Archive for the ‘Literacy general’ Category

Big kids too old for picture books?

What can picture book authors offer older students … more experienced writers, still developing crafting skills and learning the tricks of the writing trade?

Last week I shared, ‘Fancy Nancy’ by Jane O’Connor, with some Year 5 students, to highlight how cleverly the author used words, seemingly too complex for the intended audience, to paint the canvas of her …

Many students choose to listen rather than actively participate in learning conversations. Yet to achieve the best possible outcomes, teachers must expect that students OPT IN to literacy learning; opting out should not be an option. It must be our clear expectation to students that we expect full and active participation.

I’ve recently been talking up the importance of active engagement by students to build proficiency …

Angela Ehmer & Marisa Battiglini meet Professor P. David Pearson

It’s been a busy month, but I finally have a moment to reflect on the World Congress on Reading held last month at the SKYCITY Convention Centre, Auckland.

What a wonderful opportunity for literacy educators, the world over, to come together for this world class event.

Marisa (Battiglini) and I were scheduled to present a session for secondary …

The 14th annual survey by the International Reading Association (IRA) outlines some interesting perspectives.

Each year the IRA conduct a survey to identify the perceived trends in literacy. The “What’s hot?” survey results for 2010 were released in the December/January issue of Reading Today. It must be noted that the term “hot” does not reflect what respondents view as important, but simply what is perceived …

As Education Queensland launches a new coaching initiative for qualifying schools, some of our finest literacy educators embark on a significant, new journey as literacy coaches. The role presents exciting opportunities, as well as the many challenges associated with supporting educators and school communities towards a shared goal of improved literacy outcomes for all.

Benefits of literacy coaching

The benefits of coaching and mentoring models …

Many schools are planning for 2010 and I was recently asked for my thoughts about the purchase of a particular commercially produced program.

As far as educational research suggests, many commercially produced programs are not indicative of best teaching practice and are therefore not endorsed by education bodies or organisations.

This is not to suggest however, that programs of this type cannot be used by teachers as …

I’m interested in your thoughts about the proposed summer and winter school programs to “catch up” under-achieving students.

A few issues spring to mind . . .

Is placing a greater workload on under-achievers the solution?
How will these students cope without a full break? Won’t these same students be exhausted from back to back terms with shorter breaks?
Does this suggest that we cannot provide a rich, quality …

I was recently in Canberra working with the Catholic Education Office Canberra-Goulburn to formulate a position statement and supporting document to align literacy practice across the diocese.

It’s enormously exciting to be involved in projects of this nature. Not only will this document address a framework outlining consistent literacy practice across all year levels, but it aims to:

clarify purpose and audience for all literacy learning
embed …

I’ve just returned from a week away in central Queensland. Whilst away, I visited Blackwater, Rockhampton and Maryborough and had the wonderful opportunity to work with more than one hundred and fifty teachers and teachers’ aides across primary and high schools.

I am always excited to witness the dedication our educators bring to the role and wanted to share a few of many highlights for me.

Before …

’Lights for Literacy’ – rewards for innovative literacy programs.

Are you doing something innovative in your classroom? If so, you may be eligible for a future grant from the International Reading Association (IRA). The IRA have begun an exciting new project titled, 1000 Lights for Literacy.

This project aims to support teachers making positive changes at the classroom level by providing yearly grants to support …