Archive – Literature and Literacy

The Transformative Journey of Empowering Literature Circles

with Melanie Robinson, Teacher Librarian and Kate Harvey, Year 6 Teacher and Curriculum Leader, All Hallows’ School
Webinar replay ~ 60 minutes

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, our exploration of Literature Circles has led to a transformative journey aimed at revitalising and maximising their impact on students’ reading experiences. Our Literature Circles, while functional, appeared to have plateaued in their effectiveness. What sets our Literature Circle Program apart is its dynamic, student-centric approach. Students are at the forefront, actively participating in a program that champions their voices and promotes an inclusive learning environment. A distinctive feature of our approach is the incorporation of timely and meaningful feedback from students. This feedback is not just acknowledged but becomes a driving force for improvement, creating a collaborative educational ecosystem. Weekly high-level responses from students contribute to an instructional loop where feedback is actively utilised to refine skills and propel learning forward. Our commitment to accountability ensures that goals are set and pursued based on this feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Our Literature Circle Program equips students with conversational finesse, effective questioning techniques, and the ability to respectfully challenge diverse points of view. Empowered by these skills, our students emerge as confident, engaged, and empathetic learners, well-prepared to excel not only in the classroom but also in their future endeavours.

Outcomes for attendees:

  1. Student-Centric Approach: Attendees will gain insights into implementing a dynamic, student-centric approach within Literature Circles, placing students at the forefront of the learning experience, and actively involving them in a program that champions their voices.
  2. Effective Feedback Integration: Participants will learn how to effectively incorporate timely and meaningful feedback from students, understanding how this feedback serves as a powerful driver for improvement. This session will explore strategies to create a collaborative educational ecosystem that harnesses student input for continuous enhancement.
  3. Building an Autonomous Instructional Loop: The workshop will delve into the establishment of an instructional loop where weekly high-level responses from students contribute to refining skills and propelling learning forward. Attendees will learn practical methods for creating an iterative process that optimizes student engagement and comprehension.
  4. Cultivating Accountability and Continuous Improvement: Teachers will discover strategies for fostering a culture of accountability within Literature Circles. This includes setting and pursuing goals based on student feedback, creating an environment of continuous improvement that ensures the ongoing effectiveness of the Literature Circle Program.

Melanie Robinson: With over 20 years of teaching experience, I transitioned into the role of a Teacher Librarian in 2017. My passion lies in developing innovative library programs that seamlessly integrate with the classroom, cultivating collaborative connections between students and teachers. A particular focus includes reading programs, such as Literature Circles. My overarching objective is to shape an educational environment that not only sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning but also equips students with the skills needed for our information-rich world.

Kate Harvey: I’ve been teaching for 20 years and have taught every grade. I am passionate about supporting students to be curious and innovative learners, who have a love of learning. I embrace the Literature Circle Program as it teaches students to be collaborative, creative and conversationalists. I want my students to be so engaged in a robust discussion about the book that they lose track of time. I am passionate about my students receiving great enjoyment in discussing literature. My overall goal is to create a nurturing and supportive classroom where students engage in conversations, value differing opinions, and positively accept and use feedback.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar will provide self-identified professional development addressing the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient level:
3.3 – Use teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice
7.4 – Engage with professional teacher networks and broader communities

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Lifting the Lid on a Literary Treasure

with Dr. Belle Alderman AM and Dr. Jennie Bales
Webinar replay ~ 60 minutes

The National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc. houses an amazing and historically significant collection of works and products arising from Australian children’s authors and illustrators curated over many decades. Join the director, Dr Belle Alderman AM and Dr Jennie Bales, a recent visitor to the Centre, as they introduce you to a veritable treasure chest that portrays the development of Australian literature for young people per se, but also the creation of literary works by Australian authors and illustrators. From first scribbles, roughs, dummy books, correspondence, manuscripts and published works, venture with us on this treasure hunt. Treasure seekers are best served with a map, and this session will provide a range of pathways to navigate this collection, delve into its varied and many components and guide you in identifying and selecting worthy treasures to adorn literary programs, pleasure reading, research pursuits and so much more. Relying on grants, volunteers and the generosity of the University of Canberra to maintain this literary treasure, discover how you too can contribute to its ongoing growth.

Outcomes for attendees:

  • Develop cultural appreciation of a national asset and its role in enhancing resource development and program delivery.
  • Build awareness of the craft of writing and illustrating
  • Identify age-appropriate and topically relevant literature to support teaching and learning

Dr Belle Alderman AM has spent a lifetime in children’s books as an early reader, a secondary English teacher, a teacher librarian in a primary school, and a university academic teaching and researching children’s literature. She has reviewed children’s books for newspapers, magazines and the radio, written countless articles and a couple of books about them, and served as a judge for the CBCA Awards and the Prime Minister’s Awards for children’s and young adult books. Since retirement, she became the Director of the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc. Here she is involved in all things children’s literature through events, exhibitions and wide-ranging activities relating to this ever-mesmerising field.

Dr Jennie Bales has been immersed in children’s literature since childhood and this shaped her career as she moved from the classroom to the school library as a teacher librarian. Continuing her studies with a doctorate focusing on children’s reading engagement in virtual environments, she maintained her interests as an adjunct lecturer at Charles Sturt University sharing her love of literature with future teacher librarians. Upon retirement, she has devoted more time to her role on the CBCA Tasmania committee where she coordinates the social media and is involved in on-the-ground events.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar will provide self-identified professional development addressing the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient level:
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice
7.4 – Engage with professional teacher networks and broader communities

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Eco Fiction as a Vehicle for Building Sustainable Practices

with Dr. Jennie Bales, Adjunct Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
Webinar replay ~ 60 minutes

The value of eco fiction to introduce and address challenging issues will be explored as a means to build resilience and focus to support students in dealing with a range of sustainability issues and to promote positive and affirmative action in young people. Participants will be introduced to a range of eco fiction titles to explore how they reflect key organising ideas in the Sustainability (Version9) cross-curriculum priority.

Eco fiction titles written in different formats, genres and for early childhood, primary and secondary students will be examined as prompts to investigate the four organising ideas of Systems, World views, Design and Futures. A global perspective will consider the Sustainability priority in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Opportunities to connect different themes investigated in eco fiction to subject disciplines and to link to the general capabilities will aim for a holistic approach to embedding eco fiction to enrich curriculum delivery. Participants will be provided with access to a resource bank to support independent investigation of eco fiction after the webinar.

Outcomes for attendees:

  • Expanding knowledge of eco fiction for children and young adults
  • Exploration of the Sustainability (Version 9) cross curriculum key elements
  • Ideas for embedding Sustainability learning opportunities within classroom and subject delivery
  • Making connections between the Australian Curriculum and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Access to an online collation of titles and supporting resources.

Jennie’s passion for children’s literature has spanned a lifetime – as a reader, teacher, teacher librarian and adjunct lecturer with Charles Sturt University including in the fields of education and children’s literature. As the social media editor for the CBCA Tasmania coupled with her own personal reading interests, particularly of speculative YA titles, Jennie continues to be immersed in children’s literature. As her work engages her with both books and curriculum, finding pathways to promote reading for pleasure and learning is always on her agenda.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar will provide self-identified professional development addressing the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient level:
3.3 – Use teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.4 – Apply professional learning and improve student learning
7.4 – Engage with professional teacher networks and broader communities

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Genrefication: Beyond the Buzzword

with Madison Dearnaley, Information Services Teacher Librarian
Webinar replay ~ 60 minutes

Genrefication can seem like just a buzzword in libraries. But does it have a place in our libraries and if so, why?

This webinar will investigate the current trends and research around genrefication.
We will also look at practical ways to implement genrefication in your library and the ways to make your collections shine, through a targeted promotional plan.

Not sure you want to genrefy? This session will answer your questions about the way we organise our library collections and what they reflect about our libraries, as well as give you practical ways to market your collections – no matter the way you organise your books.

What you will be able to do after the webinar:

  • Assess if genrefication is right for your library.
  • Implement genrefication for your library collections.
  • Create a targeted promotional plan for your collections, genrefied or not.

Madison Dearnaley is passionate about school libraries. She is the Information Services Teacher Librarian at St Paul’s School, Bald Hills. After completing a Bachelor of Education/ Bachelor of Human Services, she decided her future lay in the world of libraries and she went on to complete a Master of Information Studies (Librarianship). Madison is part of the Students Need School Libraries campaign leadership team. Madison is also a professional reader and blogs about all things school libraries and YA and children’s fiction at madisonslibrary.com.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar will provide self-identified professional development addressing the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient level:
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.4 – Apply professional learning and improve student learning
7.4 – Engage with professional teacher networks and broader communities

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Which World is Yours? Navigating the CBCA 2021 Shortlist

With Dr Jennie Bales, Adjunct Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Just which worlds will this year’s shortlist transport us to? Explore the possibilities of opening the covers to explore the past, engage in the present and stand fast whilst facing the unknown. Jennie will introduce titles across the categories to help you navigate and connect to old, new and other worlds. Targeting teacher librarians, educators and all those interested in this annual event, participants will also have digital access to numerous support resources to enrich reading experiences for all ages and add some other worldly ideas for Book Week.

Participants will gain:

  • An overview of the shortlisted titles across the award categories
  • An understanding of the applicability of individual titles for different audiences and purposes
  • Inspiration and suggestions for sharing the books with students and colleagues
  • Guidance in sourcing relevant resources and connecting strategies to the Curriculum
  • Suggestions for electronic resources to support individual titles and Book Week celebrations
  • Access to an electronic compilation of links shared during the session.

Jennie’s passion for children’s literature has spanned a lifetime – as a reader, teacher and teacher librarian. Currently, she works as an adjunct lecturer with Charles Sturt University and is the social media editor for the CBCA Tasmania. These, along with personal interest, keep her immersed in children’s literature. She loves the joy of escaping to new a new world when she opens the covers of a book – as each provides insights into our own and other universes.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar will provide self-identified professional development addressing the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient level:
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.4 – Apply professional learning and improve student learning
7.4 – Engage with professional teacher networks and broader communities

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Book Creator Events: Organise Your Own

With Jenny Stubbs, President Book Links QLD
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

This webinar will provide an insight into what makes a successful literature-based festival or school visit. We will explore some examples of festivals from the UK and Australia. Discover how they are organised and funded. Find out the key points to making your own school visit session a success, including how to find a presenter, preparing for the visit, on the day and post-visit.

Outcomes for attendees:

  • Decide if it is feasible to establish a literature festival in their region or school.
  • Learn how to plan a successful visit by a book creator to their own school.

Jenny Stubbs is President of Book Links Qld, Coordinator of CBCA Readers Cup and Director of StoryArts Festival Ipswich. She has been recognised for her commitment to literacy and engagement through reading and writing including winning the Dromkeen Librarians Award, the Dame Annabelle Rankin Award and the Johnno Award.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar will provide self-identified professional development addressing the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient level:
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.4 – Apply professional learning and improve student learning
7.4 – Engage with professional teacher networks and broader communities

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Let’s Chat about how School Libraries can Impact Student Literacy Outcomes

With Madeleine Jane Viner, Library Domain Leader, St James College
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Connect a student with reading for life and make a difference to their learning journey!

As a reader from an early age who devoured books with a passion, I had not really understood the roadblocks standing in the way of many students and adults. My personal and professional story has now enabled me to unpack reading for pleasure in a unique way. Building relationships with two teaching colleagues and their English classes assisted in my plan. I introduced trialling online book reviews with a learning diversity class using our library information management system “Accessit” and this was the catalyst for change in our school. This empowerment of students enabled technology to have two positive elements – enabling and enhancing student learning. Following on from this success in 2019, in 2020 Year 7, 8, and 9 English classes were engaged in a regular dialogue with their English teacher about their reading, their opinions, comments and reading choices. These were recorded by the class teacher prior to remote learning. The online book reviews are now able to be searched by a variety of students to assist them with book selection across a range of genres and collections.

Outcomes for attendee:

  • Be inspired to undertake a different approach to engaging with students who identify as non-readers and with students who struggle with language.
  • Unpack your own personal reading journey and find the hooks and mentors that were “your guides on the side” to assist you with literature promotion
  • Trial a new approach to “Library reading classes” and be proud of your efforts to attempt to engage with all students
  • Encourage students to read something of personal interest to help create a reader

Madeleine Jane Viner is an award-winning Australian teacher librarian recognised by ASLA in 2017, and both IASL and SLAV in 2008. She has held a variety of leadership positions in schools and in 2019 Jane presented at the annual IASL conference in Croatia. She has held various responsibility roles with ALIA, ASLA, IBO, and SLAV including SLAV Vice President and Branch Co-convenor. Jane enjoys engaging with students and teachers and loves seeing a student discover the joy of reading. Her passion is how collaboration and looking at reading from a different perspective can enable and help transform a student’s learning journey.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Go Wild this 2020 CBCA Book Week – Curious Creature are Welcome

With Dr Jennie Bales, Adjunct Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Book Week, just like the year of 2020, is different – with a new date in October and a webinar that’s a bit different too – no lockdown into categories for these great books!
Teacher librarians, teachers, English teachers – anyone who loves children’s literature – should come along and grab some wild ideas.

Jennie will present her personal (untamed) thoughts on the shortlisted titles from a thematic rather than a category perspective. Alongside these will be suggestions on what to do with them! A wealth of web links relating to the books, their creators, supporting resources and the curiously wild theme will be shared and also available digitally after the session. Participants will find their curiosity sated and are sure to go wild over some of the great stories and ideas that will be shared on the night.

Participants will gain:

  • An overview of the shortlisted titles across the award categories
  • An understanding of the applicability of individual titles for different audiences and purposes
  • Inspiration and suggestions for sharing the books to students and colleagues
  • Guidance in sourcing relevant resources and connecting strategies to the Curriculum
  • Suggestions for electronic resources to support individual titles and Book Week celebrations
  • Access to an electronic compilation of links shared during the session.

Jennie’s passion for children’s literature has spanned a lifetime – as a reader, teacher and teacher librarian. Her current endeavours as an adjunct lecturer with Charles Sturt University, social media editor for the CBCA Tasmania and occasional reviewer keeps here immersed in children’s literature. She finds that there is always another great book to read and favourite to talk about. She would love you to join the conversation and escape with her on the webinar journey.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Great Summer Reads from the 2019 Kid’s Reading Guide

With Pauline McLeod, Children’s and YA Literature Consultant, Riverbend Books
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

This webinar is most relevant for primary and secondary teachers, teacher librarians and library staff and for those who have an interest in children’s and young adult literature. Each year the Australian Bookseller Association produces its prestigious Kids’ Reading Guide. This guide is circulated around Australia amongst schools, libraries and bookstores, with highly recommended books for children. Pauline McLeod is a member of the panel of leading Australian booksellers who annually select and review all the upcoming titles for the summer period, and in this webinar she will introduce you to the titles in this 32 page guide.

Outcomes for attendee:

  • Enhance your knowledge of current and forthcoming quality literature across age groups from babies, picture books, junior readers, middle grade readers, teen fiction and non-fiction titles.
  • Highlight Australian books and their creators
  • Identify literature that is engaging to readers for pleasure

Pauline McLeod is the Children’s and YA Literature Specialist at Riverbend Books, Bulimba. She is a Teacher-Librarian and former English and History teacher. Pauline has an MA in Children’s Literature and Graduate Diplomas in Secondary Education and Teacher-Librarianship. She has a special interest in YA fiction and is passionate about promoting and encouraging Australian stories. Pauline was the judge for 2019 of the Older Reader’s category of the CBCA awards. She is a Committee Member of LoveYA for the Brisbane Writer’s Festival and involved in creating the Kid’s Reading Guide.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Storybooks Provoking Lesson Ideas

With Eleni Kyritsis, Leader of Curriculum & Innovation
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Eleni’s love for picture story books has her reading to her students at any opportunity she can. Linking to the curriculum, she uses a range of wonderful titles to stimulate students’ curiosities and wonderings, inspiring them to immerse themselves in further learning. In this webinar, Eleni will share her favourite titles and creative lesson ideas to excite your students to engage with their learning.

After attending this webinar you will be able to:

  • Integrate picture story books across the curriculum.
  • Identify creative lesson ideas that provoke student thinking.
  • Link literature with technology.

Eleni is an award winning teacher with a passion for sharing her creative lesson ideas to enhance teaching and learning around the world. Eleni has been recognised for her outstanding contribution and support of the education community by being awarded the 2017 ACCE Australian Educator of the Year and the 2016 DLTV Victorian Educator of the Year. She is a Google Certified Innovator & Trainer, Microsoft Innovative Education Expert, Apple Teacher and Hapara Certified Educator. Eleni has been honoured by the opportunity to facilitate keynote presentations and professional learning workshops across the globe.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice.

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Supercharge your Book Week with Ideas, Activities and Themes to Get Kids Reading

With Rowena Beresford, Managing Editor, The Book Curator
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Rowena shares her thoughts on the CBCA shortlists, including her top picks, and explores different ways you can use those books to encourage students to think about, discuss, enjoy and interact with our great Australian literature, during Book Week and beyond.

She explores the Book Week theme—Reading is My Secret Power—and provides tips on inspiring students to understand the power reading gives them to explore the world and create their future.

Participants will gain new ideas for celebrating Book Week, with a variety of classroom and library activities, library display ideas, apps and websites.

Rowena Beresford is the Founder of The Book Curator, a membership service that supports school librarians and their teams, and the Managing Editor of The Book Curator Magazine, which includes reviews of a wide range of fantastic fiction from Australia and overseas, and helps equip librarians to better match those books to readers. Their special annual publication Book Week Ideas & Activities provides ready-to-use ideas and resources to connect primary school students with the CBCA shortlist titles.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice.

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Introduction to the 2019 Notables of the CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers

With Pauline McLeod, Children’s and YA Literature Specialist, Riverbend Books
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

This webinar is most relevant for secondary teachers, teacher librarians and library staff and for those who have an interest in children’s and young adult literature. During the webinar Pauline will introduce participants to the 20 texts that have been selected as Notables in the 2019 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year: Older Readers. Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers in their secondary years of schooling. Ages 13-18 years (NB: These books are for mature readers)

Participation in this webinar will assist teachers to:

  • Enhance your knowledge of current quality literature for the Older Reader Category.
  • Highlight Australian books and their creators.
  • Celebrate the 2019 announcement of the CBCA Notables for Older Readers.
  • Identify literature that is engaging to readers for pleasure.

Pauline McLeod is the Children’s and YA Literature Specialist at Riverbend Books, Bulimba. A Teacher-Librarian and former English and History teacher, for over a decade Pauline was a coordinator of UQ Library’s award winning school outreach program UQL Cyberschool. She has an MA in Children’s Literature and Graduate Diplomas in Secondary Education and Teacher-Librarianship. She has a special interest in YA fiction and is passionate about promoting and encouraging Australian stories. In 2015 Pauline was awarded the ABA Elizabeth Riley Fellowship for Children’s Bookselling. Pauline is a current judge for 2019/2020 of the older reader’s category of the CBCA awards.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice.

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Story Mapping – Using Geographical Concepts to Respond to Literature

With Dr Jennie Bales, Adjunct Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Providing opportunities for students to respond to books by sharing insights with their peers can engage, motivate and deepen understanding. This presentation focuses on stories that include geographical concepts including local and global awareness, topographical features and examples of cartography. Through the examination of settings, locations, plots and maps we will consider how students can make geographical connections in their fiction reading through story mapping activities. Possibilities for applying cartographical techniques, creating visual representations and harnessing technology as a tool for map making and journey mapping will be considered. Participants will be introduced to a range of texts as a springboard for ideas suitable for primary and secondary classrooms.

This webinar will help you to:

  • understand the value of story mapping as a reading response strategy,
  • identify story mapping opportunities in literature,
  • explore different ways to create story maps and representations of real and imaginary places, and
  • harness technology to support story mapping.

Jennie’s passion for children’s literature has spanned a lifetime – as a reader, teacher, teacher librarian and adjunct lecturer in Charles Sturt University’s Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship) program. Her current delivery of Children’s Literature Across the Curriculum for Charles Sturt University provided the inspiration for this session. Literature is a gateway to the world around us and Jennie loves making connections between the settings in stories of both her known, and the yet to be explored, geographical locations. Jennie is the coordinator of the OZTL_NET discussion list and associated social media platforms, with similar responsibilities for the CBCA Tasmania.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice.

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Great Reads for Upper Primary and Lower Secondary Students – Young Adult age appropriate texts for the 11-14 age group

With Pauline McLeod, Children’s and YA Literature Specialist, Riverbend Books
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

This webinar is most relevant for upper primary and lower secondary teachers, teacher librarians and library staff and for those who have an interest in children’s and young adult literature. Recommending books categorised as Young Adult literature can be difficult for both teachers and parents and the ‘recommended’ reading ages in publisher’s blurbs are highly unreliable. Books that are age appropriate for a year 11 student may not be appropriate for a year 7 student but are all categorised as ‘Young Adult’.

As a supplier of texts to many high schools the years 7-9 is the age group that Pauline receives the most queries about for advice about suitability, language, content and themes. During the webinar Pauline will introduce participants to some new titles that deal with complex issues and themes but are targeted at the 11-14 years age group.

Participation in this webinar will assist teachers to:

  • Select the most recent texts aimed at the 11-14 years age group for classroom teaching purposes.
  • Be aware of new authors writing for this age group.
  • Identify literature that is engaging to readers for pleasure and also for bookclubs
  • Reacquaint themselves with some classic texts for this age group and find comparable texts to match with or replace old favourites

Pauline McLeod is the Children’s and YA Literature Specialist at Riverbend Books, Bulimba. A Teacher-Librarian and former English and History teacher, for over a decade Pauline was a coordinator of UQ Library’s award winning school outreach program UQL Cyberschool. She has an MA in Children’s Literature and Graduate Diplomas in Secondary Education and Teacher-Librarianship. She has a special interest in YA fiction and is passionate about promoting and encouraging Australian stories. In 2015 Pauline was awarded the ABA Elizabeth Riley Fellowship for Children’s Bookselling. Pauline is a current judge for 2019/2020 of the older reader’s category of the CBCA awards.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice.

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Find Your (Story) Treasure the Book Week

With Megan Daley, Teacher Librarian
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Australia has an incredibly diverse, vibrant and fabulous children’s literary community which produces some of the most outstanding children’s books in the world and the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards recognise some of this exceptional talent each year. This webinar provides a personal overview of the shortlisted titles in each category and pathways to supporting resources to enrich the reading experience and provide inspiration for the 2018 theme, ‘Find Your Treasure’. Book Week celebrations provide the perfect opportunity to have books shine as treasures and Megan will share a wide range of innovative online and offline activities, many aligned with the curriculum, which will transform your library for one of those weeks in the year that libraries truly shine.

This webinar is relevant for primary and secondary teachers, teacher librarians and library staff, as well as anyone with an interest in children’s literature and the wonders of Book Week. Participants will gain:

  • An overview of the shortlisted titles across the award categories
  • Understanding of suitability of titles for various age ranges
  • Inspiration and suggestions for sharing the books to students and colleagues
  • Guidance in sourcing relevant resources and connecting strategies to the Curriculum
  • Awareness of electronic resources to support individual titles and Book Week celebrations
  • Access to an electronic list of the websites and their URLs to facilitate easy access after the Webinar.

Megan Daley is passionate about children’s literature and sharing it with young and old alike. She blogs about all things literary, library and tech at Children’s Books Daily. Megan is a Teacher Librarian at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School and was recently awarded the Qld Teacher Librarian of the Year by The School Library Association of Queensland. In late 2017 she was awarded the national Dromken Librarians Award, presented at the State Library of Victoria. Megan has a non fiction book on reading development and reading in the digital age, aimed at parents and educators, due out with University of Qld Press (UQP) in early 2018. Megan is a former National Vice President of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, a judge on the Queensland Literary Awards and an editor for the Ipswich District Teacher Librarian Network Book Week publication. Megan writes academic journal articles and newsy pieces for online and print parenting magazines espousing the virtues of quality children’s literature. Each month she is the guest on the ‘BookWorms’ show on 612ABC radio and she regularly presents at conferences and literary events. She is on the Qld chapter of the board of the Australian Children’s Laureate and the Publications Committee of the National Library of Australia.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice.

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Connected Books – Getting Smart with Literature

With Dr Jennie Bales, Adjunct Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Literature plays a significant part in our understanding of, and appreciation for, the world we live in. Developing students into life-long readers has cross-disciplinary significance that goes beyond ‘being literate’ to impact on attitudes, beliefs and responsibilities. Increased access to technology and advances in publication and distribution of texts in multiple formats and genres offer exciting opportunities to engage students in literature and literary practices in and beyond the classroom. Technology enables students to experience and appreciate literature in new ways to build on proven practices. It has the power to expand individual and group reading horizons as they share and celebrate their reading experiences with others to build a reading community that transcends the classroom walls. During the webinar participants will be introduced to a range of digital text types, explore online pathways for responding to literature and consider options for participating in reading communities.

This webinar will explore a range of technology-based options to broaden students’ reading experiences. Primary and secondary teachers and teacher librarians will be able to add to their literary practices as they are introduced to:

  • a range of web-based literature for personal reading and shared reading,
  • individual and group literature response activities, and
  • options for publishing and accessing students’ responses to their reading experiences.

Jennie’s passion for children’s literature has spanned a lifetime – as a reader, teacher and teacher librarian. Her current endeavours as an adjunct lecturer with Charles Sturt University, social media editor for the CBCA Tasmania, reviewer and sales representative for INT Books keeps her immersed in children’s literature. She sees technology as a springboard that can deepen the reading experience. Jennie is inspired to explore ways to harness the digital world, to expand students reading horizons, and to connect with others to celebrate great reading experiences.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
3.3 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources.

[Members, please log in to access the additional resources that accompany this webinar replay.]

Click to view

with Dr Jennie Bales (Adjunct Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
Webinar replay – 75 minutes

Book Week is a significant and inspiring literary event on the annual calendar for classroom and English teachers, and teacher librarians, with its focus on quality children’s literature. This webinar provides a personal overview of the shortlisted titles in each category and pathways to supporting resources to enrich the reading experience and provide inspiration for a great “Escape to Everywhere”. Participants will gain insights that will help them map their journey for an escape into the rich and varied stories signposted in the 2017 Shortlist. Ideas for sourcing and applying a range of supporting material on the short listed titles and their authors will be interspersed with connections to the curriculum.

This webinar is relevant for primary and secondary teachers, teacher librarians and library staff, as well as anyone with an interest in children’s literature and the wonders of Book Week.

Participants will gain:

  •  An overview of the shortlisted titles across the award categories
  • An understanding of the applicability of individual titles for different audiences and purposes
  • Inspiration and suggestions for sharing the books to students and colleagues
  • Guidance in sourcing relevant resources and connecting strategies to the Curriculum
  • Awareness of electronic resources to support individual titles and Book Week celebrations
  • Access to an electronic list of the websites and their URLs to facilitate easy access after the Webinar.

This is a Teacher Identified Professional Learning Course.

Click to view

with Tricia Scott (CBCA Judge) and Dr Jennie Bales (Adjunct Lecturer, CSU)
Webinar replay – 65 minutes

Reflecting a wonderful array of talented authors, this year’s shortlist highlights some of the spellbinding stories being written and published in Australia.

Insights into the shortlisted titles for several categories of the 2016 CBCA Awards are shared by experienced CBCA Tasmanian Judge, Tricia Scott; and Jennie Bales, drawing on her teacher librarian and children’s literature background. Tricia introduces the Book of the Year Older Readers and Younger Readers shortlist, sharing her thoughts about these titles. Jennie provides input on the Picture Book of the Year and Early Childhood categories. This webinar is relevant for secondary and primary teachers and teacher librarians as well as anyone with an interest in children’s literature. Curriculum connections are interspersed throughout.

Participants will gain:

  • An overview of the shortlisted titles in all four fiction award categories.
  • An understanding of the applicability of individual titles for different audiences.
  • Inspiration to introduce the books to students and colleagues.
  • Connections between the book and the curriculum.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

Click to view

with Susan Stephenson (The Book Chook)
Webinar replay – 50 minutes

Susan Stephenson/The Book Chook takes a look at where Children’s Book Week can be integrated with curricula. She explores the meaning and implications of this year’s Children’s Book Week theme, Australia: Story Country, and takes a broad view of Story. Susan delves into possible discussion points and activities centred around the theme. View the recording to take a closer look at storytelling activities and resources, and generally celebrate all things Children’s Book Week.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

Postmodern Literature – Fun, Frivolity and Finesse in the English Classroom

with Dr Jennie Bales, Adjunct Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

This webinar provides a brief introduction to Postmodernism and its increasing popularity in children’s and young adults’ literature. A range of techniques and devices employed within the genre will be exemplified through contemporary picture books and novels. The ensuing changed relationship between the author and the reader provides opportunities to engage students in literal and subversive interpretations, develop visual literacy skills, become more critical readers and promote ethical debate. As such they are an ideal medium to not only support the Literature strand of the English Curriculum but are also an effective vehicle for literacy development. Postmodern literature is full of surprises, challenges, irreverence and delight – explore the possibilities!

Participation in this webinar will assist teachers to:

  • identify and become familiar with a range of techniques and devices employed by postmodern authors and illustrators;
  • select postmodern texts (print and digital) for classroom teaching purposes;
  • make connections between postmodern literature and English learning outcomes;
  • identify literature that will engage readers for personal pleasure and enjoyment.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Click to view

Dr Jennie Bales, Adjunct Lecturer, Charles Sturt University
July 2015 – Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Book Week is a significant event on the annual calendar for classroom and English teachers and teacher librarians with its focus on quality literature. Supplementing and extending these reading experiences with resources available on the Internet and the use of web tools for students to respond creatively to the literature enriches the Book Week experience.This webinar provides an overview of links to supporting material on the short listed titles and their authors, and includes strategies and tools to inspire students in responding to the books through the creative use of technology.

Outcomes for the attendee:

  • Web links to author information, book reviews, teaching resources and other relevant sites on each of the shortlisted titles.
  • Suggested websites to follow for additional Book Week resources, teaching and display ideas.
  • Digital tools and ideas to stimulate students’ response to the literature.
  • Access to an electronic list of the websites and their URLs to facilitate easy access after the event.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources