children to use pronouns and other language structures to connect ideas and understand texts deeply.
Diane and her co-host Phil explore the power of Shared Reading, where children see, hear, and join in with the text, enhancing their comprehension and enjoyment. They highlight the importance of choosing texts that are worth reading multiple times, as these texts enable children to perceive themselves as readers and develop their fluency and expression. They also touch on the role of Reader's Theatre in improving fluency, comparing it to a musician practising a piece of music to perfect their performance.
In the final segment, Diane encourages teachers to create their own class texts using blank chart paper, modelling various print concepts and sound-letter relationships as they write. This approach not only reinforces the learning objectives but also engages children in the process of creating and reading their own stories, further strengthening their literacy skills.
Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive guide for teachers on how to foster a love of reading and build essential literacy skills in the first year of school through thoughtful selection of texts, daily Read-Aloud, Shared Reading, and interactive literacy activities.
Welcome to "Teaching Reading in the First Year of School," a podcast dedicated to guiding educators through the essential components of a comprehensive reading curriculum for beginning readers. Join host Phil and literacy expert Diane Snowball as they delve into the critical aspects of teaching reading to young learners.
In this episode, Diane Snowball, a renowned literacy specialist, provides invaluable insights into constructing a well-rounded reading curriculum for early readers. Diane discusses all the key elements, including concepts of print, phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, morphemic awareness, high-frequency words, the reading process, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and the significance of fostering motivation and enjoyment in reading.
Diane emphasises the importance of varied instructional methods such as Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Independent Reading, Interactive Writing, and Language Experience Work. She shares her recent experiences working with the dedicated staff at Elsternwick Primary School, where collaboration and continuous learning among teachers have significantly enhanced the reading curriculum for foundation and grade one students.
Understanding the diverse reading abilities children bring to their first year of school is crucial. Diane highlights the necessity of individualised instruction based on students' unique experiences and knowledge. Through regular reading conferences, teachers at Elsternwick Primary School learn about their students' reading capabilities, enabling them to tailor instruction to meet each child's needs effectively.
Diane also discusses the foundational role of concepts of print and the one-to-one correspondence between spoken and written words. She explains how repetitive books with predictable patterns can aid children in developing these essential skills. Additionally, Diane stresses the significance of teaching phonological and phonemic awareness, helping children recognise sounds in language and their corresponding letters.
To support educators, Diane offers practical strategies for teaching letters, sounds, and word recognition. She advocates for using a variety of texts and creating custom decodable books based on students' experiences and classroom learning. This approach not only reinforces phonics skills but also enhances students' motivation and engagement by involving them in the creation of their own reading materials.
Throughout the episode, Diane provides thoughtful advice on classroom management, ensuring that teaching practices are adaptable to the diverse needs of young learners. By building a strong foundation in reading, fostering a love for books, and addressing individual learning needs, educators can set their students on a path to successful and enjoyable reading experiences from the very beginning of their school journey.
READ THE BLOG here.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- The (Comprehensive) Reading Curriculum: What to Teach and What to Assess by Diane Snowball
- Nursery Rhymes and Songs
- The Usefulness of Onsets and Rimes When Reading and Writingby Diane Snowball
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at
admin@cuelearning.com.au
.
In this podcast episode of "Invitation to New Books," hosts Sharon Callen and Genevieve Kruyssen delve into a delightful array of new children's books, highlighting the enchanting narratives and rich cultural tapestries that make each one a must-read.
The conversation begins with "The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky" by Tylissa Elisara. Genevieve's admiration for the story is evident as she discusses the book's deep connection to Kangaroo Island. The narrative of Wurtu, the wombat, embarking on an epic journey across the Forest of Dreaming, resonated with Genevieve, who praised the book’s charming language and vivid sense of place. The story, inspired by Elisara’s desire to combat the effects of racism experienced by her son, invites readers into Wurtu's world, making them feel at home in the bushland.
Next, Genevieve introduces "Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures" by Jason Pamment. This graphic novel, reminiscent of the popular "Lightfall" series, captures readers with its mystical energy and animated storytelling. The tale of Ember, a tiny person navigating a magical school full of unique creatures, is brought to life through Piment's dynamic illustrations and engaging narrative. Genevieve lauds the book’s seamless panel transitions and the captivating adventure that begins from the very first page.
Transitioning to a different yet equally enchanting tale, the hosts discuss "Millie Mak the Maker" by Alice Pung, illustrated by Sher Rill Ng. This book beautifully combines storytelling with crafting, offering patterns and instructions for the crafts Millie creates within the narrative. The story celebrates creativity, cultural diversity, and the bond between Millie and her two grandmas. Genevieve appreciates the book's accessible language and its potential to spark meaningful discussions among young readers about creativity and family.
The episode also touches on "Tweet" by Morris Gleitzman, a story that alternates between the perspectives of a boy named Jay and his pet budgie, Clyde. Genevieve admires Gleitzman’s ability to capture both characters’ voices and the humor and heart embedded in their journey. The alternating chapters and short, punchy segments keep readers engaged in this whimsical adventure.
In the final segment, Genevieve highlights two notable books: "My Brother's Keeper," a poignant tale set during the Korean Civil War, and "The Wintrish Girl" by Melanie La’Brooy, an intricately plotted fantasy that bridges the gap between "Keeper of the Lost Cities" and "Nevermore." Genevieve praises "The Wintrish Girl" for its detailed world-building and the recognition it received from the inaugural Danz Awards, judged by children.
Throughout the episode, Genevieve's passion for children's literature shines through as she shares insights into each book's unique charm and educational potential. This lively discussion offers listeners a treasure trove of recommendations for enriching young readers’ lives with diverse and captivating stories.
In this episode of "Invitation to New Books," Sharon and Phil welcome the engaging Genevieve Kruyssen from the renowned Brisbane bookshop "Where the Wild Things Are." This lively discussion promises an exciting journey through a handpicked selection of children’s books that Genevieve enthusiastically shares.
The episode begins with Genevieve introducing the enchanting picture book "Good Night, Good Beach" by Joy Cowley and Hilary Jean Tapper. She praises its rhythmic, poetic narrative, which beautifully captures a day at the beach, from dawn to dusk. Sharon and Genevieve both highlight the book’s ability to appeal to readers of all ages, particularly grandparents who might relish its quaint, old-fashioned illustrations.
Next, Genevieve shifts to "Two Turtles" by Keir Thomas and illustrated by Jake A. Minton, a whimsical tale about two turtles racing off a cliff. The narrative’s playful tone and engaging illustrations make it a hit with children and adults alike. Sharon appreciates the book’s humour and the expressive eyes of the turtles, which convey much of the story’s emotion and action.
The conversation then moves to "The Big Book of Australian Nursery Rhymes" by Frannie La Saxe. This vibrant collection reimagines traditional nursery rhymes with an Australian twist. Genevieve and Sharon discuss the educational potential of these playful innovations, noting how they can help children connect with their environment and inspire them to create their own versions of beloved classics.
Genevieve also brings attention to "Three Dresses" by Wanda Gibson, a poignant narrative that provides a glimpse into the life of a young girl living on the Hopevale mission. The story, told through the lens of the three dresses the girl receives each year, is both touching and educational, offering insights into a unique cultural experience.
The podcast delves into chapter books with "Losing the Plot" by Annaliese Byrd, a debut novel that reimagines the Hansel and Gretel fairytale with humour and a modern twist. The story's witty dialogue and clever use of acronyms provide a fun and engaging reading experience. Sharon and Genevieve discuss how the book’s lively narrative and fairytale themes can captivate young readers and encourage them to explore classic tales.
Throughout the episode, Genevieve’s passion for children’s literature shines through, as she emphasises the importance of storytelling in fostering imagination and learning. Sharon and Phil’s enthusiasm and thoughtful questions make this episode a delightful exploration of new books that are sure to enchant young readers and those who read with them.
Join Sharon, Phil, and Genevieve for this heartwarming and insightful episode as they celebrate the magic of children's books and the joy of reading.
BLOG:
- Invitation to New Books blog
ACCESS THE BOOKS
- At Where the Wild Things Are bookshop
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
Welcome back to our podcast series on "High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6." Today, we delve into paired reading, a one-on-one strategy with proven success, particularly in classrooms where students need tailored interventions.
To recap our journey so far: we've explored reading workshops, book selection strategies, and the importance of read-aloud sessions. Each strategy is designed to address specific needs in young readers, from fluency to comprehension, and vocabulary to text structure.
Now, let's focus on paired reading, a method developed by Keith Topping. This technique involves an adult—whether a teacher, classroom assistant, or even a parent—reading alongside a student. It's an intentional, structured process that requires consistency and patience but can significantly boost a child's reading skills and confidence.
The key to paired reading lies in its simplicity and the power of one-on-one attention. It's especially effective for students who struggle with decoding, fluency, or maintaining motivation. By reading together, students experience immediate support and correction, making the reading process less daunting and more enjoyable.
Here's how it works:
- Getting Started: The student selects a book of interest, ideally at an instructional level (around 95% readability). This ensures the text is challenging but not overwhelming. The adult shows interest in the book choice, setting a positive tone for the reading session.
- Reading Together: Both the adult and the student read aloud in unison. The adult matches the student's pace but aims to model fluent reading. If the student struggles with word-by-word reading, the adult nudges the pace slightly to encourage more fluid reading.
- Error Correction: If the student mispronounces a word or hesitates, the adult waits five seconds to allow the student to self-correct. If correction doesn’t occur, the adult provides the correct word, and the student repeats it. This immediate feedback helps reinforce correct reading patterns without breaking the flow.
- Taking Turns: The student signals when they feel ready to read alone. This can be a nudge, a tap, or a raised finger. The adult praises this initiative and stops reading aloud, allowing the student to continue independently. If the student encounters difficulty again, the process of joint reading and correction resumes.
- Praise and Feedback: Specific praise is crucial. Highlighting what the student did well—such as recognising a prefix or correctly decoding a challenging word—builds their confidence and skills. This positive reinforcement encourages persistence and resilience.
Paired reading sessions are recommended three times a week for about 10-15 minutes each. This regular practice can be managed within the classroom's independent reading time, ensuring that multiple students can benefit without significant disruption.
By integrating paired reading into your teaching repertoire, you're not just helping students decode words but also fostering a love for reading and building their overall confidence. It's a powerful strategy that, when used thoughtfully, can make a significant difference in the reading lives of struggling students.
READ OUR BLOG
BOOKS
Topping, K. Paired Reading, Spelling and Writing: The Handbook for Teachers and Parents: Handbook for Parent and Peer Tutoring in Literacy
TEACHIFIC
- Reading Calendars 2024
- Reading Journals by Grade
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
Welcome back to part six of our podcast series on high-impact strategies for struggling readers in Years 3 to 6. Today, we delve into the power of reading aloud, a topic that Mem Fox has passionately explored. Let's reiterate the value of making read-aloud sessions a daily, intentional practice.
Once you establish a routine of read-alouds, students will look forward to it and demand it. This excitement is fuelled by selecting texts that not only captivate their interests but also expand their horizons. Instead of choosing books that mirror their everyday experiences, consider texts that introduce them to new ideas and genres, fostering curiosity and broadening their understanding of the world.
Chapter books are particularly important for students in Years 3 to 6. They help children develop the skills to engage with longer texts, sustain their interest, and think deeply. Australian authors like Emily Rodda, with series like Rowan of Rin and Deltora Quest, offer rich, immersive stories that are perfect for read-aloud sessions. Similarly, Katrina Nannestad’s "We Are Wolves" and Catherine Applegate's verse narrative "Odder" provide diverse literary experiences.
The key is to read books you've personally enjoyed and found successful with students. When choosing a book, consider the unique dynamics and interests of your class. Ensure that read-aloud sessions are inclusive, especially for struggling readers, who should not miss out on this enriching experience. These sessions allow all students to be part of the "literacy club," engaging in discussions and building their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Balancing enjoyment with instructional opportunities is crucial. Focus primarily on the enjoyment of the story, but don't shy away from teaching moments. For example, if you notice your students struggling with punctuation, you can briefly highlight how it's used during a read-aloud session without disrupting the flow of the story. This can be revisited and reinforced during dedicated mini-lessons in your reading workshop.
Reading aloud is one of the most effective, low-input strategies we have. It doesn't require special materials, just a fluent reader and a collection of thoughtfully chosen books. It's a practice that supports all readers, enhancing vocabulary, comprehension, and overall literacy skills. By making it a daily practice, we provide every child with the opportunity to grow as a reader and thinker.
In conclusion, read-aloud sessions are more than just a classroom activity; they are a powerful tool for building a community of readers. They offer shared experiences that foster discussions, wonder, and discovery. So, let’s commit to making read-aloud a high-impact, daily part of our teaching strategy, ensuring that every child benefits from the magic of a well-told story.
BOOKS, in the order mentioned in the podcast:
- Rodda, E. Rowan of Rin
- Rodda, E. Deltora Quest
- Rodda, E. The Glimme
- Nannestad, K. Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief
- Nannestad, K. We Are Wolves
- DiTerlizzi, T. and Black, H. The Spiderwick Chronicles - Field Guide
- Applegate, K. Odder
- Gold, H. The Last Bear
- Ma, S. A Glasshouse of Stars
- Stewart, P. and Riddell, C. Fergus Crane
- Funke, C. Dragon Rider
- Morpurgo, M. The Fox and the Ghost King
- Pennypacker, S. Pax
- Cooper, H. The Hippo at the End of the Hall
- Howes, K. Woven of the World
- Mystery, P. The Midnight Panther
- Blackall, S. Farmhouse
- Bailey, S. The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs in Nature
- Van Allsburg, C. Jumanji
- Van Allsburg, C. The Polar Express
- Van Allsburg, C. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick
- Van Allsburg, C. The Z Was Zapped
- Van Allsburg, C. The Wreck of the Zephyr
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- Join Teachific today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In the latest instalment of their podcast series, Sharon and Phil delve into high-impact strategies for struggling readers in years three to six, shedding light on the profound effects these methods can have. This episode, part five, spotlights the importance of read-aloud sessions and explores why this practice is a cornerstone for literacy development.
Sharon begins by acknowledging that their journey through these strategies has been unexpectedly extensive, reflecting on the depth and significance of each method they’ve discussed. She emphasises that the strategies they explore are research-backed and have proven effective in their teaching experiences. Both Sharon and Phil are seasoned educators, enriched by their involvement with organizations such as ALEA (Australian Literacy Educators Association) and the ILA (International Literacy Association), and they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.
The conversation swiftly moves to their recent trip to Melbourne, where they collaborated with a new team of educators. The visit underscored the critical role of read-alouds, not just for struggling readers but for all students. Sharon and Phil underscore that reading aloud is a daily, significant, research-based strategy that fosters a range of essential reading skills. They list the benefits: enhanced fluency, improved comprehension, expanded vocabulary, increased background knowledge, a deeper understanding of story structure and genre, and overall reading enjoyment.
Sharon and Phil stress the importance of intentionality in choosing read-aloud books. They advocate for selecting texts that are slightly above the students' current reading level to stretch their thinking and expose them to more complex vocabulary and ideas. This approach not only engages students but also fosters a sense of inclusion, allowing struggling readers to participate fully in the learning process.
The episode is rich with practical advice. Sharon suggests keeping students close during read-aloud sessions to maintain engagement and using gestures to convey meaning, a strategy supported by research. Phil adds the importance of planning and selecting a diverse range of books, including poetry and different genres, to keep the sessions dynamic and engaging.
A significant part of the discussion revolves around making read-aloud sessions more effective. Sharon and Phil propose strategies like summarising significant events in the story to help students track the plot and understand the text's structure. They highlight the necessity of exposing students to new words and phrases, encouraging them to think critically about the text, and fostering a classroom environment where every student feels like a valued participant in the reading process.
As they wrap up, Sharon and Phil reflect on the broader implications of reading aloud. They emphasise that books open up worlds beyond the students' immediate experiences, fostering empathy, curiosity, and a broader understanding of the world. This, they believe, is the true power of reading aloud, making it an indispensable tool in every teacher's literacy teaching arsenal.
In essence, this episode of the podcast is a treasure trove of insights for educators aiming to enhance their literacy teaching practices. Sharon and Phil's passion for teaching and their commitment to supporting struggling readers shine through, offering listeners both inspiration and practical guidance.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In the latest instalment of our podcast series, Sharon and Phil delve into the realm of supporting struggling readers in Years 3 to 6 with high-impact strategies. They emphasise the importance of selecting books that offer rich experiences beyond just the words on the page. They explore how intricate illustrations can enhance the reading experience for struggling readers, drawing them into the narrative in new and engaging ways.
The conversation highlights the value of books that invite repeated readings, providing ample opportunities for readers to uncover layers of meaning and explore literary devices. Through careful book selection, even struggling readers can be empowered to engage deeply with texts, moving beyond mere decoding challenges to embrace higher-level comprehension skills.
The hosts emphasise the need to address individual challenges faced by struggling readers, recognising that decoding difficulties do not equate to poor comprehension skills. By exposing students to a wide range of texts and literary devices, educators can help them build a fuller understanding of what reading entails and cultivate confidence in their abilities as readers.
Moreover, the podcast advocates for a holistic approach to reading instruction, emphasising the interconnected nature of different reading skills. Rather than isolating decoding from comprehension, educators should encourage students to see reading as a multifaceted process that encompasses various aspects, including accuracy, fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking.
The discussion also touches upon practical strategies for book selection, such as book tasting sessions, where students sample excerpts from different books to find ones that resonate with them. Additionally, the importance of maintaining reading journals and reading calendars to track progress, set goals, and reflect on reading experiences is underscored.
The podcast concludes by highlighting the power of read-aloud sessions and the value of poetry in supporting struggling readers. By providing opportunities for repeated readings and exposure to rich language structures, educators can help students develop their reading skills and foster a love for literature.
Overall, the episode serves as a comprehensive guide for educators seeking effective strategies to support struggling readers and promote literacy development in Years 3 to 6. Through thoughtful book selection, ongoing assessment, and targeted instruction, educators can empower all students to become confident and proficient readers.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Reader surveys
- Motivation to Read
PODCASTS
- Picture Books For Older Readers With Giselle (2021)
- Information Books in My Classroom With Giselle (2021)
- Great Books for High School Readers with Rebecca Bird (2021)
- New Books to Inspire Readers with Rebecca Bird (2022)
- New Release Books To Inspire Young Learners Lucy Stinson and Genevieve Kruyssen (2022)
- Latest Release Books with Genevieve Kruyssen (2023)
- Latest Release Books with Mike Dumbleton (2023)
BOOKS
- Watching Children Read and Write: Observational Records for Children with Special Needs, Max Kemp
- What Really Matters for Struggling Readers: Designing Research Based Programs, Richard Allington
- Z was Zapped , Chris Van Allsburg
ARTICLES
- Every Child Every Day Richard Allington, Rachael Gabriel
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- If you join Teachific by June 1st you will lock in a $12 a month membership price. Join here today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In the latest episode of our podcast series, we're diving deep into empowering struggling readers in grades three to six through effective book selection strategies. We start by emphasising the importance of structured reading workshops, which lay the groundwork for literacy development by aligning learning intentions, methodologies, and evaluation.
At the core of literacy development lies book selection, as highlighted by the works of Rachel Gabriel and Richard Allington. We explore how allowing students to choose texts appropriate for their reading level and interests is crucial for fostering engagement and proficiency.
A key element in facilitating effective book selection is the presence of rich and diverse classroom libraries. Research indicates that classrooms with curated book collections witness increased student engagement and reading frequency, emphasising the importance of access to a wide array of books.
We discuss practical strategies for guiding students in selecting books, such as curating browsing boxes tailored to their interests and reading levels. By limiting choices to a curated selection, students can explore books with confidence, minimising decision fatigue and maximising engagement.
Moreover, incorporating student input through surveys and interviews enables teachers to personalise recommendations and foster a culture of reading ownership within the classroom.
Guided library visits offer invaluable support for students struggling to find suitable books. By accompanying students and providing targeted assistance in selecting books aligned with their abilities and interests, educators can reignite their passion for reading.
We also explore the importance of diversifying reading materials beyond traditional narratives, such as illustrated books and graphic novels, to cater to diverse learning preferences and abilities.
Ultimately, empowering struggling readers through effective book selection strategies is about instilling confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for reading. By providing structured support, personalised guidance, and a diverse range of reading materials, educators can unlock the full potential of struggling readers, transforming their reading experiences into enriching adventures of discovery and growth.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Reader surveys
- Motivation to Read
BOOKS
- Watching Children Read and Write: Observational Records for Children with Special Needs, Max Kemp
- What Really Matters for Struggling Readers: Designing Research Based Programs, Richard Allington
- Z was Zapped , Chris Van Allsburg
ARTICLES
- Every Child Every Day Richard Allington, Rachael Gabriel
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- If you join Teachific by June 1st you will lock in a $12 a month membership price. Join here today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
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 for struggling readers.
Sharon kicks off the discussion with a passionate introduction to phrasing, emphasising its pivotal role in unlocking the meaning of text. Phrasing, she explains, involves grouping words together to create cohesive units, a technique marked by a distinctive line underneath known as a "scoop". It's a simple yet profound approach that can make all the difference in a student's reading journey.
But how do teachers effectively implement this strategy in their classrooms? That's where the magic of modelling and practice comes in. Sharon and Phil advocate for explicit modelling, where teachers select sentences and demonstrate how to identify and group words for enhanced comprehension. Through enlarged shared texts and engaging 'think aloud' sessions, teachers ensure that every student grasps the purpose and significance of phrasing.
The duo then explores the importance of mini rehearsals and feedback, providing students with valuable opportunities to practise phrasing with guidance from their teacher. Timely feedback and peer discussions reinforce learning and solidify comprehension, setting the stage for purposeful independent reading.
As students dive into their own books, armed with the newfound knowledge of phrasing, they discover a sense of ownership and autonomy in their reading process. 'Post It' notes become valuable tools for students to document examples of successful phrasing, reinforcing their understanding and boosting their confidence.
Throughout the podcast, Sharon and Phil underscore the importance of individualised support, whole-class engagement activities, and reflective practice, all of which contribute to creating an inclusive classroom environment where every student feels empowered to participate and succeed.
The Reading ‘workshop’ is a daily, high impact strategy that creates an inclusive classroom environment where all students, including struggling readers, feel empowered to participate and succeed and thrive.
Stay tuned for future podcasts exploring additional strategies for supporting struggling readers.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Reading Workshop resources
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- If you join Teachific by June 1st you will lock in a $12 a month membership price. Join here today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In this podcast episode, Sharon and Phil delve into strategies for teaching struggling readers, particularly focusing on students in years three to six. They emphasise the importance of addressing the needs of struggling readers while also catering to the diverse range of all readers in the classroom.
The discussion begins with Sharon highlighting the common questions teachers have about supporting struggling readers and the need for effective strategies to motivate students, facilitate growth, and access grade-level curriculum. They stress the importance of differentiation to meet the needs of all readers while ensuring growth and extension for each student.
Sharon and Phil discuss the concept of reading as thinking and emphasise the need for intentional teaching during reading sessions. They introduce the idea of a Reading Workshop model, which involves setting clear intentions, modelling reading strategies through thinking aloud, and providing opportunities for students to practise independently.
They also touch upon the significance of quality literature, the use of familiar texts from read-aloud sessions, and the incorporation of phrasing techniques to enhance comprehension. Throughout the discussion, Sharon and Phil underscore the importance of evidence-based approaches and the joy of teaching through thoughtful planning and engagement.
The podcast concludes with a preview of upcoming topics, including developing book selection strategies, incorporating read-aloud sessions, and implementing paired reading activities to further support literacy development.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Reading Workshop resources
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- If you join Teachific by June 1st you will lock in a $12 a month membership price. Join here today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Misty Adoniou and Phil delve into the intricacies of evidence-based teaching, exploring its history and current challenges.
Misty challenges the misconception that teachers simply need ready-made materials to alleviate their time constraints, asserting that teachers are time-poor due to administrative burdens, not lesson planning. She emphasises the importance of evidence-based teaching, which involves adapting instruction based on observable student needs, rather than blindly following pre-made lesson plans.
Misty traces the evolution of educational theories over the past 80 years, from behaviourism to nativism to social interactionism, highlighting Australia's leadership in literacy education since the 1980s. She laments the decline of curriculum advisory expertise within education departments, advocating for a return to collaborative, evidence-based approaches among educators, universities, and policymakers.
The conversation also touches on the detrimental impact of commercialisation in education and the unintended consequences of standardised testing like NAPLAN. Misty encourages teachers to maintain their scientific inquiry mindset, collect data on interventions, and demand evidence-based practices rather than succumbing to commercialised solutions.
Finally, Misty celebrates teachers as scientists in their own right, urging them to trust their expertise and resist external pressures. She emphasises the need for autonomy and professional judgment in teaching, reinforcing the message that educators are integral to shaping effective, evidence-based practices in the classroom.
NEW PODCAST
- Evidence Based Teaching, What Is It? – Part 1, Ep 107 with Misty Adoniou
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Understanding and Using the Science of Reading - Podcast Transcript
PODCASTS
- Understanding and Using the Science of Reading - Part 1,Part 2
COURSES
- Understanding and Using the Science of Readingwith Diane Snowball and Keay Cobbin
- Toward Comprehensive, Research-Informed Literacy Instruction: Thinking With, Against, and Beyond the Science of Reading(Sponsored by the Ithaca College Department of Education, February 22, 2024
BOOKS
- Bruner, J., The Process of Education, Harvard University Press, 1977
- Dewey, J.D., How We Think, Dover Publications, Boston,1997
- Vygotsky, L., Thought and Language, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1986
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- If you join Teachific by June 1st you will lock in a $12 a month membership price. Join here today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
THANK YOU
Thank you to Misty for her dedication to education, and support for the teaching profession.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In episode 107 of the podcast "Evidence Based Teaching," literacy expert Misty Adoniou joins host Phil to delve into the essence of evidence-based teaching. Misty, an Associate Professor in Language Literacy and TESOL, brings extensive experience and insights to the discussion. She emphasises the importance of evidence-based teaching, highlighting its role in fostering observable, positive learning outcomes for students.
Misty explains that evidence-based teaching is deeply rooted in the scientific method, tracing back to the late 1800s with educators like Dewey advocating for rigorous experimentation in education. She elucidates how educational research undergoes scrutiny through peer-reviewed academic journals and conferences, ensuring the validity and reliability of findings. Misty underscores the complexity of applying scientific principles in the classroom due to diverse contextual variables, challenging the notion of one-size-fits-all programs.
Moreover, Misty demystifies the teacher's role as a scientist, highlighting the intricate process of lesson planning as a micro-application of the scientific method. She emphasises the teacher's expertise in gathering evidence, assessing outcomes, and iteratively refining instructional practices. Misty critiques the trend of commercialised "evidence-based" programs, asserting that genuine evidence-based teaching is intrinsic to the teaching profession and rooted in ongoing scientific inquiry.
Ultimately, Misty's insights underscore the profound scientific nature of teaching and the necessity for educators to embrace evidence-based practices tailored to their unique classroom contexts. The podcast provides a thought-provoking exploration of evidence-based teaching, challenging misconceptions and empowering educators with a deeper understanding of their craft.
NEW PODCAST
- Evidence Based Teaching, What Is It? – Part 1, Ep 107 with Misty Adoniou
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- Understanding and Using the Science of Reading - Podcast Transcript
PODCASTS
- Understanding and Using the Science of Reading - Part 1,Part 2
COURSES
- Understanding and Using the Science of Readingwith Diane Snowball and Keay Cobbin
- Toward Comprehensive, Research-Informed Literacy Instruction: Thinking With, Against, and Beyond the Science of Reading(Sponsored by the Ithaca College Department of Education, February 22, 2024
BOOKS
- Bruner, J., The Process of Education, Harvard University Press, 1977
- Dewey, J.D., How We Think, Dover Publications, Boston,1997
- Vygotsky, L., Thought and Language, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1986
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- If you join Teachific by June 1st you will lock in a $12 a month membership price. Join here today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
THANK YOU
Thank you to Misty for her dedication to education, and support for the teaching profession.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
The podcast episode titled "New Writing Units Uncovered – Part 2, Ep 106 with Sharon Callen" delves into the intricacies of teaching writing with joy and effectiveness. Sharon Callen and team discuss the process of planning writing units, emphasising the importance of starting with purpose and mentor texts rather than just focusing on structure. By immersing students in high-quality literature, teachers can inspire them to become enthusiastic and skilled writers.
Sharon highlights the significance of frequent publishing throughout the writing process, advocating for turning student work into tangible books that can be shared and celebrated. The episode also touches on the value of author studies in helping students understand different writing styles and find their own voice as writers.
Throughout the discussion, Sharon and the hosts stress the need for joyful and purposeful writing instruction, aiming to create an environment where students feel empowered and inspired to express themselves through writing. The episode provides practical insights and strategies for educators looking to enhance their writing instruction and foster a love for writing in their students.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- New Writing Units by Grade
- 6 + 1 Traits Writing resources
- Mud Mapping - planning resources for writing
- Drafting and Revising in writing
PODCASTS
- The Art of Crafting the Writing Workshop
- Teaching Writing Effectively with Alan Wright
COURSES
- Writer's Notebook with Alan Wright
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- If you join Teachific by June 1st you will lock in a $12 a month membership price. Join here today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
THANK YOU
Thank you to these teachers for their contributing work:
- Bec and Sean at Fairview Primary School in WA
- Rick, Jenna and Kate at Mt Barker South Primary School in SA
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
The podcast discusses the universal principles of learning and teaching, emphasising the importance of understanding learners' perspectives regardless of age.
It explores the idea that teaching should involve putting oneself in the shoes of the learner to better adapt to their needs. Hosts Sharon and Phil reflect on their experiences as learners and the continuous journey of improvement.
They delve into the struggles teachers face, such as aligning teaching with standardised assessments like NAPLAN, and how to incorporate diverse writing genres into the curriculum beyond the dominant focus on narrative and persuasive writing.
The conversation highlights the need for a richer understanding of the Australian curriculum, emphasising literature-based models for writing instruction.
The hosts discuss the development of writing units aimed at enhancing students' writing skills through intentional focus on elements like word choice, revision, and genre diversity.
They stress the importance of frequent revision cycles in the writing process and provide practical tips for planning writing units, including pre-planning strategies, purposeful connections to other subjects, and structuring the writing process within a unit.
The podcast aims to empower teachers with tools and techniques for creating engaging and effective writing instruction.
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES
- New Writing Units by Grade
- 6 + 1 Traits Writing resources
- Mud Mapping - planning resources for writing
- Drafting and Revising in writing
PODCASTS
- The Art of Crafting the Writing Workshop
- Teaching Writing Effectively with Alan Wright
COURSES
- Writer's Notebook with Alan Wright
JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!
- If you join Teachific by June 1st you will lock in a $12 a month membership price. Join here today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.
THANK YOU
Thank you to these teachers for their contributing work:
- Bec and Sean at Fairview Primary School in WA
- Rick, Jenna and Kate at Mt Barker South Primary School in SA
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
- Read our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.
- Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.
- Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.
- Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook group
- Explore upcoming live or online webinar events
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au.
In this podcast, Diane Snowball discusses how Shared Reading fits into the broader reading experiences of children, and it’s deep pedagogical base.
She emphasises the gradual release of responsibility from reading aloud to independent practice in reading. Diane highlights the importance of choosing appropriate books for Shared Reading and how this practice fosters fluency, comprehension, and the development of various reading strategies.
The conversation delves into teaching reading comprehension strategies, such as inferring and metacognition, during Shared Reading. Diane also stresses the importance of helping children recognise high-frequency words. Additionally, she mentions engaging activities associated with Shared Reading experiences, including Reader's Theatre, dramatization, artwork, rewriting stories, and creating new stories based on established patterns.
Diane emphasises the significance of choosing engaging and high-quality materials for Shared Reading and encouraging a love for reading in children. Teachers can help students build a repertoire of reading strategies and make Shared Reading an enjoyable and effective pedagogical tool.
Diane touches on the use of different text genres, both fiction and non-fiction, and how they can help children understand text patterns and structures. The conversation emphasises the value of choice in writing and the transformative impact it can have in the classroom.
The hosts stress the significance of professional learning and the need for teachers to continually refine their teaching methods. They highlight practical aspects of Shared Reading, such as choosing the right text and encouraging repeated readings.
The podcast also discusses using poetry as a text type and mentions Teachific as a source for copyright-free poems.
Overall, it's an insightful conversation on Shared Reading techniques, offering practical advice and suggestions for educators looking to enhance their teaching methods.
NEW RESOURCES
- Shared Reading: Basics for Teachers, F-2(Teachific)
- Shared Reading: Implementation Guide for Teachers, F-2(Teachific)
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Join our upcoming events, and try our online courses Explore our extensive PDF resources.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning. Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves. To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming events
- See our online courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Part 1 of this podcast on Shared Reading features special guest, Diane Snowball, a highly experienced educator in Australia, with classroom teaching expertise and for many years providing professional development for teachers and educational leaders. Diane explores the concept of Shared Reading and its significance in teaching young children how to read.
Diane begins by discussing her recent experience working with Grade 1 teachers in Melbourne, specifically focusing on shared reading. She emphasizes the importance of shared reading as a fundamental teaching strategy that helps children develop their reading skills and understanding of print.
The conversation delves into various aspects of Shared Reading including what makes a text suitable for Shared Reading, the benefits of using rhyme, repetition, and rhythm in Shared Reading texts, and how children can transition from being read to by adults to reading independently. Diane highlights the role of Shared Reading in building children's comprehension skills and fostering their love for reading.
The podcast also touches on the practice of introducing a new text for Shared Reading and the role of the teacher in guiding children during this process. Diane emphasises that Shared Reading is not just about enjoyment but also serves as a powerful tool for teaching children how to read and understand written language.
Additionally, Diane discusses how Shared Reading can benefit children from diverse linguistic backgrounds, helping them learn English while also developing their reading and writing skills.
Shared Reading involves reading aloud to children while they see the printed text. The benefits of this approach are highlighted, particularly in helping children develop a one-to-one match between spoken words and printed text, a crucial concept in early literacy.
The podcast emphasises the need for children to actively engage in reading by joining in with the text. Selecting appropriate books for Shared Reading is also a key consideration, ensuring that they are suitable for the children's reading abilities. The importance of keeping these books accessible in the classroom and reusing them for sustained periods is stressed. The ultimate goal is to make Shared Reading an enjoyable and engaging experience that motivates children to read more.
Overall, the podcast offers valuable insights into the importance of shared reading as a pedagogical approach in early childhood education, emphasizing its role in language development, comprehension, and fostering a lifelong love for reading and learning.
NEW RESOURCES
- Shared Reading: Basics for Teachers, F-2(Teachific)
- Shared Reading: Implementation Guide for Teachers, F-2 (Teachific)
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Join our upcoming events, and try our online courses Explore our extensive PDF resources.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning. Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves. To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming events
- See our online courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this second part of the podcast, Sharon and team, and their guest, Grace, delve into various strategies for nurturing writing skills in Foundation year students. One key concept introduced is the use of "sentence stems." These stems provide young children with simple sentence starters, helping them initiate their writing and incorporate high-frequency words. The ultimate aim is to develop reading and writing fluency with 25+ high-frequency words by the end of the Foundation year.
The importance of a "word wall" is discussed, enabling students to independently reference high-frequency words and take ownership of their spelling. Alphabet strips and individualised tools for letter formation are introduced, allowing students to practise and reinforce their letter-writing skills and fostering a sense of ownership.
Grace and her students have transitioned from single-page writing to creating books, instilling a sense of authenticity and pride in their work. They've even turned a class project into a physical book to be shared.
The concept of allowing students to continue working on their writing or adding more details to their drawings when they finish quickly is highlighted. This approach keeps students engaged and prevents rushing through their work to gain free time.
Sharing and reflecting on their writing is emphasised, with shared reading and paired reading, encouraging students to take pride in their work and strive for improvement.
Throughout the podcast, Grace underscores the value of mentor texts, where authors serve as teachers for young writers. Literature is used to inspire students and showcase excellent writing examples, encouraging them to draw from these texts to enhance their own writing.
The hosts stress the significance of creating a positive learning culture and focusing on individual student progress rather than rigidly predefined goals. This approach fosters independence and a love for writing.
The podcast also presents ten key elements for teaching writing, such as building confidence in drawing and writing, generating writing ideas, self-evaluation, promoting independent work, exploring techniques from other writers, and self-identifying as a writer. They emphasise the importance of fostering a classroom environment where students are enthusiastic about writing and deeply connected to the content.
Grace's commitment to professional development and her thoughtful classroom choices are commended. In summary, the podcast highlights the transformative power of recognising children as writers, enabling students to view themselves as writers, and nurturing their writing skills through a combination of strategies and a supportive, encouraging learning environment.
RESOURCES
- Analysing Early Writing: Spelling, F-2 (Teachific)
- Alphabet strips (Teachific)
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Join our upcoming Zoom event.
and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this podcast, literacy expert Sharon Callen and team welcome special guest Grace Cullen, a Foundation/ Reception teacher at Littlehampton Primary School. They discuss the challenges and strategies for teaching early writing to young students. Grace shares her experience transitioning from a structured program to a more student-centred approach to writing.
Grace emphasises the importance of tapping into students' interests to ignite their passion for writing. She found that when children have something they genuinely want to write about, the floodgates of creativity open. She also highlights the significance of valuing and publishing students' work, giving them a real sense of being writers and sharing their creations with an audience.
The conversation touches on the curriculum and how it encourages students to view themselves as writers who can communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. The curriculum aims to help students create short written texts, encouraging them to use words and phrases from their learning and develop foundational writing skills.
Grace and Sharon also discuss the use of mentor texts, anchor charts, and student-created resources in the classroom to support young writers. The side-by-side coaching model is recognised as a valuable tool for helping teachers navigate the transition to student-centred writing instruction.
The speakers emphasise the importance of enabling students to notice, explore, and engage with literature to develop their writing abilities. By using books as tools to introduce new sounds and patterns, they encourage students to become word 'noticers'. Their approach emphasises fostering bravery, resilience, and intentionality in writing, providing young learners with a strong foundation for their future educational journeys. Additionally, they incorporate phonics knowledge and the multi-sound capabilities of letters to support students at various learning levels.
Overall, the podcast underscores the importance of fostering a love of writing by connecting it to students' interests, providing independence through classroom resources, and using the curriculum as a guideline while adapting to students' needs and abilities. The goal is to empower young students to see themselves as capable and enthusiastic writers.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Join our upcoming Zoom event.
and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In episode 100 (Part 2) of the "Teacher's Toolkit" podcast, Dr. Jan Turbill discusses the engaging approach of teaching writing through book clubs. She emphasises the importance of teaching writing by allowing students to read like writers and connect with authors. Dr. Turbill recalls her own experiences as a student and how her Latin teacher helped her become a better writer by analysing essays and using them as models.
The podcast episode highlights the structured approach used in her book clubs, which involved breaking down the reading and writing process into manageable steps. They started with whole-group discussions about various aspects of storytelling, like character development, setting, and plot. Then, students would engage in small group discussions and activities related to the book they were reading.
The episode also discusses the power writing sessions, where students would write in silence, inspired by specific prompts.
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Turbill emphasises the importance of reading like a writer and encouraging students to understand how author’s craft their stories. The episode also touches on the value of mentor texts (mentor authors) the benefits of allowing students to explore different perspectives in literature, and more effective questioning techniques.
Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into an engaging approach to teaching writing that focuses on reading with a writer's mindset and understanding the craft of writing. It highlights the significance of creating a supportive learning environment where students can share their writing and learn from one another.
Dr. Jan Turbill is currently an Honorary Senior Fellow in the Faculty of Education at the University of Wollongong with a remarkable career ranging from teaching in classrooms to supporting university students at the foundation of their careers. In addition, from 2007 to 2019, she served as the Teaching and Learning Consultant in the Faculty of Business, offering guidance on teaching and learning matters. Her impactful work earned her an ALTC Citation in 2011. Jan's leadership extends to her role as Past President of the Australian Literacy Educators Association (ALEA), where for eight years she contributed to national literacy initiatives, including the Australian Government's National Inquiry into Literacy. She's advised the NSW Department of Education and been active in the International Reading Association, earning a place in the Reading Hall of Fame in 2008.
RESOURCES ON THE PODCAST
- Berry School Book Club: Engaging readers and writers. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 21 (3), 269–289.
- Fletcher, R. & Portalupi, J. (2007). Craft lessons: Teaching writing K–8, (2nd ed.). Portland. Maine: Stenhouse.
- Griffith, R. (2010). Students learn to read like writers: A framework for teachers of writing. Reading Horizons, 50 (1), 49–66.
- Macrorie, K. (1985). Telling writing (4th ed.). New Jersey: Boynton/Cook Publishers.
- Mayo, L. (2000). Making the connection: Reading and writing together. The English Journal, 89 (4), 74–77.
- Smith, F. (1983). Reading like a writer. Language Arts, 60 (5), 558–567.
Children's books
- Dahl, R. (1988). Matilda. London: Penguin.
- French, J. (2006). The goat who sailed the world. Sydney: Angus & Robertson.
- French, J. (2009). The night they stormed Eureka. Sydney: Angus & Robertson.
- Fussell, S. (2008). Samurai kids: Owl ninja. Sydney: Walker Books.
- Fussell, S. (2009). Samurai kids: Shaolin tiger. Sydney: Walker Books.
- Fussell, S. (2008). Samurai kids: White crane. Sydney: Walker Books.
- Gleeson, L. (2008). Mahtab’s story. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
- Murphy, S. (2010). Toppling. Sydney: Walker Books
- Tan, S (2010. The Lost Thing.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Join our upcoming Zoom event.
and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In episode 99 of Teacher's Toolkit for Literacy, "Part 1: Engaging Readers and Writers Through Book Club" we welcome special guest Dr. Jan Turbill. Jan is an accomplished educator, who shares her experiences in education, including teaching in various settings and her work on literacy policy strategies.
Jan talks about her post-retirement involvement with a school, where she worked to improve literacy skills in students, particularly in Years 4,5 and 6. She describes how the idea of starting a book club came about and the collaborative efforts of teachers and students to engage with literature.
The episode also delves into the importance of teaching students to read like writers, emphasising the value of understanding an author's craft. Jan mentions the significance of establishing a personal connection with authors to enhance the reading experience for students.
The podcast highlights the structure of this particular way of using book club in a school, including choosing books by Australian authors, using the reading like a writer research, analysing literary devices, and fostering a love for writing through activities like power writing. Additionally, Jan discusses the impact of these strategies on students' confidence in their writing abilities.
The episode concludes with a mention of surveys conducted to assess the students' attitudes toward reading and writing, revealing positive changes in their perceptions and skills.
Overall, this podcast episode explores the innovative approach of integrating reading and writing to enhance literacy skills in students through a book club, showcasing the importance of reading like a writer and building a connection with authors.
Dr. Jan Turbill is currently an Honorary Senior Fellow in the Faculty of Education at the University of Wollongong with a remarkable career ranging from teaching in classrooms to supporting university students at the foundation of their careers. In addition, from 2007 to 2019, she served as the Teaching and Learning Consultant in the Faculty of Business, offering guidance on teaching and learning matters. Her impactful work earned her an ALTC Citation in 2011. Jan's leadership extends to her role as Past President of the Australian Literacy Educators Association (ALEA), where for eight years she contributed to national literacy initiatives, including the Australian Government's National Inquiry into Literacy. She's advised the NSW Department of Education and been active in the International Literacy Association, earning a place in the Reading Hall of Fame in 2008.
RESOURCES ON THE PODCAST
- Berry School Book Club: Engaging readers and writers. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 21 (3), 269–289.
- Butler, A. Turbill J. (1987). Towards a reading and writing classroom. Heinemann.
- Fletcher, R. & Portalupi, J. (2007). Craft lessons: Teaching writing K–8, (2nd ed.). Portland. Maine: Stenhouse.
- Griffith, R. (2010). Students learn to read like writers: A framework for teachers of writing. Reading Horizons, 50 (1), 49–66.
- Macrorie, K. (1985). Telling writing (4th ed.). New Jersey: Boynton/Cook Publishers.
- Mayo, L. (2000). Making the connection: Reading and writing together. The English Journal, 89 (4), 74–77.
- Smith, F. (1983). Reading like a writer. Language Arts, 60 (5), 558–567.
Children's books
- Dahl, R. (1988). Matilda. London: Penguin.
- French, J. (2006). The goat who sailed the world. Sydney: Angus & Robertson.
- French, J. (2009). The night they stormed Eureka. Sydney: Angus & Robertson.
- French, J. (2012). Pennies for Hitler. Sydney: Angus & Robertson.
- Fussell, S. (2008). Samurai kids: Owl ninja. Sydney: Walker Books.
- Fussell, S. (2009). Samurai kids: Shaolin tiger. Sydney: Walker Books.
- Fussell, S. (2008). Samurai kids: White crane. Sydney: Walker Books.
- Gleeson, L. (2008). Mahtab’s story. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
- Murphy, S. (2010). Toppling. Sydney: Walker Books.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Join our upcoming Zoom event.
and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this podcast education experts Diane Snowball and Keay Cobbin discuss several important aspects of early reading education, including the significance of providing inviting and exciting reading materials in classrooms for young learners. Diane emphasises the importance of offering books that make sense and are interesting for students, as opposed to overly decodable books with limited word patterns. She suggests allowing students to explore words and create sentences with specific word patterns to enhance both encoding and decoding skills.
Diane and Keay stress the importance of exposing children to excellent models of the English language from an early age, referencing classic children's books by authors such as Eric Carle, Mem Fox, Pat Hutchins, Pamela Allen, and Dr. Seuss. They argue that rich literature not only supports language development but also helps students learn to make inferences, predictions, and visualisations while reading.
The conversation also touches on the topic of comprehension instruction. Both experts advocate for teaching comprehension strategies from the beginning of a child's school journey, emphasising that comprehension instruction should start early to ensure that all students have access to it. They reject the idea that comprehension instruction should be delayed until a certain grade.
Additionally, Diane and Keay discuss the importance of motivation and engagement in reading, highlighting the significance of giving students choices in what they read. They stress that fostering a love of reading and ensuring students believe in their own reading abilities are critical for long-term engagement.
Diane and Keay emphasise the importance of teaching students a repertoire of strategies to enhance comprehension and motivation in reading. They reference Chris Tavani's work on motivation and engagement, highlighting how students often wear masks to hide their reading struggles, even in primary school. They discuss the significance of executive skills in reading comprehension, drawing from Kelly Cartwright's book, which defines executive skills as tools for managing thinking processes. The educators stress the value of incorporating these skills into classroom instruction and guiding students to become CEOs of their own brains. They underscore the need for ongoing professional development, open-mindedness, and a wide range of expert sources to inform teaching practices.
Diane Snowball is a prominent educator, based in Melbourne, with 56 years of experience across various education levels. She focuses on improving student literacy through teaching, professional development, and leadership roles. Diane's contributions include international presentations, authoring books and articles and producing educational materials. She served as President of the Australian Literacy Educators Association and has led literacy initiatives in Australia and the US. Diane's work encompasses advising, mentoring, and founding organisations dedicated to literacy education, emphasising teaching practices based on sound research.
Keay Cobbin is the director of Wilcob Education in Melbourne, established in 2010 with Steve Willy. With 28 years of teaching and 24 years of consulting experience, she specialises in literacy and leadership. Keay has designed and delivered various literacy and leadership courses for educational institutions and regions, demonstrating a deep understanding of educational systems, literacy research, and pedagogy. She has also provided professional development for the Department of Education in Tasmania and facilitated workshops in different regions to enhance teaching practices.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
RESOURCES
Articles
- Reading Research Quarterly, 55(S1), April, 2020 International Literacy Association. (This issue has multiple articles, all focusing on research about the science of reading.)
- Reading Research Quarterly, 56(S1),. May, 2021. International Literacy Association. (This issue has multiple articles, all focusing on research about the science of reading.) The next three articles are located in this RR Quarterly:
- The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading,” Nell K. Duke and Kelly B. Cartwright
- “Beyond the Simple View of Reading: The Role of Executive Functions in Emergent Bilinguals’ and English Monolinguals’ Reading Comprehension.” Ana Taboada Barber, Kelly B. Cartwright, Gregory R. Hancock, and Susan Lutz Klauda
- “Reading Volume and Reading Achievement: A Review of Recent Research.” Richard L. Allington and Anne M. McGill-Franzen
Other articles:
- “The Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction”. Nell K. Duke, Alessandra E. Ward, P. David Pearson The Reading TeacherVolume 74, Issue 6 p. 663-672 International Literacy Association
- Barber, A. T., & Klauda, S. L. (2020). How Reading Motivation and Engagement Enable Reading Achievement: Policy Implications. Policy Insights from the Behavioural and Brain Sciences, 7(1), 27–34.
Webcasts
- Gina Cervetti on the Simple View of Reading. International Literacy Association
- The Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction: Nell Duke. International Literacy Association
- Fact-Checking the "Science of Reading": Claims, Assumptions, and Consequences Rob Tierney and P. David Pearson International Literacy Association
- PETAA course, Unpacking the science of reading, created by Professor Timothy Shanahan. 2023. Primary English Teaching Association Australia
Websites
- Literacy Teaching Toolkit - Victorian Dept of Education:
- International Literacy Association
Podcasts
- Cult of Pedagogy “Untangling the Debate Over Reading Instruction” AUGUST 20, 2023. Jennifer Gonzales with Jennifer Serravallo and Kelly Cartwright.
- Mark Seindenberg - Reading Matters
- May 26, 2023: Decoding “The Simple View of Reading”
- May 29, 2023: Decoding “The Simple View of Reading” II
- June 6, 2023: Decoding “The Simple View of Reading” III
Books
- Afflerbach, Peter. (2022) Teaching Readers (Not Reading): Moving Beyond Skills and Strategies to Reader-Focused Instruction. New York. Guildford.
- Beck, Isabel L, McKeown, Margaret G and Kucan, Linda. H. (2013). 2nd ed. Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction. New York. Guildford.
- Cartwright, K., (2023) Executive Skills and Reading Comprehension. New York, New York. Guilford.
- Fullan, Michael, Quinn, Joanne and McEachen, Joanne. J. (2017). Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World . USA. Corwin
- Hutchins, Pat. (1967). Rosie’s Walk. New York. Simon and Schuster.
- McEwan-Adkins, Elaine K. (2008). The Reading Puzzle: Word Analysis. USA, Corwin.
- Quigley, Alex. (2018). Closing the Vocabulary Gap. New York. Routledge
- Tovani, C. (2020). Why Do I Have to Read This? Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Readers. Ohio. Stenhouse
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Join our upcoming Zoom event.
and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Show Less
CONTRIBUTORS
- Keay Cobbin
- Diane Snowball
In Part 1 of this podcast, expert educators Diane Snowball and Keay Cobbin discuss the science of reading. They emphasise that the science of reading is a term used by various educational communities and can have different interpretations. They provide definitions from reputable sources, highlighting that it encompasses multidisciplinary knowledge from educators, linguistics, cognitive psychology, special education, and neuroscience about how children learn to read.
They discuss common misconceptions, such as equating the science of reading with a specific phonics program, and the challenges this can create in education. They emphasise the importance of continually updating knowledge because the science of reading is always evolving.
The podcast also delves into different models of the reading process, including the Simple View of Reading, Scarborough's Reading Rope, and the Active View of Reading. These models are seen as valuable tools for understanding reading but are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The discussion highlights that teachers need strong content knowledge and pedagogical skills to apply these models effectively in the classroom.
Keay and Diane then discuss the importance of providing students with independent reading and writing time. They stress the need for explicit instruction during this time, ensuring that students understand how to apply what they learn in their own reading and writing.
They reference the National Reading Panel's five major components for successful reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. They highlight the significance of providing balance in a reading program that integrates systematic phonics instruction with other reading elements. Vocabulary instruction is discussed, with an emphasis on morphology and building vocabulary through reading. The evolving understanding of these components over time is acknowledged.
Overall, the podcast emphasises the importance of staying informed about the evolving science of reading and using this knowledge to inform teaching practices tailored to the needs of individual students.
Stay tuned for Part 2.
Diane Snowball is a prominent educator, based in Melbourne, with 56 years of experience across various education levels. She focuses on improving student literacy through teaching, professional development, and leadership roles. Diane's contributions include international presentations, authoring books and articles and producing educational materials. She served as President of the Australian Literacy Educators Association and has led literacy initiatives in Australia and the US. Diane's work encompasses advising, mentoring, and founding organisations dedicated to literacy education, emphasising teaching practices based on sound research.
Keay Cobbin is the director of Wilcob Education in Melbourne, established in 2010 with Steve Willy. With 28 years of teaching and 24 years of consulting experience, she specialises in literacy and leadership. Keay has designed and delivered various literacy and leadership courses for educational institutions and regions, demonstrating a deep understanding of educational systems, literacy research, and pedagogy. She has also provided professional development for the Department of Education in Tasmania and facilitated workshops in different regions to enhance teaching practices.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
RESOURCES
Articles
- Reading Research Quarterly, 55(S1), April, 2020 International Literacy Association. (This issue has multiple articles, all focusing on research about the science of reading.)
- Reading Research Quarterly, 56(S1),. May, 2021. International Literacy Association. (This issue has multiple articles, all focusing on research about the science of reading.) The next three articles are located in this RR Quarterly:
- The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading,” Nell K. Duke and Kelly B. Cartwright
- “Beyond the Simple View of Reading: The Role of Executive Functions in Emergent Bilinguals’ and English Monolinguals’ Reading Comprehension.” Ana Taboada Barber, Kelly B. Cartwright, Gregory R. Hancock, and Susan Lutz Klauda
- “Reading Volume and Reading Achievement: A Review of Recent Research.” Richard L. Allington and Anne M. McGill-Franzen
Other articles:
- “The Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction”. Nell K. Duke, Alessandra E. Ward, P. David Pearson The Reading TeacherVolume 74, Issue 6 p. 663-672 International Literacy Association
- Barber, A. T., & Klauda, S. L. (2020). How Reading Motivation and Engagement Enable Reading Achievement: Policy Implications. Policy Insights from the Behavioural and Brain Sciences, 7(1), 27–34.
Webcasts
- Gina Cervetti on the Simple View of Reading. International Literacy Association
- The Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction: Nell Duke. International Literacy Association
- Fact-Checking the "Science of Reading": Claims, Assumptions, and Consequences Rob Tierney and P. David Pearson International Literacy Association
- PETAA course, Unpacking the science of reading, created by Professor Timothy Shanahan. 2023. Primary English Teaching Association Australia
Websites
- Literacy Teaching Toolkit - Victorian Dept of Education:
- International Literacy Association
Podcasts
- Cult of Pedagogy “Untangling the Debate Over Reading Instruction” AUGUST 20, 2023. Jennifer Gonzales with Jennifer Serravallo and Kelly Cartwright.
- Mark Seindenberg - Reading Matters
- May 26, 2023: Decoding “The Simple View of Reading”
- May 29, 2023: Decoding “The Simple View of Reading” II
- June 6, 2023: Decoding “The Simple View of Reading” III
Books
- Afflerbach, Peter. (2022) Teaching Readers (Not Reading): Moving Beyond Skills and Strategies to Reader-Focused Instruction. New York. Guildford.
- Beck, Isabel L, McKeown, Margaret G and Kucan, Linda. H. (2013). 2nd ed. Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction. New York. Guildford.
- Cartwright, K., (2023) Executive Skills and Reading Comprehension. New York, New York. Guilford.
- Fullan, Michael, Quinn, Joanne and McEachen, Joanne. J. (2017). Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World . USA. Corwin
- Hutchins, Pat. (1967). Rosie’s Walk. New York. Simon and Schuster.
- McEwan-Adkins, Elaine K. (2008). The Reading Puzzle: Word Analysis. USA, Corwin.
- Quigley, Alex. (2018). Closing the Vocabulary Gap. New York. Routledge
- Tovani, C. (2020). Why Do I Have to Read This? Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Readers. Ohio. Stenhouse
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Join our upcoming Zoom event.
and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In Episode 96 of the Teacher's Toolkit podcast, expert literacy consultant Sharon Callen and her team conduct a countdown of the top nine most listened-to episodes, and this time with a focus on the top five.
At number five is a discussion about 'Effective Literacy Teaching in High Schools' (00:00:30) with Misty Adoniou, with a focus on discipline-specific writing skills. The episode highlights the importance of addressing student motivation in writing and the need for professional learning for teachers in this area.
Number four on the list is an episode on the "Six Plus Traits of Writing," (00:06:42) emphasising the importance of teaching various writing traits beyond just structure, such as ideas, organisation, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. The hosts discuss how these traits enrich writing instruction and encourage students to excel in various forms of writing.
The third most popular episode is 'Differentiation: How Do We Achieve It' (00:13:18) with Rob Vingerhoets, highlighting the importance of providing every student with an entry point in learning tasks without setting a ceiling. The hosts discuss the value of flexible grouping and the significance of allowing students to learn from one another.
The second most listened-to episode is 'How to Teach Comprehension' (00:21:20) with Diane Snowball, emphasising the gradual release of responsibility in comprehension instruction and the integration of strategies, modelling, and active application by students.
Finally, the most popular episode is 'The Language Experience Approach', (00:25:43) again with Diane Snowball, a method for creating personalised and engaging reading materials based on students' shared experiences. This approach allows students to read and illustrate their materials, promoting vocabulary development and comprehension skills.
Throughout the episode, the hosts celebrate the valuable insights and contributions from their guests over the years and express gratitude to their listeners. The episode serves as both a reflection on the podcast's journey and a guide for future content.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here, and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this podcast, expert literacy consultant Sharon Callen and team aim to showcase the top nine podcasts (out of 94) that have resonated with their audience, based on current listenership data. They discuss the key aspects and themes covered in these top-rated podcasts to provide listeners with a taste of what they offer.
Starting with the ninth-ranked podcast, "Quick Writes using Mentor Texts," with Sharon Callen, the hosts highlight three key takeaways. First, Quick Writes using Mentor Texts allow students to experiment and practise writing skills rapidly, emphasising the importance of hands-on learning and creativity. Second, these short writing exercises build stamina and the ability to notice what successful writers do, providing students with valuable tools. Third, it fosters student engagement and independence by letting them experiment with writing, empowering them to try new techniques.
Moving on to the eighth-ranked podcast, "The Conditions for Learning" with Dr. Brian Cambourne, the hosts delve into the importance of meaning in education. They stress that students should find meaning in their learning experiences, and teachers should create opportunities for students to discover it. Engagement and the teacher's role in modelling and demonstrating actions for learning are also discussed as vital elements for effective teaching.
The seventh-ranked podcast, "How to Group Students Effectively for Learning" with Diane Snowball, explores the concept of flexible grouping. The hosts emphasise the need for teachers to group students based on their specific learning needs rather than fixed, long-term groups. This approach ensures that students receive targeted support and allows teachers to address their individual progress.
Finally, the sixth-ranked podcast, "Teaching Writing Effectively" with Alan Wright, highlights the importance of teachers being writers themselves. Alan suggests that teachers can boost their confidence in teaching writing by nurturing their own writing skills. The discussion also covers modelling writing styles, co-constructing texts from mentor texts, and providing students with choice in their writing topics to empower and motivate them.
Throughout these podcasts, the hosts emphasise the significance of flexibility, choice, engagement, and meaningful learning experiences in education, all aimed at improving teaching practices and student outcomes.
Stay tuned for the top 5 next week!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here, and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In 'Part 2: Mastering Writing Craft: Strategies, Insights, and Implementation' podcast, Sharon Callen and her team embark on a riveting exploration of the 'Magnificent Seven' revising strategies, spanning rereading, editing, and reorganization. Discover the power of Prompt Posters and Anchor Charts on Teachific, enhancing student writing strategies and routines.
Through real-life examples, learn the art of reflection and the potency of learner-driven approaches over conventional templates. Explore the dynamic connection between publishing and Read Aloud sessions, while unearthing a treasure trove of recommended resources.
With insights into mentor texts, personal narratives, and future writing units, the podcast resonates with practical wisdom gleaned from years of classroom evidence. Tune in for an enriching journey to amplify both teaching and student writing experiences.
Timeline:
- 00:00:43 What are the seven revising strategies the ‘Magnificent Seven’ - rereading, adding information, deleting information, changing a text, reorganising information, using tools and techniques, editing for conventions & editing using tools
- 00:01:36 Sharon has created Prompt Posters of these on Teachific - so students can be readily reminded of strategies as they write
- 00:02:27 Sharon has also created Anchor Charts which can be enlarged to A3 so a teacher can use them for explicitly modelling strategies - to try and build up the routine
- 00:04:43 Real life of an example of a student not using the strategy of rereading
- 00:06:16 Students need to apply it to the writing they are currently working on
- 00:07:07 Expectation of the number of published pieces of writing during a year
- 00:09:28 We call the Good Writer statements ‘Learner Actions and Why’ - stronger than Learning Intentions
- 00:12:06 Reflection is powerful - what did I do today to improve my writing? How did I improve it? The language the Anchor Charts gives them the processes Good Writers are using.
- 00:13:08 Why templates are unnecessary, constraining
- 00:15:28 Using the blank left hand side of the Anchor Chart - why it is so handy.
- 00:16:35 Why do we publish often?
- 00:17:00 Connection to Read Aloud - using it as a model
- 00:18:20 Other resources that can be used
- 00:18:50 The Prompt Posters and Anchor Charts are on Teachific, they are at year level, they are well researched over many years from evidence in classrooms
- 00:21:00 In Sharon’s schools teachers are noticing students who are not revising
- 00:23:00 The Anchor Charts are a bit of gold for teachers
- 00:23:49 Ending - hoping you and your students can benefit from these resources.
- 00:25:19 Sharon shares some books she has recommended for schools - Year 1 and 2 teachers, planning for next term.
- 00:26:28 Sharon supporting teachers with a Personal Narrative, and the search for mentor texts
- 00:27:14 The book, ’A Summery Saturday Morning’, by Margaret Mahy
- 00:27:39 The book, ’I Miss You’ by Sharon Callen
- 00:29:36. Writing Units will be on Teachific
- 00:31:14. Roald Dahl’s book ‘Boy’ Eg ‘The Great Mouse Plot’ can be used as a narrative
- 00:32:00. Roald Dahl’s book ‘My Year’ - a diary, showing his strong feelings for each month of the year
- 00:32:54 Alison Lester’s ‘Are We There Yet?’
- 00:33:37 Ending and thank you.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here, and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
JOIN OUR WEBINAR! 'Enhancing Writing Instruction: Revising and Editing' on Thursday 21st September:
In this podcast, join Sharon Callen and her dynamic team in 'Part 1: Part 1: Good Writers Revise and Edit Their Writing' for a captivating exploration of effective writing education. Delve into the art of topic selection, cognitive load relief for teachers, and the potency of routines.
Experience the transformative impact of explicit teaching through modelling and the rich resource base of Teachific. Unearth the intricacies of drafting techniques, from year level tips to deliberate, ongoing revision for advanced writers. Discover what not to do when teaching revision, embrace fast writes, and explore strategies for successful drafting. With insights into connecting webinars, the episode offers a comprehensive understanding of enhancing student writing. Dive into this engaging episode, where practical advice meets lived experience
In essence, Part 1 of "Part 1: Good Writers Revise and Edit Their Writing" provides a comprehensive guide for educators seeking to enhance their students' writing prowess. It's an exploration of innovative strategies, practical tips, and real-world anecdotes that enrich the teaching experience. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we delve even deeper into the art of revising and editing. Until then, happy teaching and writing!
Timeline
- 00:02:21 How do we choose topics for podcasts?
- 00:03:30 Solving teachers’ conumdrums
- 00:06:08 What tools or resources can be created to relieve a teacher’s cognitive load
- 00:07:26 Why setting up routines is effective
- 00:08:23 Explicit teaching through modelling
- 00:10:40 What does Sharon’s day look like? Resources on Teachific come from the true base of what is needed in schools. Also they come from Sharon’s ‘lived experience’, and advice from mentors over a long period of time
- 00:14:20 We don’t have all the answers, but have key advice that really works in classrooms
- 00:15:08 It’s not a binary solution to the problem, it’s about having a repertoire of strategies.
- 00:17:40 Connecting webinars to the podcasts - first webinar in later September
- 00:18:17 Topic for today intro ‘Good Writers Revise and Edit Our Writing’. What are the struggles teachers face
- 00:19:54 Some quick tips from Sharon
- 00:24:22 ‘As writers today what is that we will be including’ is a key question. We are aiming for automaticity in students using strategies
- 00:25:12 Bringing in skills as they are writing - needs to be visible, anchored somewhere
- 00:25:57 A few approaches to drafting. There are tips and tricks around this. Tips at Year 6 level
- 00:29:14 What we shouldn’t be doing when teaching students how to revise their writing
- 00:29:55 Using fast writes/ quick writes
- 00:31:08 Drafting and revising in small sections of writing
- 00:32:54 Slow and deliberate drafting with ongoing revision - for much older writers
- 00:33:35 Intro to: Seven things we can explicitly bring to students for improving students’ writing
- 00:34:25 Example of a Year teacher has improved results in drafting through using pen and paper. Improved volume, in clarity of thinking, in getting their ideas down.
- 00:35:40 Techniques for successful drafting - giving students space, an feeling like they are a real writer
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Join our upcoming Zoom event: 'Enhancing Writing Instruction: Revising and Editing' on Thursday 21st September:
and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Through intentional selection of texts and the art of ongoing reading, the team dissects the various elements and advantages of Read Aloud. From fostering a love of reading and improving skills to raising test scores and building a sense of community, each point is explored. Drawing from personal experiences, literary favorites, and the rich tapestry of educational theory, this podcast provides a comprehensive guide to harnessing the potential of Read Aloud. Whether you're an educator seeking to enhance your teaching approach or simply intrigued by the art of storytelling, this podcast offers a wealth of insights. Tune in to explore the intersection of learning, engagement, and the joy of reading.
Highlights include:
- 00:04:15 Definition of Read Aloud
- 00:07:10 By having the true elements of Read Aloud in place we can develop four things - support students’ development as readers and writers, foster their love of reading, improve reading skills and abilities, and raise standardised test scores.
- 00:10:02 Using the terms ‘striving’ and ‘thriving’ rather than ‘struggling’ and ‘weak’.
- 00:11:16 Some of the struggles teachers have using Read Aloud, as one of their high impact teaching strategies
- 00:12:30 Read Aloud needs to be intentional, and have purpose. It has everyone attention on listening, making sense etc. It’s something students take action on in their own reading and writing.
- 00:14:55 Is Read Aloud under-utilised as a teaching strategy ?
- 00:20:26 Sharon's action research on children’s attitudes to Read Aloud
- 00:21:25 The influence on Sharon as a young student of Read Aloud in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
- 00:22:46 ‘The House at Pool Corner’ as Sharon’s preferred text when she was child
- 00:23:45 ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,’ ‘Alice in Wonderland’, poetry being read, ‘Charlotte’s Web’, ‘The Secret Garden’, ‘Midnite’, ‘February Dragon’, ‘Storm Boy’, ‘Treasure Island’, All examples of read alouds during Sharon's time as a student.
- 00:24:43 Professional learning as a powerful influence on Phil
- 00:24:50 Reference to Mem Fox podcast on Read Aloud
- 00:25:05 ‘The Wind in the Willows’.
- 00:25:31 Run through of the 13 advantages of Read Alouds. From the book ‘Reading Aloud and Beyond’, Giorgis and Serafini. - Fostering the Intellectual Life with Older Readers.
- 00:26:05 The chapter we refer mostly to is ‘Thirteen Good (Scientifically Based) Reasons to Read Aloud With Older Readers’.
- 00:26:50 Number 1 of the 13, of the reasons: Reading aloud increases test scores. Specifically it increases students’ background knowledge, it introduces them to various story structures, and it demonstrates what competent reading strategies look like.
- 00:30:00 Connection to Every Child Every Day research.
- 00:31:50 Connection to the enabling adult work of Aidan Chambers.
- 00:33:04 Number 2 of the 13 of the reasons: Read Aloud introduces readers to new titles, authors, illustrators, titles and text structures
- 00:36:41 Number 3 of the 13: Reading aloud builds a sense of community. It has a connection to to Thinker’s Talking. Prompts for Reading Journals on Teachific are a valuable resource for teachers.
- 00:38:43 Number 4 of the 13: Reading aloud allows opportunity for further discussion.
- 00:39:11 ‘We Talk Books’. ‘In My Mind, I Was Thinking’ as key phrases empowering students.
- 00:42:47 Number 5 of the 13: Reading aloud with older readers is pleasurable. Especially ongoing read alouds - every day, each week.
- 00:44:13 The series of 4 books that Sharon and Phil both read to their classes: The Magician’s House Quartet.
- 00:46:14 ‘The Steps Up the Chimney’, ‘The Door in the Tree’, ‘The Tunnel Behind the Waterfall’, ‘The Bridge in the Clouds.’
- 00:46:52 ‘Rowan of Rin’. Opening the door to a whole series. Investment by older children in reading aloud to them.
- 00:48:00 Number 6 of the 13: Reading aloud connects readers with content area subjects.
- 00:49:40 Charting words and phrases during read alouds is a valuable strategy.
- 00:50:53 Reading aloud is a bridge to students reading more complex text for themselves. ‘I Own the Racecourse’, ‘Boss of the Pool’, ‘Swashbuckler’- examples of books with themes. Historical fiction has great value. The ‘Grace’ series - learning about convicts.
- 00:54:09 Number 7 of the 13: Reading aloud demonstrates response strategies.
- 00:54:39 Number 8 of the 13: Reading aloud increases readers’ interest in independent reading.
- 00:56:29 Number 9 of the 13: Reading aloud allows access to books readers may not be able to read on their own.
- 00:56:49 Number 10 of the 13: Reading aloud provides demonstration of oral reading and fluency
- 00:57:14 Number 11 of the 13: Reading aloud helps readers understand the connection between reading in school and reading in life.
- 00:59:25 Number 12 of the 13: Reading aloud provides demonstrations of quality writing.
- 01:01:18 Number 13 of the 13: Reading aloud supports readers’ development.
- 01:01:52 Connection to the Australian Curriculum
- 01:04:44 An example of reading aloud by Sharon- this is what it sounds like, to catch yourself doing the wondering and the thinking.
- 01:06:52 The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, read by Sharon
- 01:13:50 End of the reading and a summary
- 01:15:15 Protocols for the class when reading aloud in your classroom
- 01:17:30 Validation of Read Aloud and bringing it in as an instructional strategy across a school
- 01:19:15 Ending piece and thank you.
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here, and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this podcast episode, artist and illustrator Greg Holfeld joins the discussion on the use of graphic novels in education. Topics covered include the challenges for teachers in teaching with graphic novels, the terminology and history of graphic novels, and the features that make them an effective gateway to reading.
The interplay between text and image, pagination techniques, and the decision-making process for artists are explored. The podcast also touches on the importance of storytelling and character design, as well as tips for young illustrators. The medium's impact on motivation for reading and writing is examined, along with the potential concerns of students solely relying on graphic novels.
The episode concludes with recommendations for publishers and key tips for using graphic novels as both readers and writers in the classroom. Overall, this insightful conversation sheds light on the educational value of graphic novels and their role in engaging students in literacy.
Some topics discussed:
- 01:50 Intro to Greg Holfeld, artist/illustrator
- 03:50 Captain Congo series by Greg Holfeld and Ruth Starke - Harper Collins. School Magazine in NSW
- 04:53 Icky Sticky Summer Fly - children’s book - Poppa Hip publishers
- 06:13 Challenges for teachers in teaching with graphic novels
- 06:42 Terminology of graphic novels and comics
- 06:57 Will Eisner - the pioneer in graphic novels and the Comic Industry awards
- 07:20 Origin of the term ‘Graphic Novel’
- 07:40 ‘A Contract with God’ by Will Eisner - first graphic novel
- 08:30 A chat about the features of graphic novels and as a gateway to reading
- 11:48 Distinguishing feature of comics is the synergy between the text and the image - its up to the individual creator to work out the interplay between the two
- 14:49 ‘Mini cliffhangers’ as a technique to engage the reader
- 15:20 Pagination is very important as a technique and the hardest part
- 16:50 Start with story/layout or pictures first? Both are valid
- 18:40 The way characters are drawn - how is this used as a technique
- 20:30 ‘Monkey, Bug, Rabbit and Goose! series by Greg. Illustrators making things easier for themselves. Working out your interest
- 21:45 Decisions artist make either based on what they feel like drawing, or being limited by constraints
- 24:00 Is it the illustrator doing the inferencing?
- 25:43 The Tin Tin book, Castafiore Emerald where the characters just stay home. Perils of Pug - also stay at home book.
- 26:22 Different ways to represent text in comics, different roles of writers and illustrators
- 28:30 Interplay between pictures and text and how it supports comprehension etc. What weight do you give each?
- 30:16 Narration speeds up the story vs it can take longer with images to tell the story
- 31:09 Tips for young illustrators
- 32:22 Do you attempt story or illustrations first? - tips and techniques
- 33:38 The graphic novel medium as motivation for reading and writing
- 34:47 Is it a problem if students are solely reading graphic novels? Do they need expanding onto other texts?
- 36:17 Students creating their own graphic novels.
- 36:45 Techniques used by Charles M Schulz and his Peanuts series - simplicity is powerful
- 37:48 The basic building blocks of stories - set up, action, reaction/pay off. Then you can tell the story in different ways. Pay off creates intrigue - through how you create the pictures
- 42:30 What if students are struggling with drawing? Or with the story?
- 43:30 Classic comics are still popular
- 44:45 Graphic novels being read or written as support for new arrivals students
- 45:20 Sound FX used as a technique
- 47:20 Japanese Manga technique explained - a separate format - developed and mainstreamed before the West did it
- 48:35 Wrapping up - what would be the key tips to use graphic novels as a reader or a writer with students
- 49:00 Sharon - its about accessing and noticing
- 50:15 Greg - Be aware of the wide range - vary in quality and appeal to the young reader. KISS principle applies
- 45:20 Good publishers - Top Shelf for younger readers. First Second for upper primary to teens. No Brow for beautifully produced books. Gestalt for Australian publisher and indigenous material. Brenton McKenna graphic novels.
- 54:20 Thanks and closing remarks
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here, and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
This podcast episode with expert numeracy consultant Rob Vingerhoets covers various teaching strategies, including apprenticeship vs lecture style learning Various components of apprenticeship style learning are covered: 'On the Spot' teaching, immediate feedback, engaging tasks, and students as teachers. Other aspects include explicit teaching, student reflection, using key words, and the power of questioning. The episode concludes with insights on classroom changes and the importance of flexible teaching approaches.
The team discusses:
- 02:27 Introduction to Rob Vingerhoets
- 06:09 Lecture style learning versus apprenticeship learning
- 09:09 What is 'On the Spot' teaching?
- 11:43 Students as teachers, and supporting each other
- 13:27 Giving immediate feedback - it's effective one on one
- 14:30 Giving engaging tasks and developing relationships
- 15:30 There are multiple definitions of Explicit Teaching
- 17:36 What if you don't get to every child?
- 18:12 Students recording their work and real evidence based teaching
- 23:20 Truly responding to the needs of the students
- 24:36 The power of 'on the spot' reflecting. Students noticing their learning for themselves.
- 27:18 Expecting all students to make discoveries
- 27:35 Using 'key words' to support students writing about their learning
- 29:25 Change your teaching to apprentice style
- 31:45 Pitfalls in starting 'one to one' explicit teaching. Using open or closed tasks.
- 34:33 Using the right questions - using the 6 E's. Explaining, Encourage, Extend, Extrapolate, Enable, Exhume
- 37:18 Giving immediate feedback
- 40:17 Rob using the 2-1-1 reflection strategy
- 41:10 Getting students into the task using the M.I.T.S and other strategies
- 47:33 Changes a teacher is seeing in her classroom
- 49:15 Using common teaching sense to do a Mini Clinic - having a flexible definition of explicit teaching
- 51:20 Thank you and closing remarks
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here, and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this episode, literacy consultant Sharon Callen and team explore the hidden power of Reading Journals and their essential role in a teacher's toolkit. These journals offer a unique strategy for building and monitoring students' comprehension while fostering strong relationships and a diverse reading experience.
Sharon begins with a brief preamble, setting the stage for the conversation. She then delves into the hidden power of Reading Journals, addressing the common struggles faced by teachers and how these journals can help overcome them. She defines what a Reading Journal is and proceeds to unpack the essential details surrounding its implementation.
The importance of prompts in facilitating meaningful journal entries is emphasised. Sharon discusses the usefulness of prompts by Aidan Chambers, David Hornsby and his team, as well as Barrett's Taxonomy in stimulating thoughtful responses.
Routines for utilising Reading Journals are explored, including the use of Anchor Charts to support student engagement. Sharon highlights Teachific as a resource for prompts specifically designed for Reading Journals. She stresses the significance of establishing prompts prior to reading, guiding students' thinking throughout the process.
The advantages and power of Reading Journals are thoroughly discussed, with a focus on their integration with the arts to enhance students' creativity and self-expression. Sharon shares anecdotes of students sharing their journal entries, illustrating the profound impact these reflections can have on personal growth.
The episode also includes professional reading recommendations, with Sharon suggesting the PDF "Reading Response Journals" as a valuable resource for educators. She introduces a success criteria checklist for evaluating powerful Reading Journal responses.
Addressing the issue of time management, Sharon provides strategies for incorporating Reading Journals into busy schedules and emphasises the importance of prioritising this practice.
Finally, Sharon recommends great literature to share with students, highlighting "Evie and Rhino," "The Legend of Little Fur," and "The Spiderwick Chronicles" as engaging and impactful reads.
Throughout the episode, Sharon Callen's expertise shines as she explores the hidden power of Reading Journals, offering practical insights and recommendations for educators seeking to incorporate this practice into their teaching approach.
Some of the topics covered are:
- 00:20 Preamble
- 05:40 The hidden power of Reading Journals - start
- 06:40 Teaching struggles
- 09:30 What is a Reading Journal?
- 12:10 Unpack details of Reading Journals
- 13:14 Getting started with RJ's using a Read Aloud
- 17:02 How are prompts useful in Reading Journals. Lists of prompts can help.
- 18:39 Aidan Chamber's prompts (from Book Talk)
- 22:17 David Hornsby and team's prompts (from Read On)
- 24:13 Barrett's Taxonomy prompts
- 29:45 Routines for Reading Journals, use of Anchor Charts
- 33:15 Prompts for Reading Journals on Teachific
- 34:45 The prompt needs to be there before we do the reading
- 35:30 Advantages/ power of Reading Journals
- 39:15 Integration with the Arts
- 42:45 Students sharing their journal entries
- 44:30 Professional reading: 'Reading Response Journals'
- 45:45 Success criteria checklist: 'What are the elements to look for in a powerful Reading Journal response'
- 46:15 Where do we find time to include Reading Journals?
- 47:44 Great literature to share, by Sharon: Evie and Rhino
- 48:30 Great literature to share, by Sharon: The Legend of Little Fur
- 52:15 Great literature to share, by Sharon: The Spiderwick Chronicles
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
VIDEO RESOURCE
Candace, a year 4,5,6 teacher at Kaurna Plains School, describes how she uses Reading Journals to connect Reading, Writing and Word Work. Students have increased engagement due the meaningful purpose in their work. See the video here.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here, and online courses can be found here.
Other matching PDF resources are here.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Genevieve Kruyssen at the Where the Wild Things Are bookshop in Brisbane and literacy expert Sharon Callen chat about 18 new releases and how they can support teachers in the classroom. Sharon makes connections with the books for teachers, answering questions she often gets from them in schools
Some of the discussions are about:
- How to find books that are for everyone, with amazing vocabulary that suits the story perfectly
- Why we can't underestimate the power of reading aloud - it can increase comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, empathy, understanding the world etc
- How we can help struggling readers find great books
- How we can find books with delicious words that want to form themselves in your mouth
- The importance of wordless pictures books and graphic novels 29: 50
- Why reading children’s books is so good for adults. It sustains, gives sense of wonder 38: 00
- Finding books that have a strong sense of place and strong characters
Some of the books included in the chat are (see the books here: Booklist from the podcast)
PICTURE BOOKS
- Matt Formston - Surfing the Dark, John Dickson and Phillip Bunting 07: 14
- NT Mob Sharing Stories and Language, Bill Forshaw (Editor) 11: 36
- The Boy and the Elephant, Freya Blackwood 16: 57
- Stay for Dinner, Sandra Parappukkaran; Michelle Pereira 17: 30
- White Sunday, Litea Fuata, Myo Yim 18: 23
- Come Over to My House, Sally Rippin; Eliza Hull; Daniel Gray-Barnett (Illustrator) 22: 49
- The Bunyip and the Stars, Adam Duncan; Paul Lao (Illustrator) 25: 02
- The Garden at the End of the World, Cassie Polimeni; Briony Stewart 27: 22
GRAPHIC NOVELS/WORDLESS PICTURE BOOKS
- Pebble and Wren, Chris Hallbeck, 30:28 (a warm up to graphic novels)
- Legend of the Yearling - Guardians of Horsa, Roan Black 32: 36
- Wombats Go Camping, Maddie Frost 35: 21
NOVELS
- Harriet Hound, Kate Foster; Sophie Beer (Illustrator) 38: 50 (Years 1-3)
- Leeva at Last, Sara Pennypacker 43: 02
- October, October, Katya Balen, Angela Harding 46: 58
- The Mud Puddlers, Pamela Rushby 52: 23 (Years 5-7)
- The Wrath of the Woolington Worm: Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters - Karen Foxlee, Freda Chiu 53: 50 (Years 3-5)
- Pearly and Pig, Sue Whiting 59: 16 (Years 3-5)
- Whalesong, Kate Gordon 59:57
The duo delve deeply into the themes, writing styles and impact of books and authors and how they can enhance teaching in the classroom - and much more!
Genevieve Kruyssen loves weird magic. Working in a bookstore has been a dream of hers since she was ten when she used to get in trouble for reading under her desk in class. Her most favourite books have lonely landscapes, whether they be moors, castles or windswept snows.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Book Stores
- Booklist from the podcast - by Where the Wild Things Are bookstore in Brisbane
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this podcast, expert literacy educator Diane Snowball sits down with fellow teacher/ consultant Sharon Callen to discuss the most frequently asked questions parents have about the teaching of spelling. This insightful conversation aims to provide educators with support as they navigate their parent community.
One common concern raised by parents is the stress they experience when their children's spelling homework consists of memorising lists of words, similar to the way it was taught in their own school days. Diane emphasises that spelling should not be solely focused on rote memorisation. Instead, the crux of the matter lies in understanding the purpose of spelling, which is to enable others to read our writing. Children need ample opportunities to write for their classmates and receive feedback, allowing teachers to observe and analyze their writing.
The podcast explores what makes a good speller and discusses strategies used by proficient spellers.
Further insights by the duo include:
- English, being a non-phonetic language, requires different strategies beyond just knowing sounds to learn spelling.
- Learning to spell high-frequency words using a range of strategies is valuable as they are the words encountered most frequently in the students' own reading and writing.
- Understanding base words, prefixes, and suffixes contributes to word meaning and correct spelling.
- A scientific and exploratory approach to spelling helps students form hypotheses, make generalisations, and continuously test them. In this way they better understand the 'why' of how words are spelt, and learn lifelong spelling skills for tackling any word.
- Onset and rime patterns are powerful tools for spelling related words effectively. There are approximately 600 words in English that can be learned in this way.
- Exploring the etymology and meaning of words makes the 'learning to spell' process interesting, useful and successful.
- Practical tips, tools, strategies, and techniques are discussed for supporting children in spelling, such as focusing on sounds, spelling patterns, breaking down words, and celebrating attempts etc.
- Approaches to address incorrect spelling habits and utilise word associations are discussed.
- Good resources like stage-appropriate dictionaries are recommended.
Overall, this engaging podcast conversation between Diane Snowball and Sharon Callen offers valuable insights and practical advice for educators and parents alike. By addressing common questions and concerns about spelling instruction, the episode aims to support both teachers and parents in their efforts to facilitate children's spelling development.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Teachific
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - Information for Teachers
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - Information for Parents
- Spelling: A Suggested Teaching Plan K-6
- The Usefulness of Onset and Rimes When Reading and Writing
- Am I a Good Speller? Checklist for Beginning Writers
- Am I a Good Speller? Checklist for Experienced Writers
Books
- Beyond Traditional Phonics by Margaret Mustafa
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Wise planning really is the great secret behind successful teaching and improved outcomes! Literacy expert Sharon Callen delves into 'mud mapping' as a way to plan out the teaching of different genres, as a teacher and across a school.
She chats further about:
- What 'mud maps' are and how they work, and their importance in supporting teachers in their planning
- How to make them connect to your curriculum
- How to set about making one
- What are some of the essential tools to guide your mud mapping
- The incredible role of the mud map in driving unit planning, not just for writing, but for reading, thereby capitalising on the reciprocal nature of reading and writing - so we plan to teach our students about understanding the text type and writing in the text type concurrently.
and much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Teachific
- Mud Map planner
- ACARA Curriculum English planners v9. For an 'easy access' curriculum
Book Stores
- Literacy Continuum by Fountas and Pinnell
- Can Cards by Mike and Linda Dumbleton
- Books by Nell Duke and Beverley Derewianks
- Do You Wonder by Wallace Edwards
Websites
- Poetry Pizzazz by Alan Wright
- First Steps Literacy by Dept of Education WA
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Diane Snowball recently answered teacher’s questions about better ways of teaching writing in the early years with Year 1 teachers at Mildura West Primary School. The session helps clarify understandings for all of us, in particular:
- How the Language Experience approach works in reality in our classrooms.
- How we make more use of the writing we are doing together?
- How do we not waste opportunities in our classroom and teach in more effective ways?
- How do we help students learn further about their reading and writing, through the experiences we give them?
and much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Teachific
- Language Experience: Talking, Writing, Reading by Diane Snowball
- Analysing a Student's Writing to Check Their Spelling Knowledge, by Diane Snowball
- Analysing Student Writing Checklist; Spelling F-2
- Analysing Early Writing: Spelling F-2
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Expert literacy consultant Sharon Callen chats to Ted Egan, prolific singer, song writer and lover of Australian characters and their stories, about how access to quality literature made a huge difference to a remote community in northern Australia. Sharon then links this amazing story to the latest research on 'access to literature' being key to success in reading and learning about our language.
Ted chats about:
- How David Attenborough named the small, fascinating community of book lovers, 'The Hermits of Booraloola'
- How the local policeman turned his hot jail cell into a quality library that led to prolific reading and wisdom in the community over decades
- How weekly debates grew the interest and knowledge of the 'bushies' and how Ted captured their stories in song.
Sharon then chats about:
- The research on access to literature making the greatest difference to literacy levels in our schools (Stephen Krashen)
- How better access means getting students engaged in their reading, not just acquiring resources
- Access means availability and engagement in reading at a classroom, school, home and public library level
and much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Websites
- Ted Egan website
Books/ articles
- The Power of Reading by Stephen Krashen
- Every Child, Every Day by Richard Allington and Rachael Gabriel
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Literacy expert Sharon Callen chats with Kate Tucker, literacy facilitator and teacher at Mt Barker South Primary School, about the top tips in using literature as a powerful force in literacy teaching, and across a school.
Specifically the duo discuss:
- How a school intentionally and effectively resources a year long approach to the teaching of writing using literature
- How and why teachers use quality literature actively in their Reading and Writing workshops, and how they do it effectively
- How a school plans out effective units of writing and reading, so students are able to read like writers and write like readers
- Top tips for teaching and coaching others successfully in this way
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
RELATED TEACHIFIC RESOURCES ONLINE
- Letter Knowledge Checklists, F-1 (NEW)
LITERATURE TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM
- Not a Butterfly Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US...
"Working with Sharon and Cue has given my staff a new impetus and focus on improving our student's literacy and learning. The "it's not a program" approach has given teachers the skills, structures and confidence to teach reading and writing in a highly explicit way but still allow it be joyful, interesting and motivating. Cue have been fantastic in their flexibility to deliver their support through video, face-to-face sessions, classroom modelling and ongoing 1 to 1 Zoom sessions. Distance has not been an issue."
Andrew, Principal, Western Australia
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
As teachers we are continually searching for great books to use in our teaching with students, to support them in their reading and writing:
- We need help in finding books to use as Mentor texts, to help explicitly model how others write
- We want to engage different age groups in the sheer love of reading, whilst also connecting to the curriculum
Distinguished author Mike Dumbleton to discuss:
- His latest books
- Where did ideas come from? What was the need?
- What are some ways they can support writers in our classrooms?
- How can they be used in classrooms, how have they supported teaching & students?
- What are some good connecting tools and resources to use?
- And much more
Mike Dumbleton is a writer and Literacy Consultant. He has worked in South Australian High Schools, New York City schools and as a Literacy Curriculum Officer for the South Australian Education Department. In addition to children's books, he has written a range of educational texts.Version 2Part of his interest in writing stems from the fact that his grandfather was a local poet in an Oxfordshire village in England, who regularly recited his poems to the family, with or without requests!Mike came to Australia with his wife Linda in 1972. He was always interested in writing but a young family and many sporting activities kept him fully occupied until he decided he wasn't getting any better at basketball and his three children were old enough to allow him some uninterrupted time. He then began writing picture books at the same time as devising educational texts for teachers.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Book stores
- Anisa’s Alphabet by Mike Dumbleton
- Mary Had a Monstersaur by Mike Dumbleton
- Let the Singing Begin by Mike Dumbleton (pending release)
- Hair! by Mike Dumbleton (pending release)
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
As teachers we try different ways to get our children engaged in and becoming increasingly successful as writers. In this episode, literacy expert Sharon Callen talks about:
- The 4 foundational things we can set up and plan before anything else
- The ways we can work with mentor texts to support students not only as writers of a singular piece, but giving them the understanding of ‘how to use mentor texts as models for constructing their own work’ ACARA?
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Victorian Education
- Literacy Teaching Toolkit
On Teachific:
- 6+ Traits Writing Rubric (editable)
- Writing Traits: Key Qualities of each Writing Trait
Book stores
- The Writing Thief by Ruth Culham
- The Writing Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Top educator Diane Snowball joins literacy expert Sharon Callen to talk about how The Language Experience Approach increases engagement with reading and writing.
As teachers continue to try different ways to engage, how do we bring more meaning into what students are doing, so that they are activated, motivated and growing in their skills?
We need to find techniques that really support children, providing entry points and opportunities for the success for each child.
Our regular expert Diane re-joins the show to talk about The Language Experience Approach can be a solution. She talks about how and why it works, how teachers can adopt this approach, and many other tips and insights.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Victorian Education
- Literacy Teaching Toolkit
On Teachific
- Language Experience: Talking, Writing and Reading
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Big Books and Mini Books
Book stores
- Language Experience Activities by Roach Van Allen
- Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Gerda Muller
Videos
The Kid Should See This
- Smart Videos for Curious Minds of All Ages
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Continuing our series with teachers, literacy expert Sharon Callen talks with two more teachers who she has been working with in 2022 about how they have been developing their literacy teaching practices.
Liam Bucco and Liz Sanderson are from Bridgewater Primary School in South Australia.
Liam and Liz talk about the challenges and opportunities in developing units of work in an integrated way.
They also talk about where to start, developing poetry and autobiography units, the power of planning, the impact of coaching, top tips and resources, and much more.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
TEACHIFIC:
- My Reading Calendars
- Six Plus Traits Writing Rubric (editable)
- Minibook Templates
BOOK STORES:
- When I Was Little, Like You by Mary Malbunka
- War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
- The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown
- Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
- The Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Continuum
- The Reading Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo
- The Writing Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Literacy expert Sharon Callen brings in three teachers to share their literacy teaching practices.
Kate Tucker, Ra Te Whare and Robert Kennedy are from Mt Barker South Primary School, and have been working with Sharon in 2022 to develop their literacy teaching practices.
The group talks about the challenges and opportunities in developing units of work in an integrated way.
They also talk about coaching, planning together as a group, mentor texts, tools and resources, and much more.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
TEACHIFIC:
- Establishing and Using Classroom Libraries
- Good Reader Anchor Charts
BOOK STORES:
- The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate
- Reading Like a Writer, Frank Smith
- Warrior Cats, Erin Hunter
- Jabberwocky, Lewis Carroll
- The Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Continuum
- The Reading Strategies Book, Jennifer Serravallo
- The Writing Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teachers have different ways to group students, and these methods are not always effective for learning.
For example, fixed grouping for a whole term is a common practice. While this is convenient, does it lead to better learning opportunities for all students?
Is there a better way?
To talk about this, Sharon Callen is again joined by Diane Snowball, a highly experienced educator who led significant change in education throughout whole school districts in the US as well as Australia.
The duo talk about what they have learned about grouping students, grouping strategies, what to focus on and what to avoid, tools and resources, and more.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
TEACHIFIC:
- The Reading Curriculum: What to Teach and What to Assess by Diane Snowball
- Reading Conference Notes, Yrs F-6
- Conferring Tools
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - for Teachers by Diane Snowball
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - for Parents by Diane Snowball
- Teaching Vocabulary by Diane Snowball
BOOK STORES:
- Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teachers are always on the lookout for fresh ideas and especially books to use effectively in the classroom.
They are looking for ways to connect the books with the curriculum - as read alouds, mentor texts, shared reading, shared writing, word work and more.
To talk about the best new books and more, we're joined by two guests live from Where The Wild Things Are bookstore in Brisbane.
Previous guest Lucy Stinson is back with a new role working with Where The Wild Things Are, along with the book store's event coordinator, Genevieve Kruyssen, who is a children's bookseller of seven years, who delights in stories of wild quests and beautiful writing. Genevieve has interviewed some of her heroes including Neal Shusterman, Kate DiCamillo, Jon Klassen, Emily Gravett and Levi Pinfold, and in 2021 she won ABA Penguin Random House Young Bookseller of the Year.
Lucy and Genevieve share their recommended books, including how to use them and connect them with curriculum.
See the full list and links below.
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
LIST OF NEW RELEASE BOOKS 2023
Picture Books
- Miimi Marraal, Mother Earth by Melissa Greenwood ( First Nation author)
- Be Careful Xiao Xin! By Alice Pung by Sher Rill Ng
- Amma’s Sari by Sandya Parappukkaran and Michelle Pereira
- Elephant Island by Leo Timmers
Poetry Collections
- And Everything Will Be Glad to See You by Anna Shepeta and Ella Risbridger
- What’s Snail Knows by Kathryn Apel
- Blow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss by by Joseph Coelho and Nicola Killen
Informative Texts
- Every Word Tells a Story by Tom Read Wilson and Ian Morris. An extraordinary A – Z of etymological exploration
- Backyard Buddies by Andy Geppert
- Backyard Birdies by Andy Geppert
Graphic Novels: Series ( theme of Sustainability)
- Rainbow the Koala by Remy Lai
- Star the Elephant by Remy Lai
- Sunny the Shark by Remy Lai (2022)
- Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai
- Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai
Novels – series
- Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
- Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston (2022 release)
Other recommended recent releases
Picture Books
- Come Over to My House by Eliza Hull and Sally Rippin, Daniel Gray-Barnett (Bright Light Books)
Informative Texts
- The First Scientists by Corey Tutt (First Nations text)
Story in Verse
- Bindi by Kirli Saunders
Slam Poetry
- Common Wealth by by Gregg Driese
Novels
- Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Nannestad
- We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestad
- The Girl, the Dog, and the Writer in Rome by Katrina Nannestad
- A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr
Tristan Bancks
- Cop and Robber by Tristan Bancks
- Detention by Tristan Bancks
- The Fall by Tristan Bancks
- Two Wolves by Tristan Bancks
Alison Lester
- No Way Yirrikipayi by Alison Lester
Others
- Kunyi by Kunyi June Anne McInerney
- Heroes, Rebels and Innovators by Karen Wyld and Jaelyn Biumaiwai
- Katerina Cruickshanks by Daniel Gray-Barnett
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US...
"Working with Sharon and Cue has given my staff a new impetus and focus on improving our student's literacy and learning. The "it's not a program" approach has given teachers the skills, structures and confidence to teach reading and writing in a highly explicit way but still allow it be joyful, interesting and motivating. Cue have been fantastic in their flexibility to deliver their support through video, face-to-face sessions, classroom modelling and ongoing 1 to 1 Zoom sessions. Distance has not been an issue."
Andrew, Principal, Western Australia
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
How can can teachers develop a set of conditions of learning in the classroom that lead to greater student engagement and improved outcomes?
Many school leaders and teachers are grappling with this, and wondering whether a program could bring the solution, or whether there's a way to construct the learning with students.
To talk about his Conditions For Learning, we welcome back to the podcast Dr. Cambourne, associate professor and Principal Fellow at the University of Wollongong in NSW.
Brian is one of Australian’s most eminent researchers of literacy and learning. Brian's national and international scholarship has earned him many prestigious awards, including being inducted into the International Reading Association’s Reading Hall of Fame, and the Outstanding Educational Achievement Award by the Australian College of Educators.
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
ONLINE RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
Teaching decisions that bring the conditions of learning to life by Debra Couch
Conditions For Learning by Dr Brian Cambourne
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US...
"Working with Sharon and Cue has given my staff a new impetus and focus on improving our student's literacy and learning. The "it's not a program" approach has given teachers the skills, structures and confidence to teach reading and writing in a highly explicit way but still allow it be joyful, interesting and motivating. Cue have been fantastic in their flexibility to deliver their support through video, face-to-face sessions, classroom modelling and ongoing 1 to 1 Zoom sessions. Distance has not been an issue."
Andrew, Principal, Western Australia
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
We need to learn how to use 'real time data' to inform our teaching. And so often that comes from our students.
So what can we find out from our students, and what is most important? What do we need to cover in the curriculum, and what are some effective resources we can use?
Here's just a few tips:
- Set dedicated time for students to engage in reading and writing every day
- Teachers should read aloud at least once a day
- Create multiple opportunities for students to share and discuss meanings they created from these reading and writing opportunities
- Use real books for reading
- Allow for student choice about what they read or write
- Teachers should rove around the room, interacting with small groups or individuals
- Have low frequency of sustained periods of whole class, teacher-centred instruction
- Allow for sharing of interpretations of own and other’s texts
Tune in to hear many more insights.
This episode was recorded as part of a Literacy Leader Masterclass, which was a series of Zoom sessions over the year with a band of excited educators. We were able to share our successes and challenges in the classroom, getting feedback on what we are doing. And there was always a new topic to learn about each time. Sessions were recorded, so participants never missed a thing. Stay tuned for future masterclasses or get in touch.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
RELATED TEACHIFIC RESOURCES ONLINE
- Reading Conferences: Assessment for Teaching and Learning by Diane Snowball
- The Reading Curriculum: What to Teach and What to Assess by Diane Snowball
- Conferring with Readers, Assessment Rubric, K-2
- Conferring with Readers, Assessment Rubric, 3-6
- Conferring With Readers Checklists K-6
- Planning Toolkit: Five Levels of Text Complexity, F-6
- Reading Response Journals by Sharon Callen
- Reading Conference Toolkits, K-6
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US...
"Working with Sharon and Cue has given my staff a new impetus and focus on improving our student's literacy and learning. The "it's not a program" approach has given teachers the skills, structures and confidence to teach reading and writing in a highly explicit way but still allow it be joyful, interesting and motivating. Cue have been fantastic in their flexibility to deliver their support through video, face-to-face sessions, classroom modelling and ongoing 1 to 1 Zoom sessions. Distance has not been an issue."
Andrew, Principal, Western Australia
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teaching letter names is a big challenge for teachers. We have children coming to us at different levels of letter name knowledge, and then we have children learning at different stages and rates of growth, as well children whose first language is not English. So we wonder how we manage this, within the ebb and flow of every day at school.
So this podcast episode gets to the nitty gritty, bringing the top tips for teaching letter names.
Literacy expert Sharon Callen talks about:
- How to evaluate a child's understanding and needs - including concept of letters, knowledge of letter names when writing and reading - SPELD or other assessments
- Tips for teaching letter names
- Top routine activities to teach letter names
- Helping children whose first language is not English
- Letter explorations
- Connecting tools and resources (with many on Teachific)
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
RELATED TEACHIFIC RESOURCES ONLINE
- Letter Knowledge Checklists, F-1 (NEW)
- Alphabet Books 5-6 year olds
- Alphabet and Number Strip
- Alphabet Game - Lotto
- Class ‘Sign In’ Chart
- I Spy Books - Triple Treat
- Using Alphabetic Word Walls in the Early Years
- Alphabet Word Wall Tools
- The Usefulness of Onsets and Rimes
- Create Your Own Alphabet Chart
- Nonsense Alphabet by Edward Lear
LITERATURE TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM
- Not a Butterfly Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
- Construction Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
- The Dinosaur Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
- The Underwater Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
- The Vegetable Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
- The Ocean Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin
- An Alphabet of Stories by Oliver Jeffris
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US...
"Working with Sharon and Cue has given my staff a new impetus and focus on improving our student's literacy and learning. The "it's not a program" approach has given teachers the skills, structures and confidence to teach reading and writing in a highly explicit way but still allow it be joyful, interesting and motivating. Cue have been fantastic in their flexibility to deliver their support through video, face-to-face sessions, classroom modelling and ongoing 1 to 1 Zoom sessions. Distance has not been an issue."
Andrew, Principal, Western Australia
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Motivating and engaging students in their writing is always an ongoing challenge for teachers.
Teachers are also often looking for ways to differentiate and provide good models for writing.
In this episode, literacy expert Sharon Callen talks about the power of using mentor texts, including:
- How to do a routine for using Quick Writes with a mentor text
- How it is done in practice
- How to choose a mentor text
- How to connect reading and writing
- Great tools and resources
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RELATED TEACHIFIC RESOURCES ONLINE
- Quick Writes Using Mentor Texts - Poetry, Yrs 2-8
RELATED BOOKS AVAILABLE ONLINE
- Deep in the Rainforest by Gwen Pascoe
- 14,000 Things to Be Happy About by Barbara Ann Kipfer
- I Love You Now and Forever by Dawn Casey
- I Love You When by Annie Baker
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES LINKED TO THIS PODCAST
- The Six Plus Traits of Writing Rubric (Editable), F-6
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
What are the key attributes and traits of effective writers? And how can teachers activate them with their students?
In this episode, literacy expert Sharon Callen reveals these key traits, and talks about:
- How to use these traits to get better at writing
- How to know when you're getting better at using them
- How to plan well with these traits in the curriculum
- What should we avoid
- Good connecting tools and resources to use
- And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES LINKED TO THIS PODCAST
- Education Northwest: The Six Plus Traits of Writing
- The Writing Thief - Using Mentor Texts to Teach the Craft of Writing by Ruth Culham
- Marvellous Mini Lessons for Teaching Beginning Writing K-3 by Lori Jamison Rog
- Marvellous Mini Lessons for Teaching Intermediate Writing 4-8 by Lori Jamison Rog
- The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
- Walking in Gagudju Country by Diane Lucas, Ben Tylor and Emma Long
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES LINKED TO THIS PODCAST
To be added shortly
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teaching writing (and literacy) can sometimes be 'a bit of this and a bit of that'. Sometimes we teach in a compartmentalised way, and there is no connection between lessons.
We often don’t see a transfer of what we are teaching to students using the skills in their own writing.
To help us with this, Dr. Brian Cambourne joins the show to talk about teaching writing effectively, building connection in literacy and shares the relevant academic research and evidence.
Dr. Cambourne, associate professor, is currently a Principal Fellow at the University of Wollongong in NSW. He started his teaching career in NSW in 1956 and spent the next nine years working in a variety of small, mostly one-teacher primary schools before entering academic life. He has since become one of Australian’s most eminent researchers of literacy and learning. He completed his PhD at James Cook University before becoming a post-doctoral Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; a Fulbright Scholar; Research Fellow at the Centre for Studies in Reading at the University of Illinois and Research Fellow at the Learning Centre at Tucson.
Brian's national and international scholarship has earned him many prestigious awards, including being inducted into the International Reading Association’s Reading Hall of Fame, and the Outstanding Educational Achievement Award by the Australian College of Educators.
In this episode, we talk about how to teach writing in more effective, inquiring, explicit and powerful ways. You'll also understand what it means to do this in connection with broader literacy approaches, with the curriculum and across the school, as well as individually.
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES LINKED TO THIS PODCAST
- Understanding Writing and its Relationship to Reading - by Brian Cambourne, Foundation for Learning and Literacy
- Made for Learning - How the Conditions of Learning Guide Teaching Decisions - Debra Crouch and Brian Cambourne
- On Language and Linguistics - By M.A.K. Halliday
TEACHIFIC RESOURCES LINKED TO THIS PODCAST
- Common Features of Classrooms with High Achieving Writers These eight handy posters, Common Features of Classrooms with High Achieving Writers, (best enlarged to A3) can be highly useful for your writing classroom
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
While the Morning Message can feel like a standard routine, it is a crucial way for teachers to help their students connect with literacy, the day and each other.
In this era it is more important than ever, with many students still in and out of class with COVID, the flu and other issues, leading to many teachers struggling to build community.
The Morning Message is a great tool to help foster connection and literacy development, and has a place across all levels of schooling.
Literacy expert Sharon Callen explains more in this episode.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Everybody by Elise Gravel
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
As teachers, we're always on the look out for easy ways for students to access vocabulary and build knowledge about words in lessons.
How do we teach and empower students in their word knowledge and use, and see it make a real difference in our teaching?
To talk about this and more, we are again joined on the podcast by education consultant Rob Vingerhoets. While a specialist in numeracy, Rob brings many important insights for the literacy space.
Rob is an experienced educator and subject matter expert who has worked with teachers and students throughout Melbourne, Country Victoria, Australia and overseas (New York City, Beijing). Prior to this he was a primary school principal, curriculum coordinator and classroom teacher. He is an experienced teacher and author, having written a number of best-selling maths resource books and numerous articles.
- How to use key words in both literacy and maths
- The key word connections between literacy and numeracy
- How to get better at teaching key words
- What to focus on and what to avoid
- How to know what's working
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
- Rob Vingerhoet's website:
- Teaching Vocabulary by Diane Snowball (TEACHIFIC)
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
As motivated teachers, we need easy ways to access the English curriculum and connect it to our teaching.
This includes knowing how to plan with the curriculum effectively, and finding ways for it to have a real impact on our teaching.
In this episode, literacy expert Sharon Callen covers this topic from a range of angles including:
- Where to start with planning around the new curriculum
- Do's and Don'ts
- How to know if you're getting better at connecting the curriculum with your teaching
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
- Fountas & Pinnell Literacy Continuum by Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Peculiar Pairs by Sami Bayley
- Australian Curriculum - English v9 by ACARA
TEACHIFIC
- English Curriculum Planner v9 , Yr F
- English Curriculum Planner v9 , Yr 1
- English Curriculum Planner v9 , Yr 2
- English Curriculum Planner v9 , Yr 3
- English Curriculum Planner v9 , Yr 4
- English Curriculum Planner v9 , Yr 5
- English Curriculum Planner v9 , Yr 6
- English Curriculum Planner v9 , Yrs K-6 (SHOP)
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Many motivated school teachers and leaders are looking for better ways to teach comprehension.
A big question that teachers often ask themselves is whether students are really getting deep understanding, or if it is just superficial knowledge?
To talk about this, Sharon Callen is again joined by Diane Snowball, a highly experienced educator who led significant change in education throughout whole school districts in the US as well as Australia.
The literacy leaders talk about recommended teaching methods as well as those to avoid, how to know if you're getting better at teaching comprehension and whether students are understanding it, key differences between younger and older readers, and much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
- What Research Has to Say About Reading Instruction - Effective Practices for Developing Reading Comprehension, by David Pearson and Nell Duke
- Comprehension Shouldn’t Be Silent: From Strategy Instruction to Student Independence, by: Michelle J. Kelley, Nicki Clausen-Grace
- Reading the Whole Page by Michelle Kelley (Author), Nicki Clausen-Grace (Author) : Teaching and Assessing Text Features to Meet K-5 Common Core Standards
- The Land of Never Endings by Kate Saunders
- A Particular Cow by Mem Fox
- Who Sank the Boat by Pamela Allen
- This and That by Mem Fox
TEACHIFIC
- Ten Types of Inferring F-6 by Diane Snowball
LIST OF COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES
- Setting a purpose
- Predicting using prior knowledge
- Thinking aloud
- Inferring
- Using text structures and features
- Questioning (by the reader)
- Monitoring your own understanding
- Clarifying meaning
- Fix up strategies
- Visualising
- Forming visual representations
- Summarising
- Retelling
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teachers are constantly on the look out for new books to use in their classrooms. We need great books to engage kids in lessons, Read Alouds, shared reading and as part of other strategies and tools.
To achieve this, we need a constantly supply of top books for young readers so we've brought back Teachers Toolkit regular Rebecca Bird, literature consultant at Pegi Williams Books, to help us.
Rebecca shares her latest list of recommended books for teachers to engage students in literacy learning.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
- The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park (verse novel, Sijo poetry)
- Market Day by Carrie Gallasch (Picture book, Adelaide market)
- Grandma’s Story by Moira Butterfield and Salvatore Rubbino (picture book, family story, cultures)
- We Are Australians by Duncan Smith, Nicole Godwin and Jandamarra Cadd (simple, massive impact, beautiful illustrations)
- Tracks of the Missing by Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler (for secondary students, set in Western Australia, about an indigenous boy)
- Seven Days by Fleur Ferris (about a boy called Ben, family troubles)
- Cop and Robber by Tristan Bancks
CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARDS
- Children’s Book Council of Australia
- CBCA - Shortlist 2022
- CBCA - Notables 2022
- CBCA - Bookweek 2022 - August 20-26
- Caldecott Medal - USA
- Carnegie and Greenaway Awards - UK
TEACHIFIC
- Poems, rhymes, stories etc
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
When students are at the start of their learning journey, it can be challenging for teachers to know how to put the right literacy steps in place.
To talk about this important topic we're joined by Diane Snowball, a highly experienced educator who led significant change in education throughout whole school districts in the US as well as Australia.
The session with Diane is from a recent Zoom Q and A session with a group of F-2 teachers at a school in Victoria, Australia. The teachers ask Diane a series of questions related to spelling and word work, but the conversation expanded into other areas of literacy, so Diane could give the context for the teaching work.
Just some of the talking points include:
- Teaching letters and sounds
- Using shared reading effectively
- Learning through inquiry
- The use of encouragement
- Literacy routines
- Modelled writing
- Use of the Literacy Block
- Literacy across the day
- The vital use of non fiction texts
And much more!
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
- Mrs Wishy Washy by Joy Cowley
- The Wrong Book by Nick Bland
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Pamella Allen books
- Joy Cowley books
- Non fiction books e.g. snails
TEACHIFIC
- Spelling and Word Study Resources F-2
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - for Teachers
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - for Parents
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Sometimes teachers struggle to see students to do 'big thinking' as they read. Why? Because often we're not enabling our students to do it. Literacy expert Sharon Callen unpacks this issue in this episode.
Sharon talks about why thinking about reading is different from thinking whilst reading. And in thinking about reading, you are conscious of connections, questions and responses. You may even consciously try to apply specific strategies to understand text in a deeper way.
In thinking about reading, you are really thinking about thinking, an act called metacognition, which literally means BIG THINKING.
Metacognition has been the subject of much study as researchers have attempted to describe ways teachers can actually ’teach’ students to become more effective or strategic thinkers.
The idea is that students can become more effective readers by engaging in conscious acts such as questioning, visualising and gathering or synthesising information.
In this episode, learn from Sharon how to help your students think about reading.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
- Reciprocal teaching of comprehension-fostering and comprehension-monitoring activities. Cognition and Instruction. Palincsar, A.S., & Brown, A.L.
- Tell Me (children, Reading & Talk) with the Reading Environment, by Aiden Chambers
- Book Talk: Occasional Writing on Literature and Children, by Aiden Chambers
- Guiding Readers and Writers: Teaching Comprehension, Genre, and Content Literacy, by Fountas and Pinnell
- Australian Curriculum: Using comprehension strategies; Personal responses to ideas, characters and viewpoints in texts; Expressing preferences and evaluating texts (including listening to the ideas of others)
TEACHIFIC
- Book Chats: These Book Chat prompts are designed with meaningful conversations in mind. Most importantly, they allow every child the opportunity to chat about the very book they are reading, or the very book you are reading as a class.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Many teachers often struggle to put together writing sessions that are meaningful to students. So we've brought in expert educator Alan Wright to help with this challenge.
Alan Wright is a creative, committed education consultant and author who has worked extensively in the United States and Australia, promoting best practice in primary and secondary schools and at a systems level.
Based in New York (2001-2006), Alan worked across primary, middle and high schools supporting teachers, school districts, regions and school leadership teams, effecting improved learning outcomes for students in literacy.
Working with the New York Board of Education he provided training for literacy coaches for NYC schools, writing curriculum resources, producing instructional videos and providing professional development institutes for teachers across the city.
As an educator within the Victorian school system Alan worked as a classroom teacher, staff developer, regional consultant and school administrator (Assistant Principal and Principal). Currently, he is a Director of Alvic Educational Consultancy (created 2006) providing school based consultancy support across schools and networks.
As an author Alan published ‘Searching For Hen’s Teeth (Poetry for children) in 2014 and has since released 'I Bet There's No Broccoli On The Moon' a follow up anthology of poetry. Alan's previous book, ‘Igniting Writing: When A Teacher Writes’ was published by Hawker Brownlow Education in 2011 and he has been a contributing author for numerous professional teaching resources.
In 2022 Alan will be presenting the annual Donald Grave’s address at the Australian Literacy Educator’s Association national conference in July in Darwin, a great honour for Alan and a tribute to his life’s work as an author and educator.
In this episode, Alan reveals powerful and practical insights for teachers. Tune in and utilise the resources listed below.
Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES
- ‘Tanglewood’ by Margaret Wild
- ‘Fox’ by Margaret Wild
- ‘The Twenty Seventh Annual Hippopotamus Race’ by Morris Lurie
- ‘Children Want to Write: Donald Graves and the Writing Revolution’ by Thomas Newkirk and Penny Little
- ‘Writing: Children and Teachers at Work’ by Donald Graves
- ‘Writing for Pleasure’ by Ross Young and Felicity Ferguson
- ‘Breathing In, Breathing Out: Keeping a Writer’s Notebook’ by Ralph Fletcher
- ‘What a Writer Needs’ by Ralph Fletcher
- 'Write What Matters: For Yourself, For Others' by Tom Romano
- 'Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within' by Natalie Goldberg
- Alan Wright’s Blog: http://livinglifetwice-alwrite.blogpost.com
TEACHIFIC
- Writer’s Tools
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teachers will sometimes find it challenging to teach F-2 students high frequency words effectively.
To talk about this important topic we're joined by Diane Snowball, a highly experienced educator who led significant change in education throughout whole school districts in the US as well as Australia.
In this discussion, Diane talks about:
- Where to start when teaching high frequency words
- How schools can plan for teaching HF words
- The role of parents
- Key resources
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES ON TEACHIFIC
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - Information for Teachers by Diane Snowball
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - Information for Parents by Diane Snowball
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
We call them 'striving' readers and writers, rather than struggling. But every teacher and leader want to find better ways to support these students in their journeys.
Teachers need a reliable, trusted source for research that works in the classroom.
To help with this, literacy expert Sharon Callen talks about an article from Foundation For Learning And Literacy:Principles for working with struggling readers and writers - advice for teachers across primary and secondary schools (August 2020).
Principles from this article will help teachers adjust their literacy teaching for individual students who are experiencing some difficulty with reading and writing. The principles are based on what research tells us about struggling readers and writers. All teachers are teachers of literacy. Teachers in the secondary sector are discipline experts and bring their knowledge of disciplinary literacy to support all students to gain expertise in that discipline and transfer this learning to other areas.
This discussion covers:
- What students can do and build on their strengths
- How to promote high levels of student engagement
- How to provide predictability and routine
- Inviting students to make choices
- How to provide opportunity to talk with peers about reading and writing
- Increasing the number of high-quality texts which are exemplary for their genre that students encounter
- Read alouds
- How to ensure the students engage in successful reading practice
- Teaching students to use effective strategies in their reading and writing
- Scaffolding learners into texts beyond their independent reading ability
- Increasing the time students spend writing about things that are personally meaningful
- Providing extra support to help students perform well in front of the class
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES ON TEACHIFIC
- FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING AND LITERACY website
- Principles for working with struggling readers and writers- advice for teachers across primary and secondary schools (August 2020)
- The Hippo at the End of the Hall by Helen Cooper
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teaching literacy in high schools brings a wide range of challenges for teachers.
Continuing the conversation is literacy expert Misty Adoniou, Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Canberra and Principal Fellow, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, and a leader in the literacy research and practice field.
Part two of the conversation covers:
- How to help high school students who are losing the motivation to write
- Why the purpose of the writing has greater importance than structure
- How to use beautiful children’s literature for models of writing
- Why more funds should go into teachers’ professional development instead of programs
- How to support and provide scaffolds for struggling students
- How Misty develops a professional learning plan for a school
And many more practical tips and insights!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
FEATURED RESOURCES ON TEACHIFIC
- Five Levels of Text Complexity: ACARA. These handy charts will be very useful for you in your literacy planning.
- Mini Lesson: Persuasive Writing - Persuade the Bus Driver Ever wondered how to bring some spark into your students’ persuasive writing? Or maybe you’re wondered how to bring some spark into teaching students this form of writing. Have some outrageously amazing fun playing with some of these positively polished Persuasive Writing Devices!
Or you're bound to find something specific in this 'devices' collection of Prompt Cards, Posters, Tally Charts, Mini Lessons or Info Sheet that will spark a renewed view of this form of writing. - Check out Teachific here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Addressing the varied literacy levels in high school is a big challenge for teachers, and helping students with low literacy can be difficult.
Joining us to discuss this is literacy expert Misty Adoniou, Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Canberra and Principal Fellow, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, and a leader in the literacy research and practice field.
The conversation covers:
- Misty’s background and current work in high schools, greatly enjoying helping teachers apply research directly in their classroom, and specifically about the teaching of Writing, Spelling, Grammar and English as an Additional Language.
- How to shift teachers’ learning and students’ outcomes, through apprenticing teachers into teaching literacy strategies in their specific discipline: Science, Mathematics, History etc
- How teaching vocabulary in a discipline is a very useful starting point. Misty explains that 80% of words students come across in high school are multi-morphemic words that they haven’t encountered before
- How the high school timetable, with students encountering 5-6 disciplines in one day, can be looked at in exciting and positive ways, and explained as such to students
- The two major concerns of high school teachers: students lacking skills in writing, and little motivation to write, and how this can be unpacked and addressed
- How teachers can teach writing skills more effectively – like a scientist, a mathematician, historian etc., and the example of a lab report in Science.
- How the teaching of skills and strategies can occur in each lesson for only about 10 minutes, based on excellent models of writing in that discipline. And how passion for your discipline is key to teaching it.
And many more practical tips and insights!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
NEW RESOURCE ON TEACHIFIC
- Five Levels of Text Complexity: ACARA. These handy charts will be very useful for you in your literacy planning.
Check out Teachific here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact the Cue office: admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In the final instalment of this series on the dynamics of an effective literacy program podcast, literacy expert Sharon Callen talks about how to critique a program. This episode explores how leaders and teachers can learn to be flexible in their selection of content and pedagogy to provide equal opportunities for each learner’s development in literacy.
With so many mixed messages and options, many school leaders find it challenging to identify and implement the key attributes of an effective literacy program.
Some teachers are asked to use a program but find that it doesn't cater for all of their learners. Leaders are looking for a universal solution. There is a lot of confusion about what is 'right and wrong', and many leaders and teachers don't know who to turn to for advice.
This three-part series covers all of the key challenges and issues, including:
- The importance of instructional decisions
- The big negative impacts of the wrong literacy program
- Literacy non-negotiables
- Literacy program principles
- Keys to developing a good approach
And many more practical tips and insights!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Good Reader Anchor Charts - The Good Reader Anchor Charts Illustrated are perfect for recording aspects of what good readers do, for all the class to see over and over again.
OTHER
- Every Day, Every Child - The six elements of effective reading instruction don't require much time or money—just educators' decision to put them in place.
- The Sciences of Reading Instruction by Rachael Gabriel (ILA)
- The Sciences of Reading Instruction by Rachael Gabriel (ASCD)
OFFICEWORKS (Australia)
- Post-it Self Stick Table Top Pad, 508 x 584mm (Can stand on table top if no big book stand in classroom)
- A2 Sized Pad (Ideal for Anchor Charts, Teacher Reader’s Notebooks, Teacher Writer’s Notebooks, Spelling Investigations)
Check out Teachific here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy experts and founders of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Literacy expert Sharon Callen continues her series exploring how leaders and teachers can learn to be flexible in their selection of content and pedagogy to provide equal opportunities for each learner’s development in literacy. It’s about the questions we can ask ourselves to become flexible and informed.
With so many mixed messages and options, many school leaders find it challenging to identify and implement the key attributes of an effective literacy program.
Some teachers are asked to use a program but find that it doesn't cater for all of their learners. Leaders are looking for a universal solution. There is a lot of confusion about what is 'right and wrong', and many leaders and teachers don't know who to turn to for advice.
This series covers all of the key challenges and issues, including:
- The importance of instructional decisions
- The big negative impacts of the wrong literacy program
- Literacy non-negotiables
- Literacy program principles
- Keys to developing a good approach
And many more practical tips and insights!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Good Reader Anchor Charts - The Good Reader Anchor Charts Illustrated are perfect for recording aspects of what good readers do, for all the class to see over and over again.
OTHER
- Every Day, Every Child - The six elements of effective reading instruction don't require much time or money—just educators' decision to put them in place.
- The Sciences of Reading Instruction by Rachael Gabriel (ILA)
- The Sciences of Reading Instruction by Rachael Gabriel (ASCD)
OFFICEWORKS (Australia)
- Post-it Self Stick Table Top Pad, 508 x 584mm (Can stand on table top if no big book stand in classroom)
- A2 Sized Pad (Ideal for Anchor Charts, Teacher Reader’s Notebooks, Teacher Writer’s Notebooks, Spelling Investigations)
Check out Teachific here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
With so many mixed messages and options, many school leaders find it challenging to identify and implement the key attributes of an effective literacy program.
Some teachers are asked to use a program but find that it doesn't cater for all of their learners. Leaders are looking for a universal solution. There is a lot of confusion about what is 'right and wrong', and many leaders and teachers don't know who to turn to for advice.
Over a three-part series, we explore how leaders and teachers can learn to be flexible in their selection of content and pedagogy to provide equal opportunities for each learner’s development in literacy. It’s about the questions we can ask ourselves to become flexible and informed.
Covered throughout this series:
- The importance of instructional decisions
- The big negative impacts of the wrong literacy program
- Literacy non-negotiables
- Literacy program principles
- Keys to developing a good approach
And many more practical tips and insights!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Good Reader Anchor Charts - The Good Reader Anchor Charts Illustrated are perfect for recording aspects of what good readers do, for all the class to see over and over again.
OTHER
- Every Day, Every Child - The six elements of effective reading instruction don't require much time or money—just educators' decision to put them in place.
- The Sciences of Reading Instruction by Rachael Gabriel (ILA)
- The Sciences of Reading Instruction by Rachael Gabriel (ASCD)
OFFICEWORKS (Australia)
- Post-it Self Stick Table Top Pad, 508 x 584mm (Can stand on table top if no big book stand in classroom)
- A2 Sized Pad (Ideal for Anchor Charts, Teacher Reader’s Notebooks, Teacher Writer’s Notebooks, Spelling Investigations)
Check out Teachific here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Continuing from our previous episode, we are joined by numeracy consultant Rob Vingerhoets to talk about about the importance of differentiation and how teachers can overcome the common roadblocks.
Rob is an experienced and highly effective educator and subject matter expert who has worked with teachers and students throughout Melbourne, Country Victoria, interstate and overseas (New York City, Beijing). Prior to this he was a primary school principal, curriculum coordinator and classroom teacher. He is an experienced teacher and author, having written a number of best-selling maths resource books and numerous articles.
Over the two-part conversation, Sharon and Rob talk about:
- How do we differentiate for all students, and get them engaged?
- How do we do it without streaming into groups?
- How do we make sure each student is stretching themselves?
- How do we cater for struggling learners?
- How do the high impact teaching strategies play out in this way of working?
- How do we make sure we are covering the curriculum for all students?
- How do we keep a record of progress for each student?
- How does the learning happen - what doesn’t work with streaming?
- What resourcing is needed?
- What types of schools struggle most?
- Is it about programs or better PD?
- What are some things that make the biggest difference - in what teachers or coaches do?
- What are your favourite ways of working with principals on this?
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
MORE ABOUT ROB AND HIS RESOURCES:
TEACHIFIC
From recent weeks:
- Maths at Home - Lesson Packs F-6
OTHER
- Rob Vingerhoets Maths is Fun website
- High Impact Teaching Strategies - Department of Education and Training - Victoria
- Mathematics Assessment for Learning: Rich Tasks and Work Samplesby Ann Downton, Rose Knight, Doug Clarke & Gerard Lewis
From recent weeks:
- A Designer Speaks, by Charles Lovitt and Doug Clarke
BOOKTOPIA
From recent weeks:
- Open Ended Maths Activities by Peter Sullivan
Check out Teachific here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
With such limited time and resources, teachers find it difficult to cater for the needs of all students in the class. It can be hard to know where they are at, and to match them with the curriculum for their year level.
To talk about differentiation and how to overcome these challenges, we are joined by numeracy consultant Rob Vingerhoets.
Rob is an experienced and highly effective educator and subject matter expert who has worked with teachers and students throughout Melbourne, Country Victoria, interstate and overseas (New York City, Beijing). Prior to this he was a primary school principal, curriculum coordinator and classroom teacher. He is an experienced teacher and author, having written a number of best-selling maths resource books and numerous articles.
Over this episode and the next, Rob talks about:
- How do we differentiate for all students, and get them engaged?
- How do we do it without streaming into groups?
- How do we make sure each student is stretching themselves?
- How do we cater for struggling learners?
- How do the high impact teaching strategies play out in this way of working?
- How do we make sure we are covering the curriculum for all students?
- How do we keep a record of progress for each student?
- How does the learning happen - what doesn’t work with streaming?
- What resourcing is needed?
- What types of schools struggle most?
- Is it about programs or better PD?
- What are some things that make the biggest difference - in what teachers or coaches do?
- What are your favourite ways of working with principals on this?
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Maths at Home - Lesson Packs F-6
OTHER
- A Designer Speaks, by Charles Lovitt and Doug Clarke
BOOKTOPIA
- Open Ended Maths Activities by Peter Sullivan
Check out Teachific here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email Phil: phil@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In part 2 of this discussion, Sharon Callen continues to reveal the key insights and outcomes from a three day literacy teaching intensive that she recently ran for a group of schools.
It's all about making connections. Integrating reading, writing and word work is the most efficient and powerful way to teach literacy.
In this episode, Sharon provides more guidance, tips and solutions that you can apply in the classroom today.
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Reading Workshop: Establishing Routines and Expectations K-7
- ACARA English Content F-7 (updated version coming in 2022)
From last week:
- Inferring and Drawing Conclusions: Mini Lessons K-8
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - for Teachers by Diane Snowball
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - for Parents by Diane Snowball
ACARA
- English curriculum
BOOKTOPIA
- Guiding Readers and Writers: Teaching Comprehension, Genre and Content Literacy by Fountas and Pinnell
- Wonder Earth: Exploring Our Living Home by Zanni Louise, Tiff Bollhorn, Sophy Louise Smith
- 6 + 1 Traits of Writing by Ruth Culham
Check out Teachific here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
After recently completing a three day literacy teaching intensive for a group of schools, Sharon Callen reveals the key insights and outcomes in this episode.
It's all about making connections. Integrating reading, writing and word work is the most efficient and powerful way to teach literacy.
Sharon talks about:
- 'Every Child, Every Day'
- True classroom practice
- The importance of ACARA as a great place to help us be rooted in the connectedness of English and to curate what reader and writer actions every child, every day, gets to practise, experience and get feedback on
- How to read the curriculum with action, as an active learning document rather than a content driver
- Choosing and using
- Sequence learning
- Pedagogy and practices
- Key questions from teachers on spelling, reading and writing
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - for Teachers by Diane Snowball
- Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words - for Parents by Diane Snowball
ACARA
- English curriculum
ASCD
- Every Child, Every Day Allington and Gabriel
QUOTE
- "Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better." Jim Rohn
Check out Teachific here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
School leaders are always looking for new models and ways to get better teaching results. In the hope of finding a quick and easy fix, some will choose to adopt programs. But many of these 'out of the box' programs come with many limitations and often don't deliver on the promised fast results. Is there a better way?
As we explore this, we look to Melbourne where literacy and educational outcomes have been broadly excellent. This is where education consultant Bobbie Cameron has been making an impact.
Bobbie began her career in education more than 15 years ago with a Bachelor of Education (Hons) and has a vast array of experience in the public education sector, firstly as a classroom teacher across all year levels, then a Leading Teacher and Assistant Principal. Bobbie launched her successful consultancy in 2017 and hasn't looked back, and was one of the 2018 Master Literacy Trainers for BASTOW for the Melbourne/Maribyrnong Network.
In this episode, Bobbie joins Sharon and Phil to talk about:
- Victoria’s great Naplan gains
- Top tips for coaching teachers
- How to turn results around in schools
- The ideal coaching/consultancy model to create great change
- Programs vs Professional Development
- Favourite ways of working with principals
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
Consistent Lesson Structure - Planner The Consistent Lesson Structure and Planner are effective literacy block planning tools using the 'Gradual Release of Responsibility' model. They allow for great flexibility when integrating all aspects of literacy - Reading, Writing and Word Work.
See the video (8 mins) to view how a Year 4,5,6 teacher uses it effectively in her classroom: https://youtu.be/LeaaFfL3z5M
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy experts and founders of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this week's episode, literacy expert Sharon Callen talks about how to identify and utilise literature on complex issues to enrich student experiences.
This is important for teachers for a range of reasons.
Helping students to appreciate literary texts and to create their own literary texts enriches their understanding of human experiences and the capacity for language to deepen those experiences.
It builds students’ knowledge about how language can be used for aesthetic ends, to create particular emotional, intellectual or philosophical effects.
Students learn to interpret, appreciate, evaluate and create literary texts such as short stories, novels, poetry, prose, plays, film and multimodal texts, in spoken, print and digital/online forms.
It is important for students to recognise texts as having enduring artistic and cultural value drawn from the world and Australian literature. These include the oral narrative traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, texts from Asia, texts from Australia’s immigrant cultures and texts of the students’ choice.
In this episode, Sharon focuses on picture books for F-3 students, identifying key authors and illustrators with a background in psychology. They unpack complex issues in a relatable way for young readers, and cover categories including:
- Raising Writers
- Coping With Change
- Environmental Empathy
- Creativity
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
BOOKTOPIA
Raising Writers
- This is Not a Book by Kellie Byrnes
- The Art of Words by Robert Vescio and Jianna Bartel
Coping with Change
- Upside Down Friday by Lana Spasevski and Nicky Johnston
- Pear of Hope by Wendy Shurety
Environmental Empathy
- Growing Pains by Alison McLennan
- Where the Heart Is by Irma Gold
Creativity
- The Box Cars by Robert Vescio
- Up To Something by Katrina McKelvey
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email sdmin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Independent reading is crucial to literacy learning but schools and teachers can still struggle to bring it to its full potential. Mark Macleod joins the show to share his insights.
Mark has been involved with children's publishing for over 25 years as a lecturer, publisher, freelance editor, President of the Children's Book Council and now as an author.
Mark published books for young readers and for adults under his own name imprint at Hodder Headline and was Project Manager of 'My Favourite Book' for ABCTV.
Mark is well known as a television and radio presenter, and has won the CBCA Lady Cutler Award and the Australian Publishers Association Pixie O'Harris Award for distinguished services to children's literature.
Mark joins Sharon to talk about:
- His role in research and practice in literacy and education
- Defining independent reading and why it is important
- Independent reading success stories
- How and when to do it
- How to support special needs students
- How to resource and coordinate independent reading in schools
- And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
BOOKTOPIA
The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
Anthem for Doomed Youth by Wilfred Owen
Death Sentence: The Decay of Public Language by Don Watson
Watson's Worst Words by Don Watson
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Many teachers are constantly searching for great information books to fit their mini lessons in English and other learning areas.
Finding the right books is one thing, teachers also want to know how to make these texts a central part of their teaching,
Teachers need to give students access to ‘just right’ information books for independent reading and writing and connect it to reading, writing and word work.
Upper primary school teacher Giselle joins Sharon Callen to share key insights, including:
- What do you search for to find great information books?
- How do students access these books easily in the classroom?
- How can students find ‘just right’ information books?
- What are some successful ways you use these types of books in Mini Lessons?
- How have the books supported the students in independent reading and writing?
- How to explore the three text features of informational texts (see blog https://cuelearning.com.au/explore-the-three-text-features-of-informational-texts/ and podcast episode https://the-teachers-tool-kit-for-literacy.simplecast.com/episodes/reading-like-a-writer-informational-texts)
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN SHARON CALLEN'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Non Fiction Poster: Graphic Feature - Cutaway, Yrs 3-6
- Non Fiction Posters - full range, Yrs K-2 and Yrs 3-6
- Tally Charts: Non Fiction Text Features
- Reading Tools: Good Reader Poster - Non Fiction Set, Yrs K-6
- Reading Journal Prompts: Non Fiction - Did You Know? Yrs 3-4
BOOKTOPIA
- Advertiser: Olympic posters 2000 Sydney
- DK: The Sports Book
- A Seed is Sleepy, An Egg is Quiet, A Rock is Lively
- This is Our World: From Alaska to the Amazon, Meet 20 Children Just Like You by Tracy Turner and Asa Gilland
- Amazing Treasures: 100+ Objects and Places That Will Boggle Your Mind by David Long
- Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopedia
- The Street Beneath My Feet, The Skies Above My Eyes, The Wonder of My World
- Shine a Light books: Secrets of the Vegetable Garden, The Human Body, On The Space Station, Secrets of the Sea Shore, Secrets of the Rainforest, Secrets of Animal Camouflage, Wonders of Our World, At The Hospital
- Glow In The Dark Books: Animals at Night, Voyage Through Space, Nature’s Light Spectacular
- Amazing Animal Adventures
- Eye Spy: Wild Ways Animals See the World
- Actual Size by Steve Jenkins
- What’s Out There: Amazing Plants, Rocks, Creatures and Cultures That Make Australia Extraordinary by Nicole Stewart
GISELLE’S TEACHING TOOLS
- Labels, magnifying glass, sticky notes, torch, dark spot, paper table,
- Sticky notes with rewriting of info in an easier form
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy experts and founders of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact Phil admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Sharon Callen continues her conversation about inferring, to help in the teaching of reading comprehension.
Remember, inferring is a strategy. It permits readers to merge their background knowledge with text clues to come to a conclusion about new ideas that aren’t directly stated in the text. Drawing conclusions helps readers gather more information and ideas and understand the writer’s point of view.
In this episode, Sharon talks about:
- Key actions to take when implementing inferring as a strategy
- Teacher prompts to activate thinking when modelling
- How to assess students' abilities to infer and draw conclusions
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN SHARON CALLEN'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Inferring and Drawing Conclusions: Mini Lessons, K-8
- Comprehension Mini Lessons - Inferring, K-2
BOOKTOPIA
- The Gradual Release of Responsibility in Literacy Research and Practice by Mary McVee et al
- Fountas and Pinnell - Literacy Continuum by Fountas and Pinnell
- Strategies that Work by Harvey and Goudvis
- Creating Strategic Readers by Valerie Ellery
- Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller
- Teaching Comprehension Strategies by Sheena Cameron
- Bone by Jeff Smith
- Amulet Series by Kazu Kibuishi
- The Mystery of the Crooked Imp - The Phoenix Series
- Alphabet Books
- Counting Books
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teachers are looking for ways to teach reading comprehension strategies more effectively.
If we notice that our students are falling down in reading comprehension, particularly on formal assessments, how do we help them be more successful? What do we teach to help students be good at inferencing?
Firstly, we need to understand what inferring is.
Inferring is a strategy. It permits readers to merge their background knowledge with text clues to come to a conclusion about new ideas that aren’t directly stated in the text. Drawing conclusions helps readers gather more information and ideas and understand the writer’s point of view.
Readers gather and question details from the text and reach a decision that makes sense. They arrive at a decision or opinion by reasoning from known facts or evidence that seems to require that a specific conclusion be reached.
Strategic readers create unique understandings of the text, make predictions and inferences, and confirm or deny those predictions based on textual information.
These readers test their developing comprehension of the text along with extending their comprehension beyond literal understandings of the printed page.
‘Inferencing is the bedrock of comprehension … it is about reading faces, reading body language, reading expressions, and reading tone, as well as reading text.’ - Harvey and Goudvis, Strategies That Work
In part 1 of our discussion on inferring, we talk about:
- The fundamentals of inferring
- Applying this in Mini Lessons
- Strategic thinking models and strategies
And much more!
And stay tuned for part 2 next episode ...
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN SHARON CALLEN'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Inferring and Drawing Conclusions: Mini Lessons, K-8
- Comprehension Mini Lessons - Inferring, K-2
BOOKTOPIA
- Strategies that Work by Harvey and Goudvis
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Joining Sharon Callen on the podcast is Amelia McInerney, a humorous picture book author based in Canberra, Australia.
Amelia is the author of Who Fed Zed?, a zany picture book about a gluten-intolerant goldfish which she produced with Adam Nickel, the illustrator of the phenomenally successful No One Likes a Fart.
Her other titles include The Book Chook illustrated by Connah Brecon (a CBCA Notable Book, also short-listed for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year), My Bird, Bertie, illustrated by Shane McG and the internationally published Bad Crab, illustrated by Philip Bunting.
In this interview, Amelia talks about:
- How and why she became an author
- The back story to her stories
- The power behind her writing, and how it impacts her audiences
- The impact of Bookweek
- The writing inspiration Amelia has seen in schools
- How children’s literature supports children learning to read
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN SHARON CALLEN'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Mini Book, Lined and Blank: ‘My Favourite Books’ . Choose from a variety of Mini-Books for your students to practise using high frequency words and phrases and writing conventions as they write extended text. Different prompts, word cards and page designs (lined and blank sections) enable the students to get their ideas down on paper more easily.
BOOKTOPIA
- The Book Chook by Amelia McInerney
- My Bird, Bertie by Amelia McInerney
- Bad Crab by Amelia McInerney
- Who Fed Zed? by Amelia McInerney
- Mary Had a Little Lamb, What Really Happened by Amelia McInerney
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact Phil admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Many teachers want to improve student writing but feel like they're drawing on the same routines to teach - what’s the text type, what’s the structure, where’s the planning template, what’s the topic and where’s the link to the curriculum (trying to find purpose and audience), how do I fit it into a 5-6 weeks ... the challenges go on.
It can be hard to move on from here without having a toolkit of instructional strategies.
So in this episode, Sharon explores high impact instructional strategies that can be drawn on to model the writing process - to enable students to see writing in action and for teachers to better understand what we are asking our writers to do.
This is the active teaching we do in a writing workshop mini lesson and throughout the workshop to move from showing to independent practice, and how we engage our students in the practice of thinking, exploring and experimenting before they move to their own writing.
It is important for teachers to be clear about what they are modelling and teaching.
This episode covers:
- Excellent ACARA guidance on creating texts
- The four high impact instructional strategies (used in the Mini Lesson): Modelled Writing, Interactive Writing, Shared Writing and Quick Writing
- Discussion on their purposes, level of support, when to use and the materials involved:
- and discussion on what follows the Mini Lesson: Independent Practice and Reflection/Share
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN SHARON CALLEN'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
High Impact Instructional Strategies for Writing: Use this wonderful resource to work out how you are going to craft your Mini Lessons in writing. Know the precise purposes of each instructional strategy, when to use it and what tools will support you.
Good Reader Posters: Every Child, Every Day - A simple set of posters to remind learners of the strong and positive actions they can take to grow as readers.Anchoring the behaviours we are teaching our students to take is a positive way to remind and motivate students to be in charge of what they can do to grow.
BOOKTOPIA
Craft Lessons - Teaching Writing K-8 by Ralph Fletcher and JoAnn Portalupi
Marvelous MiniLessons for Teaching Intermediate Writing by Lori Jameson Rog
STENHOUSE
Marvelous MiniLessons for Teaching NonFiction Writing K-3 by Lori Jameson Rog
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact Phil admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Good teachers are always looking for ways to teach effectively so all students feel included and nurtured. Lucy, a Year 1 teacher in Australia, says the arts can do just that.
Lucy joins literacy expert Sharon Callen to talk about the impact of the arts on literacy learning, and how the arts can be a springboard for the four key capabilities discussed by Robyn Ewing - curiosity, compassion, connection and courage.
Lucy also talks about:
- How she developed her interest in the arts and how she integrates it with the curriculum
- How she uses the art form of literature to strengthen her teaching
- How teachers can make the arts more meaningfully integrated into their literacy teaching
- How the arts motivate and engage students in literacy (and other subjects)
- How art forms enhance deeper meaning and understanding
- How imaginative texts help students become more compassionate people
- How her personal experiences in the arts transform her teaching
- How to assess in different ways
- Improvements she has noticed in her students through use of literature/the arts
And much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN SHARON CALLEN'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!
Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Action Rhymes to dramatise
- Poems to Dramatise K-2
- Plays for K-2
BOOKTOPIA
- Elma by David McKee
- Mrs Wishy Washy by Joy Cowley and Elizabeth Fuller
- The Wrong Stone by Russell Deal and Ray Bowler
- Sunday Chutney by Aaron Blaby
- Stanley Paste by Aaron Blaby
- Pearly Barley and Charlie Parsley by Aaron Blaby
- My Grandpa Marches on Anzac Day by Catriona Hoy and Benjamin Johnson
- Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas
- I Am a Robot by Jill Eggleton
- Grug books by Ted Prior
- Oh! The Places You’ll Go! By Dr Seuss
- Possum Magic by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas
- The Children Who Loved Books by Peter Carnavas
- Look! A Book by Libby Gleeson
- Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blaby
- Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
- Rabbit and Rooster’s Ride by Jill Eggleton
- My Country by Ezekiel Kwaymullina and Sally Morgan
- The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
- Do Your Ears Hang Low? By jenny Cooper (illustrator)
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
- The School Drama Book: Drama, Literature and Literacy in the Creative Classroom, by Ewing, R. & Saunders, J. N. (2016).
- The book is a resource for teachers who want to educate confidently with drama. It uses drama as a critical pedagogy, and encourages learning through activities, rather than teaching ‘about’ the texts. This approach has been shown to develop rich imaginations and creative capacities for the future. It includes;
- a summary of how drama and literature enhance literacy
- An explanation of the School Drama approach and methodology
- Exploration of the art and pedagogy of drama (via elements, devices, and roles)
- 22 classroom units of work: each comprised of a series of workshops using drama with literary texts
- The book is a resource for teachers who want to educate confidently with drama. It uses drama as a critical pedagogy, and encourages learning through activities, rather than teaching ‘about’ the texts. This approach has been shown to develop rich imaginations and creative capacities for the future. It includes;
DRAMA DEVICES USED BY LUCY
- Walking in Role - adopt a character and move about the room.
- Create a Scene - students are frozen in a scene (as people or objects)
- Sculpting Clay - one student molds the other into a character
- Hot Seat - you are a character, and interviewed by the class
- Meta Language - discuss the effect of the devices
- Completely re-enact a story
MUSIC DEVICES USED BY LUCY
- Do Your Ears Hang Low? By Jenny Cooper (illustrator)
- Quiet music used in writing (not reading)
- Forrest Gump theme:
- Play music with fingers on the carpet
- Schindler’s List theme
TEACHER TOOLS USED BY LUCY
- Curiosity chart
- Head, heart and hands writing
- Traffic Light system
- Big chart paper
- Drawing scrapbooks
- Focus on ‘You’re a writer’ from day one
- Told Stories - e.g. The Seed by Donna Jacob Sife
- Brian Cambourne’s Conditions For Learning
- Making sure these 4 things are operating in lessons:
- Explicit teaching
- Being systematic but flexible
- Mindful - metalanguage
- Contextualised
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact Phil admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
As teachers we spend a lot of time teaching new skills, but students often don't have enough time to rehearse these skills in real contexts. Practice should make up the majority of a lesson. So, what does high impact practice look like?
Firstly we use the MINI LESSON to have our students practise WITH us as we continue our demonstration.
The active art of student practice begins right here, with the teacher, trying it out for themselves along with their peers, checking on how it’s working for them and being aware of what they are doing.
This MINI LESSON is what sets the learner up to know what to practise, what it will feel like to be doing it for themselves as they pursue individual learning.
The MINI LESSON should allow an entry point to take the next step, because the teacher has explained and demonstrated what they have noticed in conferring or roving sessions during INDEPENDENT PRACTICE time.
So during INDEPENDENT PRACTICE, students have the majority of the lesson time to rehearse a specific strategy or skill, whilst teachers have their ears and eyes on how they are managing what has been explained and demonstrated in the MINI LESSON. They give pointed, differentiated feedback to each student and set goals together.
In this episode, Sharon covers this and much more, including:
- How to implement INDEPENDENT PRACTICE consistently in classrooms
- The importance of gathering feedback and how to do it
- How to balance out and maximise INDEPENDENT PRACTICE time
- How it applies to Reading, Writing and Word Work
- The way the Share/Reflection time fits in
- How to keep the same thread of learning throughout all workshop components of the lesson
- How rich texts are central to teaching, as well as being used effectively used for student practice
- The pitfalls to be aware of
- Much more!
Enjoy the episode, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
JOIN SHARON CALLEN'S NEXT WEBINAR!
- 'Reading Like a Writer: Teaching Information Writing' - Yrs 2-6, with Sharon Callen
- 14 August 2021, 10-11.30am Adelaide time (One 1.5 hour workshop)
- Find our more and register here.
Missed it? Find upcoming events here and previous webinars (online video courses) here.
Other matching PDF resources can be found at Teachific.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TEACHIFIC
- Daily English Block A3 Planner: K-6 100 mins
YOUTUBE
- Planning for the Literacy Block - Teachific
BOOKTOPIA
- Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Continuum
Teacher question on our facebook group: Hello. Can anyone recommend a poem or picture book about holidays that I could use as a way in to quick writes and then holiday writing? Here are some answers from our experts....
- Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester
- The Journey Home by Alison Lester
- Greetings from Sandy Beach, by Bob Graham
- Grandpa and Thomas by Pamela Allen
- Holiday Memory by Dylan Thomas
Answer from Giselle, Year 6/7 teacher
- 'Today We Have No Plans' and 'All Through The Year' by Jane Godwin for talking about seasonal-type events (going to the show, the footy, the snow etc). Although not specifically about holidays, they both work well for discussions about how we like to spend our time and things we look forward to. And told in rhyme!
- 'On Our Way to the Beach' by Sofie Laguna and 'Are We There Yet?' by Alison Lester are always great for discussing road-trip-holidays.
- 'Why I Love Summer' by Michael Wagner is such a good book about the summer holidays.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:
- Visit cuelearning.com.au
- Subscribe to the Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts or join on Apple Podcasts here
- Contact Phil admin@cuelearning.com.au
- Join our Teacher's Toolkit facebook group
- Find connected resources on Teachific
- See upcoming online events
- See our online video courses here
- And finally, read our insightful blogs here
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Many teachers are yet to unlock the full potential of the arts as a powerful way to unlock literacy learning in students.
So how do we fully utilise the arts in the teaching of reading and writing? One of Australia's leading educators joins us to share her insights.
Robyn Ewing AM is Professor Emerita, Teacher Education and the Arts and Co-Director of the Creativity in Research, Engaging the Arts, Transforming Education, Health and Wellbeing (CREATE) Centre. Her teaching areas include primary curriculum, especially English, literature, drama and early literacy development. Robyn is passionate about the Arts and education and the role quality arts experiences and processes can and should play in creative pedagogy and transforming the curriculum at all levels of education.
In the areas of English, literacy and the arts, Robyn's research has particularly focused on the use of educational or process drama with authentic literary texts to develop students' imaginations and critical literacies. She has been published widely in this area. She has worked in partnership with Sydney Theatre Company on the teacher professional learning program 'School Drama' since 2009.
Robyn is an Honorary Associate with Sydney Theatre, Principal Fellow of the Australian Literacy Educators Association (ALEA), Board member of WestWords and Dirt Lane Press and a Visiting Scholar at Barking Gecko Children's Theatre. She was a Council member of AFTRS from 2013-8, president of the Primary English Teachers Association Australia (2001-2006) and president of ALEA (2011-15). She is a former vice president of Sydney Story Factory.
Within the faculty, Robyn was inaugural co-director of the innovative Master of Teaching degree and has also been Acting Dean; ProDean, Associate Dean, Academic Programs; Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning; Director, Program Director BEd(Primary); and Director, Division of Professional Learning.
An experienced primary teacher and teacher educator, Robyn has a commitment to quality teaching and learning at all levels of education. She enjoys working collaboratively with classroom teachers interested in innovative curriculum practices. She has worked as an academic mentor with teachers at a range of Sydney primary and secondary schools with the major focus on transforming the curriculum using the Arts as critical, quality pedagogy.
In this interview, Robyn talks about:
- Why it is important to consider the way we teach literacy through the arts
- How to enhance student engagement and skill level
- How we can teach literacy through the arts or the arts through literacy
- The connection to the Australian Curriculum
- What to do at K,1,2,3,4,5,6 levels
- How to evaluate in a coordinated way across the school
And much more!
JOIN SHARON CALLEN'S NEXT WEBINAR!
'Reading Like a Writer: Teaching Information Writing' - Yrs 2-6, with Sharon Callen
14 August 2021, 10-11.30am Adelaide time (One 1.5 hour workshop)
Find our more and register here.
Missed it? Find upcoming events here and previous webinars and other resources can be found at Teachific.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
- Poems to dramatise: Explore a special group of poems that have been selected for you on Teachific for good dramatising potential.
- See the whole Teachific poetry collection
PODCAST
- Interview with Unity, Principal of Anzac Park School in North Sydney.
BOOKTOPIA
- How Texts Teach What Readers Learn by Margaret Meek
- Aristotle’s Children by Richard E. Rubenstein
- The Creative Arts in the Lives of Young Children: Play, Imagination, Learning, by Ewing, R. (Ed.).(2012)
- The School Drama Book: Drama, Literature and Literacy in the Creative Classroom, by Ewing, R. & Saunders, J. N. (2016)
- Beyond the Script: Drama in the English and Literacy Classroom. 3rd edn. Newtown: Primary English Teaching Association Australia, by Ewing, R., Simons, J. with Hertzberg, M & Campbell, V. (2016).
- Transforming the Curriculum Through the Arts, by Gibson, R. & Ewing, R. (2020) 2ne edn. London: Palgrave Macmillan
MORE ARTS RESOURCES
- School Drama
- The School Drama Companion
- Designed as a companion text to The School Drama Book
- Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) On Demand Plus:
- https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTheatreforYoungPeople/videos/atyp-on-demand-plus-is-here/495616228342292/
- Why Make-Believe Play is an Important Part of Childhood Development: Robyn Ewing in The Conversation
- The Arts and Education: Realising Potential by Robyn Ewing
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teachers often struggle with students who don't have the motivation, skills and strategies to activate their extended writing and start taking risks. This is where it is important for teachers to support a rehearsal process.
What is Quick Writing?
It's a quick-to-use tool to free the writer’s mind, to help them learn how to craft writing and to give it a go, once, twice, reflect ... and again. It puts them in the driver’s seat and gives independent opportunity. It moves the student into trying it out rather than being involved in extensive joint constructions and shared experiences.
Sharon talks about the six pillars of Quick Writes:
- You've got this; keep writing
- Anything you write is right
- Your mind is a deep well of ideas; so is life
- Make sense, or not. Improve it later, or not
- Every quick write is an amazing experiment
- Sharing lets your words sit upon our ears
And much more!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
- Quick Write Prompts
- Quick Writes: Good Writer Mini Lessons A3 Flip Chart (new)
- Reading Like a Writer - beginnings
- Writer’s Notebook/Journal - cover
YOUTUBE
Quick Write Video
- A teacher at Kaurna Plains School explains the process in her classroom
JOIN SHARON CALLEN'S NEXT WEBINAR!
'Reading Like a Writer: Teaching Information Writing' - Yrs 2-6, with Sharon Callen
14 August 2021, 10-11.30am Adelaide time (One 1.5 hour workshop)
This unique, practical webinar with Sharon and Phil Callen is for motivated Years 2-6 teachers and leaders of literacy who want 'hands on' ways to enrich the teaching of information writing through the Reading Like a Writer framework. Participants will actually see how teaching strategies can be expertly used with all the tools and techniques you need to succeed. Learn how to powerfully use quality children’s literature and a workshop model, and develop students as self-motivated, self-directed and self-regulated writers.
"I gained so much from the workshop regarding structuring the workshop model, and the content that can sit within the framework. I adore Sharon’s style of professional teaching (energetic, engaging, passionate) and took a lot on board for my future as a leader in a school." - Teacher, webinar participant
Register here.
Missed it? Find upcoming events here and previous webinars and other resources can be found at Teachific.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
True success in spelling comes when schools have a strategy that integrates and evolves with every year level.
In this episode, one of Australia's top educators and Teacher's Tool Kit regular Diane Snowball joined literacy expert Sharon Callen to talk about how to do that.
The trio talk about:
- How to teach in a coordinated way across the school that addresses the two spelling strands:
- Teaching children HOW to learn words in a deeper way
- Teaching children a range of strategies to work out how to spell unknown words (phonetic, visual, morphemic)
- How do we work out a scope and sequence?
- How to approach K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
- How to coordinate evaluation across the school
And much more.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
- Spelling: A Suggested Teaching Plan, K-6
- Analysing Student’s Writing to Check Their Spelling Knowledge
AMAZON
- Spelling K-8 by Diane Snowball and Faye Bolton
PRACTICAL WEBINAR
'Reading Like a Writer: Teaching Information Writing' - Yrs 2-6, with Sharon Callen
August 14th 10-11.30am, Adelaide time (One 1.5 hour workshop)
This unique, practical webinar with Sharon and Phil Callen is for motivated Years 2-6 teachers and leaders of literacy who want 'hands on' ways to enrich the teaching of information writing through the Reading Like a Writer framework.
Participants will actually see how teaching strategies can be expertly used with all the tools and techniques you need to succeed.
Learn how to powerfully use quality children’s literature and a workshop model, and develop students as self-motivated, self-directed and self-regulated writers.
Teacher comment from the last webinar: "I gained so much from the workshop regarding structuring the workshop model, and the content that can sit within the framework.
I adore Sharon’s style of professional teaching (energetic, engaging, passionate) and took a lot on board for my future as a leader in a school."
Register here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Award winning Indigenous Australian author and performer Boori Monty Prior joins the Teacher's Tool Kit podcast for an incredible interview about storytelling, writing, communicating, performing and his own journey.
Boori was born in Townsville, North Queensland. His father is from the Juru people of Cape Upstart from the Bowen region. His mother is a descendant of the Gurubana Moiety group from Kunggandji Nation near Cairns.
Boori is a multi talented performer who has worked in film and television (as an actor and writer), modelling, sport, music and theatre-in-education. Boori has written several award-winning children’s books, including his new book Story Doctors, Prime Minister’s Literary Award winner Shake a Leg, and was Australia’s inaugural Children’s Laureate (with Alison Lester) in 2012 and 2013. He co-wrote and is the subject of Wrong Kind of Black (International Emmy Award nominee, screening on Netflix) and Brown Paper Bag (in which he also stars), and in his career as a storyteller he has worked with over one million children.
Boori talks about:
- The source of his ideas
- Drawing on his challenges for inspiration
- The impact of his work
- His writing process
- And much more!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
Reading Response Journals
BOOKTOPIA
Story Doctors by Boori Monty Pryor
OTHER SITES
For more information on NAIDOC 2021 and how you can get involved visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2021-theme
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
When working with teachers and leaders, we are always working towards the best outcomes for all of our literacy learners and looking to enable highly effective outcomes.
This drives us to these considerations:
- What are the high impact strategies that many of us are working with?
- And how can these be managed to enable high impact for every child, every day?
In this episode, we’ll look at this in relation to the English block in literacy learning.
To honour you our listeners as authentic teachers and leaders who are pondering, confirming and considering what your readers and writers need to grow in your classroom, I have created a ‘best effort’ document showing how you actually cover all high impact strategies every day with ease within a workshop model (Mini Lesson, Independent Practice, Share/Reflection). You might like to stop the episode and download the draft document so you can look at it as we proceed.
What are the High Impact Teaching Strategies?
The H.I.T.S. are 10 instructional practices that reliably increase student learning wherever they are applied. They emerge from the findings of tens of thousands of studies of what has worked in classrooms across Australia and the world. International experts such as John Hattie and Robert Marzano have synthesised these studies and ranked hundreds of teaching strategies by the contribution they make to student learning, including:
- Setting goals
- Structuring lessons
- Explicit teaching
- Worked examples
- Collaborative learning
- Multiple exposures
- Questioning
- Feedback
- Metacognitive strategies
- Differentiated teaching
H.I.T.S. requires you to draw on both your deep curriculum knowledge and your skills in assessment for, as and of learning. Applying the H.I.T.S. effectively relies on tapping into your expertise to develop and implement rich, authentic learning tasks. Importantly, adept application of the H.I.T.S. will stimulate your students to take agency for, and reflect on, their own learning.
In this episode, find out how a workshop model (Mini Lesson, Independent Practice, Share/Reflection) provides the perfect framework for the H.I.T.S.to occur in your classroom with ease every day.
Enjoy!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
- High Impact Teaching Strategies and the Workshop Model
BOOKTOPIA
- The Book of Brilliant Bugs by Jess French
- The Rabbit Problem by Emily
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & TRAINING VICTORIA
- 10 High Impact Teaching Strategies
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
How can teachers effectively understand where students are at in their literacy development?
There's testing and running records, which have benefits and limitations, and the Reading Conference, which is a powerful process when done the right way.
This is the art of conferring with kids, which is easier said than done. So how do we plan for a highly effective Reading Conference and what tools do we need?
Start by asking: What is conferring?
The Reading Conference is an assessment for teaching and learning. It’s for turning learning into actions for students (Transformative Tracking). The teacher tries to learn as much as they can about the students, including:
- Reading interests
- Reading processes (monitoring strategies and cueing systems)
- Reading comprehension
- Reading fluency
- Reading vocabulary
- Decoding knowledge
The teacher:
- Learns what makes the student a reader
- Helps them move forward into a range of reading texts
- Uses it as an intentional part of their Independent Reading
- Uses it to inform teaching, especially Mini Lessons
What actions are we looking for?
There are five really good questions to ask (not all at once, but when appropriate): Use the Conferring With Reader Prompts sheet, which can be glued into their Reader's Notebook (aka Reading Journal).
- What strategies do they use to help them with their reading?
- What do they know about comprehension strategies?
- What do they do when they come to a word they don’t recognise?
- How do they clarify the meaning of a word?
- Do they self correct to clarify the meaning?
What are the highly effective elements of a Reading Conference?
- Planning. It's not just out of the blue, plan for it to happen every day - who you need to check in with (some more than others). Maybe have a day set for students. Know who to confer with when and what the focus is.
- Referring to previous goals and information. Reflecting on the student's goals, providing feedback to each child around their goal.
- Decide/Teach. Decide on a new strategy that will really help them. Then demonstrate to the student how that works in the student’s text., and when they should use it. Have the student practise the new strategy with you to check on understanding.
- Goal Status. Ask the student to articulate the new strategy and record this as their goal. Record their current goal status - is it early, on the way, solid.
- Other: During Independent Reading they have their Reader's Notebook (aka Reading Journal) open so that they look at their goal whilst they are reading. The Reading Conference Notes page process is the same process as in a Mini Lesson.
Tools to have on hand, or actions you need to take:
- A Good Reader Anchor Chart on display as a class
- The Reading Conference Notes page in their Reader's Notebook (aka Reading Journal) to write notes about the student.
- Have the student articulate what they are going to do and have them practise doing it in front of you
- Students should come to the Reading Conference with a lot as they have come across the same things in the Mini Lesson
- The teacher can also use Roving Conferences during Independent Reading. Each student has their goal/s in front of them in their Reader's Notebook, along with their Reading Log. In this way the teacher can check in on reading goals as students are reading and quickly catch up on most students.
- During the Reflection/Share Time of the Reading Workshop, it’s a good time for students to look back on their goals and do a ‘Turn and Tell’. Then they are showing how they are using the strategy with a peer. So it's not just the teacher conferring - it’s the students supporting each other in an ongoing way, every day.
- In other words have the children actively choose and use the strategies in the Reflection/ Share Time or whilst you are conferring with them. Model what this looks like in the Reading Conferences with them and in the Mini Lessons. In this way children have practised these actions with the teacher, with enlarged text or during the Read Aloud when the teacher and students are reading/ listening together. Then the Reading Conference helps the reader with further actions to take.
The Reading Conference Notes page includes: (Picture or record of what child’s doing):
- Date
- Observation
- Decide/Teach
- Goal
- Goal Status- early, on the way, solid
- What text they are using
Enjoy the episode!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
- Conferring With Readers Prompts (new)
- Reading Conference Notes page
- Reading Logs
- Good Reader Anchor Chart (of Mini Lessons)
Related:
- Reading Conference Prompts Flip Chart K-2
- Reading Conference Prompts Flip Chart 3-6
- Motivation to Read Profile - Survey for Students.
- The Motivation to Read Profile - Article
BOOKTOPIA
- Carribean Dozen - Poems from 13 Carribean Poets - My Name by James Berry
- Dingle Dangle Scarecrow by Topp Twins, Jenny Coope
JULY ONLINE WORKSHOP
'Reading Like a Writer' Years 2-6
with Sharon Callen
July 5 and 6th 10-11.30am, Adelaide time
A specialised workshop for motivated years 2-6 teachers and leaders of literacy who want to equip themselves with the skills to use quality children's texts and a workshop model to develop students as powerful writers.
Two 1.5 hour online workshops over two days in the
July holidays, facilitated by Sharon and Phil Callen
Discount code (15% off) for Teacher's Toolkit for Literacy Facebook members.
See more details and registration here:
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Picture books aren't just for young students, they also have the power to impact upper primary aged children.
Teacher Giselle returns to the show to share her insights on activating older students with picture books, and shares a huge list of books that teachers can use to motivate and engage.
Resources from Episode 34
TEACHIFIC
Our Class Read Aloud Calendars, K-7
BOOKTOPIA
Books mentioned in this episode that you can view and buy:
TANTALISING TEXTS – stories that engage older students, make them wonder, question, laugh in surprise etc:
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Chris Van Allsburg)
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen)
After the Fall (Dan Santat)
The Word Collector (Peter Reynolds)
Help! I’m falling apart / Help! I’m cracking up! (Tedd Arnold)
Maths Curse / Science Verse (Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith)
… leading to TRUE TASKS – rich language experiences, content related but driven by the book:
Little Mouse’s book of fears (Emily Gravett)
The Highway Rat (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler) and
The Highwayman (Alfred Noyes, Charles Keeping version)
… leading to TRANSFORMATIVE TEACHING:
Bad Seed / Good Egg / Cool Bean / Couch Potato (Jory John and Pete Oswald)
The Fabulous Friend Machine (Nick Bland)
Welcome (Barroux)
… leading to THINKERS TALKING – What do these books tell us? What do they leave us with? Students can see themselves in these stories, can relate to the experiences, can be forced to shift their perspectives and understanding:
Room on our Rock (Jol Temple and Kate Temple)
Weslandia (Paul Fleischman and Kevin Hawkes)
Last Stop on Market Street (Matt de la Penã and Christian Robinson)
Milo Imagines the World (Matt de la Penã and Christian Robinson)
The Proudest Blue (Ibtihaj Muhammad and SK Ali)
Your Name is a Song (Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Luisa Uribe)
The Rabbits (John Marsden and Shaun Tan)
Welcome to Country (Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy)
Cooee Mittigar (Jasmine Seymour and Leanne Mulgo Watson)
Finding our Heart (Thomas Mayor and Blak Douglas)
The Koala Who Could (Rachel Bright and Jim Field ) and
Here We Are and What We’ll Build (Oliver Jeffers)
Upper Primary Classroom Read-Aloud Texts
Picture Books:
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen)
I Want My Hat Back / This is Not My Hat / We Found a Hat (Jon Klassen)
Maths Curse / Science Verse (Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith)
Room on Our Rock (Jol Temple and Kate Temple)
After the Fall (Dan Santat)
Weslandia (Paul Fleischman and Kevin Hawkes)
The Dot / Ish / Sky Colour (Peter Reynolds)
The Word Collector / Say Something (Peter Reynolds)
The Water Princess (Susan Verde, Georgie Badiel, Peter Reynolds)
The Highway Rat (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler), compared with The Highwayman (Noyes, Keeping)
Flood / Fire / Drought (Jackie French and Bruce Whatley)
We Are All Wonders (RJ Palacio)
The Lost Thing (Shaun Tan)
The Rabbits (John Marsden, Shaun Tan)
Window (Jeannie Baker)
My Place (Donna Rawlins and Nadia Wheatley)
All the Ways to be Smart (Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys)
The Fabulous Friend Machine (Nick Bland)
Help! I’m Cracking Up! (Tedd Arnold)
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Chris Van Allsburg)
Little Mouse’s Book of Fears (Emily Gravett)
Bad Seed / Good Egg / Cool Bean / Couch Potato (Jory John and Pete Oswald)
The Magical Yet (Angela DiTerlizzi and Lorena Alvarez)
What Do You Do With a Problem? / With an idea? (Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom)
Ada Twist, Scientist / Iggy Peck, Architect etc (Andrea Beaty and David Roberts)
Your Name is a Song (Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Luisa Uribe)
The Proudest Blue (Ibtihaj Muhammad and SK Ali)
Last Stop on Market Street (Matt de la Pena and Christian Robinson)
Milo Imagines the World (Matt de la Pena and Christian Robinson)
The Koala Who Could (Rachel Bright and Jim Field and 4 others in the series)
Here We Are and What We’ll Build (Oliver Jeffers)
Indigenous stories and voices:
Welcome to Country (Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy)
Wilam, a Birrarung Story (Aunty Joy Murphy and Andrew Kelly)
The Outback (Annaliese Porter and Bronwyn Bancroft)
Cooee Mittigar A story on Darug Songlines (Jasmine Seymour and Leanne Mulgo Watson)
Cunning Crow (Gregg Dreise)
Young Dark Emu, a Truer History: Bruce Pascoe
Finding our Hear : Thomas Mayor and Blak Douglas
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
For many teachers, it's a challenge to help students go beyond the ordinary, featureless writing and vast amounts of copying that can come with informational texts.
In reality, informational texts are engaging and masterfully crafted to guide the reader through the rich array of features incorporated into these texts. So, to be inspired by these features, to understand how they work, how to read them (improving comprehension!!) their purpose and how to recreate them, we begin the journey to reading like a writer.
Sharon first explored this notion through the use of many of ERA publications' big books. These big books provided the perfect platform for reading like a writer as a class, to explore the features of these texts and the way the information was presented. Doing this shifted students away from low level (frequently copied) text only texts, to far more sophisticated informational texts loaded with features. The most significant outcome was students transforming what they had learned into an array of text features, rather than just slabs of text only. Copying text virtually became redundant.
In this episode, Sharon talks about:
Why?
- It improves the readership.
- It improves transformation of knowledge learned into sophisticated presentations of new understandings
- It improves comprehension of all overall text when the purpose of text features is apparent
- Informational texts are potentially rich resources for learning about the world
Phil and Sharon talk about this, as well as:
- What informational text features are
- Teaching with informational text activities
- What aspects of informational texts to teach, and when
And much more!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
ERA PUBLICATIONS
Era Publications: Picture Books
TEACHIFIC
Tally Charts: Non-Fiction Text Features
Info Sheet: Features of Non-Fiction Texts - Explanations
Info Sheets: Writing Templates
Writing Templates: Explanation Texts
Writing Templates: Timeline 1
Writing Templates - various
Reading Like a Writer: Beginnings
BOOKTOPIA
A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Aston
DK Eyewitness Books: Ancient China by DK Publishing
The Street Beneath My Feet by Charlotte Gullian
AMAZON
‘Reading the Whole Page: Teaching and Assessing Text Features to Meet K-5 Common Core Standards’ by Nicki Clausen Grace and Michelle Kelley
CAPSTONE
LEAP: Little Books With Attitude non fiction for 5,6 year olds by Sharon Callen (12 Big Books and 36 matching little books)
TEACHER’S TOOLKIT FACEBOOK GROUP
Do you have informational texts that have worked in your classroom to share? Please join our group and share here.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Many teachers are looking for more ways to engage secondary students and young adults in their reading. And a lot of that comes down to choosing the right books and texts.
But how can teachers find 'just right' texts for students?
How do we find a place for these texts when there is so much required content?
How do we create more space for independent reading?
Sharon Callen is again joined by Rebecca Bird from Pegi Williams Bookshop to discuss these questions and more.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
BOOKTOPIA
Suggested Reading by Dave Connis https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jWePGb
Living on Stolen Land by Ambelin Kwaymullina https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e41D56
Footprints on the Moon by Lorraine Marwood https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/1596M6
The Disconnect by Karen David https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/gbO9ev
I'm Not Dying With You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/WDybzO
Growing Up Disabled in Australia, edited by Carly Findlay https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/b3OLKm
Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/2raOeM
The Boy From The Mish by Gary Lonesborough https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/4eG3AL
Fly: Financially Literate Youth by Jai Hobbs and Marlies Hobbs https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/yRqzvB
When The World Was Ours by Liz Kessler https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/7ma4VV
Common Wealth by Gregg Dreise https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DVy5mG
REBECCA'S OWN READINGS
Jack Heath books https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/mg4rVy
Barrington Stokes https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/qnWkXq
Alice in Wonderland https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QOYz39
Taronga by Victor Kelleher https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/rnEeod
Ash Road by Ivan Southall https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kj4QGx
Northern Lights - Philip Pullman (audio) https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QOYz3a
Tristan Bancks books - https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/AogkDK
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram - Bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/bookstagram/
TEACHIFIC
Good Reader Posters: Recommend Books to Others https://www.teachific.com.au/view/869/reading-tools-good-reader-posters--recommend-books-to-others
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Many teachers will say "my students aren't motivated to read!" But how much do we really know about this?
We test students, effectively and sometimes not effectively, in a number of ways to find out what they're doing and how they're performing as readers, but we don't often take the time to discover a child’s self concept as a reader or the value they place on reading.
Are you determining the reading motivation of your students?
What can teachers do to support reading motivation for students, and how can we make an effort to understand an individual’s motivational needs?
Designing effective and engaging instruction means considering the motivational needs of students. This is where we utilise the motivation to read profile tool, developed by Malloy, Marinak, Gambrell and Marzoni, which supports teachers in creating motivating classroom contexts for literacy.
Sharon explains the tool and how you can use it.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
Motivation to Read Profile - Survey of Students https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1998/the-motivation-to-read-profile-survey-for-students
Motivation to Read Profile - Article https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1999/the-motivation-to-read-profile-article
Seven Rules of Engagement - Article https://www.teachific.com.au/view/2000/the-seven-rules-of-engagement-article
Reading Surveys (Reading Interest Inventories) https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=1&search_type=standard&query=cue101%20reading%20surveys&category_group=0
I Can’t Said The Ant: Poem https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1997/poem-i-cant-said-the-ant
OTHER
Watching Children Read and Write Observational Records for Children with Special Needs by Max Kemp Published by Thomas Nelson, Australia, 1987
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In our ongoing discussion about the importance of poetry for literacy, this episode draws on the important insights and practical tips from highly experienced education expert Alan Wright.
Alan is an education consultant and author who has worked extensively in the United States and Australia, promoting best practice in primary and secondary schools and at a systems level.
While based in New York (2001-2006) Alan worked across primary, middle and high schools supporting teachers, school districts, regions and school leadership teams, effecting improved learning outcomes for students in literacy.
This consultancy work took him into more than 100 schools, predominantly in the urban schools of the New York City School System. Working with the New York Board of Education, he provided training for literacy coaches for NYC schools, writing curriculum resources, producing instructional videos and providing professional development institutes for teachers across the city.
As an educator within the Victorian school system , Alan amassed extensive experience as a classroom teacher, staff developer, regional consultant and school administrator (Assistant Principal and Principal).
Currently, based in Mornington, Victoria, Australia, Alan is a Director of Alvic Educational Consultancy providing consultancy support across schools and networks. His current work is Australia wide and continues to be focused on delivering effective literacy programs.
In this interview, Alan talks about:
- The purpose of poetry
- How to get kids to embrace poetry
- How poetry supports young writers
- Developing the classroom library and other ways to embed poetry in class
- Crafting poetry tips
And much more.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
ALAN WRIGHT BLOGS
Living Life Twice: https://livinglifetwice-alwrite.blogspot.com/
Poetry Pizzazz: https://alanjwrightpoetrypizzazz.blogspot.com/
AMAZON
Igniting Writing: When A Teacher Writes by Alan Wright https://www.amazon.com.au/Igniting-Writing-When-Teacher-Writes/dp/1742397646
BOOKTOPIA
What the Poemster Found - by Alan Wright https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5b5PAD
Searching for Hen’s Teeth - by Alan Wright https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/LPK3n3
I Bet There’s No Broccoli on the Moon - by Alan Wright https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DVyzQG
Bindi - by Kirli Saunders (verse novel) https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jWeAzb
Worse Things - by Sally Murphy and Sarah Davis (verse novel) https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kjOGzx
Love That Dog - by Sharon Creech https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/159Q16
PEGI WILLIAMS BOOKSHOP
Shop address: 30 Smith Street, Walkerville https://www.pegiwilliams.com.au/home.asp
NIKKI GRIMES (US POET)
Website: https://www.nikkigrimes.com/
MICHAEL ROSEN (UK POET)
Website: https://www.michaelrosen.co.uk/
TED KOOSER (US POET)
Website: https://www.tedkooser.net/
RALPH FLETCHER (AUTHOR)
Website: http://ralphfletcher.com/
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Poetry plays a key role in literacy learning, but the subject is still easily misunderstood. Teachers must understand the purpose of poetry, why and how we teach it.
Poetry requires intentional focus, not just an add-on or a four week unit. Making poetry a part of your weekly or fortnightly routine (K-6) clearly shows students how much you value it. It enables them to develop momentum in their poetry learning and to build their understanding of poetry over time.
Carve out a Poetry Workshop (once a week/fortnight):
- Poet Talk
- Poetry Read Aloud within the Mini Lesson
- Poetry Reading, Writing, Conferring
- Poetry Sharing
Tantalising Texts - We need to build a storehouse of tantalising poems to bring to our students. We read and collect; anthologies, singular treasures heard, quoted, found. Teachific has built an anthology of poems K-2, 3-6.
Together - Read Aloud poems, develop a reservoir of class favourites, reread, read together, enjoy together, wonder, explore and notice together. Create a culture of poetry within the class - together.
Transformative Teaching - Mini Lessons you can bring to your students through Shared Reading and Shared Writing:
- Enjoying and responding to the craft of poetry
- Reading poems
- Reading like a poet
- Performing poems
- Collecting poems
- Writing poetry
- Forms of poetry
True Tasks and Time - For the bulk of a poetry workshop, students are:
- K-6 Reading, rereading and responding to poems from anthologies, picture books, their own poetry collections
- Reading like a writer and collecting ideas in their writer’s notebook
- Drafting, revising and editing their poems
- Creating art to accompany their poems
- Illustrating poems they have heard or read
- Working with their anthologies (collected poems)
- Conferring with the teacher
Transformative Tracking - Publications, conferring, collections, observations after mini lessons, student reflections - 'what I was trying to achieve as a poet'.
Thinker's Talking - Sharing their poetry, students doing the poet's talk, responding to what they recognise fellow poets have achieved, used, and how it has made them feel.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
- Teachific anthology of poems K-2 https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=1&search_type=standard&category_group=20&years[]=1&years[]=2&years[]=3&cats[]=163&cats[]=160&cats[]=199&cats[]=148&cats[]=198
- Teachific anthology of poems 3-6 https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=1&search_type=standard&category_group=20&years[]=4&years[]=5&years[]=6&years[]=7&cats[]=163&cats[]=160&cats[]=199&cats[]=148&cats[]=198
- Teachific anthology of poems 5-8 https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=1&search_type=standard&category_group=20&years[]=6&years[]=7&years[]=8&years[]=10&cats[]=163&cats[]=160&cats[]=199&cats[]=148&cats[]=198
- Teachific ‘Poetry Mini Lesson List’ K-2
- Teachific ‘Poetry Mini Lesson List’ 3-6
- The Magpies, by Denis Glover https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1917/poem-the-magpies-denis-glover--yrs-5
BOOKTOPIA
- Poetry anthologies for children
- The Man From Snowy River by A. B. Paterson https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/LPPdN0
- The House at Pooh Corner by A.A.Milne https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/a1OjGZ
- Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/BXnOdL
- Guiding Readers and Writers Yrs 3-6, by Fountas and Pinnell https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DVyOrn
- Continuum of Literacy Learning by Fountas and Pinnell https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kjO9XN
- Dino Danger by Mortimer Keene https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/AoPn6R
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
As one of the all-time greats of Australian rock music, Paul Kelly AO needs no introduction, but here’s a very brief summary.
The singer-songwriter and guitarist has released 18 studio albums since 1979, has won countless awards including nine ARIAs and was inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame in 1997.
He has performed solo and led numerous groups, including the Dots, the Coloured Girls, and the Messengers.
Paul’s music style has ranged from bluegrass to studio-oriented dub reggae, but his core output straddles folk, rock, and country. His lyrics capture the vastness of the culture and landscape of Australia by chronicling life about him for over 30 years. David Fricke from Rolling Stone calls Kelly "one of the finest songwriters I have ever heard, Australian or otherwise." Interestingly, Kelly has said, "Song writing is mysterious to me. I still feel like a total beginner. I don’t feel like I have got it nailed yet."
You can read a much more detailed bio and list of accomplishments here.
In this wide ranging discussion, Paul talks about:
- His passion and motivation for poetry
- His writing process
- Role models and resources
- And much more
He even recites some work for us 'live'!
Enjoy this rare opportunity to delve deep with one of Australia's greatest ever songwriters.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
- ‘The Magpies’ Denis Glover https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1917/poem-the-magpies-denis-glover--yrs-5
BOOKTOPIA
- ‘The Prophet’ Kahill Gibran https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/0JZ0NO
- W H Auden - Poems selected by John Fuller https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ORrGxZ
- Macbeth by William Shakespeare https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/x9kAdy
- The New Oxford Book of Children’s Book of Verse https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/doa4d2
- When We Were Very Young (Disobedience poem) https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VymoPj
- Poems and Prose - Gerard Manley Hopkins https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QOyVM6
- Ode to a Nightingale - John Keats https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kj0Lr3
- Love is as Strong as Death - Poems chosen by Paul Kelly (Book) https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/gb1yx2
- Love is as Strong as Death - Poems chosen by Paul Kelly (Audio Book) https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/BX0qvW
ABC MUSIC
- Conversations with Ghosts - Paul Kelly and James Ledger https://www.abcmusic.com.au/discography/conversations-ghosts-paul-kelly-james-ledger-genevieve-lacey-anam-musicians
YOUTUBE
- Paul Kelly speaks and sings poems (Wheeler Centre) https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=paul+kelly+speaks+and+sings+poems
- ‘God’s Grandeur’ Gerard Manley Hopkins https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44395/gods-grandeur
- ‘Pied Beauty’ Gerard Manley Hopkins https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44399/pied-beauty
- ‘The Windhover’ Gerard Manley Hopkins https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44402/the-windhover
- The Magpies - Denis Glover https://allpoetry.com/The-Magpies
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
When it comes to teaching spelling, teachers often wrestle with a few key questions:
"What is most important to teach about spelling?"
"How can I teach so that there is transfer of spelling knowledge into a student's own writing?"
"How do I find out what students need to know?"
And this isn't just limited to your class. Teaching spelling requires a strategy across the whole school - developing a scope and sequence to help schools know what students should learn as they progress as writers, and how to support students who need help with strategies that are usually dealt with in earlier or later year levels.
In this episode, Sharon talks about:
- How to find out what your students know about spelling by analysing their writing
- The two major strands in planning the teaching of spelling:
- Teaching children how to learn words
- Teaching children a range of strategies to work out how to spell unknown words (phonetic, visual, morphemic)
- What should be taught at each year level
- And much more
Enjoy the discussion.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
Analysing a Student's Writing to Check Their Spelling Knowledge by Diane Snowball ‘https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1734/analysing-a-students-writing-to-check-their-spelling-knowledge
The Usefulness of Onsets and Rimes When Reading and Writing by Diane Snowball https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1914/the-usefulness-of-onsets-and-rimes-when-reading-and-writing
Spelling: A Suggested Teaching Plan K-6 by Diane Snowball https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1733/spelling-a-suggested-teaching-plan-k-6
Teaching and Learning About Spelling by Diane Snowball https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1732/teaching-and-learning-about-spelling
Notice, Say, Name the Letters, Cover, Write, Check - poster https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1916/learn-a-word-posters-notice-say-name-cover-write-check
Personal Word Walls https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=1&search_type=standard&query=personal%20word%20wall&category_group=0
Rimes A3 Flip Chart - Mini Lesson resource https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1915/rimes-a3-flip-chart
Greek and Latin Roots: A focus on Greek and Latin derivatives offers a powerful tool for teachers to nurture students' vocabulary development https://www.teachific.com.au/findpage=1&search_type=standard&category_group=3&cats[]=135
Spelling Pattern Explorations: guide students in exploring the word of English spelling patterns. This approach to word study empowers learners to be active thinkers, explorers and discoverers. This is learning at its best.https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=1&search_type=standard&category_group=3&cats[]=128
BOOKTOPIA
It’s Quite True a Traditional Tale by Dutchman Hans Christian Anderson, retold by Lis Mathiasen, Illustrated by Judith Price https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GjmWV6
AMAZON
‘Spelling K-8’ by Diane Snowball and Faye Bolton https://www.amazon.com.au/Spelling-Diane-Bolton-Faye-Snowball/dp/1571100741
ACARA - Spelling
Foundation
• Understand how to use knowledge of letters and sounds including onset and rime to spell words ACELA1438
• Know how to read and write some high-frequency words and other familiar words ACELA1817
• Understand that words are units of meaning and can be made of more than one meaningful part ACELA1818
Year 1
• Understand how to spell one and two syllable words with common letter patterns (ACELA1778)
• Use visual memory to read and write high-frequency words (ACELA1821)
• Recognise and know how to use simple grammatical morphemes to create word families (ACELA1455)
Year 2
• Understand how to use knowledge of digraphs, long vowels, blends and silent letters to spell one and two syllable words including some compound words (ACELA1471)
• Use knowledge of letter patterns and morphemes to read and write high-frequnecy work and words whose spelling is not predictable from their sounds (ACELA1823)
• Build morphemic word families using knowledge of prefixes and suffixes (ACELA1472)
Year 3
• Understand how to use letter sound relationships and less common letter patterns to spell words (ACELA1486)
• Recognise and know how to write most high-frequency words including some homophones (ACELA1486)
• Know how to use common prefixes and suffixes, and generalisations for adding a suffix to a base word (ACELA1827)
Year 4
• Understand how to use knowledge of letter patterns including double letters, spelling generalisations, morphemic word families, common prefixes and suffixes and word origins to spell more complex words (ACELA1779)
• Read and write a large core of high frequency words including homophones nd know how to use context to identify correct spelling. (ACELA1780)
Year 5
• Understand how to use knowledge of known words, base words, prefixes and suffixes, word origins, letter patterns and spelling generalisations to spell new words. (ACELA1513)
• Explore less common plurals, and understand how a suffix changes the meaning or grammatical form of a word (ACELA1514)
Year 6
• Understand how to use knowledge of known words, word origins including some Greek and Latin roots, base words, prefixes, suffixes, letter patterns and spelling generalisations to spell new words including technical words (ACELA1526)
Year 7
• Understand how to use spelling rules and word origins, for example Greek and Latin roots, base words, suffixes, prefixes, spelling patterns and generalisations to learn new words and how to spell them (ACELA1539)
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Many teachers will often see students pick up spelling and word knowledge, but struggle to transfer it to their writing.
To talk about teaching spelling within the context of writing, we're joined by Diane Snowball, a highly experienced educator who led significant change in education throughout whole school districts in the US as well as Australia.
Some key considerations discussed in the episode:
- The context for teaching spelling
- How students understand spelling
- Strategies used for spelling
- Teaching through investigations
- How do we teach spelling strategies that will work?
- How the approach changes across year levels
- Analysing writing for spelling knowledge/strategies
- Supporting less able students
Learning words
- High frequency words (or the words we all use the most in our reading and writing)
- Why 'word walls' are useful
- Other alternatives to rote memorisation
Learning personal new words for writing
- Proofreading
- Choosing words
- Learning words
- Learning related words
- Getting feedback
Learning about words
- Developing phonological awareness
- Learning letter names
- Learning about spelling patterns
- Learning about spelling generalisations
- Other investigations
And much more!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
Teaching and Learning About Spelling by Diane Snowball https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1732/teaching-and-learning-about-spelling
Spelling: Suggested Teaching Plan K-6 by Diane Snowball https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=2&search_type=standard&category_group=0&types[]=125
Analysing a Student’s Writing to Check Their Spelling Knowledge v2 by Diane Snowball https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1913/analysing-a-students-writing-to-check-their-spelling-knowledge--
Rimes A3 Flip Chart (Mini Lessons): https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1915/rimes-a3-flip-chart
AMAZON
‘Spelling K-8’ by Diane Snowball and Faye Bolton https://www.amazon.com.au/Spelling-Diane-Bolton-Faye-Snowball/dp/1571100741
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
As teachers, it is important to help our learners transform their thinking through talk. A thought can stay a thought only until it is transformed through talk. Until I can say it out loud, I can’t really clarify my thinking.
Talk as reflection, transformative talk, is often classified as one of the most under-utilised comprehension strategies.
So how do we get thoughtful, purposeful written and spoken reflection and sharing? In this episode, literacy expert Sharon Callen shares strategies to teach readers and writers how to reflect and share effectively.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TEACHIFIC
Reflecting and Sharing A3 Flip Chart: https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1912/reflecting-and-sharing-a3-flip-chart--set-1
Various Big Book resources https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=1&search_type=standard&query=big%20book&category_group=0
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
When it comes to the art of persuasion in writing we tend to focus on structure, but the power is in the purpose.
As a teacher, it's about shifting focus from ‘I must teach persuasive writing’ to open the doors on how I can be effective at persuading others through writing, discussions and presentations.
We want to motivate students to write because they care, to find a strong voice, to write with meaning, power and voice.
And we can learn a lot from our guest, Eloise Hall. Eloise is a young entrepreneur and co-founder of Taboo, who has been raising her voice to address a real issue - menstrual poverty. Taboo produces 100% cotton pads and tampons, with 100% of net profits dedicated to empowering women with access to safe sanitary products and menstrual health knowledge.
Eloise talks about finding meaning and motivation, broadening beyond writing to persuasive communication, unlocking passion and much more.
Find out more about Taboo.
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
TEACHIFIC
Persuasive writing resources on Teachific: https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=2&search_type=standard&query=persuasive&category_group=0
BOOKTOPIA
Literature that opens the door to the art of persuasion:
Eat Your People, Lou Kuenzler https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jWW0y5
Mike I Don't Like, Jol and Kate Temple https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5bbEZL
What Pet Should I Get? Dr Seuss https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/JrrXVa
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Mo Willems https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/WDDrdM
I Wanna Iguana, Karen Kaufman Orloff & David Catrow https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/6bbLdr
A Pig Parade, Michael Ian Black & Kevin Hawkes https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Ryyqng
I Wanna a New Room, Karen Kaufman Orloff & David Catrow https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/7mmqoy
Hey, Little Ant, Hannah Hoose https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/rnnrOR
Dear Mr Blueberry, Simon James https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jWW0Z5
Can I Be Your Dog? Troy Cummings https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e44Xgj
The Jolly Postman, Allan and Janet Ahlberg https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/155BRd
The Day the Crayons Quit, Oliver Jeffers https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Zdd5B1
If I had a Little Dream, Nina Laden https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/XxxjOa
Little Hoot, Amy Krouse Rosnethal https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/0JJoAV
YOUTUBE
Try these YouTube Read Alouds (Mute the clip so that you read aloud live in your own voice)
What Pet Should I Get? Dr Seuss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNVIRNUsdjw
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Mo Willems https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEPRnRZSMAk
I Wanna Iguana, Karen Kaufman Orloff & David Catrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZWvhcG7zeo
A Pig Parade, Michael Ian Black & Kevin Hawkes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptueQdgFH_E
I Wanna a New Room, Karen Kaufman Orloff & David Catrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb9cNm35dNw
Hey, Little Ant, Hannah Hoose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehH6l6v5sYM
Dear Mr Blueberry, Simon James https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjBum_cTAcg
Can I Be Your Dog? Troy Cummings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DwqTOyhtSk
The Jolly Postman, Allan and Janet Ahlberg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpeo_0yoD0k
The Day the Crayons Quit, Oliver Jeffers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrd-Wdxbg-Q
If I had a Little Dream, Nina Laden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI-NqjBnUm0
Little Hoot, Amy Krouse Rosnethal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSrB3TM0zPQ
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy experts and founders of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
For many teachers, getting students ready for standardised testing can be a worry. In Australia we have NAPLAN.
As teachers we want to know what preparation makes a difference, and what we don’t have to worry about.
We want to change the construct from something being done to us, to an opportunity to 'showcase'.
In ourTimeless T’s we talk about Transformative Tracking. We value and use everyday information about our readers and writers to teach what they need, to lead them into the next phase of their learning and to, day by day, provide rich reading and writing opportunities. We show how these everyday practices will seamlessly lead to showcasing the students' best efforts on a 'one day test.'
In this episode, Sharon talks about:
- How to identify what is the same and different about everyday teaching, learning and 'one day' standardised tests
- Tips for helping students do their best on multiple choice questions, without spending much time on it
- Naturally embedding test-taking skills into the reading and writing program
- Resources that can support you from Teachific
And much more!
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
- Teachific: Standardised Testing - Preparing Students: https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1907/standardised-testing--preparing-students
- Teachific: Question Answer Relationships - Resource Sheets: https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1908/question-answer-relationships--resource-sheets
- Teachific: Reading Comprehension Prompts - Finding Specific Information, Yrs 3-4: https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1909/reading-comprehension-prompts-finding-specific-information-in-te
- Teachific: Reading Comprehension Prompts - Finding Specific Information, Yrs 5-6: https://www.teachific.com.au/view/1910/reading-comprehension-prompts-finding-specific-information-in-te
- Book: Dragonrider by Cornelia Funke. Buy here: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/7mmqJA
- Book: Dragonrider, The Griffin’s Feather by Cornelia Funke. Buy here: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/x99aNA
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
This podcast episode has been designed around the research about motivation to read, and how Giselle has intentionally orchestrated her classroom, her tasks and her teaching.
Giselle first joined us back in episode six. She's a highly experienced year 6/7 teacher in Adelaide.
Definition of Reading:
Reading is a multifaceted process involving word recognition, comprehension, fluency and motivation (Reading Rockets).
What is motivation to read?
The likelihood of engaging in reading or choosing to read. Engaged readers are intrinsically motivated to read for a variety of personal goals, strategic in their reading behaviours, knowledgeable in their construction of new understandings from texts, and socially interactive about the reading of a text. Promoting intrinsic motivation to read should be given a high priority in the reading curriculum.
If students are not motivated to read, they will never reach their full literacy potential.
The ways a Giselle has worked out how to motivate older readers:
-
Students are motivated to read when the reading tasks and activities are relevant to their lives
-
Students are motivated to read when they have access to a wide range of reading materials
-
Students are motivated to read when they have ample opportunities to engage in sustained reading
4.Students are motivated to read when they have opportunities to make choices about what they read and how they engage in and complete literacy tasks
-
Students are more motivated to read when they have opportunities to socially interact with others about the text they are reading
-
Students are more motivated to read when they have opportunities to be successful with challenging texts
-
Students are more motivated to read when classroom incentives reflect the value and importance of reading
The thinking Giselle brings to this topic will resonate with teachers of all year levels, and we hope it will help you make some great connections with your students - in your teaching and in their learning.
Resources mentioned in this episode
TEACHIFIC
- Seven Rules of Engagement - Article
OTHER
- Article: Seven Rules of Engagement: What’s most important to know about motivation to read, Linda B. Gambrell https://www.readinghalloffame.org/sites/default/files/final_pdf_of_ms_10.1002_trtr.01024.pdf
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Teaching the craft of writing to students is no easy task.
Kids may need to improve their beginnings, endings, sentences and more ... but where do teachers start?
According to Sharon, it is all about 'Reading Like A Writer'.
Sharon explains what exactly that means, how it works, how to to teach it and much more.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Writing Workshop Series - Writer’s Craft - Beginnings (info sheet). Email Phil phil@cuelearning.com.au for a copy.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Mike Dumbletonis a writer and Literacy Consultant. He has worked in South Australian high schools, New York City schools and as a Literacy Curriculum Officer for the South Australian Education Department. In addition to children’s books, he has written a range of educational texts.
Part of his interest in writing stems from the fact that his grandfather was a local poet in an Oxfordshire village in England, who regularly recited his poems to the family, with or without requests!
His first book, Dial-a-Croc, published in 1991, was a great success and since then he has written many more titles.
The book Mr Knuckles was adapted for the stage by the South Australian Children’s Theatre Company, and Pumped Up, a short story about basketball, ‘magic’ shoes and an adventurous grandfather, was adapted for television by the ABC.
Mike’s picture book Passing On, was shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia 2002 awards. Muddled-up Farm was selected as ‘Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year 2003’ as well as the ‘National Simultaneous Storytime Book for 2004’.
Mike’s work was recognised in 2001 with a grant to support the completion of his first teenage novel Watch Out For Jamie Joel. It was subsequently shortlisted in the 2004 Festival Awards for Children’s Literature. He was also the recipient of a 2005 Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Improving Literacy, which recognises his work both as an educator and a writer over an extended period of time.
Mike’s picture book Cat was the winner of the ‘Picture Book to Performance Project’ for 2007 and was developed into a play by Windmill Performing Arts which had its premier in Adelaide before seasons in other Australian cities and Singapore. Cat was also selected as an Honour Book in the Early Childhood section of the 2008 Book of the Year Awards. Mike’s recent books picture books include Jump and Shout (2018 CBCA Notable Book) and Digger a book which poignantly commemorates the second battle of Villers-Bretonneux on Anzac Day, 1918. His latest releases are Once Upon My Legs and Anisa’s Alphabet.
After many years of teaching in South Australia, Mike enjoyed the chance to work in New York City, supporting students, teachers and leaders with literacy development.
In this discussion, Mike talks about better ways to use children's literature in the classroom, innovative writing, other ways to leverage literature as well as many other insights from his story and experiences.
Mike's books featured in this episode:
- Dandy and Dazza https://www.booktopia.com.au/dandy-and-dazza-mike-dumbleton/book/9781913639150.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-2BBhANEiwAe7eyFPmheUqcz18xrywq8vSkeoO0wiawVsEb_85diqxwSXSwD2FxZziOpBoCmvgQAvD_BwE
- Anisa’s Alphabet https://www.booktopia.com.au/anisa-s-alphabet-mike-dumbleton/book/9781925227574.html
- Meet Douglas Mawson https://www.booktopia.com.au/meet-douglas-mawson-mike-dumbleton/book/9780857981967.html
- Jump and Shout https://www.booktopia.com.au/jump-and-shout-mike-dumbleton/book/9781912076413.html
- Digger https://www.booktopia.com.au/digger-mike-dumbleton/book/9781760296735.html
- Cat https://www.amazon.com.au/Cat-Mike-Dumbleton/dp/1933605731
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
As a teacher it can be tough to inspire and motivate young people to write.
How can we get our writers to be engaged, experimenting with their reading, seeing themselves as writers, creating rich range of texts for a rich range of purposes, and build a writing community?
This is where the Writing Workshop comes in.
What is the Writing Workshop?
The workshop model is generally described as having three components:
- Mini Lesson: Focusing on the TO and WITH
- Independent Learning: Focusing on the BY
- Reflection/Share: Allows for metacognition of what has been done, achieved, applied, tried, discovered etc.
This model is built on the recognisable theory of the Gradual Release of Responsibility. The whole workshop implies activity, action, motivation to grow, try, explore and understand. So a Writing Workshop will begin with a Good Writer Mini Lesson.
Writing Workshops can only be as good as the literature that surrounds your students: Read Aloud so that language can sit upon the ear and be drawn upon – rhythm and rhyme, phrases and wondrous words, access to great quality literature for students to read themselves, becoming aware of what the writer is doing and reading/thinking like a writer.
In this episode, Sharon talks in detail about what to teach in a mini lesson, the writing process, how to 'be a writer', what to model, practical application and many other tools, tips and resources.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Animal Antics https://www.booktopia.com.au/animal-antics-dk/book/9780241420263.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKCAiAyc2BBhAaEiwA44-wW0POheY9yRDjS4fsHYA-pBISeu9U6FXR4madKkEUiys5w0UgUk5hbhoCadIQAvD_BwE
- Big Book of Aussie Inventions https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-great-big-book-of-aussie-inventions-chris-roy-taylor/book/9781921526206.html\
- Fantasy Encyclopedia https://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Encyclopedia-Judy-Allen/dp/0753458470
- Our Planet https://www.penguin.com.au/books/our-planet-9780593079768
- Quick Write books: Teachific - https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=1&search_type=standard&query=quick%20write&category_group=0
- Writer’s Notebook cover : Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/view/747/book-cover-writers-notebook
- Ideas for Mini Lessons in Writing : Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/find?page=1&search_type=standard&query=mini%20lessons%20wr&category_group=0
- A5 exercise book at Officeworks (cut in half horizontally).
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
The legendary Mem Fox has inspired generations of writers, readers, creators and teachers all over the world.
In 1983 Mem became Australia’s best-selling writer. Possum Magic, her first book, is still available in hardback after 37 years and has become a beacon of children’s literature for millions of Australian families. She has written over 40 children’s books and several non-fiction books for adults. Her books have been translated into 21 languages, and many of them have been international best sellers.
Mem is a retired Associate Professor of Literacy Studies from Flinders University, South Australia, where she taught teachers for 24 years. She has received many civic honours and awards, and three honorary doctorates.
Mem talks about:
- Her story and insights
- The best ways to use and teach with children's literature in the classroom
- How to get the most out of Read Alouds
- How to speak across the ages and all levels of school
- And so much more!
Enjoy!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
"As a teacher, you don't want your students to resist reading. You want them to burn to read, be engaged and be impacted on a number of levels through the books they read and the way you teach. The Reading Workshop provides an excellent lesson structure for this to happen.
Speaking from personal experience, it starts by taking responsibility. And through learning more about the teaching of reading, investing in professional development and trying new things, we came to the Workshop Model," Sharon said.
What is a Reading Workshop?
The Workshop Model is generally described as having three components, built on the recognisable theory of the Gradual Release of Responsibility:
- Mini Lesson - focusing on the TO and WITH
- Independent Learning - focusing on the BY
- Reflection/Share - allows for the metacognition of what has been done, achieved, tried, applied, discovered, wondered etc.
A Reading Workshop means using the Workshop Model and teaching through TEXT - a Big Book (or Shared Enlarged Text) and a Read Aloud, because I’m workshopping what I do as a reader so they can do as a reader.
The whole 'workshop' implies activity, action, motivation to grow, try, explore, understand. So a Reading Workshop will have a 'Good Reader' Mini Lesson - that is, an opportunity for readers to get ‘just right’ information because as teacher I choose the Mini Lesson based on what my students are now ready for, what they need now, what I can bring to them and what we can try out together.
What am I teaching readers in a Mini Lesson?
Focus on one or orchestrate a few strategies/skills- solving words, monitoring and correcting, adjusting, fluency, summarising, inferring, predicting, making connections, synthesising, analysing, critiquing.
Tools of the Mini Lesson: Knowledge of reading process, Big Books (Shared Enlarged Text)/Read Alouds/Literature, Anchor Charts.
Independent Learning:
Children read their selection of ‘just right’ books and practise the strategy. The teacher is conferring with readers - roving or one-on-one, hand holding those in the class who need a little more support before moving to Independent Reading.
Tools of Independent Reading: Children’s box/wallet/bag of ‘just right’ books, Reader’s Notebook, Reading Calendar/Log.
Reflection/Share:
Students reflecting on what they have done as a reader - quick write in Reader’s Notebook, Turn and Tell - sharing, the whole class hearing what someone has done, talking about reading, writing about reading, being aware of processes/strategies, being a community.
Tools of Reflection/Share: Reader’s Notebook, Anchor Chart, Partner Talk
Why is the Reading Workshop important?
It’s important because it ensures that every child every day accesses the most important things readers need to be self motivated, self regulated, self directed, to be in charge of their reading - they need to be choosing what they read, they need to read with accuracy, they need to read with understanding, hear a fluent adult read, talk with peers about their reading, write about something personally meaningful.
Enjoy the discussion and let us know any of your thoughts!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Frank Smith, one of the literacy greats, said: "We learn from the company we keep."
He said our role as teachers is to "ensure children have access to reading materials that are relevant to the kind of writers they are interested in becoming at that particular moment - recruit the authors who will become the unwitting collaborators."
Many teachers are looking for more ideas on how to make literature the focus - not just a nice 'every now and then thing', but an integral part of the writing program.
In the company of authentic writers, the writers' craft becomes abundantly obvious and exciting. It is the most significant change we can ever make to help writers understand the richness and joy of the writing process.
We talk about the art of teaching writing through literature in this way:
- Chapter 1: The Importance of Reading Aloud
- Chapter 2: Learning to Read Like a Writer
- Chapter 3: Truly Being a Writer
Alison, a Year 6 teacher in South Australia, joins the show to share how she painlessly and joyfully moved from a ritual writing stance in favour of a meaningful writing stance, as she developed the art of teaching writing through literature and through the three chapters above.
Alison talks about how she incorporated literature into her literacy block and its impact on creating literary texts, imaginative texts, informative texts and texts written in response to texts read. She also reveals many other insights, tools and tips.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter http://www.cuelearning.com.au/contact-us.html
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
How can teachers help their students write meaningfully about their reading, instead of writing answers to predetermined questions, which typically produce low levels of thinking and engagement?
This is where the Reader's Notebook comes in.
What is the Reader's Notebook?
It is a book where students write, draw, detail, describe, explore, organise, ponder, problem solve, record and share their thinking in response to texts heard, read and viewed.
The Reader's Notebook helps students 'learn to remember to hold onto their thinking’ (Zimmerman).
It is intentional, and gives students a record of their development as a reader. It is a place to
- Keep track of all the books they've read, to write about their reading and therefore grow in their thinking and comprehension
- To collect words/phrases and literary features from the rich literature they were reading that could be used in their own writing
- Respond (as teachers) to their reading during one-on-one reading conferences
- To set reading goals
- Build the story of each child as reader throughout the year
Why is the Reader’s Notebook important?
Our reflections are the making of deeper meaning and richer understandings. Our reflections are our dreams, our ideas, our questions, our initiatives, our visions - our journey of lifelong learning.
Tune in to hear more!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email Phil: admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Losing momentum is a common trap for many teachers, especially in literacy and numeracy.
So how can we maximise every second of learning time?
Rob Vingerhoets joins the show to share his insights on the issue.
Rob is an experienced and highly effective educator and subject matter expert who has worked with teachers and students throughout Victoria, other Australian states, New York and China. Prior to this he was a primary school principal, curriculum coordinator and classroom teacher. He is an experienced teacher and author, having written a number of best-selling maths resource books and numerous articles.
This discussion covers:
- Rob's story including lessons learned from teaching in New York
- What 'the trench of lost momentum' means
- Recommended ways to set up for momentum in the classroom
- Other tools and tips
- And much more!
Enjoy the episode.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
As teachers there are always so many things we are being asked to do, cover, implement and introduce to our students.
For Sharon Callen, a breakthrough came through one of the most practical literacy leaders on the planet, Richard Allington, and his work with Rachel Gabriel. It was Every Child, Every Day.
What is Every Child, Every Day?
It is six simple elements of effective reading instruction, including:
- Every child reads something he or she chooses
- Every child reads accurately
- Every child reads something he/she understands
- Every child writes about something personally meaningful
- Every child talks with peers about reading and writing
- Every child listens to a fluent adult read
Sharon talks about these six key elements and share insights on how you can bring them to life in the classroom.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Maddie is teaching Reception in South Australia.
She shares her story, including starting out in teaching, a year of rapid growth and how she has learned to quickly apply her learning.
In this discussion, Maddie also talks about:
- How literacy learning has impacted her development
- The importance of professional development
- How she connects with every child, every day and the 7 Timeless T’s
- Her practices and routines
- How she revamped her classroom library
- Essentials of literacy
And much more!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Sometimes teachers feel like they struggle to get bang for buck from bigger and longer lessons.
But when it comes to literacy, Mini Lessons can be used strategically and effectively.
So, what is an effective Mini Lesson?
Mini Lessons are the time when we bring the whole class together, and then we reveal what we have noticed about our students as readers and writers. And when we fully understand our students, we launch into the ‘just right’ next actions/processes/strategies for them, letting them in on the secret of what good readers and writers do as we demonstrate the process/action/strategy for our students to take immediately into their reading and writing.
- The Mini Lesson:
a. What to Teach - Good reader/writer goal shared with students
b. To & With - Modelling strategies/skills/processes/actions using Texts (Read Aloud and/or Shared Enlarged Text) and Think Aloud
-
Independent Practice by students with teacher Conferring/Supporting/Questioning/Leading.
-
Sharing - Thinker's Talking and Transforming Learning
The Mini Lesson needs to preface the reading or writing time, so that students can immediately practise what we have just explored in the Mini Lesson - less time teaching, more time reading. That’s the way to get impact.
Mini Lessons make total sense because they are an everyday tool - leading into the every day, independent practice (reading/writing) that students need. They need both - a third of the time is a good guide for the Mini Lesson, with two thirds on actual reading/writing.
Why are Mini Lessons important?
The Mini Lesson promotes a good reader and writer action - seeing it done, doing it together, being aware of the habits and behaviours of good readers and writers. The Mini Lesson without a doubt invites every child, every day to be an active and engaged member of the literacy club.
Tune in for more!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Most teachers know the importance of reading aloud but the research also backs this up.
- Reading aloud has been found to be the most significant factor in the development of literacy levels of young children (Kalb & Van Ours, 2014)
- As a reading intervention strategy it has many benefits: Motivating children to read, improving basic comprehension and development (Bus, Van Ijzendoorn, & Pellegrini, 1999; Fox, 2013; Swanson, Vaughn, Wanzek, Petscher, Heckert, Cavanaugh, Kraft, & Tackett, 2011)
- Reading to children in the early years has been linked to related language growth, emergent literacy and reading achievement (Bus et al., 1995).
- An analysis of 29 studies found “significant, positive effects for read-aloud interventions on children’s language, phonological awareness, print concepts, comprehension, and vocabulary outcomes” suggesting that read-aloud interventions “provide children at-risk of reading difficulties with higher literacy outcomes than children who do not participate in these interventions” (Swanson et al. 2012, p. 13).
Schools should encourage and support their teachers to read to their young students with greater frequency throughout primary school.
Reading aloud in the classroom and at home should be continued well past the period of acquiring independent reading skills and include a full range of text types.
To talk about this further, Sharon Callen is joined by consultant, former teacher and most importantly avid reader Rebecca Bird from Pegi Williams Books.
Rebecca shares her stories, learnings and insights about engaging children in reading, identifying the best books for Read Alouds, how teachers can set up their libraries and many other tools and techniques.
Enjoy!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
It’s the nature of the profession that we’re always learning. And particularly as literacy consultant and expert, Sharon Callen spends time looking at old practices vs new ways to think about teaching and ask that challenging question, of others and herself, "why are you doing it that way?"
What do we mean by 'levers of change'?
In short, it is new, simple ways to think about teaching and learning.
THE FIVE LEVERS ARE:
- Classroom Libraries
- Independent Reading
- Conferring
- Mini Lessons - Read Alouds, Shared Book Experience
- Connecting Reading with Writing
(Note: There are more than five, but these are the beginning steps. Five beginning steps that would have the greatest impact)
Why are they important?
Because to match the latest research, we need to have students doing a lot more real reading and writing - not just activities. They need to take ownership of what they are doing. They need to see a real purpose in what they are doing.
This is where the Good Reader research comes in - if we target the habits and behaviours of good readers, that’s what we will get. Good readers become good readers because they read, choose books and read with accuracy and understanding, not because they did a whole bunch of disconnected reading activities.
How do we know which levers to pull?
We have seen real changes in our own classrooms and in schools where we work with teachers and leaders. It has led to one of Cue Learning's schools being recognised out of only 200 schools in Australia for exceptional growth in reading in 2019.
How do we get them going in the classroom?
It doesn’t take a lot to change, it just needs ideas and simple resources, with help from mentors and continually watching the children we teach. It means being much simpler, less planning, more watching and engaging with our students as real readers and writers.
Tune in to find out much more!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Wayne has been making wine since 1979. He is the founder of Dutschke Wines, a family-owned boutique producer of classic Barossa red wines and fortifieds. He is also the author of children’s book, My Dad Has Purple Hands.
Wayne talks about:
- Insights and lessons learned as both a winemaker and an author
- What led him to write a book
- The tools and techniques he used to produce the story
- The impact reading and writing has had on him
- How Wayne is going getting his own kids into writing
- And much more!
Wayne will help you motivate and make some great connections between your students, their stories and writing.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
What do we mean by ‘Read Alouds’? These are texts are beyond the independent reading ability of children, and are read by a fluent adult reader - it’s best if it is the teacher at school or a parent at home.
Listening to stories online are another way to hear fluent renderings of texts.
Every day, the teacher reads aloud materials that are at the students' listening level, but usually above their independent reading level.
The amazing power of Read Alouds
Reading aloud has a big impact on literacy growth and development.
We talk about our own experiences as well as the role of the teacher and the student in ensuring this powerhouse experience can do it’s maximum work, for little energy, cost and/or time. It is a surprisingly underutilised strategy across the primary years of schooling.
Teachers can’t afford to not have it in your daily repertoire of experiences.
Why are Read Alouds important?
To improve students' listening skills, reading comprehension and attitudes toward reading, and to build vocabulary. It also:
- Involves students in reading for enjoyment
- Demonstrates reading for a purpose
- Provides an adult demonstration of fluent, phrased reading
- Develops a sense of story
- Develops knowledge of written language syntax
- Develops knowledge of how texts are structured
- Increases vocabulary
- Expands linguistic repertoire
- Supports inter-textual ties
- Creates a community of readers through enjoyment and shared knowledge
- Makes complex ideas available to children
- Promotes oral language development
- Establishes known texts as a basis for writing and other activities through rereading
- How do we get them going in the classroom? What is the teachers role?
How to do Read Alouds:
- Teachers need a wide range of books to select from for appropriate Read Alouds
- Teacher must be fully committed to the text before beginning, having read it prior to beginning with the class
- Read texts aloud to students daily
- Establish a literacy rich environment
- Share books with students and model appropriate reading behaviour
- Read a variety of books and other materials
- Make these materials accessible for students to read on their own
- Engage students in literacy-related play/drama in response to text
- Lead discussions about the texts encouraging children to think and talk about it
Which Read Alouds are most important?
Choices of text could include:
- Link to the curriculum
- Link to an area of study
- Information text
- Fiction genre of a variety
- Language rich
- A range over a year
- Picture books
- Especially chapter books
How do we get Read Alouds going?
- How do we get them going in the classroom? What is the children’s role?
- Enjoy listening to and discussing fiction and non-fiction literature read aloud
- Retell narratives and use descriptive language to explain and explore ideas in the literature
- Retell facts when nonfiction is read
- Think about what is being read and express those thoughts
Don’t forget to tune in to get all the details, insights, stories, tools and our tantalising text!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Giselle is a year 6/7 teacher in Adelaide. She shares her insights, tools and lessons learned from her development of approaches to teaching vocabulary.
Teachers are looking for more ideas on teaching vocabulary because it isn’t easy to teach, and it can be difficult to integrate with reading and writing and other areas of the curriculum.
Everyone agrees that an extensive vocabulary helps us share our thoughts and feelings with others more effectively. An extensive vocabulary is also central to reading comprehension.
The larger a reader’s vocabulary, the easier it is for him or her to understand the meaning of a text (National Reading Panel 2000).
In fact, decades of research has consistently found a deep connection between vocabulary knowledge, reading comprehension, and academic success (Baumann and Kame’enui 2002).
We hope that this podcast will help you take your teaching of vocabulary to new levels.
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Literacy expert Sharon Callen believes classroom libraries are incredibly important for literacy development in children.
Why?
Classroom libraries represent for many children the experiences that they will have with books - literature and informational - across a year of their school life. We should want to make it rich, be a collection that is enticing and accessible, and an entry point for every child into a rich and glorious world of reading, thinking, experiences and discussions. It should represent a collection of some of the best picture books to read aloud because they have features that entice children to want the books to be read over and over again - rich language with rhythm, rhyme and repetition and interesting illustrations.
The books must also be entertaining to read or to listen to. They must introduce students to some of the best children’s authors and illustrators from Australia and overseas, and be read over and over again because they become favourites.
Children will eventually join in while being read to. This is the beginning of their independent reading.
Children should have opportunities every day to request favourites, have them read multiple times, so that children will soon be reading them independently.
What kind of reading materials?
- Lots of nursery rhymes
- Texts that support children's functioning and allow them to be successful are those which not only fulfil expectations and allow them to confirm their understanding about reading, but also provide the kind of challenges that stretch the boundaries of children's current competence
Children’s expectations
- That the text makes sense because it connects logically and has 'unity of meaning'
- That the text uses natural language which retains the richness and variety of cues with which the children are familiar in speech
- That the text layout and print styles and size are reasonably consistent within the text
- That the topic, subject matter, concepts on which the text is based are related to the child's experiences
Therefore classroom libraries are developed over the course of a year, based on the children we are working with.
Most useful books for the library
How do we know which are the most useful to have in our classroom collections?
Share the categories you can look for in your own classroom library, and talk with students about how the structure of the story helps them as a reader.
Once you think of these as categories, you will soon find books that fit within these categories. These can be:
- Repetitive
- Cumulative
- Familiar cultural
- Chronological
- Problem-centred - good, ripping yarns!
- Rhyme-rhythm scheme
- Nursery rhymes and songs
- Big Books
- Chapter Books - for those ready to move on and for read aloud.
- Information books
- Plays
- Fairy Tales
- Books for 2 voices
- Younger Novels
- Information books connected to discovery, inquiry, units of inquiry
- Children’s own publications
- Family Stories, Animal stories,
- Author study: Julia Donaldson, Pamela Allen, Lynley Dodd, Mem Fox, Pat Hutchins, Janet and Allan Allburg, Eric Carle,.
- Children’s own collections of poems added to throughout the year, coming from read alouds, copies of class made stories, etc. Year 1 example. Everything created as a class, became a copy for children.
Maximising the power of the classroom library
- How do we get them going in the classroom?
- How do we develop our 3 selves as a reader? (Self directed, self motivated, self regulated)
This is an essential, and integrated part of the literacy toolkit for teachers and students. We teach through texts in the classroom library, and kids have daily access to choosing and using. Each child should also begin their own collection of texts with which they can do the work. Teachers should record the books children practice and read.
Teachers, as enabling adults, can create conditions that impact on the successful development of readers who learn to self-regulate and self-improve, develop their understanding about reading and how to use the information available to them through the cueing systems.
- Listening to Stories, as many of these as you can - 2 to 3 a day.
- Shared Book Experience - a store of these used daily, returned to often, available for free choice activity time, including books made by the class.
- Children dictating their own stories - building a collection of books children can read for themselves - into the book box/bag.
- Children writing their own stories and making their own books - alphabet books, pattern books - into the book box/bag.
- Frequent reading practice - with the books in their book box/bag, and books they have been matched to.
Responding to stories
Asking self questions, doing the thinking and the noticing.
Make personal evaluations by asking themselves questions such as:
- What I liked about this story ...
- What I didn't like about this story ...
- What puzzled me, what I am wondering ...
- Why did ... happen?
- What would happen if ...?
Important questions to help children figure out how texts work.
- What patterns I noticed in this story ...
- What ideas I noticed ...
- New discoveries I made ...
- What other stories have a pattern like this story?
Make class big books.
- Same story, illustrated by class
- Innovations on the story, written collectively by the class
- Innovations on the text, each child/pair contributing a sentence, verse, etc.
Write themselves.
- Retelling the story
- Using the same characters or setting or patterns or problem or concept or sentence patterns, innovations
Perform or retell in a different medium.
- Dramatising part or the whole story - puppets, acting, plays
- Drawing, painting, sculpting, story freeze
Show reactions as they read/listen
- Laughing, crying, arguing, deciding not to read on
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In his 30+ years in the industry, Greg Holfeld has supplied storyboards and animation for television series such as 2 Stupid Dogs, Ren and Stimpy, Pearlie, Figaro Pho, Monster Beach and Kitty Is Not a Cat, directed award-winning commercials, created short films that have screened and pulled awards in numerous international festivals, and made hundreds of pages of comics for everyone including kids.
Greg began illustrating children's books in 2001 and is now credited with over 35 titles. His work also appears regularly in The School Magazine. He currently lectures in 2D animation at CDW (Flinders University).
For Greg it always has been, and still is, all about telling stories with pictures.
In this insightful interview, Greg talks about:
- His fascinating story
- His illustrative and creative process
- Connecting and creating meaning in stories
- The power of illustration for reading and writing
- Tricks, tools and techniques for teachers and students
- And much more!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this podcast, Sharon Callen explains:
- What habits and behaviours of readers are
- Why are they important?
- How do we know which are the most useful habits and behaviours?
- How do we get them going in the classroom?
- How we develop the ‘three selves’ as a reader - self-directed, self-motivated, self-regulated
Learning about what good readers do makes reading accessible to every child, every day.
GOOD READERS READ A LOT OF JUST RIGHT BOOKS:
- Lots of practice, lots of access, lots of success.
- Classroom practice to develop the habit of daily reading includes creating a culture of reading and helping to build the daily habit of reading, such as:
- Classroom library for easy access to books
- Time for reading carved out everyday
- Every child every day should have the opportunity to read something they choose, that they can understand and that they can read with accuracy. This is a habit of good readers
- Every child has an entry point with ‘just right’ books
- Read aloud is an entry point for young readers
- Encourage voluntary reading - choosing to read, reading at school, outside of school, seeing it as part of what they do
- We build up accuracy, understanding, fluency
- Forming the habits and behaviours is the first phase - with the help of an enabling adult - every child, every day
GOOD READERS ARE MOTIVATED TO READ AND TO GROW AS A READER (GROWTH MINDSET):
Interest, confidence and dedication.
Classroom practices:
- Read aloud, introduce students to many books, authors, genres, information, vocabulary that is beyond their independent level of reading but which extends them into a rich world of habits and behaviours they can take into their own reading.
- Good teachers use Read and Shared Text to demonstrate to students what good readers do, whilst engaging in an authentic reading process. Meanwhile readers are practising many of the strategies of good readers with the teacher as they listen to/view the text, giving them an opportunity to begin practicing these behaviours.
- Anchoring these reading behaviours on a Good Reader Anchor chart enables students to see the importance of these behaviours and to be reminded of what they can practice/give a go as they read independently.
- Book tasting and book blessings given by students/ teachers also opens the world into more books, building interest and confidence to make informed selections.
- With every child experiencing an entry point, this develops a growth mindset about what it is to be a good reader.
- Good readers are active: thinkers, questioners, picture makers.
GOOD READERS USE PROBLEM SOLVING, WITH A RANGE OF STRATEGIES:
Good readers are active readers - they have an extensive range of strategies they draw on as they are reading.
Classroom practices that establish these behaviours:
- Show students what good readers do as they read extended and continuous text (If we teach strategies outside of extended, continuous text, we fail to enable readers to grow the skills and strategies they need to read extended/continuous text, which is the very goal of reading).
Modelling good reader strategies includes:
- Word solving
- Monitoring and correcting/fixing up their reading when it doesn’t make sense
- Adjusting fluency
- Comprehending the text (visualising, predicting, questioning, summarising, inferring, setting a purpose for reading)
- Vocabulary learning and its influence on comprehension
- Fluency development
- Responding to reading - personal thoughts to discuss with others, recording some in a readers journal/notebook
- Metacognition, being aware of what they are doing as a reader and therefore developing self-regulation and self-direction
- Background knowledge - bringing what they have developed and what they know, their experience of other texts, knowing when to use particular strategies and processes.
GOOD READERS RESPOND TO FEEDBACK
Good authentic teaching means good teachers will learn a lot about the needs of their readers by listening to them read and providing next steps to developing reading behaviours whilst they are reading continuous texts.
- This further develops the behaviours of good readers, as readers learn to apply an ever increasing range of strategies.
- Good teachers also notice when a group of students are ready to be taught a new reading behaviour or are close to consolidating one, or simply need more practice.
- Close eyes on the habits and behaviours that readers are developing is what builds success, confidence, interest, motivation and dedication to continuing on a thriving path to the joys and insights that reading bring to us.
- Actions are anchored in child language on charts in the classroom.
- Conferring with children is powerful teaching.
- Children need to be able to name the action.
GOOD READERS TALK ABOUT THEIR READING
Good readers love to talk about and share what they are reading. Reading is a very social experience - afterall books are published so that more than one person can access the story! So our experiences with story and books are meant to be shared.
Classroom practices that give readers opportunities to talk about their reading include:
- Turn and Tell after reading - 60 seconds (What I liked, what I didn't like (emotions), what puzzled me, what patterns I am noticing)
- Book recommendations
- Most underutilised comprehension strategy
In summary – the themes today have been:
- Enabling all students to develop the habits and behaviours of good readers.
- Allowing all children to be problem solvers in their reading – using a range of strategies.
- How to define the habits and behaviours and how to let students in on what these are and how to use them effectively.
- NOTE: Watch how good reader strategies also play out for your students as writers.
Key questions:
- What is a good tool that Sharon has used with teachers in classrooms? Mt Barker South Teachers have turned their learning intentions into Good Reader statements - ensuring that they are teaching good reader actions, teaching good reader behaviours, building a growth mindset, motivation, reading habits, practice and interest.
- What’s a tantalising text that Sharon has used recently in a classroom? Going to the Volcano by Andy Stanton and illustrated by Miguel Ordenez (Pronounced OR DAWN EZ). It's a fun rhyming picture book text for two voices or more. Fun to read with your class, for readers to read in pairs and a great model for writing your own ‘GOING TO’ story. We’ll demonstrate, Sharon as the voice of Jane, whilst Phil is the voice of Dwayne.
SH: Going to the Volcano by Andy Stanton and Miguel Ordonez
Other: Going off with Jane-o to look at the volcano!
SH: Going off with Jane-o to look at the volcano!
Other: Walking down the lane-o to look at the volcano!
SH: Walking down the lane-o to look at the volcano!
Other: Riding the Great Dane-o to look at the volcano!
SH: Riding the Great Dane-o to look at the volcano!
Other: Sitting on the train-o to look at the volcano!
SH: Sitting on the train-o to look at the volcano!
Other: Jumping on the plane-o to look at the volcano!
SH: Jumping on the plane-o to look at the volcano!
Other: Flying off to Spain-o to look at the volcano!
SH: Flying off to Spain-o to look at the volcano!
Other: Splashing through the rain-o to look at the volcano!
SH: Splashing through the rain-o to look at the volcano!
Other: Going up the crane-o to look at the volcano!
SH: Climbing down the chain-o to look at the volcano!
PAUSE 3, 2,1
Other and SH: BOOM!
Other: In a lot of pain-o because of the volcano!
SH: In a lot of pain-o because of the volcano!
Other: NEVER do it again-o. STAY OFF THE VOLCANO!
SH: NEVER do it again-o. STAY OFF THE VOLCANO!
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
Sharon covers a range of literacy learning insights and strategies, including:
"How do I engage every child in literacy learning?"
With literacy learning, what do teachers want? They want their kids to be engaged. They want to cater for all abilities and motivations.
Our approaches to literacy learning
It's not about a blanket program that works for all. Not every child is the same. Some approaches are better than others - Sharon has discovered this over years of teaching.
In the Cue toolkit, revealed to you on this podcast, there are some great tools and techniques that will enhance these approaches.
How do we know which approaches work best?
Over the years, Sharon has seen first hand the increase in engagement of the kids in their classes and those they work with. When students own their own learning, they are more engaged.
Sharon talks about the three selves – self-motivated, self-regulated, self-directed.
This is just a broad start!
Getting started with 7 Timeless T’s of Literacy Instruction
In this episode, Sharon goes through each of these as an overview and give ways they have worked in my classrooms and give techniques/tools that has been useful.
TOGETHER: All the children on the same task, together. This builds a community of learners. Learning together means that as the teacher we need to know our students well enough to provide an entry point for every child and no ceiling, allowing everyone a chance to grow.
TIME: Allow plenty of time for students to read or write what they choose to read or write. Without this time they don’t have an opportunity to really demonstrate what they can do.
TANTALISING TEXTS: In the previous episode Sharon and Phil talked about the central role literature takes in the Australian Curriculum and other curriculums. Building a tantalising library of books the students can choose from is key. It is this choice that research tells us is the most critical aspect to engaging readers. Tools: Easy to find and appealing books in attractive baskets is the first step in creating a great classroom library. Teachers find out what is wanted by students.
THINKER’S TALKING: Always make a time in literacy sessions – in the beginning, middle or end - for identified students to share to the whole group. This will be students who have gained a particular insights or discoveries that will benefit the rest of the group. Keep a roster of who is sharing so that over time all students are contributing.
TRANSFORMATIVE TEACHING: Picking up on what you noticing in observations and conferring and then aligning the next steps in your teaching with the curriculum, you're honing in on where the needs of the students are – as individuals, in groups or as a whole class, you're looking for opportunities to take a group or individuals aside and teach them a new skill, as they need it, in that moment.
TRUE TASKS: If tasks are meaningful they are more likely to engage the students. How do you make them more meaningful? This occurs when connections can be made across reading and writing.
TRANSFORMATIVE TRACKING: When you track the learning closely it’s more powerful than a standardised test in showing the teacher and the student where they are in their learning.
Summarising the key themes:
● Allowing all children an entry point
● Empowering students through choice vs blanket scripts that they follow/top down approaches
● Learning together with Timeless T’s vs grouping students into ability groups
End of episode questions:
● A tantalising text - The Beetle Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
● A tool - Phil has mentioned a few including Reading Calendar A3 blank calendar grid
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com
In this introductory episode, Sharon Callen introduces herself and gives you a taste of what the show is all about - giving tools and techniques to really help teachers in their classrooms (and they work for all students).
Sharon also touches on some key questions that teachers are asking, including:
How do we get all students to be engaged in literacy? How do we know the tools we choose are working? How do we create an entry point for each and every student? How do we become a thinker, rather than a deliverer of programs? How do I maintain an engaging and rigorous literacy classroom?
Sharon also talks about building trusted mentors or professional associations, developing timeless principles, and becoming a professional - an authentic teacher who owns their own teaching.
And, some practical points to finish -
-
Sharon's recommended book
-
A great tool you can use in the literacy classroom
-
Something exciting Sharon has seen in a classroom this week
Connect with us!
Join our community on Facebook for exclusive resources, Q and A, discussions, insights and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherstoolkitforliteracy
Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email admin@cuelearning.com.au
The Teacher’s Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning.
Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.
At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves, using the fullness of the Australian curriculum.
To find out about upcoming webinars, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/.
And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.
To make sure you don’t miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.
Produced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com