18/04/2025
🧠✨ Language Before Learning: Why Auslan Is More Than Just a Tool...It’s a Lifeline ✨🧠
Deaf and hard of hearing children need more than just access to sound...they need access to language.
Too often, kids are expected to learn concepts in school without first having the language to think about those concepts. Imagine trying to understand time, space, emotions, or science… without the words to describe them. 😟
This is where Auslan makes the biggest difference. A strong first language gives kids:
✔️ A way to express their thoughts clearly
✔️ A foundation for understanding abstract ideas
✔️ A bridge to learning English in meaningful ways
One incredible activity you can do at home? 📖
✨ Open a book to a page with a picture and just start chatting.
Ask your child what they see, what they think is happening, how the characters might feel. Let the conversation flow naturally. This kind of interaction builds language, thinking, and connection.
👐 And don’t forget the magic of fingerspelling!
If there are key words in the book: names, places, and tricky vocabulary, fingerspell them regularly. DHH kids can’t write those words if they can’t first see and reproduce them through fingerspelling. It’s how spelling becomes meaningful.
💬 Language is learning. And every Deaf child deserves the chance to thrive with a language that is fully accessible to them — from day one.
18/04/2025
📚✨ Why Auslan-First Tutoring Matters for DHH Kids ✨📚
When it comes to learning, language access is everything and for Deaf and hard of hearing kids, that means having strong foundations in Auslan first. 💬
Too often, our kids are expected to "catch up" with reading skills using materials that don't match their language level or needs. But here's the truth: Reading isn't just about decoding words, it's about understanding. And that only happens when they have the right support from the start.
👋 DHH learners benefit most when:
✅ They’re given explicit vocabulary instruction, not just expected to pick it up.
✅ They’re matched with books at the right level so they’re not overwhelmed by constant unknown words.
✅ Reading is made accessible in both languages — with Auslan support alongside English print.
When we get this right, our kids can focus on what reading is really about: making sense of stories, facts, and ideas. Rather than just struggling to decode words. Let's build confident, curious readers by starting with language that makes sense to them.
💙 Language-first. Child-focused. Always.
14/04/2025
I am excited to announce that I now have the capacity to offer subject tutoring in Auslan. The last 2 years has been quite busy with me becoming a full-time classroom teacher. I had to put this on pause but now I'm beyond happy to be able to continue this again.
My biggest passion is working with people and seeing that 'aha' moment!
Like on the poster - the best way to contact me is on email or via my mobile number SMS - 0466420234.
22/12/2021
Where am I?
I am based in the southern region of Brisbane. I offer my face-to-face services around Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and the south-east region.
22/12/2021
The permits, certificates, and qualifications that I have/hold are:
- Blue card
- Yellow card exemption (working with disability)
- CPR training certificate
- First aid training certificate
- Diploma of Business
- Year 12 QCE
- Bachelor of Primary Education (in progress)
