My latest online course, Exploring literacy – vocabulary, guides us through an understanding of ways to take our students’ vocabulary from that of the everyday – part of the ‘literate identity’ that starts in the home and the child brings to school – through to the academic literacy acquired through learning, and required for school…
Telling stories has always been an essential feature of human life. Ancient stories have enthralled and informed our lives, and stories continue to remind us of who we are, where we have come from, and how to make meaning out of life.
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?
As we start a new year with a new class, we often begin our teaching and learning cycle by asking ourselves “What do our students already know?” Building on prior knowledge, whether students have already been at school or not, is an essential practice as we guide students through the learning continuum of content. So…
When teaching writing to our students we provide time for planning. When teaching writing to our students we also allow for drafting and re-drafting of ideas, paragraphs, and plot lines. How often do we allow students to revise their thinking or work in mathematics? How often do we allow students a second or third revision…
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.
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.
One of the most important aspects of literacy is the way language changes according to purpose.
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…
‘Swapped at Birth’: an art exhibition which was part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival.