NOWRA Regional: Understanding Picture Books and Their Role in Literacy

In this workshop we will look closely at how picture books work and the central role they play in early literacy development. You will build your understanding of how to identify high quality literature and share effective strategies for shared reading experiences for children from birth to five years.

The most valuable thing we can do to foster early literacy is to support children to develop a love of books and reading through joyful encounters with quality books and reading experiences. Rather than prioritising a narrow set of skills such as letter recognition, our focus should be on nurturing a positive reading identity for every child. Thus, high-quality children’s literature should be at the heart of early literacy learning.

 

In this session, you will:

  • Explore how words and illustrations work together to convey meaning in picture books
  • Explore the ways in which picture books can be used to foster early literacy development
  • Build your understanding of the characteristics of high-quality picture books for children from birth to five years
  • Apply this knowledge to analysing picture books from your workplace and developing shared reading and literacy learning strategies based around high-quality picture books

 

Recommended audience: Teachers, educators, educational leaders

    • $90

    • Date

      Thu 7 May
      6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

    • Location

      Nowra

    • Presented by

      • Dr Amanda Niland
    Register

About the presenters

  • Amanda Niland Bio
    Dr Amanda Niland

    Dr Amanda Niland is a Senior Lecturer in early childhood at the University of Sydney and Programme Director of the Master of Teaching Early Childhood. Amanda has extensive experience as an early childhood teacher, music specialist and early childhood intervention teacher. Amanda is passionate about the arts and children’s literature, and the value of music, stories and books for supporting positive relationships and a sense of belonging for all children. Amanda’s research focuses on creativity, the arts and inclusion, and children’s literature. She has published peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, monographs and books for educators as well as two picture books.