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 prof ..read more

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, diver ..read more

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, p ..read more

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 ..read more

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 boo ..read more

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 te ..read more

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 introd ..read more

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 litera ..read more

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 di ..read more

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 experim ..read more