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Part 3: Blessing the Book with Sharon Callen
Posted by Sharon Callen
Blessing the Book: Nurturing Readers through Stories In part three of the podcast series, Sharon Callen invites teachers to explore the magic of children's literature, emphasising the idea of "blessing the book." This concept goes beyond simply reading aloud; it is about honouring the story, respecting the author's craft, and...
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Part 4: Blessing the Book with Sharon Callen
Posted by Sharon Callen
Blessing the Book: Exploring Picture Books with Sharon Callen – Part 4 Picture books hold a special place in a child's life, offering them a chance to explore the world, their emotions, and the complexities of life through art and words. In the fourth part of her podcast series, Sharon...
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Part 2: Blessing the Book with Sharon Callen
Posted by Sharon Callen
Blessing the Book: A Framework for Building Student Engagement In this blog, we delve into how teachers can foster reading engagement in the classroom. Drawing from research by experts like Linda Gambrell and strategies shared by Sharon Callen, this framework emphasises the importance of actively teaching engagement alongside reading skills....
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Part 1: Blessing the Book with Sharon Callen
Posted by Sharon Callen
Motivating Young Readers: Unlocking the Joy and Purpose of Reading One of the most common challenges teachers face is ensuring that students not only read but also understand and enjoy what they are reading. Many children can decode words and pass reading tests, but are they truly engaging with the...
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Part 1: Student Agency with Lisa Burman
Posted by Sharon Callen
In the ever-evolving field of education, the role of both teachers and students has come under increasing scrutiny. How do we, as educators, best foster environments where children take charge of their learning? Lisa Burman, a respected literacy consultant and author, offers deep insights into the topic of student agency....
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Part 4: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School
Posted by Diane Snowball
In the fourth part of our podcast series 'Teaching Reading in the First Year of School', we delve into the complexities of teaching reading in the first year of school. This discussion aims to debunk the simplistic media narrative that categorises teachers into two groups: those who teach phonics explicitly...
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Part 3: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School: A Comprehensive Approach
Posted by Diane Snowball
Understanding how to teach reading effectively in the first year of school is crucial for educators. This narrative, based on insights from experienced educators Di and Phil, explores the multi-faceted approach needed to develop young readers' skills comprehensively. Balancing Phonemic Awareness and Comprehension In many schools, there is an overemphasis...
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Part 2: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School: Developing Deep Language Skills
Posted by Diane Snowball
The Importance of Reading Aloud in Early Education In the journey of teaching children to read, especially in their first year of school, the role of reading aloud cannot be overstated. Expert literacy educator Diane Snowball emphasises that developing a robust vocabulary and a strong understanding of grammar and language...
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Part 1: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers
Posted by Diane Snowball
Introduction: The Importance of a Comprehensive Curriculum In the first year of school, teaching reading is a foundational task that requires a well-rounded and thorough approach. Diane Snowball, a literacy expert, outlines a comprehensive curriculum that addresses various aspects of reading education. This curriculum includes concepts of print, phonological awareness,...
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Part 1: Invitation to New Books with Genevieve Kruyssen
Posted by Sharon Callen
Genevieve Kruyssen from Brisbane's beloved bookshop, Where the Wild Things Are, recently joined a podcast to discuss a curated selection of children's books. From picture books to middle-grade novels, her recommendations promise to captivate young readers and fill gaps in existing libraries. This blog highlights key points from the discussion,...
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Part 2: Invitation to New Books with Genevieve Kruyssen
Posted by Sharon Callen
In the latest episode of our podcast, 'Invitation to New Books,' Genevieve Kruyssen, a passionate advocate for children's literature, shares her excitement about new books that captivate young readers. From enchanting tales of adventure to heartwarming stories of friendship, Genevieve offers valuable insights for teachers looking to inspire their students...
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Part 6: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Reading Aloud (2)
Posted by Sharon Callen
Reading aloud in the classroom is a simple yet incredibly effective tool for fostering literacy among students, particularly those who struggle with reading. This blog post, based on a podcast discussion (part 2), delves into various aspects of reading aloud and provides practical advice for teachers of students in Years...
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Part 7: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Paired Reading
Posted by Sharon Callen
In the latest episode of "High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6," Sharon introduces a proven technique to support struggling readers called Paired Reading. This approach, developed by researcher Keith Topping, offers a structured yet flexible way to enhance reading skills through one-on-one interactions. Here's a detailed...
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Part 5: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers: Years 3 to 6 – Reading Aloud
Posted by Sharon Callen
In part five of the podcast series on high-impact strategies for struggling readers in grades 3-6, Sharon and Phil explore the power of reading aloud. They discuss how reading aloud enhances fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, supported by research from organisations like ALEA and the International Literacy Association. They emphasise the...
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Part 4: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Effective Book Selection (2)
Posted by Sharon Callen
Welcome back to the fourth part of our podcast series on supporting struggling readers in Years 3 to 6. In this episode, we delve into high-impact strategies that teachers can employ to foster student agency and success in reading. From selecting just-right books to implementing innovative techniques like the language...
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Part 3: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - Effective Book Selection
Posted by Sharon Callen
Welcome back to the third instalment of our podcast series on high-impact strategies for struggling readers, focusing on students in grades three to six. In this episode, we delve into the crucial aspect of book selection strategies aimed at enhancing the reading experience and fostering literacy development among young learners....
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Part 2: High Impact Strategies for Struggling Readers, Years 3 to 6 - The Reading Workshop
Posted by Sharon Callen
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...
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There Are So Many Reasons to Rhyme
Posted by Sharon Callen
Incorporating rhymes into reading instruction offers a plethora of benefits for young learners, making it a valuable tool in the classroom. Firstly, rhymes aid in developing phonemic awareness by helping children discern individual sounds within words. This skill lays a solid foundation for reading, as exemplified in familiar rhymes like...
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Creating Stronger Readers Through Read-Aloud
Posted by Sharon Callen
A teacher's insights: In this insightful blog, Sharon shares her experiences and strategies for incorporating read-alouds into her classroom routine when she taught students in years 3-7. She emphasises the importance of literature in shaping young minds and fostering empathy and imagination. Sharon discusses the benefits of reading aloud, including...
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Tips for Successful Independent Reading Sessions
Posted by Sharon Callen
Tips for Successful Independent Reading Sessions Enjoy these wonderful tips on gaining success in Independent Reading sessions adapted from the work of accomplished educator, Diane Snowball. Regular sustained Independent Reading sessions, ideally 15-30 minutes (longer for older students), improve students' reading skills. Access to various texts at school and home...
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Why Writing about Reading Matters: A Teacher's Guide
Posted by Sharon Callen
Why Writing about Reading Matters: A Teacher's Guide When kids write about what they read, they're showing what they think. It's a chance for them to share their ideas. By looking at what students write after reading, we can see how well they understood the text. Writing helps them express...
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My Reading Calendars for 2024, Yrs 2-6
Posted by Sharon Callen
Reading Calendars are a simple yet highly effective tool for students to track and showcase their life as a reader over the course of a year. They promote independence and responsibility, supporting all students to be successful. The My Reading Calendar 2024 pack contains great features and tools: Calendar sheet...
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Podcast Ep 103: Part 1: Shared Reading: An Essential Instructional Strategy
Posted by Sharon Callen
LATEST PODCAST Ep 103: 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...
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Podcast Ep 104: Part 2: Shared Reading: An Essential Instructional Strategy
Posted by Sharon Callen
LATEST PODCAST Ep 104: 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...
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Podcast Ep 98, Part 2: Understanding and Using the Science of Reading
Posted by Sharon Callen
LATEST PODCAST Ep 98: 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...
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