Teachers and speech pathologists from Newcastle to Port Macquarie and the North Coast joined SPELD NSW for Sounds-Write Professional Development during the April school holidays.
The face to face learning was brought to the region in partnership with Dyslexia Mid North Coast. SPELD NSW visited the region three years ago to deliver training to preservice teachers at CSU University Port Macquarie Campus.
“The Sounds-Write training was postponed twice due to COVID so all participants were keen to attend. Sounds-Write is an evidence-based highly structured, synthetic, linguistic phonics program utilising an exciting and highly successful approach to the teaching of reading and spelling.
Sounds-Write is developmentally appropriate for beginning readers in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 within a classroom, and also offers fast and highly effective small group or individual intervention for children at all year levels who have fallen behind in their reading and spelling from Year 3 onwards.” said Georgina Perry Executive Officer SPELD NSW.
Generous community donations enabled Dyslexia Mid North Coast to offer a scholarship to local teacher Monica Eggins.
“This was the best professional development I have ever been to. Very grateful to be awarded this scholarship to better my knowledge of dyslexia and synthetic phonics. Thanks again,” said Monica.
The training was delivered at The Westport Club by Lisa Watts, Sounds-Write Trainer, teacher and psychologist from DSF (Dyslexia SPELD Foundation WA) The four day training is also offered in Newcastle, Parramatta and online.
“This was one of the best PD I have attended. Gained many new skills and excellent knowledge of synthetic phonics,” said Helen Jack.
Three speech pathologists and one early intervention teacher attended from Early Connections Port Macquarie.
“We have sent a number of professionals on the course since SPELD NSW first came to the region and all professionals are now using the program with success at our service and in the community,” said Early Connections Manager Beth Todd.
Dyslexia Mid North Coast Cofounder Kelly King said:
“With the greater focus on synthetic phonics in the new national curriculum we are pleased to bring the highly regarded Sounds-Write training to the region to support local teachers transition from balanced literacy and three cueing to effective structured literacy in our classrooms. Parents have advocated for this for over ten years. It is great to see so many professionals attend the course.”
Thank you to all the teachers and speech pathologists who gave up their holiday time to gain valuable knowledge and skills to support local students with reading, writing and spelling. Are you interested in Sounds-Write training for your region? Contact us today.
