fbpx

Benefits of Reading Aloud to Children

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…

Steps to Successfully Support Your Disengaged Learners

Gearing up for Term 4: How to Maximise Student Engagement

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…

Speaking at Oxford, UK, at the World Literacy Summit 2025

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…

Tips for teachers to improve literacy

Five Game-Changers for Successful Whole Class Literacy

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

Does Grammar Really Matter?

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…

5 Simple Tips to Keep Boys Reading Over the Holidays

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…

Six strategies to help older students to catch up in their literacy

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…

13 Exceptional Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books Every Teen Boy Will Love

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…

How to Make Knowledge Stick

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?

3 Ways to Organise a Class Library to Foster Reading Enjoyment

I often publish resources around engaging our learners with reading and literacy. However, one aspect that significantly impacts our overall literacy instruction is the classroom environment. Our classroom libraries and their organisation play a crucial role. Using a mix of genre, topic, and author organisation can create a more engaging and effective classroom library.  Let’s…