Meeting the literacy needs of EAL/D students in mainstream primary classrooms

About the webinar

One in four Australian students are learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D). Many teachers aren’t trained to meet their literacy needs and are looking for ways to better support these students and provide individualised learning opportunities. This webinar will focus on some practical strategies and tips to better support EAL/D students in primary classrooms.

Points covered:

  • Who are EAL/D learners? What challenges do they face? (new arrivals with strong literacy skills in their own language vs those with minimal if any literacy skills vs those with language proficiency issues)
  • The importance of language, culture and identity
  • Classroom strategies
  • Oral language and vocabulary strategies (academic language vs informal language; instructions)
  • Reading strategies, especially focusing on synthetic phonics & differentiating texts
  • Writing strategies
  • Importance of visual cues

About the presenter: Kerrie Quee

Kerrie has over 25 years experience as a teacher, specialising in EALD for 12 years and is currently working at Concord West PS 3 days a week as an EALD leader/mentor.

In 2013, Kerrie filled the position of K-6 ESL Consultant in South Western Sydney and in 2014 Curriculum Advisor (EALD). Currently, Kerrie is the coordinator of EALD Connect in the Strathfield Principals’ Network and is an ARCO (Anti Racism Contact Officer) trainer and facilitator in Sydney.

Kerrie teaches in the Master of Teaching course at Western Sydney University and is also a WSU advisor for students completing their professional experience teaching unit.

Kerrie is Nationally Accredited at Highly Accomplished and is currently a NESA Moderating Committee pre panel member for HALT accreditation. She is also an observer and coach with The Department of Education Mastery of Teaching Program, supporting teachers in attaining higher levels of accreditation.

Webinar: Supporting EALD Primary students

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