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 or surprised by, over the years… like the simple neighbourly greeting of ‘Owyagoin?’
Citizenship challenges
Teaching Citizenship classes reminded me what a lot there is to know about this huge country. My Aussie friends actually struggled with some of those questions: the symbolism of the colours and features of the Torres Strait Islander flag? The meaning of Royal Assent? The names of the three branches of government (legislative, executive and judicial)?
Now I can’t claim that these are all covered in the Read about Australia books – as yet! I’m not trying to replicate Our Common Bond, but more to offer learners a picture of their new country. And I’ll be honest, it’s hard to cover topics like the operation of government, because photo libraries don’t always have those kinds of photos. I will do my best with that, down the track.
Cultural insights? Fun facts? Safety?
Meanwhile, there are now eight titles, covering different aspects of life in Australia: I’ve included links to the book pages on The Book Next Door site, but you can also see the physical books (without visiting a bookshop) in this 50 second YouTube video short:
Capital Cities of Australia and Flags and Symbols of Australia are absolutely Citizenship topics.
Outback Australia and The Bush in Australia give a little insight to learners living in the city, who may not have ventured very far.
G’day! English in Australia looks at the ways in which ‘a little school English’ may not have prepared someone for Aussie slang.
Amazing Animals of Australia and Amazing Birds of Australia are ‘fun fact’ reading; a upbeat take on information texts.
Beach Icons of Australia (like many of the other titles) doesn’t just have ‘nice to know’ fun facts – it also covers essential safety issues.
A light-hearted approach
Librarians had asked me for easy-read EAL non-fiction, and that’s why I made the layout so visual and ‘easy-read’, and the tone so chatty. The books feature the same literacy font as the beginner level ESL Extras books (Heinemann Special). I was thinking of learners who aren’t necessarily used to leisure reading, and who are maybe reading in a new script, in a different direction from their first language. I wanted to make it a light-hearted and accessible reading experience.
Engaging worksheets to reinforce new vocabulary
Let’s be honest, much of the new vocabulary doesn’t fall into ‘everyday needs’. Words like ‘marsupial’ or ‘dunny’ aren’t necessarily settlement language – but they are part of Aussie life. The worksheets review some of the language and vocab, but in a fun way, and learners can download these themselves. There are also discussion questions, to help learners link the new information to their own life experience. The link to the worksheets and YouTube audio is in the back of every book: thebooknextdoor.com/australia
Here are the worksheets for G’day! English in Australia, for example (or you can download them from the link):
Teacher support
When I wrote the books, I was thinking of individual reading or Book Club activities. Of course, since then I’ve discovered that teachers can absolutely see a use for the books in the classroom (hence the introductory slides, thanks to triallist Angela Whyte’s suggestion).
So you might use the books as information texts, for a topic-based or project-based lesson or for a reading group activity with a volunteer. The worksheet link page has another link to a teacher’s page, where you’ll find the slides, as well as a ‘direct audio download’ option.
I’d love to hear from you if you have feedback or suggestions for new titles. Currently I’m working on Important Days (Public Holidays), Driving in Australia, Amazing Flowers – and something about the longest river, tallest mountain…(a bit stuck on the title). Happy reading!
