We are thrilled to launch an essential new online teacher PL course, Using diverse children's books in the classroom, that is free of charge to all teachers in Victoria!
Thanks to funding from the Victorian Department of Education's Strategic Partnerships Program, this course will support all educators in implementing The Victorian Curriculum English 2.0, due to be implemented from next year. The new curriculum specifies at every single year level that students “study texts by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and illustrators and a wide range of Australian and world authors and illustrators”. This is a critical, supportive journey for all educators working towards achieving this goal.
How this course supports you
This is a practical course that provides educators with the knowledge they need to address the revised Victorian Curriculum English with confidence and best-practice strategies for planning, instruction, and assessment. Through completing this course, participants will:
- Understand ways to use literature as a tool to support students to “learn about diverse cultures in ways that recognise commonalities and differences, create connections with others and cultivate mutual respect”
- Articulate why diverse books matter - particularly in modern day Australian classrooms
- Identify any preconceptions or fears that might be holding you back and self-assess for inclusivity and anti-bias
- Apply frameworks and/or selection criteria to the choice of diverse children's literature for use in your context
- Identify quality texts that are authentically diverse and provide a wealth of teaching and learning opportunities
- Understand how diverse literature can be used across all 3 strands of the Victorian Curriculum: English
- Employ culturally responsive teaching with and through children's literature
- Develop confidence to “explore the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and voices from a wide range of Australian and world literature”.
About the course creator
Associate Professor Helen Adam's research addresses the role and importance of quality inclusive literature in the social and emotional and educational wellbeing of the child, with a particular focus on the importance of authentic representations and inclusion of cultural diversity in children’s literature. Helen’s work has a particular focus on promoting socially just and equitable education through the promotion of the publication and use of authentically diverse and inclusive literature as one way to break down barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding in society. Her work is published in internationally renowned research journals. Helen has served as a judge for the Children’s Book Council Book of the Year Awards and is frequently called on for expert comment in the media and as a presenter to diverse audiences of educators and academics. Helen is the author of PETAA text Transforming Practice: Transforming Lives through Diverse Children's Literature.
How to access your free course
Just click here to register your place!
You'll also find links to this course, and related courses, below.
Not in Victoria, but interested in completing the course?
No problem! While the free funded places are only available to educators in Victoria, you can register to complete the open version of the course here (it's just $150 for PETAA members outside Victoria).