Academic Language
Kelly and Spencer (2021) define academic language as the specialised oral and written language used to learn and communicate knowledge. It is mainly used in school settings to understand and express ideas [Snow & Uccelli, 2019]. Academic language includes the words, sentences, and text structures used in learning. So, how can we target it in intervention, and how might this improve student outcomes?
Reading Comprehension
Teaching foundational reading and writing skills like word reading and spelling is essential, but it doesn’t mean we should wait to teach comprehension and composition until those basics are mastered [Kim & Zagata, 2024]. In fact, comprehension and composition develop along a continuum, beginning with oral language through listening and speaking. So, how can we build on this to help students succeed?
Writing
To get the most benefit from teaching reading and writing together, the links between them need to be made clear and explicit [Kim, 2022; Shanahan, 2016]. Many students don’t automatically see how what they learn from reading connects to what they do when writing. Effective integrated instruction helps students recognise these connections, so they can transfer what they learn from reading to writing, and from writing to reading [Shanahan, 1988].
About the course
Join Kathryn to explore how research translates into practical strategies for intervention. She’ll focus on academic language, reading comprehension, and writing, showing what this looks like in practice, how to tailor it to student data, and how to adapt it for online delivery through Telehealth. You’ll learn how reading and writing support each other, why clear and explicit instruction matters, and which language skills are key to academic success. [Course consists of 5 x 60 minute webinars in video or podcast format]
Kathryn Thorburn
Starting her professional life in Speech Pathology, Kathryn diversified her skills by completing additional training as a teacher [primary plus a Masters of Special Education] over 20 years ago. An early adopter of research in both Speech Pathology and Education, she has extensive training and practical experience in translating research into practice in the K - 12 classroom and clinic. Kathryn was a member of the syllabus writing team for the new K-2 and 3 - 6 NSW English Syllabus in 2021. Her current focus is on supporting the students who often get lost in the classroom due to dyslexia, DLD and other learning difficulties either developmental disabilities or mild - moderate acquired neurological injuries [tbi, oncology, epilepsy, rare disease]. Kathryn continues to maintain current qualifications in both Speech Pathology [CPSP | MSPA] and Teaching [NESA Accredited Teacher - Proficient] and loves to equip other speech pathology and education professionals to support the success of more students.
Curriculum
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1
Practical Application - Academic Language, Reading Comprehension and Writing
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(Included in full purchase)
Handouts: Instructional Scaffolding & Word Analogies
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(Included in full purchase)
Recording: Instructional Scaffolding & Word Analogies
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(Included in full purchase)
Handouts: Practical Sentence Level Writing Intervention | Resources
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(Included in full purchase)
Recording: Practical Sentence Level Writing Intervention
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(Included in full purchase)
Handouts: Language, Dyscalculia & Maths Learning Difficulties
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(Included in full purchase)
Recording Language, Dyscalculia & Maths Learning Difficulties
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(Included in full purchase)
Handouts: Toolkit Question Answering and Summarising with Decodable Text
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(Included in full purchase)
Recording: Toolkit Question Answering and Summarising with Decodable Text
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(Included in full purchase)
Handouts - Expository Text Question Answering and Summarising
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(Included in full purchase)
Recording: Expository Text - Question Answering and Summarising
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(Included in full purchase)
Handouts: Using Themes to Support Reading, Reading Comprehension & Writing
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(Included in full purchase)
Using Themes to Support Reading, Reading Comprehension & Writing
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(Included in full purchase)
Recording: Resource Bonanza: Part 1
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(Included in full purchase)
Handouts: Resource Bonanza: Part 1
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(Included in full purchase)
Feedback
Kathryn has presented for Speech Pathology Australia [Conference Presentation | Conference Workshop | Professional Development Sessions], Language, Learning & Literacy Conference DyslexiaSPELD WA, Sharing Best Practice Conference, Australian Inclusive Education Conference, Think Forward Educators, Learning Difficulties Australia, Science of Teaching and Learning Australia [SOTLA] Conference, Successful Learning Conference, University of Sydney, University of Newcastle Speech Pathology Students, AISNSW Schools, DET QLD Schools plus a wide range of Speech Pathology Private Practices.
Hi Kathryn, I just finished the first module and goodness, I wish I had jumped onto this last year. I have kids in upper primary for whom I needed this PD. Really getting a lot out of this membership. Thanks so much!
Sydney, NSW
Highly recommend! Zero affiliation with Kathryn just a current member and it’s brilliant.
NSW
Thanks Tamworth!! Just back from a day presenting for the NSW/ ACT SPA Regional & Remote Network! Loved face to face meeting so many ‘‘virtual friends’. Shared a live version of parts of the Tier 3 Toolkit Membership focusing on School Age Academic Language, Reading Comprehension & Writing - Assessment & Intervention
Language and Learning
Hi Kathryn I'd love to extend my membership please. You have ruined me for all other training and PD. Your offering is incredible. Thank you so much for what you do.
Melbourne, Victoria
Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and making this platform happen. The learning I have done in the last month has revolutionised my intervention and I can't wait to keep learning.
Queensland
One of my colleagues has recently been participating in your online toolkit and has raved about what a great PD experience it has been, and that it is the best training that she has undertaken as a Speech Path – so thanks for big such a great resource and so generous with sharing your amazing knowledge and experience!
Western Australia
Hi Kathryn, I just finished the first module and goodness, I wish I had jumped onto this last year. I have kids in upper primary for whom I needed this PD. Really getting a lot out of this membership. Thanks so much!
Sydney, NSW
Thanks Tamworth!! Just back from a day presenting for the NSW/ ACT SPA Regional & Remote Network! Loved face to face meeting so many ‘‘virtual friends’. Shared a live version of parts of the Tier 3 Toolkit Membership focusing on School Age Academic Language, Reading Comprehension & Writing - Assessment & Intervention
Language and Learning
Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and making this platform happen. The learning I have done in the last month has revolutionised my intervention and I can't wait to keep learning.
Queensland
Highly recommend! Zero affiliation with Kathryn just a current member and it’s brilliant.
NSW
Hi Kathryn I'd love to extend my membership please. You have ruined me for all other training and PD. Your offering is incredible. Thank you so much for what you do.
Melbourne, Victoria
One of my colleagues has recently been participating in your online toolkit and has raved about what a great PD experience it has been, and that it is the best training that she has undertaken as a Speech Path – so thanks for big such a great resource and so generous with sharing your amazing knowledge and experience!
Western Australia
Expand your toolkit; learn practical ways to support language and literacy growth.
Don’t wait—invest in your skills and your students’ outcomes!
$199.00