Why read about Australia?
I’ve just published four new Read about Australia titles, in what might be quite an extended series – there are so many topics I could write about. Why read about Australia? Well, I think of all the things I didn’t know when I arrived in Australia many years ago, and then all the things that learners have been confused by … Continue reading
Read about Australia: my new non-fiction EAL readers
Where can new learners of English in Australia find out more about their new country? When librarians asked me for easy-read non-fiction for adult beginners, I started making a list of ‘Read about Australia’ titles. I had to ask myself some questions: What would learners like to know about? What do they need to know about? Could I link the … Continue reading
Beach Safety: An updated ESOL resource list
Counting down to the release of the first four books in the new Read about Australia series, including one on Beach Icons… and it made me realise that it’s been a while since I looked at resources that focus on beach fun and beach safety. In fact, last time was in February 2018, so here’s my update. I’d love to … Continue reading
Authentic cross-cultural stories for English language learners: an interview with Claire Kamber
I’m always excited to see reading books that reflect the real-life experience of multilingual learners here in Australia. These stories for high school and young adult students are all about settling in, living a new life in a different environment, while missing parts of the old life…how to find a new sense of belonging. I hadn’t heard of Milpera Publishing, … Continue reading
English for Swimming: a free (and fabulous) resource
English for Swimming! You’ve hopefully already seen the free-to-download resource, or read about Michelle Cowan’s work at Navitas Skilled Futures, creating an English for Swimming Program that anyone can use. It’s so accessible and appealing and the program was highly commended in the 2020 NSW Humanitarian Awards…and I was fortunate enough to be able to ask Michelle some questions about … Continue reading













