Same sound – what is this thing called spelling?
Annette discusses -ise versus -ize and other idiosyncrasies of the always evolving English language
Annette Gray is a literacy consultant and adviser. She has many years’ successful teaching experience in classrooms K-10 across Australia and in international settings.
The big picture – Four Corners “Digikids”
Several of the many facets of the complexity of schooling moved into the public arena with the ABC’s Four Corners program, DigiKids. DigiKids which aired on Monday 11 November, 2019.
Education – wonder and passion
Considering the interim report on the review of curriculum conducted by the NSW Education and Standards Authority (NESA), and putting it into a broader context.
The beginnings of literacy
What we do in the classroom builds on and around this for each child. We have to treat all literary practices as an integral component of our students’ lives, so that they can take themselves seriously as active participants.
What should we look for in an effective resource?
Teachers are legally required to deliver the Australian Curriculum to our students, in some States this is through syllabus documents. The Australian Curriculum website includes support pages of content, achievement standards, and examples of student work. Each State or Territory also provides support material particular to that context; many are accessible online. Teachers can have…
Reading for more than pleasure
Reading aloud to our students and building listening skills. Giving students practice in the use of skills that they can then bring to their own reading as it develops.
Classroom displays – context, purpose and audience
I have visited several schools over the past few months, and love the way the pieces on display add colour and dynamism to an environment that can be pretty sterile. Primary Learning 2019 It is obvious that teachers are proud of their students’ work – expertise in the arts, in writing, in mathematical thinking, and…
How language – and other elements of communication – change according to purpose
One of the most important aspects of literacy is the way language changes according to purpose.
Teacher learning
I have spent some time this term with Primary Masters of Teaching students who are undertaking their professional experience placements for Semester 1. This has provided the excuse to explore some of the issues of student teacher professional experience, and how the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL, 2018) can inform this experience. Mentor Preparation…
Writing: measuring success for parents and teachers
One aspect of writing comes up repeatedly in my conversations with teachers – and that is how parents perceive how, and what, we mark to measure success. Most parents are very interested in the writing capabilities of their children. Effective writing is a marker of capability with language, and is the means by which students…