This page features a collection of resources gathered throughout the semester to support the development of positive reading experiences for students. Some resources were shared by university and placement school colleagues, while others were identified through my own research.
This video was created by Trina Deboree, a teacher with over 30 years' experience. Trina provided three practical tips for making reading fun for students: anchoring reading as a daily habit (e.g., after breakfast or at nighttime), letting kids choose the format (e.g., graphic novels, joke books, audiobooks), and making it about doing (e.g., building a car out of recyclable materials after reading Minton Goes Driving).
The Rainbow Book Box is a community initiative developed by two Brisbane educators. It provides carefully selected booklists for all ages, featuring stories that celebrate LGBTIQ+ characters and families. This site is a valuable resource for teachers, as it helps them find inclusive books to expand their classroom libraries. Using inclusive books can also support students in developing critical thinking, respect for difference, and the ability to challenge stereotypes.
This website provides a thoughtfully curated collection of children’s books about disability. The selection includes books written by disabled authors or positively reviewed by disabled readers, and it prioritises stories told from disabled perspectives while avoiding stereotypical portrayals. These books can help make reading a positive and inclusive experience for students, while also supporting the English curriculum by exposing them to a range of texts, perspectives, and ways of representing characters and experiences.
