Academic Language

Language Skills underpin both Reading Comprehension and Written Composition skills.  Explore the research about the specific Academic Language skills that support student academic achievement in the primary school and high school years.  

Reading Comprehension

Students must make the shift from Learning to Read to Reading to Learn in order to experience academic success and a key component of this is reading comprehension.  Learn what the research says about supporting reading comprehension, the role of both language and executive skills.

Writing

To develop successful writing skills, students must develop skills at sentence, paragraph and passage level.  Explore the research related to Syntax, Sentences and extend response writing along with the contribution of  knowledge about Text Structure to developing effective writing skills.

About the course

Join Kathryn to dive into the latest research on academic language, reading comprehension, and writing. See how executive skills influence learning, discover what effective intervention looks like, and learn to tailor strategies for individual students, even online via Telehealth. Learn how reading and writing work together, why clear instruction matters, and which language skills make the biggest difference for student success. [Course consists of 6 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

1 Chapter · 12 Lessons

  1. 1

    The Research - Academic Language, Reading Comprehension and Writing

    1. Language Skills for Academic Achievement Free preview
    2. Language Skills for Academic Achievement Free preview
    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Explicitly Teaching Reading Comprehension - Handouts

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Explicitly Teaching Reading Comprehension

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Sentence Skills & Syntax Handouts [+ Resources]

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Sentence Skills & Syntax

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Paragraph Writing Handouts

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Paragraph Writing

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Text Structures Part 1 - Handout

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Text Structures - Part 1

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Text Structures - Part 2

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Text Structures - Part 2

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.

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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!
Speech Pathologist

Sydney, NSW

Highly recommend! Zero affiliation with Kathryn just a current member and it’s brilliant.
Speech Pathologist

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
Kathryn Thorburn

Language and Learning

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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.
Specialist Literacy Tutor

Melbourne, Victoria

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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.
Speech Pathologist.

Queensland

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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!
Speech Pathologist

Western Australia 

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$199.00

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