What can the Honey Ant Readers do for you and your community?

Workshops are tailored to suit each location and are delivered in a variety of formats including one day, two day or half day programmes. 

Some of the topics include:

1. English in Context: We take an in-depth look at both the varieties of Aboriginal English and traditional Aboriginal languages spoken in different communities. We unpack the language-based challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners are likely to face at school, when acquiring literacy and numeracy. We identify strategies to address these challenges.
2. Learning English: How do people learn English as an additional language? We look at the stages of second language acquisition for learners. We examine pedagogical approaches for the teaching of literacy, based on these stages. We discuss a scaffolded methodology drawing from language acquisition research. We include lots of hands-on, fun activities for teachers to use in their classrooms.
3. The Honey Ant Methodology:  What is the research basis for the literacy approach adopted in the Honey Ant Readers? We look at the theory and practice of the learning approach adopted and applied in the Honey Ant Readers and their supporting resources. In hands-on sessions, we unpack the overall approach adopted, the sequencing of the learning stages and the pedagogical foundations of the books and their additional resources. We leave teachers with a 'tool kit' of ideas about ways in which they might incorporate the resources into their teaching.
4. Working with EAL/D Learners: How to help your Indigenous EAL/D learners in the classroom. Hands-on workshops covering ways to teach English to speakers of other languages, especially Indigenous learners. Participants will develop lesson plans, devise activities and create support materials.
5. The Power of Song: How to use songs and rhymes to enrich and enliven your EAL/D teaching of all aspects of English – from sounds and pronunciation, through vocabulary to syntax. Participants will develop their own songs and rhymes, based on their own culture and context.
6. Using the Honey Ant Readers: How to use your Honey Ant Readers resources in the classroom. From a brief look at the theories and rationale underpinning the books, we move directly into a series of interactive, fun, hands-on activities with lots of practical suggestions on how best to use the Honey Ant Readers resources.