Teacher resources

Michelle Bradley's Creating Authenticity in STEAM Education goes beyond the confines of traditional teaching methods and invites educators to discover the transformative potential of STEAM education. No longer confined to mere straws and plasticine, this book delves into the essence of authentic learning experiences, offering a diverse array of meticulously curated resources and examples. Through a fusion of design thinking and project-based learning, Bradley's mission is to ignite a passion for critical thinking, providing a roadmap for educators to cultivate a generation of innovators and problem solvers. Unleash the power of STEAM education and witness the evolution of engaged and empowered learners ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

The roles and responsibilities of educators grow more complex every year. School leaders and teachers are tasked with creating high-performing schools that foster a culture of trust, collaboration and enquiry for students, parents and staff – all while working within prescribed protocols of safety, equity, transparency and fiscal responsibility. How do they do it? There’s no simple solution, but balance is the key. Andrew Oberthur draws on his rich experience as a principal and teacher to unpack a range of scenarios where a balance must be struck between following the rules and building relationships. His insights on ethical and courageous leadership – including when to follow and when to flex – offer new and experienced educators a proven framework for difficult decision-making. Exploring real-life dilemmas of communication, enrolment, staffing, budgeting, behaviour management, parent-teacher relationships, managing through uncertainty and more, Balance provides tested strategies for navigating the system’s myriad rules and regulations while building positive relationships and improving outcomes for all students.     Praise for this book: Andrew Oberthur has done it again. He has taken on one of the world’s most complex and challenging human dynamics: how do we manage the relationships of teachers, parents and primary school students to produce a significant improvement in our educational outcomes?Allan Parker OAM, behavioural scientist and international negotiator This book puts all the everyday decisions of a school leader into a real and raw perspective we can all relate to. I wish I had the book when I first became a principal.Gabrielle Hansen, Head of Department – Curriculum

We know that data can be a powerful force for student learning and achievement, but what data should we be collecting, how should it be analysed and what does it really mean? Without answers to these big questions, making use of data in the classroom can end up being an afterthought – even a source of stress and confusion. In this expanded second edition of Using and analysing data in Australian schools, Dr Selena Fisk offers a practical guide for bringing data to life. Learn how data from a range of sources – formative and summative assessment, standardised testing, informal reflections and more – can empower everyone, from teachers to school leaders to students. Featuring over thirty relevant in-school examples, this essential resource is filled with customisable templates, strategies and tips you can start using today to build a culture of learning and trigger real data-informed change in your classroom. Using and analysing data in Australian schools will deepen your understanding of your students’ achievements and abilities and, in inviting students to take ownership of their data, transform how they see themselves as learners.   Download the templates here. 

Every child has a right to a life where they’re respected for who they are and have friends who value them. This insightful and practical guide delves deep into the complex issue of school bullying. Completely revised and updated, this edition of Field’s best-selling resource explains what bullying is, the injuries and trauma it inflicts, the underlying reasons behind it and the need for more effective interventions. Field presents valuable tools and tactics that busy teachers, parents and counsellors can use to empower students to effectively manage bullying. These skills and strategies can be applied in various contexts, whether by mental health professionals, educators, parents, or even peers who want to support bullied students. Despite the seemingly daunting nature of school bullying, Bully Blocking offers hope and a path forward. Field's evidence-based approach and practical solutions make this book an essential resource for anyone looking to help students navigate the challenging terrain of bullying, equipping them with the social survival skills they need to thrive in today's complex social landscapes.

Do you want to engage students, prevent disruption, and maybe even teach a decent lesson? The Teaching Game offers a very practical approach that can be applied immediately. You’ll discover how to manage a classroom, deliver curriculum, provide effective feedback, use data, plan for the next unit, write an assessment piece, teach students on the spectrum, and care for your own wellbeing. This book is for those who are: About to embark on their teaching career Thinking of joining the teaching ranks Wanting to further develop their teaching skills Mentoring early-career teachers    

‘The study of English introduces a student to other voices and other lives … and in doing so, helps them find their own voice.’ Whether you are planning to study a new text, looking for a fresh approach to teach an old favourite or simply seeking strategies to provide more variety in your teaching, this is an invaluable guide for all English teachers. The Literature Toolbox features over fifty activities for exploring text. Easy to implement and rigorously roadtested in real classrooms, these practical strategies foster engagement, deepen inquiry and model fluent and sophisticated essay writing.  

Data are everywhere. Countries are compared based on how their students perform in international testing. Schools are compared using standardised testing and school-leaver data. Students are tracked using their individual data and that of their peers. But while there is much already written about leadership styles, leading change and the benefits of being data informed, transferring an understanding of educational research and change leadership literature to a data-informed context is not always easy or seamless. Selena Fisk, EdD, author of Using and analysing data in Australian schools, believes that data should be used to support learning in a way that develops thriving learning communities where students are engaged and motivated. This invaluable resource introduces a 10-step process for leading data-informed change comprising measurable steps for action supported by connections to relevant literature and practical examples showing what the process looks like in schools. Fisk also introduces the 12 key elements required for a leader to prime the environment or build a culture that will enable them to lead data-informed change. Leading data-informed change in schools offers teacher team leaders, principals and administrators a practical guide on how to collect, analyse and use data to help school communities and the students they serve flourish.   Download the Appendix with all the templates here. 

Gospel-Inspired Teaching and Learning introduces a transformative framework that uses a structured view of teaching and learning in Christian schools. This ‘gospel-inspired’ framework helps teachers to create meaningful and nurturing lessons that provide students with the tools and capabilities to flourish and experience life in all its fullness in alignment with God’s vision. The framework emphasises important facets of the educational process, such as fostering meaningful relationships, supporting and inspiring learning, making education accessible and engaging, unveiling the beauty of God’s creation, modelling Christian virtues, encouraging excellence and nurturing individual God-given gifts. Upon joining a missional Christian school, teachers embark on a profound journey of discovery, serving within a community and worshiping together. This journey involves personal and professional growth, aligning one’s gifts with God’s plans. It is hoped that the ‘gospel-inspired’ approach will be embraced and valued by educators and school leaders in Christian schools – and ultimately enrich the learning experience for students and their families.

Igniting STEM Learning: A Guide to Designing an Authentic Primary School STEM Program is a groundbreaking resource for teachers and leaders ready to take on the challenge of bringing robust and sustainable STEM learning to their primary schools. Having kicked STEM programs into gear around Australia, experienced educator, coach and consultant Dr Adrian Bertolini distils decades of practice into a book that has the capacity to empower and transform. In Igniting STEM Learning, you’ll find the support you need to establish the ways of thinking, structures and ongoing practices that develop students and teachers alike as learners and problem solvers. From delivering learning experiences to meeting curriculum requirements, designing authentic assessment and more, this comprehensive resource lights the way to a primary school STEM program that ignites curiosity and prepares students to thrive in a changing world. Access the resources and templates from the book here  

Ask the Animals aims to encourage the natural curiosity of young children. Unfortunately curiosity in a child’s early years weakens with time, and during school they become accustomed to mainly seeking correct answers to questions asked by their teachers. Curiosity involves asking questions about something which you know little about. These questions usually start with WHY or HOW and help children to gain knowledge of their own accord. In this book 16 animals are introduced with an illustration and a fun rhyming poem, and are followed by a range of WHY and HOW questions to strengthen curious thinking. Ask the Animals shows young children the importance of asking questions and develops their critical and creative thinking.   Download the animal templates here  

  Simple Tools explores the use of technology in the classroom and offers a considered, student-centric and foundational approach. In this book, teachers will be introduced to the selection of simple digital resources that have a clear purpose and do one thing well. They will be able to identify suitable technology that is quick and easy to set up for classroom use, as well as a host of strategies that will help make learning clear for both teachers and students. Along with recommendations and advice, Simple Tools includes activities for teachers to develop the confidence to select and embed digital resources that have a purposeful fit within an existing practice. Find out how using the Simple Tools approach can be beneficial in your classroom.     Finally a book about technology and the classroom that is insightful about both topics. Simple Tools offers teachers practical strategies that they can use to maximise their impact in the classroom immediately.Glen Pearsall, author and education consultant

Step into the enriching world of teaching with Keeping Up with Teaching, a vital resource designed for preservice and initial graduate teachers seeking strength-based strategies aligned with wellbeing. Delve into each chapter, beginning with poignant lived experiences shared by educators, as they navigate challenges and uncover valuable insights. From these narratives, the educator and author illuminate pathways for survival and progress, empowering readers to prioritise their wellbeing and create positive environments for both educators and students alike. With a focus on holistic growth and resilience, Keeping Up with Teaching inspires new teachers to thrive in their profession while fostering wellbeing at every step of the journey.

What if teachers could dramatically reduce the amount of time they spend reviewing and correcting student work and actually see better results in terms of student learning? That's the goal of Glen Pearsall, who shares dozens of classroom-tested strategies that lessen teachers' workload while increasing students' class participation and improving their understanding.Readers will learn how to: Refine their classroom questioning techniques to continually check students' progress and provide instant feedback. Encourage students to internalize learning goals so they better understand what is expected of them. Use fast, formative assessment strategies to check and correct during class time. Modify traditional summative-testing strategies to monitor student progress in a formative way. Speed up the correction process via student self-proofing, representative sampling, and helpful technology tools. Engage students in becoming actively involved in assessing their own work. Drawing from his own experience as a teacher and coach, Pearsall offers practical, real-world advice in the form of techniques that are both effective and sustainable in the everyday classroom. The result is smarter assessment-for both teachers and students.

Scripts allow hesitant students to be able to assume the protection of a character and play a role or explore issues which may concern them in real life. Issues contains a collection of scripts, discussion prompts and activities for use in the classroom, as a way of opening up students to understand and process topical and sensitive issues in their world, from a range of perspectives. The art of performing harnesses the students’ engagement in the subject and offers a chance to immerse themselves within the protection of a character or role. This book gives middle school and secondary school students a chance to discuss contemporary topics or problems during the classroom rehearsal and performance of these scripts. There are enough parts for the whole class to participate, and conversation prompts and activities are provided to extend and deepen classroom discussion. Extensively workshopped and already used in classrooms nationally, this large collection of student performance scripts allows students and teachers to improve their ability to understand, navigate and discuss sensitive issues in the classroom.

People Interacting is an extensive resource of interactive games that can be used to help students develop a breadth of social skills. The 150 activities have been designed for a range of abilities, ages and levels of maturity. Each activity is clearly set out with a focus, time, materials, the procedure and points for discussion. The selection of activities cover warm ups, self development and responsibility, communication and relationships, and problem solving and decision making. Each procedure, variation and discussion topic has been tried and tested and chosen specifically because of the value it provides to students. Combining the activities with conversational prompts to encourage reflection and discussion, People Interacting aims to encourage and aid the development of the student as a total person by exploring mind, body, emotions, values, and attitudes. The activities enable students to make sense of what they experience in terms of their own needs – their ability to solve problems, to develop a positive self-concept and to develop their social and interpersonal skills more broadly.   About the authors: Ken Hancock was a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of South Australia and Flinders University. He taught in-service courses in humanistic education and person-centred education throughout his life. He also worked in schools in the areas of behavioural management, social learning, and staff development. Barry Blaby was a Principal of primary schools in Adelaide. He has had many years’ experience as a teacher, administrator and teacher educator, and trialled all the activities in this book in pre-school to tertiary level settings.

This practical resource provides early years professionals and foundation teachers with games, activities and strategies to incorporate language into movement. The premise is that learning language concepts through movement will help all children, particularly especially those who might have language delays or coming from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Section one provides whole class and individual movement activities to enable children to learn single-word concepts and simple phrases. Section two contains concept games and development motor movements activities and ideas that will help develop the physical process needed in learning language. Educators, teachers and learning assistants can easily implement these ideas to their programs and be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to help children develop language through movement and active play.   Authors: Garry Powell was a teacher and administrator in both country and city government schools for 32 years. He was a classroom teacher, specialist physical education teacher and principal at inner city schools. He lectured in tertiary education for 15 years, and has spoken on teacher education at conferences and workshops. Garry has written numerous teacher reference books. Debra Armstrong has taught in government primary schools for 28 years. She has been a classroom teacher, a specialist teacher in art and physical education, and a lecturer at Monash University. Debra has undertaken research in Australia and overseas, and won awards for her contribution to teaching. Debra has co-authored a number of teacher reference books.     Download the Flashcards here

Get all 3 titles in the Practical Strategies series. Practical Reading Strategies by Leon Furze Practical Writing Strategies by Leon Furze and Benjamin WhitePractical AI Strategies by Leon Furze

In Interventions in Cases of Bullying in Schools: A Training Manual for Teachers and Counsellors, renowned bullying expert Dr Ken Rigby OAM draws on five decades of practice and research to help schools tackle the seemingly intractable problem of bullying. Designed to be deployed alongside policy development and preventive programs, this essential training manual sets out nine evidence-based methods of intervention. Using a series of role-plays and prompts for discussion, Interventions in Cases of Bullying in Schools supports practitioners in selecting and applying the most appropriate method for each unique case of bullying. It also features a practical framework for recording and evaluating the application of interventions in your unique context, as well as suggestions of dozens of resources that will further develop your understanding of bullying. Practical, easy to use and focused firmly on solutions, Dr Rigby’s Interventions in Cases of Bullying in Schools is your indispensable guide to addressing one of the most vexed issues facing educators today.   Download Appendix B: Recording Form reproducible here. 

Dive into the world of effective writing instruction with our genre-based teacher's resource book! Designed specifically for English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers, this invaluable resource offers cross-curricular annotated model texts and detailed lessons to enhance students' writing and language skills across a range of genres. From developing clear structures to fostering critical thinking, each genre is presented as a complete lesson, ready to be seamlessly integrated into existing planning documents. Whether you're supporting beginner or advanced EAL students, this flexible book provides the tools you need to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Explore the power of genre-based teaching and watch your students thrive as confident and effective communicators!

Unlock the power of cooperative learning with our comprehensive guidebook! Packed with 50 practical strategies, each accompanied by clear instructions and adaptable examples, this resource equips teachers with the tools they need to seamlessly integrate high-impact teaching techniques into their classrooms. From setting goals to fostering positive interdependence, our book covers all the essential elements of cooperative learning, promoting active participation, collaboration, and engagement across diverse subject areas and grade levels. Whether in traditional or remote learning environments, educators can confidently plan and implement cooperative learning activities, preparing students for success in the classroom and beyond. Get ready to transform your teaching with cooperative learning strategies that truly make a difference!

From unlocking the untapped potential of gifted students to revolutionising school cultures, this book is a roadmap for educators and leaders alike. Discover tried-and-true mentoring methods that propel students to unprecedented heights, whether it's excelling in their final years of schooling or mastering the art of inquiry-based learning. Through the lens of mentorship, explore innovative strategies that not only foster academic excellence but also nurture personal growth and community empowerment. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a school leader seeking to inspire change, Mentoring for Talent offers practical insights and creative solutions to elevate your teacher practice and transform the educational landscape.

Dive into the definitive guide to nurturing self-regulated learners with Educate to Self-Regulate. Drawing from extensive teaching experience, research studies and school partnerships, Dr Shyam Barr presents evidence-informed strategies to empower both educators and students on the path to lifelong success. Through three comprehensive parts, the book navigates from laying the foundations of self-regulated learning to practical classroom implementation and leadership initiatives. It is an essential roadmap for teachers to identify barriers to students’ self-regulated learning and apply effective teaching approaches. Unlock the secrets to fostering self-regulated learners with Barr's expertise, equipping yourself with the tools to cultivate autonomy, resilience, and academic excellence in your students. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a newcomer to the field, this book provides invaluable insights and actionable steps to transform your teaching practice and empower students for success in an ever-changing world.

As classroom teachers know firsthand, it is critical for K–12 students to be able to extend their learning. But expecting all students to attain the same performance via generalized instruction is unrealistic. Educators must honor and leverage students’ unique learning strengths to support students and expand their possibilities for success. In Neurodevelopmental Differentiation: Optimizing Brain Systems to Maximize Learning, authors Andrew Fuller and Lucy Fuller explain that by understanding the brain’s eight information-processing systems—(1) spatial reasoning, (2) perceptual and motor skills, (3) concentration and memory, (4) planning and sequencing, (5) thinking and logic, (6) people smarts, (7) language and word smarts, and (8) number smarts—educators can help students apply their processing strengths to areas that challenge them using individualized learning plans. With this approach, learners’ growth is limitless. Readers will: Study the eight brain information-processing systems and understand how developing strengths in these areas increases academic success Discover how to identify students’ learning strengths and blockages Learn how to develop individualized learning plans to fit the needs of all students Review templates for recording and tracking student progress Contemplate reflective questions on the eight brain areas to determine next steps in their classrooms

Great writers aren’t born, they’re taught! Unfortunately, the rules of written English can be difficult enough to remember, let alone teach. If you struggle to separate pronouns from prepositions, or are often left wondering whether to use “who” or “whom”, Australian author Dianne Bates comes to your aid with Writing Essentials, a welcome reference for teachers and aspiring authors. This handy guide offers concise explanations on the basics of grammar, punctuation and word usage, while also introducing fundamental techniques to help broaden your vocabulary and bring your writing to life. Packed with plenty of exercises to test yourself and your students, Writing Essentials provides all the support you’ll need to hone your own writing skills and pass on your knowledge to budding writers!