Workshops & Professional Development for Teachers

Margaret James (M.Ed; TESOL), together with cultural Elders, offers a range of hands-on professional development enrichment programmes for teachers of literacy, numeracy and English as an Additional Language/Dialect. These programmes are offered as either stand-alone modules or in support of the Honey Ant Readers. They are customised to the requirements of the teachers, the learning context and the educational context, with its associated challenges. They are backed Margaret’s years of experience in the field, and supported by academic research. We are always happy to work with teachers and their assistants in classrooms, and with community members and Elders in their communities.

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.
Seeing what it’s like being a student in a class where you don’t understand the language! Lots of fun was had as Marg gave all the instructions in Afrikaans. We sung ‘Nana walk’ in Afrikaans and then formed sentences to match. Conclusion? How much easier reading is once you understand and can pronounce the words!
Experiencing being a student in a class where you don't understand the language! Lots of fun was had by all as Marg gave all instructions in Afrikaans. We sung 'Nana walk' in Afrikaans and then formed sentences to match. Conclusion? How much easier reading is once you understand the words orally!
Teacher Gary Hopkins and Margaret James in Warburton, WA.
Teacher Gary Hopkins and Margaret James in Warburton, WA.
Claire and Tic-Tac adding fun to the PD on Melville Island
Claire and Tic-Tac adding fun to the PD on Melville Island
Gladys and Aaron share ideas during our PD session on the Tiwi Islands
Gladys and Aaron share ideas during our PD session on the Tiwi Islands
Margaret James, author of the Honey Ant Readers, mentoring Elders, Jennifer Inkamala and Marjorie Williams, to speak publically about their terrific language work.
Elders, Jennifer Inkamala and Marjorie Williams, co-present with Margaret.
Margaret speaking in Melbourne
Margaret speaking in Melbourne
Arrernte Elder, Benedict Stevens speaking in Adelaide
Arrernte Elder, Benedict Stevens speaking in Adelaide

Keynote Speaking

Margaret James and the HAR team frequently present papers and interactive workshops  to educators and academics both nationally and internationally.

Keynote

Some of HAR's recent presentations in 2016:

  • Australian Association for the Teaching of English & Australian Literacy Educators Association in Adelaide AATE/ALEA (Arrernte Elder, Benedict Stevens and Margaret James)
  • Australian Council of TESOL Associations (ACTA) & Australian Adult Literacy Council (ACAL) in Perth (Margaret James)
  • ACER’s Excellence in Professional Practice Conference (EPPC) in Melbourne. (Margaret co-presented a workshop with Tiwi College Deputy Principal, Ailsa Mcfee and co-presented a poster painted by Arrernte Elder Marjorie Williams.)
  • The University of the 3rd Age U3A in Mullumbimby, NSW
  • Cockburn Fremantle Public Schools Network in Fremantle, WA. (Arrernte Elder, Coralie Williams and Margaret)
Margaret speaking on CAAMA radio
Margaret speaking on CAAMA radio
Lorraine Rokeby (China) recording her Thampu story.
Lorraine Rokeby (China) recording her Thampu story.
Ladies in Lockhart River recording as a first step to producing their own book.
Ladies in Lockhart River recording as a first step to producing their own book.

Publish Your Stories

The HAR team can help your community develop your own series of books, based in your community, drawing on your culture and illustrating your stories – from planning to publication. You will have the choice of self-publishing your work or working with HAR to publish your resources.

This process is commenced with a 2 day consultation workshop where we explore the nature of the project. Please use the contact from below to enquire further.

YAM BOOK FINAL 13Feb15_Page_01

Mentoring and Internships

Margaret and the team have worked with many aspiring professionals in the areas of publishing, writing, linguistics, teaching, graphic design, clerical work and marketing, just to name a few. We are always on the lookout for new members to join our team who are willing to learn and further their career. HAR provides an appropriate environment for Indigenous employment opportunities and welcomes all applications. Please email info@honeyant.com.au for all enquiries and applications.

Enthusiastic intern, Alice Fredericks, sharing ideas with teenage learners.
Enthusiastic intern, Alice Fredericks, sharing ideas with teenage learners.
Warlpiri teacher, Sara-Lee, mentored in interactive whiteboard techniques.
Warlpiri teacher, Sara-Lee, mentored in interactive whiteboard techniques.

Arrernte Elder Coralie Williams delivers her first PD session in Perth, mentored by HARs.

Daisy Ward teaches HARs how to catch and cook a goanna out bush.
Daisy Ward teaches HARs how to catch and cook a goanna out bush.

Promote Your Community

The HAR blog explores insights and perspectives from leaders in Indigenous education, linguistics and research. If you would like to feature on on HAR's blog or contribute to the conversation, please use our contact form below.

Contact Us

Telephone: 0412 248 145

Email: info@honeyant.com.au

Postal  Address:

Honey Ant Readers (Pty) Ltd;
PO Box 3042
Wooli
NSW 2462, Australia

ABN: 18 164 267 047

Thank you for your interest in the Honey Ant Readers. If you have found this website useful, we would be grateful if you would support us by adding a link to www.honeyant.com.au on your webpage. We would be delighted to promote our supporters on this website also, so if you would like us to do so please contact us on info@honeyant.com.au

Please use the form below to contact us