Part 1: Education Great - Garth Boomer

In the second part of the podcast with Lisa Burman, the discussion centres on the concept of student agency and its direct link to teacher agency. Lisa emphasises that educators play a crucial role in shaping learning experiences, and how a teacher’s sense of agency directly affects students’ ability to take ownership of their learning.Teacher Agency as the Foundation for Student AgencyLisa reflects on her teaching career in the 1980s when teachers had more freedom to design learning experiences tailored to their students’ needs. She stresses that teachers should view students as individuals developing identities—as readers, writers, scientists, or mathematicians—rather than just teaching specific subjects. However, she notes that increased educational pressures today risk undermining this sense of agency.The Bigger Picture: Education and DemocracyLisa connects student and teacher agency with democratic values, referencing Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms children’s right to have a say in matters that affect them. She argues that for true student agency to thrive, teachers must feel empowered to make instructional decisions. However, some educational systems restrict this freedom, hindering creativity and students' development of agency.Agency and Wellbeing: Lessons from the PandemicThe conversation turns to the impact of agency on wellbeing. Reflecting on the pandemic, Lisa points out how restrictions led to feelings of helplessness, similar to how students feel in rigid, formulaic teaching environments. Teachers play a key role in creating spaces where students feel their voices matter.Leadership’s Role and Small ChangesLisa encourages teachers to introduce small changes, even in controlled settings, and suggests taking a professional stance with leadership to promote student agency. By focusing on student interests and co-constructing classroom routines, teachers can foster a learning culture where students become engaged, purposeful learners. JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected].

In the latest podcast episode, listeners are invited to delve into the transformative power of student agency with Lisa Burman, a literacy consultant, author, and expert in early childhood education. With over 20 years of experience working across Australia, New York, and Southeast Asia, Lisa shares her insights into how fostering agency can radically enhance both teaching and learning.The conversation begins by tracing Lisa’s journey, from her teaching roots in South Australia to her decade-long work in New York. Here, she encountered a different educational landscape where many teachers leaned heavily on scripted programs, limiting their professional autonomy. This experience prompted Lisa to reflect on the importance of teacher agency—encouraging educators to rely on their expertise and instincts, adapting lessons to suit their students’ unique needs.A highlight of the episode is Lisa’s exploration of how schools can foster student agency. Drawing from her book, Are You Listening?, she emphasises the value of listening to children’s voices and incorporating their ideas into the curriculum. Lisa explains that by giving students ownership over their learning, through activities like writing workshops where they choose topics and publish their work, classrooms become more dynamic, and students are more engaged and motivated.As the conversation unfolds, Lisa shares practical strategies for building a classroom culture where agency thrives. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking to empower both students and teachers to take control of their learning and teaching journeys.RESOURCESSee Lisa's new book: A Culture of AgencyLisa's previous book: Are You Listening?: Fostering Conversations That Help Young Children Learn'Are You Listening?: Fostering Conversations That Help Young Children Learn' by Lisa BurmanJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected].

In the second instalment of the podcast series "Teachers Celebrating Their Students’ Writing," Sharon, Phil, Tamara and Hayley dive into the process of how young Foundation learners transition from recognising words to actively using them in their writing. The episode explores the practical methods teachers employ to reinforce phonics, such as using digraphs like "CK" in words like "back," "duck," and "kick," integrating these into morning messages and playful, decodable sentences that students find amusing and memorable.The discussion highlights the importance of connecting reading and writing in daily routines. The team describe how structured morning activities help students settle into learning, fostering a sense of accomplishment and readiness for the day's word work. By focusing on a specific sound each day, students practise reading, writing, and identifying these sounds in books, which not only reinforces their learning but also brings a sense of discovery and excitement into the classroom.A key theme of the episode is the emphasis on student choice and creativity, particularly in writing. Teachers explain how allowing students to choose topics for nonfiction reports or create their own books, both in school and at home, empowers them to take ownership of their learning. This approach has even led to students creating books outside of class, with families contributing to their children's writing projects.The narrative also touches on the inclusive nature of the classroom, where students of varying abilities are supported and encouraged to participate at their own level. Whether through drawing, tracing, or scribing, every child is recognised as a reader and writer, fostering a community where each student’s progress is celebrated.This episode encapsulates the joy and growth experienced in a classroom where writing is not just an academic exercise but a vibrant, creative outlet for every student.TEACHIFIC RESOURCESSee writing samples from Tamara and Hayley's Foundation classRead the BLOG hereJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected]. 

In this special episode of the podcast, Sharon welcomes guests Tamara Biddle and Hayley Allen from Mount Barker South Primary School to discuss their innovative approach to fostering writing skills among Foundation Year students. Tamara, a foundation teacher with a decade of experience in early childhood education, and Hayley, a student support officer with a diverse background, share their successful strategies for creating a vibrant writing culture in their classroom.Tamara begins by recounting her journey from childcare to teaching, highlighting her focus on early years education. Hayley adds her unique perspective, detailing her transition from teaching swimming to becoming an SSO and the collaborative dynamic she shares with Tamara. Together, they illuminate their approach to embedding writing deeply into their classroom culture.The conversation delves into their method of initiating writing experiences through a series of class books, starting with simple name books and expanding to a variety of themes such as “When I Grow Up” and “Caring for Country.” These books, created with the children’s input, not only boost their ownership but also enhance their reading engagement. The duo discusses how these books are used throughout the day, fostering a sense of community and individual authorship among the students.Listeners learn about the practical aspects of their program, including the use of various writing tools and resources, and how students are encouraged to create their own books during free time. Tamara and Hayley emphasise the importance of blending reading and writing activities, showing how early literacy skills are supported through engaging and meaningful projects.As the episode wraps up, Sharon and the guests reflect on the profound impact this approach has had on the students’ confidence and creativity, showcasing a successful model for integrating writing and reading in early education.TEACHIFIC RESOURCESSee writing samples from Tamara and Hayley's Foundation classJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected].

In this third part of the "Education Great" podcast series, Garth Boomer delivers a powerful closing address titled "Making it Explicit, Making it Possible." Boomer opens with a stark reflection on the harsh realities of the world, cautioning educators against being swept away by the temporary excitement of conferences, and reminding them of the challenges that await in their everyday professional lives. He emphasises the importance of making the implicit explicit in education—ensuring that the hidden dynamics of power and influence in classrooms are brought to the forefront.Boomer delves into the concept of power, challenging the notion that it can be handed over or shared by teachers with their students. Instead, he argues that power is a complex force that flows through interactions between people, institutions, and ideas. He warns that teachers who believe they can empower students may actually be reinforcing their own power, rather than genuinely liberating their students.He further critiques the individualistic approach to education, advocating for a more socially interactive classroom environment where learning is seen as a collective endeavour. Boomer highlights the dangers of rigidly adhering to educational theories and methods, urging educators to remain adaptable and to re-theorise their practices in response to the dynamic nature of the classroom.The address concludes with a call for teachers to recognise and navigate the cultural barriers that can exclude students, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. Boomer's narrative is a compelling reminder of the complexities of teaching and the need for educators to be both reflective and proactive in their approach to fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment.TEACHIFIC RESOURCESIn Search of a Universal Literacy Program - by Garth BoomerPractical Steps to Take in the Literacy Classroom - based on the ideas of Garth BoomerJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected].

In Part 2 of the "Education Great" podcast, listeners are drawn deeper into the legacy of Garth Boomer, a pioneering educator whose influence stretched across continents. The episode paints a vivid picture of Boomer's educational philosophy and its enduring impact. Sharon and her co-hosts delve into the nuances of Boomer's approach, which was rooted in the belief that education should be child-centred, emphasising the importance of understanding how children learn rather than imposing rigid structures.The discussion highlights a critical period in global education when economic rationalism began to dominate, leading to widespread standardisation and testing. Boomer foresaw the dangers of this shift and worked tirelessly to develop alternative assessment methods that would empower teachers and students rather than constrain them. The conversation touches on Boomer's collaboration with international educators and his ability to take innovative ideas and adapt them to the Australian context, often extending their influence back to their countries of origin.Boomer’s colleagues reflect on his intellectual brilliance, his eclectic interests, and his deep commitment to education. His ability to inspire and mentor others through his writing, presentations, and personal interactions is a recurring theme. The episode also explores the broader implications of Boomer's work for today's educators, emphasising the need for a renewed focus on understanding and teaching complex content, particularly in the middle years.This instalment of the podcast offers a rich narrative that not only honours Boomer's legacy but also challenges current educational practices, urging listeners to consider how past insights can inform future innovations in teaching and learning.READ THE BLOG:Part 2: Understanding Garth Boomer's Influence on Modern EducationTEACHIFIC RESOURCESIn Search of a Universal Literacy Program - by Garth BoomerPractical Steps to Take in the Literacy Classroom - based on the ideas of Garth BoomerJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected].

In Part 1 of this podcast, listeners are transported into the world of Garth Boomer, a revolutionary Australian educator whose legacy still resonates in the halls of academia and the classrooms of South Australia. Known for his innovative approaches to curriculum and pedagogy, Boomer's journey begins in the modest town of Mount Barker, where his academic and athletic prowess quickly shone through. With a Bachelor of Arts Honours from the University of Adelaide and a Diploma of Teaching, Boomer's early career saw him imparting knowledge in English, Latin, and Mathematics at secondary schools. His passion for education propelled him to become South Australia's first English consultant, setting the stage for a transformative career.Boomer's scholarship at the University of London in 1973 ignited his fervour for language and learning, leading to his pivotal role as an education officer, school inspector, and director at Wattle Park Teacher Centre in Adelaide. His work had far-reaching impacts on curriculum development and teacher training, not only in South Australia but across Australia and the globe. By 1984, Boomer was the director of the National Curriculum Development Centre in Canberra and later chaired the Commonwealth Schools Commission. His return to South Australia saw him as the Associate Director General of Education Curriculum, further cementing his influence.Boomer's advocacy for a pragmatic, socially just education system emphasised collaborative learning and the intellectual agency of teachers. His writings, including "The Spitting Image" and "Negotiating the Curriculum," remain seminal. The University of South Australia's Education Faculty Building stands in his honour, a testament to his enduring impact. As Dr. Mike Dilena and host Sharon reflect on Boomer's contributions, they celebrate a legacy of educational innovation that continues to inspire teachers and students alike (to be continued).Read the blog here.TEACHIFIC RESOURCESIn Search of a Universal Literacy Program - by Garth BoomerPractical Steps to Take in the Literacy Classroom - based on the ideas of Garth BoomerJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected].

In the fourth part of our podcast series ‘Teaching Reading in the First Year of School’, we delve into the intricacies of teaching reading in the first year of school. Hosted by Phil and Diane, this episode tackles the often oversimplified narrative that there are only two types of reading instruction: those who teach phonics explicitly and those who don't. They emphasise that teaching reading is a multifaceted process requiring a comprehensive approach.Phil expresses frustration with the media's misrepresentation of reading instruction, which can lead to misconceptions among parents and educators alike. Diane highlights the importance of professional development and statewide programs, like the Early Literacy in Service Course (ELIC), which equipped teachers with the knowledge and skills needed for effective reading instruction.They discuss the critical role of parents in fostering a love of reading at home, noting that children who are read to frequently tend to perform better in school. Diane offers practical advice for parents, including a curated list of recommended books, which will be available in the show notes.The episode also explores the significance of a well-organised classroom library and the impact of children having access to a variety of books. Phil and Diane stress that having individual book boxes and a diverse classroom library helps children develop a daily reading habit and fosters a sense of ownership over their learning.High-frequency words and phonics are central topics, with Diane explaining the different methods for teaching these skills. She underscores the importance of teaching children to recognise and write high-frequency words through engaging and interactive methods. Additionally, Diane highlights the need for children to understand the meaning and structure of words, rather than relying solely on rote memorization.In addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged schools, they shared a poignant story about a boy in Year 7 who lacked access to books, underscoring the need for equitable resources in education. She advocates for making school libraries accessible to both students and parents to bridge this gap.Ultimately, this episode emphasises the complexity of teaching reading and the need for a balanced, comprehensive approach. Phil and Diane advocate for professional development, parental involvement, and equitable access to resources as key components in fostering literacy and a love of reading among young learners.NEW TEACHIFIC RESOURCESThe Comprehensive Reading Curriculum 2024Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words F-1, 2024Learning About Letter-Sound Relationships to Read Words F-1, 2024The Usefulness of Onsets and Rimes When Reading and Writing F-2, 2024Comprehension in Foundation - Strategies, Instruction, Assessment F, 2024TEACHIFIC RESOURCESCourse: Understanding English OrthographyPicture books for 5-6 year oldsAlphabet books for 5.6 year oldsNursery Rhymes and SongsJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected].

In this enlightening episode (Part 3) of the " Teaching Reading in the First Year of School" podcast, literacy education expert Diane Snowball dives deeply into the often overlooked yet crucial aspects of teaching reading in schools. She stresses that while phonemic awareness and phonics are essential, comprehension and vocabulary instruction must also be prioritised. Diane highlights a common issue: some schools focus so heavily on phonics that they leave little room for students to practise reading and develop comprehension strategies. This imbalance can hinder students' overall reading proficiency.Diane shares a poignant example from her teaching experience. A young girl inferred that it must be summer in a story because the shop displayed sandals, not boots. This story illustrates how children can use illustrations to enhance comprehension, underscoring the importance of teaching students to use various cues and strategies to understand texts.Diane discusses the necessity of teaching multiple reading strategies beyond phonics. She emphasises the value of teaching children to use context clues, syntax, and self-correction to decode and comprehend words. She explains that understanding the role of morphemes and rimes (e.g., recognising that 'lay' and 'day' share a common ending sound) can significantly enhance a child’s reading skills.The conversation also covers the broader implications of focusing too narrowly on one aspect of reading instruction. Diane argues that while phonics is important, it should not overshadow other vital components like comprehension and vocabulary. She criticises the trend in some educational policies that overly emphasise phonics at the expense of a well-rounded approach to reading.Diane advocates for a balanced, comprehensive approach to reading instruction that includes phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary. She calls for professional development for teachers to ensure they are equipped to teach these multifaceted aspects of reading effectively. Diane’s extensive experience and insights offer valuable guidance for educators seeking to foster robust reading skills in their students. This episode is a must-listen for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in the nuances of comprehensive reading instruction.NEW TEACHIFIC RESOURCESThe Comprehensive Reading Curriculum 2024Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words F-1, 2024Learning About Letter-Sound Relationships to Read Words F-1, 2024The Usefulness of Onsets and Rimes When Reading and Writing F-2, 2024Comprehension in Foundation - Strategies, Instruction, Assessment F, 2024TEACHIFIC RESOURCESCourse: Understanding English OrthographyPicture books for 5-6 year oldsAlphabet books for 5.6 year oldsNursery Rhymes and SongsJOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership.FURTHER INFORMATIONTune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  eventsHave questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at [email protected].

Welcome back to Part 2 of our podcast series on “Teaching Reading in the First Year of School" with literacy expert, Diane Snowball. In this episode, we delve into the vital components of building a strong foundation in literacy for young learners. Diane emphasises the importance of creating a rich linguistic environment through Read-Aloud, Shared Reading, and exposing children to a variety of texts, both fiction and non-fiction.Diane explains that a deep well of language, vocabulary, and grammar is essential for comprehension. This is achieved not through simple texts but through rich, diverse literature that provides children with background knowledge and different text structures. She highlights the significance of exposing children to various genres, including poetry, folktales, historical fiction, realistic fiction, and science fiction, to enhance their understanding and appreciation of language.A central theme of the discussion is the role of read-alouds in early literacy development. Diane stresses that read-alouds should not be an occasional activity but an integral part of daily teaching. Teachers should carefully plan the fiction and non-fiction materials they will read to ensure a wide range of content and text types. This approach not only builds children's knowledge but also their motivation and enjoyment of reading. Motivation, Diane notes, is a crucial factor in learning to read, and providing access to books that children love can make a significant difference.The conversation moves to the importance of a rich classroom library. Diane underscores the need for multiple copies of beloved books to ensure that all children have access to them. She shares anecdotes about children enthusiastically re-reading their favourite books, following the teacher's expression and pace, and gaining fluency and comprehension skills. She also discusses the concept of cohesive ties and the importance of teaching children to use pronouns and other language structures to connect ideas and understand texts deeply.Diane and her co-host Phil explore the power of Shared Reading, where children see, hear, and join in with the text, enhancing their comprehension and enjoyment. They highlight the importance of choosing texts that are worth reading multiple times, as these texts enable children to perceive themselves as readers and develop their fluency and expression. They also touch on the role of Reader's Theatre in improving fluency, comparing it to a musician practising a piece of music to perfect their performance.In the final segment, Diane encourages teachers to create their own class texts using blank chart paper, modelling various print concepts and sound-letter relationships as they write. This approach not only reinforces the learning objectives but also engages children in the process of creating and reading their own stories, further strengthening their literacy skills.Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive guide for teachers on how to foster a love of reading and build essential literacy skills in the first year of school through thoughtful selection of texts, daily Read-Aloud, Shared Reading, and interactive literacy activities.NEW TEACHIFIC RESOURCESThe Comprehensive Reading Curriculum 2024Helping Children to Learn High Frequency Words F-1, 2024Learning About Letter-Sound Relationships to Read Words F-1, 2024The Usefulness of Onsets and Rimes When Reading and Writing F-2, 2024Comprehension in Foundation - Strategies, Instruction, Assessment F, 2024TEACHIFIC RESOURCESCourse: Understanding English OrthographyPicture books for 5-6 year oldsAlphabet books for 5.6 year oldsNursery Rhymes and Songs