Hidden Key Literacy Specialists

If I had to describe this book as a feeling, it would be like an afternoon with a Nanna having hot tea and scones or a warm hug. Such a beautiful book written in such a unique way!!

Want to know how to support your child that is learning to read?

Here are my top tips as a literacy specialist.

Parent disclaimer: ALOT of patience will be required but trust the process and remember to keep their confidence as your number one priority!

readinghelp

Mark your calendars! The annual Sunshine Coast Education Fair is back this July and we will be there! We can’t wait for another great expo and will have some very special pricing on the day, so make sure you stop by and say hello!

I have read so many amazing books this year and have been dying to tell someone about them all.

While these books do not relate to children … I figured that my audience are all adults and I am in the literary world, so I would start to share my book recommendations here!

If you have read the book that I recommend each week, feel free to share your thoughts.

If you have any recommendations that you are bursting at the seams to share, then please do!

BIG NEWS!!

I am officially qualified and am launching my ADHD Coaching sessions from Term 3! These sessions will be available specifically for children and incorporate years of experience in connecting with kids, together with evidence-based strategies to help your child overcome the hurdles that ADHD presents to them.

Stay tuned for further information or DM if you might be interested.

Is your child learning to read? Use sound mapping to help your child decode words. This strategy helps your child figure out how many sounds they need to decode as well as identifying for them if the letters are combined to make sounds.

Another tip: if your child says the letter name instead of sound, try responding with “great job, that is the letter name but what sound does it make?” Give them a chance to get it right on their own!

I will often let students create their own obstacle course as a fun way to include maths lessons. This strategy allows for full body movement and regulation, provides an opportunity to experience success as they move from one problem to the next and allows me to focus on their problem solving and maths strategies as we move through the course. Who said learning wasn’t fun?!

Not all pencils are created equal.

For some children, writing isn’t just about learning letters—it’s about finding the right tool that helps their hand feel comfortable, supported, and in control.

A pencil that’s too thin, too thick, too slippery or just “not quite right” can make writing feel frustrating and exhausting. But the right pencil? It can build confidence, improve grip, and make the whole process feel easier and more enjoyable.

If your child is struggling with writing, don’t underestimate the power of trying different pencil options. The goal isn’t just neat handwriting—it’s helping them feel capable and successful.

A really fun way to get kids engaging with maths … roll some dice (inflatable makes it feel more fun), great their own maths equation (incorporates writing) and then solve the problem using manipulatives! This works for subtraction and multiplication as well for the advanced learners!