Helen Adam

5 Hours

Available all year

Online unmoderated course

What is this course about?

This course is created by Dr Helen Adam and is a critical, supportive journey for educators wanting to use more diverse literature in their primary classroom for teaching and learning, but unsure of where or how to start. The Victorian Curriculum English 2.0 is currently in familiarisation phase, with “sector determined implementation” next year. The Victorian Curriculum English 2.0 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 course is offered free of charge to all teachers in Victoria thanks to funding from the Victorian Department of Education's Strategic Partnerships Program.

Teachers in other states can register for the paid version of the course here.

Why participate?

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”. 

Who should participate?

• All classroom teachers in Victoria (across public, Catholic and independent sectors)
• Teacher librarians
• Literacy leaders
• Instructional and Curriculum leaders
• Principals, Deputy Principals and Assistant Principals
• Diversity and inclusion leaders

How does it work?

• Individuals: upon registration individuals will be sent a link to access the PL on our online learning platform.

Not a member? Sign up here to access group pricing, discounts and our member resource portal.

 Completing this course comprises 5 hours of online professional learning addressing standards 1.2.1, 1.3.2, 1.4.2 and 2.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.