The range of English literature, English literacy research, and reading resources that is available to teachers in Australian schools is rich and extensive. Any work we want to prepare for our students, whether in a time of online learning, or for working on in the classroom, is improved when it is based on reliable sources.…
This is the title of an excellent paper by Judith Scott, William Nagy, and Susan Flinspach (2008). I have used this reference in a previous blog on this site, ‘The beginnings of literacy’, and as the basis of our online course, ‘Exploring literacy: Vocabulary’ (available soon). The paper puts the interactive role of vocabulary learning…
Here’s an idea to bring to your school. I found it while travelling, and was impressed with its potential. It starts with the question of just who is reading in your school? Students, of course, using whatever scheme/program/model favoured in your school. Teachers, naturally, reading important stuff, poring over the keyboard/tablet/smartphone. Reading to students with…
Headlines from some news media’s education desks appear to indicate that the state of education is verging on collapse.
I love it when teachers ask for advice and ideas from others regarding suitable texts for particular grades, or texts on specific topics or appropriate to different subjects or themes. Here are sites to share with colleagues as you become a book expert yourself.
Recent research describes the importance and impact of teaching handwriting, particularly in the first four years of school.
Understanding that visual images convey meaning on different levels supports the development of understanding that words in written text can do the same thing – the viewer/reader can infer meaning from the message created by the author.
This week my blog is inspired by a lovely Twitter post by @johnqgoh (principal at Merrylands East PS) and the discussion that followed regarding mathematics-focused picture books. John shared images from a book called A Million Dots by Sven Völker. A beautifully illustrated picture book that explores the growing pattern of doubling. Michelle Tregoning (@TregoningMich)…
We have an amazing choice of reading material as we fulfill the obligation to read widely to our students. How can we broaden our knowledge of how and what to choose?
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.