Supporting Dyslexia in the Classroom — Dr. Samantha Hornery

Notice: The timing of this presentation is displaying incorrectly, 4 p.m. AEDT is the correct time!

Students with Dyslexia and other learning difficulties sit in every classroom in Australia and worldwide. These students need support and evidence-based intervention programs, but they also need and want to be able to continue to learn and participate in their class, alongside their peers.

In this session, Sam will share practical tips for how to identify the students who need your help (and what help) and the most effective support strategies, including assistive technology, for these students.

Understanding Reading Difficulties in Students With Language Disorders — Jennifer Peach

Notice: The timing of this presentation is displaying incorrectly, 4 p.m. AEDT is the correct time!

This presentation will explore language development, difference and disorder, early risk identification, and how we can support students with interrelated language and literacy disorders to realise their learning potential. Oral language skills are the foundation for reading and writing development. Language disorder is a high-prevalence disorder that impacts engagement and participation in all areas of learning. Language disorder may be associated with disabilities including autism, intellectual disability, and hearing loss, or may present as a primary Developmental Language Disorder.

Understanding Writing and Spelling Difficulties — Veronica Alexander

In this workshop we look at the complexities involved in writing through the framework of The Not So Simple View of Writing. We consider the many skills and processes involved in getting ideas onto paper (or screen) and explore the various points at which difficulties can occur and what support might be needed for students. We will discuss the relationship between handwriting, spelling and written expression to gain a deeper understanding of the complex nature of writing difficulties, including dysgraphia.

Explicit Instruction: What Does It Mean for Teaching Reading and Writing? — Prof. Pamela Snow

Join Professor Pamela Snow as she focuses on applications of explicit instruction for teaching, reading and writing in the early years of education. This presentation includes a comparison of different pedagogical models and their implications for reading instruction.

Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Students With Learning Difficulties — Kim Whitehouse

Mental health concerns are increasingly impacting the psychological, social, and emotional well-being of students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Join Kim Whitehouse, a registered psychologist, in discussing early identification of learning difficulties and disorders which are known to increase the risk of mental health problems in children and how essential it is to address these areas if schools are to effectively support students’ mental health, wellbeing, and their academic growth.

Creating Positive Learning Environments and Positive Teaching Strategies for Students with Dyslexia and SpLDs — Dr. Martin Bloomfield

In this presentation, trainer and neurodiversity specialist Dr Martin Bloomfield explains what SpLDs (Specific Learning Differences) are from a neurological & behavioural point of view, looking at why learning can be difficult for such students, why the learning experience can be alienating, and why many of our standard accommodations don't help.

He will look at the talents as well as the challenges associated with SpLDs, exploring best practice in the classroom, and provide viewers with a toolkit for successful, inclusive, and engaging teaching that requires no specialist knowledge, and won't disrupt any other students' learning.

Finally, he will provide some food for thought by posing his own questions, designed to engage teachers with some of the deeper issues associated with Dyslexia & other SpLDs.

Understanding Dyslexia: How to Identify Signs of Dyslexia and Strategies and Resources to Assist Those With This Learning Difficulty — Veronica Alexander

Dyslexia is the most common specific learning difficulty affecting 10% of all people. It is an ongoing challenge for teachers and learning support staff, as most students with dyslexia are undiagnosed. Veronica Alexander, the Professional Learning and Development Lead at SPELD NSW, delves into the subject of Dyslexia, how to identify signs of it and strategies and resources to assist those with this learning difficulty.

Universal Design for Learning: One Size Fits No One — Dr. Katie Novak

Join world-renowned author and presenter Katie Nokak as she discusses Universal Design for Learning. UDL is a framework for designing instructional materials, activities, and environments that enable all students to engage and participate in the learning process, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. UDL is also based on the principles of accessibility, flexibility, and diversity, and aims to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students.

The Science of Language and Reading - What It Is and Is Not — Prof. Pamela Snow

Professor Pamela Snow brings a new perspective to the Science of Language and Reading. Her presentation uncovers the difference between reading and literacy, discusses Balanced Literacy, decoding and reading comprehension, and looks (briefly) at the history of the English language.
Don't miss this world-class, 45-minute presentation from a renown academic!

Introduction to Assistive Technology for TAFE Exam Support

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