Part 3: Teaching Reading in the First Year of School

In part two of this enlightening series, Sharon Callen dives into a practical conversation about a revolutionary assessment tool designed to aid teachers in observing, understanding, and enhancing student literacy. From initial implementation to on-the-spot teaching moments, Sharon shares the real-world impact this tool has had as she’s modelled its use alongside teachers in classrooms across Australia. Sharon highlights how the tool's flexible structure—covering reading, spelling, and comprehension—offers teachers immediate insights into students' literacy strengths and areas for growth.Listeners gain a front-row seat as Sharon explains how teachers can narrow their focus to specific elements, such as fluency. She delves into the details of using Tim Rasinski’s multidimensional fluency scale and how it allows teachers to set targeted goals and track progress in real time. Sharon also brings in examples from her own experiences, illustrating the ‘aha’ moments when students begin to comprehend nuanced aspects of reading, like the power of italics for emphasis in storytelling.The conversation then expands into the tool’s prompting framework for comprehension and composition. Rather than relying on rote recall, Sharon reveals how thoughtfully designed prompts can deepen students' meta-cognitive skills and comprehension. Teachers are encouraged to use prompts that invite students to reflect on what they learned, their responses to texts, and how reading aligns with their personal goals.With her warmth and depth of expertise, Sharon provides teachers with a clear path for embedding these practices into daily teaching, enabling richer student engagement and empowering educators with actionable data. This episode is packed with practical advice for any educator eager to make a lasting impact in literacy education.READ THE BLOG HERERESOURCESListening to Reading, Watching While Writing protocolTEACHIFICPersonal Word WallsJOIN 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 episode, Sharon Callen dives into a groundbreaking tool for educators—the "Listening to Reading, Watching While Writing" protocol, developed by literacy experts Nell Duke, Ward, and Klingelhofer. Sharon explores how this informal, formative assessment tool, launched between 2020 and 2023, is reshaping the way teachers assess and support their students' literacy skills in real-time.Unlike traditional formal assessments, this tool places teachers in the role of a researcher, empowering them to observe, reflect, and teach on the spot. Sharon highlights that the protocol bridges reading and writing in a way that reflects their natural reciprocity, emphasising that what students learn as readers, they apply as writers—and vice versa.Sharon discusses how this tool doesn’t replace formal assessments, but complements them by guiding educators in their observations during daily instruction. It provides nuanced insights into areas like word identification, comprehension, and vocabulary strategies. By capturing these moments, teachers can make informed, immediate decisions about how to scaffold students’ learning.The episode underscores the protocol's flexible and evolving nature, inviting teachers to adapt it to their needs. Sharon shares her experiences working with educators to trial the tool, noting its potential to humanise assessment—focusing not just on data collection, but on real-time learning and growth. With this tool, the goal is clear: empowering teachers to make a difference right there, right then, for every student’s reading and writing journey.Listeners are encouraged to explore the protocol and its resources, readily available for free online, and to see how this innovative approach can transform their teaching practice.RESOURCESListening to Reading, Watching While Writing protocolTimothy Rasinski - Fluency RubricTEACHIFICPersonal Word Walls 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 Blessing the Book: Exploring Picture Books with Sharon Callen – Part 4, listeners are once again invited into the world of children’s literature as Sharon Callen shares her insightful exploration of picture books that captivate the imagination while addressing real-world themes. In this episode, Sharon highlights how carefully chosen picture books can be powerful tools for teachers, offering both joyful escapism and meaningful engagement with complex topics like grief, resilience, and environmental stewardship.Sharon dives into a series of picture books that exemplify the magic of storytelling for young readers. From the heartwarming journey in The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart, which teaches hope through the Global Seed Vault, to the poignant Mizuto and the Wind by Kaye Baillie and Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki, which gently addresses loss and healing, these stories offer profound learning experiences. She also delves into Eat My Dust, a historical adventure that brings to life the fearless contributions of women to Australia's history.Sharon explains how each book can be a “mirror” for children to see themselves or a “window” to experience new perspectives. From the lyrical flow of Whisper on the Wind to the thought-provoking themes in Egg by Clare Atkins, she emphasises how these books can inspire deep conversations about community, diversity, and belonging.Through this engaging and thought-provoking episode, Sharon encourages educators to not just read picture books, but to bless them—inviting students into narratives that spark curiosity, foster emotional growth, and broaden their understanding of the world. The episode underscores the power of stories to connect us all, no matter our age.RESOURCESBooks:The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart Mizuto and the Wind by Kaye Baillie and Luisa Gioffre-SuzukiEat My Dust by Nerida McMullin and Lucia MasciulloWhisper on the Wind by Claire Saxby and Jess RacklyeftThe Tree at Number 43 by Jess McGeachinOld Fellow by Christopher Cheng and Liz AnelliMama’s Chickens by Michelle Worthington and Nicky JohnstonEgg by Clare Atkins and Harrison VialA Feather on a Wing by Maria SpeyerHope is the Thing by Johanna Bell and Erica WagnerPodcast:Read Aloud: Mem Fox on Capturing hearts and Minds through LiteratureJOIN 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 episode of Blessing the Book: Nurturing Readers through Stories, Sharon Callen explores how thoughtfully selected children’s books can transform classrooms and create meaningful connections with young readers. Sharon introduces her concept of “blessing” books—honouring the stories and voices of the authors while guiding students through rich discussions that build empathy, spark imagination, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.The episode highlights a variety of titles that range from heartfelt explorations of family and grief to exciting tales of adventure and mystery. Each book offers unique classroom connections that encourage students to think critically and creatively. Whether it’s The Letterbox Tree, a tale of environmental resilience, or The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet, which dives into magic and time travel, Sharon shows how these stories open up new avenues for students to reflect on their own experiences and the world at large.Sharon’s approach emphasises the power of the read-aloud experience, where teachers can bring books to life simply by sharing them with students. Whether it’s a novel in verse or an adventurous historical fiction, these moments of shared reading allow for deeper exploration of emotions, themes, and the beauty of storytelling.The episode reinforces how, through books, teachers can foster empathy and curiosity, transforming both their students and classrooms in profound ways. It is a celebration of the magic of literature and its power to nurture readers who think critically, connect deeply, and engage joyfully with the written word.RESOURCESBooks:The Letterbox Tree by Rebecca Lim and Kate GordonJane Doe and the Quill of All Tales by Jeremy LachlanDusty in the Outwilds by Rhiannon WilliamsMeet Me at the Moon Tree by Shivaun PlozzaThe Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet by Jaclyn Moriarty (Author), Kelly Canby (Illustrator)The Bookseller’s Apprentice by Amelia MellorSilver Linings by Katrina NannestadWaiting for the Storks by Katrina NannestadMy Brother Ben by Peter CarnavasWhat Snail Knows by Kathryn ApelHow to Spell Catastrophe by Fiona WoodSunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen ComerPodcast:Read Aloud: Mem Fox on Capturing hearts and Minds through LiteratureJOIN 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 episode of Blessing the Book: A Framework for Building Student Engagement, Sharon Callen explores actionable strategies to ignite a passion for reading in the classroom. Drawing from Linda Gambrell’s Rules of Engagement, Sharon emphasises the importance of creating opportunities for sustained reading, offering choice, and encouraging social interaction around texts. The concept of "blessing the book" is a key strategy for guiding striving readers toward accessible and engaging texts, fostering ownership in their choices.Sharon introduces independent reading time as an essential practice for cultivating sustained engagement, urging teachers to make this time intentional and focused on building students' relationships with their books. She shares insights on helping students tackle appropriately challenging books, ensuring growth without overwhelming them.The podcast also highlights tools like the Engagement Inventory, adapted from Jennifer Serravallo, to track students’ focus during reading sessions, revealing patterns of engagement and disengagement. This data-driven approach informs tailored strategies to help students stay engaged.Listeners gain valuable classroom tips, from implementing peer discussions after reading to incorporating reading logs that encourage reflection and build agency. Sharon concludes by reminding teachers that engagement doesn’t happen by accident—it is nurtured through intentional, supportive practices. By implementing these strategies, teachers can help students not only improve their reading skills but develop a lasting love for reading, empowering them to take ownership of their learning.TEACHIFIC RESOURCESSeven Rules of Engagement by Linda GambrellMotivation to Read Profile by Linda GambrellReading Calendars 2024 - TeachificTEACHER’S TOOLKIT PODCASTSGenevieve Kruyssen: New Release Books 2022, Latest Release Books 2023, Invitation to New Books 2024 Part 1Part 2Rebecca Bird: A Book Lover’s Story 2020, Great Books for High School 2021, New Books to Inspire 2022,Giselle Pulford: Picture Books for Older Readers 2021, Information Books in My Classroom 2021,Motivation: Key to Reading Success with Sharon CallenTantalising Texts and Classroom Libraries with Sharon CallenJENNIFER SERRAVALLOEngagement inventoryTEXTS (AMAZON)No More Reading for Junk by Barbara Marinak and Linda GambrellBest Practices in Literacy Instruction by Lesley Mandell Morrow and Linda B GambrellJOIN 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 episode of Blessing the Book, host Phil sits down with Sharon Callen to explore the power of professional collaboration, reflective teaching practices, and how intentional planning can transform literacy classrooms. Sharon, an experienced educator, shares her insights from working with schools across Australia, highlighting the importance of teacher agency in driving student success.The conversation begins with Sharon discussing her work with teachers, emphasising the importance of noticing patterns in the classroom to spark inquiry and drive improvement. She gives a compelling example of a school where students could decode text but weren’t choosing to read. This observation led teachers to collaboratively explore strategies to engage students more deeply in their reading journeys.Sharon introduces the concept of “Blessing the Book,” a term coined by renowned literacy researcher Linda Gambrell. She explains how this idea focuses on motivating students to read by making books relevant and engaging for them. Sharon encourages teachers to create an environment where books are valued and reading becomes a meaningful, intrinsic activity for students.Throughout the podcast, Sharon emphasises the importance of intentional planning and reflective practice. She shares stories of working alongside teachers to map out literacy strategies tailored to their students’ needs, with each step driven by thoughtful consideration and professional knowledge.This episode is a call to action for teachers to reflect on their classroom practices and consider how they can bless the book for their students, fostering a love of reading that goes beyond school tasks and becomes a lifelong joy. Stay tuned for part two, where Sharon dives deeper into practical strategies to bring this concept to life.TEACHIFIC RESOURCESSeven Rules of Engagement by Linda GambrellMotivation to Read Profile by Linda GambrellReading Calendars 2024 - TeachificPODCASTS (TEACHER'S TOOLKIT FOR LITERACY)Genevieve Kruyssen: New Release Books 2022, Latest Release Books 2023, Invitation to New Books 2024 Part 1 Part 2Rebecca Bird: A Book Lover’s Story 2020, Great Books for High School 2021, New Books to Inspire 2022,Giselle Pulford: Picture Books for Older Readers 2021, Information Books in My Classroom 2021,Motivation: Key to Reading Success with Sharon CallenTantalising Texts and Classroom Libraries with Sharon CallenTEXTS (AMAZON)No More Reading for Junk by Barbara Marinak and Linda GambrellBest Practices in Literacy Instruction by Lesley Mandell Morrow and Linda B GambrelJOIN 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 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].