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We’re almost there everyone… just hang in a little longer.  As any parent (or teacher) knows, the last weeks of school can often be the most challenging.  There’s the mixture of excitement for the summer holidays and exhaustion from a school year that’s proved different from other years!  To help get you through the school…

Research proves conclusively that one simple activity — reading aloud to children — is the best way to prepare them for learning to read and to keep them reading as they grow. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance, a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas or a parent, let’s look at the value of…

The end of the school year is approaching and it can be a tough time where some students may be starting to mentally check out.  How do you manage the engagement dip, especially for older learners in the Year 7 – 9 age bracket? This decline, where students become increasingly distracted or disengaged, poses a…

Being invited to speak at the World Literacy Summit at Oxford, UK, next year is an immense privilege and an exciting opportunity. Hi, I’m Tanya – a passionate literacy advocate and researcher dedicated to enriching reading experiences for learners of all ages. Literacy Advocate   –   Reading  Researcher      –    Writer           –         Educator My career in education…

It’s likely that most teachers are starting to feel some overwhelm by the need to cover everything by the end of the year.  When I visit schools and read emails, there’s the frequent comment, “It’s hard fitting everything into a literacy block!” It is! However, I want to offer 5 Game-Changing Tips to get the…

Does grammar really matter?  In short – yes yes yes! In order to write accurately, fluently and appropriately, it is necessary to have a certain understanding of how language is constructed. Precise and accurate grammar ensures that what your son writes is correctly comprehended and is enjoyable to read. Here are some reasons to cheer wildly…

Everyone knows that reading is important, but when your kids tell you, “But I find reading boring” or “I don’t like it” then we have to work a little harder to get them to explore the world of reading.  Literacy and language span a HUGE list of skills and categories so that’s why stopping reading…

Early last week I was interviewed by ABC radio on how we can help boys with their literacy.  The callins from listeners was overwhelming.  So I wanted to write an article on how we can help our older struggling readers to improve their literacy. As state education departments increasingly adopt structured methods for teaching early…

One of the questions I frequently receive from parents via email is whether I have any book recommendations for their teenage sons. Fortunately, I’ve read a variety of books that are perfect for teen boys, and I’ve put together this list to help parents find a great read for them. However, these books are enjoyable…

Why do students forget? And what can we do to help them remember? These questions are likely at the forefront of many teachers’ and parents’ minds. How can you help to prepare our students for exams?