Leap Ahead Learning with Keryn Johnson

I know I haven't posted in ages, but this worth breaking my drought over. The Resilience Project have shows in Melbourne this upcoming school holidays, including South Morang and the city. Martin Heppel is amazing and it would be an event so well worth going to see. https://theresilienceproject.com.au/kids-shows-2024/?utm_source=General+Newsletter+-+name+%26+email&utm_campaign=c979b3ac04-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_05_31_05_11_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-40fe329e6f-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=c979b3ac04&mc_eid=0c9014ff1f

I love the work that Children's Ground do, and I'm always happy to support them.

Donate Today - Children's Ground It's possible to end entrenched disadvantages in a generation. Be part of this change by supporting Children's Ground, walking alongside First Nations

It's time to celebrate Reconciliation Week. Banyule Council have a family day on Saturday, the 1st of June. You may like to have a family movie night and watch the original Storm Boy (on SBS on Demand).

Reconciliation Week family day Join us for a family day for National Reconciliation Week. Come along with the whole family for a wide range of fun activities and to learn what you can do to make a difference.

For those who have a HECS debt, know someone with a HECS debt, or whose children will have a HECS debt—which will probably be all of you—this petition is for you. Please sign it to let the Honourable Jason Clare MP (Minister for Ed.) know we need a HECS reform.

Sign the Petition Make our HECS debts easier to pay off!

This free online parent support forum may be of assistance to some; especially if your child has anxiety about attending kinder (or even school).

Play Move Improve Community Forum Join our free Play Move Improve community discussion board to share tips, ideas, and support.

It saddens me when I hear that some schools still use the whole language approach - which only works for a percentage of children. On the other hand, the science of reading works with ALL children. Why are some schools so slow and determined not to make the switch when all children would benefit?

We now know that learning to read is not innate and that it needs to be explicitly taught so that all children learn to read.
So which approach do you think helps EVERY child learn to read?


Quote taken from “Transform: Achieving Educational Excellence Through the Science of Reading” written by my good friend Greg Clement and a must read for every school leader, teacher, pre-service teacher and parent.
And I was so honoured and lucky enough to be asked to write the foreword!
It’s available through Amazon.com at the links below:
Australia 👉 https://www.amazon.com.au/Transform-Achieving-Educational-Excellence-Through/dp/B0BTKNHSJT
International 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Transform-Achieving-Educational-Excellence-Through-ebook/dp/B0BV7D6YJ1

As we start to navigate our school return (or start), previous Leap Ahead Learning families have been invited to a free viewing (it normally comes with a fee) on supporting your child's school start or return.

The Parenting F.L.I.G.H.T. Plan | Book Your Free Seat Transform your experience with simple and practical strategies to reduce anxiety and angry outbursts using a plan that actually works!

The wonderful Victoria Milne, whom we did our Pre-Prep bush kinder through, has some bush kinder sessions in the coming weeks. They would make a perfect school holiday fun activity.

POP UP Bush Playgroup — Nature Play Learning POP UP Bush Playgroup

We still have a few vacancies in our upcoming school readiness program: Pawesome Prep Explorers for children starting school this year. Each session will be led by a speech pathologist and myself. The centre is directly opposite Chirnside Park Shopping Centre. See the details below and email: [email protected] for bookings or further information. 🌟 PAWESOME PREP EXPLORERS: A 4-DAY INTENSIVE SCHOOL READINESS ADVENTURE WITH THERAPY DOGS AND ANIMALS! 🐾📚

Is your little one ready for a paws-itively amazing journey into school readiness? 🎒✨ Join us for Pawesome Prep Explorers, an exclusive 4-day intensive program designed to foster social skills, confidence, and readiness for the upcoming school year. Designed for children commencing their first year of school in 2024.

Program Highlights:

🐾 Therapy Dogs and Animal Companions: Our furry friends will be by your child's side, creating a comforting and supportive environment.
These gentle companions enhance social interaction and provide a unique, calming presence.

🎨 Creative Learning Stations: Engage in hands-on, explorative activities encouraging teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
Each station is designed to boost cognitive development, from arts and crafts to interactive games.

🤝 Social Communication Workshops: Led by an experienced Speech Pathologist and Educator, our workshops focus on building crucial social communication skills. Children will learn about effective communication, teamwork, and emotional regulation through interactive play and group activities.

🚀 Adventure into Independence: Our program encourages independence by instilling a sense of responsibility and self-confidence. From self-expression to decision-making, your child will gain the skills to transition smoothly into the school environment.

Event Details:

📅Date: 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd January 2024

🕒Time: 9:30am-11AM

📍Location: The Speech Express in our new group therapy space.

Cost: $280 per session

Please contact us at [email protected] to book your child into our 3 or 4 day program. https://www.facebook.com/speechexpresschirnside

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Merry Christmas, everyone. Here's hoping you get to spend some time with loved ones. (I had to have a picture of Milo Monkey. I have missed working with him. But we'll be back working together at The Speech Express with all the other therapy animals.)

So true...!

Have you ever looked at an IEP's present levels or a report with assessment results and felt they were just SO WRONG? That they didn't reflect the kid you know?

The first question we always ask when viewing present levels or any assessment results is, "did they have access to a reliable form of communication when they were asked to demonstrate this knowledge?"

If the answer is no, then that "information" in the document really tells us nothing.

We have no idea what a child is capable of learning unless information is presented in a way that is accessible to them and they have a reliable way to communicate their understanding.

Communication is at the core of everything.

Communication is a human right.

[image ID: a two-tone teal graphic of a speech bubble. The words printed on top say, "We have no idea what a child is capable of learning unless information is presented in a way that is accessible to them and they have a reliable way to communicate their understanding." The Reach Every Voice logo is in white at the bottom right of the image.]

This post is for all the parents asking me to tell them when I'm back working with families. I am excited to be running school readiness sessions with a speech pathologist and some furry friends at The Speech Express during these summer holidays. While it is 40 minutes to Chirnside Park, the shopping centre is across the road, meaning you can 'drop and shop' while the session is on. You can book one session or all four. You can use NDIS if you have it, but it isn't a requirement. We expect the sessions to get booked quickly, too. See below for details - the school readiness session ("Pawesome Prep Explorers") is at the bottom - below the "Furry Friends Express." ALL ABOARD THE FURRY FRIENDS EXPRESS AND SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM THESE JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
​
Please see information below for our two unique programs running in the January school holidays:

​🌟Splash into a social group these summer holidays! The Furry Friends Express is going Underwater this Summer! A 3-Day Intensive Social Communication Group with Therapy Horses and Dogs.🐾

Dates 17th, 18th and 19th January, 10am-11:30am
This group is best suited to 7-13 year olds but if unsure please enquire further.
​
Program Highlights:

Our water lovin' kids will enjoy some of our most creative and neurodiversity-affirming group interventions including:

· Marine Craft Workshop-creative session completing a paper boats exPAWriment and discussing teamwork. Therapy-dog interaction focusing on non-verbal communication.

· Beach Buddies Bonanza -Cricket Big Bash- Team-building games with therapy animals. Role-playing activities to encourage empathy and understanding.

· Tidal Tales Storytime Reading sessions with therapy dogs and horses. Group discussion on emotions and storytelling. Bring your favourite book to share with your 4 legged companions!

· Seaside Sensory Experience-Sensory activities with therapy dogs/horses (water play, textures, kinetic sand). Group discussions on self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th and Friday 19th January 2024

🕒 Time: 10AM-11:30AM

📍 Location: Parkview Equestrian Centre Wonga Park

Cost: $280 per session or $840 for all 3 days

​Enrol Now and get ready for a splashing good time!
​
Spaces are limited, so secure your child's spot in this Summer adventure. For registration please respond via email: [email protected]!

Prepare your child for social success with The Furry Friends Express—where learning meets wagging tails, happy hooves and endless possibilities! 🌈🐾✨

​🌟 Pawesome Prep Explorers: A 4-Day Intensive School Readiness Adventure with Therapy Dogs and Animals! 🐾📚

Is your little one ready for a paws-itively amazing journey into school readiness? 🎒✨ Join us for Pawesome Prep Explorers, an exclusive 4-day intensive program designed to foster social skills, confidence, and readiness for the upcoming school year. Designed for children commencing their first year of school in 2024.

Program Highlights:

🐾 Therapy Dogs and Animal Companions: Our furry friends will be by your child's side, creating a comforting and supportive environment. These gentle companions enhance social interaction and provide a unique, calming presence.

🎨 Creative Learning Stations: Engage in hands-on, explorative activities that encourage teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. From arts and crafts to interactive games, each station is designed to boost cognitive development.

🤝 Social Communication Workshops: Led by an experienced Speech Pathologist and Educator, our workshops focus on building crucial social communication skills. Through interactive play and group activities, children will learn about effective communication, teamwork, and emotional regulation.

🚀 Adventure into Independence: Our program encourages independence by instilling a sense of responsibility and self-confidence. From self-expression to decision-making, your child will gain the skills needed for a smooth transition into the school environment.

Event Details:

📅Date: 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd January 2024

🕒Time: 9:30am-11AM

📍Location: The Speech Express in our new group therapy space.

Cost: $280 per session

​Please contact us at [email protected] to book your child into our 3 or 4 day program.

Have a wonderful day, we can't wait to have your child onboard one of our unique programs.

​Kindest Regards,

Gen, Lauren & Keryn

THE SPEECH EXPRESS

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I have only discovered that Sue Larkey is now on Spotify. This will enable more families to get access to quality information about Autism and neurodivergent development at their fingertips at any time. I LOVE it!!!

Sue Larkey Podcast Listen to Sue Larkey Podcast on Spotify. Sue Larkey enlightens, and entertains with valuable insights into Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ODD and PDA. Covering strategies from the Early Years to Teens Years and Beyond. Join Sue as she shares simple yet effective tips, supports and strategies on a r...

Here's another good 'listen-to' from Sue Larkey.

Cooking can teach everything! Not only does teaching cooking teach a life skill, you can use cooking to teach sensory, maths, motor skills, hygiene, social skills and more! Listen to my podcast to learn how here: https://suelarkey.com.au/cooking-to-teach-children-with-autism/

For parents who have cherubs starting school in 2024, this free parent webinar, How to Help Your Child Thrive at School (the next one is on the 15th of Nov.), may be beneficial. You will need to register.

Webinar Join this free parent webinar as Education Consultant and Educator Nat Matulick teaches you the 4 must-do things to help your child to be happy, confident and to thrive at school (without feeling like that "annoying parent").

FREE HEARING TESTS FOR 3.5 TO 6-YEAR-OLDS - BOOKINGS OPEN ON 2ND OCT:
Rotary is once again running its hearing tests. See further information below and attached. Bookings open on the 2nd Oct
The Rotary Club of Greensborough has organised a team from the University of Melbourne’s Departments

of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Optometry and Vision Sciences to conduct hearing and vision tests for

children aged between 3 ½ and 6 years on Sat. 14th October 2023. These tests, arranged in conjunction

with Melbourne City Mission, will be conducted at the Kalparrin Centre, 1 Kalparrin Avenue, Greensborough

between 9.00 am and 3.30 pm BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Each test takes approximately forty minutes, and an adult (one only) must accompany each child.

In the interest of providing a more level playing field for registrations bookings will open on the 2nd Oct.

The attached document provides details and a link to the Trybookings site for registration.

I certainly love this idea of having a braille cookbook for vision-impaired children. As a society, I feel our inclusiveness is slowly improving; which is wonderful!

Cooking up a Storm puts inclusion on the menu! | Vision Australia. Blindness and low vision services Second book of Vision Australia’s ground-breaking Big Visions series brings the story of blind professional chef Craig Shanahan to life. For Craig Shanahan there was only ever one career path in mind – that of a professional chef. Now 31, Craig has spent the last 15 years working across Sydney.....

The wonderful occupational therapist, Tina Bruce, who I have had the pleasure of working for, has some family and carer education sessions that sound amazing. https://www.thesparkts.com.au/events

Here's another article on my previous post. Living in Canberra is looking good; especially if you have a child who is struggling to learn how to read. But, the school system should look different to all Australian school children in a few years. I can't wait...

Universities will have to improve their teaching degrees or face consequences. The reactions have been mixed Universities will be given two years to overhaul their education degrees or risk losing their accreditation as part of a national bid to fix Australia's teacher shortage.

Another happy moment... the latest study shows that Australian teachers are not fully equipped to teach reading and writing upon leaving university. But the good news is, things are changing. ACT has recently retrained a lot of their teachers and a study just released showing that the science of reading (SOR) should be followed, has the support of our Education Ministers. We just now need a study to be released to show the benefits of explicit synthetic phonics including phonological awareness (precursors for reading) to be taught in preschool and I feel literacy rates will improve exponentially. (Study link: https://www.education.gov.au/quality-initial-teacher-education-review/resources/strong-beginnings-report-teacher-education-expert-panel ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMT70FSvkvw&list=WL&index=1&ab_channel=ABCNews%28Australia%29

Universities given two years to overhaul teaching degrees | ABC News Australia's education ministers have ordered sweeping changes to the way teachers are taught at university to better prepare the next generation of educators...

Without knowing it, parents often hinder their child's development by doing things for their child such as carrying their bag, cleaning up all of their toys, carrying them into kinder, etc. A child's confidence actually grows when they do things for themselves. They also realise that their special adults have faith that they can carry out these tasks. I love this poster from Robyn Papworth from Play, Move, Improve about it. https://www.facebook.com/playmoveimprove

Not many people have an understanding of Fragile X, but it is the most common cause of intellectual disability. Plus, it is easy to find out if parents could be a carrier. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fragile-x-syndrome

Children certainly do not miss out on play-based learning when they have explicit teaching. THEY CAN GET BOTH and be engaged and thrive. What I taught in Pre-Prep was a prime example of this: balance. This latest article by Prof Pamela Snow explains that children NEED explicit teaching to learn how to read AND they can still have play-based learning. It is not one versus the other, BUT a child CANNOT learn how to read (or have full language development) with play-based learning alone. https://pamelasnow.blogspot.com/2023/06/learning-to-read-is-not-childs-play.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR3zX1U2TiIA-vgm0W7FdrqVFLUGO_29K-WyYkr4mta0-DomQDkyxLNtFXY

Learning to read is not child's play In a recent post on the AARE Blog, Edith Cowan University academic Dr Pauline Roberts raises a  number of points about the importance of play in the early years of school and strongly pushes back on the role of formal assessment, such as NAPLAN. In fact, she goes so far as to refer to NAPLAN as an ...

I truly wish that all schools taught reading based on evidence and research and that preschools also started the literacy journey by developing strong oral language skills and working on pre-reading skills. If both of these things were done, our literacy rates would be much higher, not to mention the positive effects on children's well-being.

The science of reading is a vast, multidisciplinary body of evidence that provides conclusive, empirically supported research that identifies how we learn to read.
Reading is one of the most researched areas in education and as we now know, reading is not innate and needs to be explicitly taught.
Using reading programs based on the ‘Science of Reading’ evidence and research findings, is the best (and only) way to ensure EVERY child learns to read.

For an easy to follow explanation, you can check out “The Science of Reading” by Nessy here: 👇👇
https://www.nessy.com/en-gb/dyslexia-explained/how-to-help-dyslexia/what-is-the-science-of-reading
Or for a more detailed explanation, check out The Reading League (where you can even download their free ebook!):👇👇
https://www.thereadingleague.org/what-is-the-science-of-reading/

The language development of infants and young children affects future development in so many areas. I recommend parents and educators sign up for Hanen's monthly newsletters for tips for developing children's language. This month's focus is on the correlation between strong vocabulary (word knowledge) and future reading ability. This under 2 min video discusses how to explain the meaning of words to children. I am sure there will be more book reading during the school holidays to practice this skill, too.

Building Vocabulary with Rosie Revere, Engineer | Book Nook | The Hanen Centre Did you know that vocabulary is a key predictor of a child’s reading success? Children who understand more words become better readers! But just hearing new...

I'm a big believer in the explicit teaching of social and emotional learning (SEL). I just discovered a new Australian SEL program: Ginnie and Pinney. They are on Audible. For those who don't have Audible, they are on there for free for the next month. The lovely Dr. Tessa Weadman, from Little Bookworm Speech Therapy and La Trobe's SOLAR, who I was lucky enough to speak to today, is doing teacher training for the program on the Department of Education's School Readiness Funding Menu. It sounds like another great resource for parents and educators to support children's SEL growth.

Adventures with Ginnie and Pinney Check out this great listen on Audible.com.au. Delve into a delightful collection featuring Ginnie Giraffe & Pinney 'Potamus, and all their animal friends. With enchanting stories featuring a cute cast of characters, including Tao Tiger, Lulu Kangaroo and Miranda Panda, this collection takes litt...

Looking for something to do in the school holidays that is free and close? Greensborough Plaza has gingerbread people decorating Wed 28th and circus school from Sun 3rd. All from 11am-2pm.

School Holiday activities - Greensborough Plaza School Holiday activities Events Offers Check out the fun-tastic activities happening these school holidays at Greensborough Plaza Share with your friends Email Facebook Twitter 🎪 Circus School Dates: MON 3 – SUN 9 JUL Times: 11am – 2pm Location: Centre court level 1 See more here 👉 Circus...

Continuing from last week's post on whether parents should wait or seek advice regarding their child's development, the fabulous speech pathologist, Alison Clarke from Spelfabet, posted this today. It gives parents advice on whether a professional/formal assessment might be needed and some guides to help to make that decision. There are some great links on here for parents, too.

Does this child need formal assessment? Photo: Bulat Khamitov, www.pexels.com/photo/a-boy-leaning-on-the-table-4547163 It’s the last week of term here in wintry Melbourne, and many parents will be getting school reports saying thei…