Events and Conferences
Dr. Nancy Young Seminar: Meeting the wide range of literacy needs in classrooms
J and J Literacy, Tātai Angitu—Literacy at Massey University, and Lifting Literacy Aotearoa, are proud to bring to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025 the one and only Dr. Nancy Young - Reading, Spelling, Writing Specialist.
Author of the famous ‘Ladder of Reading & Writing’ and Co-Editor of the book ‘Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing: Meeting the Needs of ALL Learners’ (2024).
She will be doing a 3-city tour of New Zealand.
💜 Christchurch/ Otautahi: Mon 20 Jan 2025
💜 Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau: Wed 22 Jan 2025
💜 Palmerston North / Papaioea: Fri 24 Jan 2025
Start the year off learning about the need for differentiated reading and writing instruction to serve ALL your students! Who? What? Why? How?
This is a full day seminar 9.00 am - 3.30 pm split into three sessions and will include:
Nancy’s journey to creating the Ladder of Reading & Writing - the personal events and experiences as a parent and educator that led her to create the infographic and Book - and an in-depth explanation of the key features, research and terminology packed into the infographic.
An exploration of differentiation in classroom practice, referencing content within the Book ‘Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing: Meeting the Needs of ALL Learners’ (2024) and its Study Guide.
A panel discussion during which Nancy and experts representing exceptionalities across New Zealand will address differentiated instruction for literacy. Topics of conversation to include: gaps in the research; classroom practices supporting learners with exceptionalities; and getting the next bit right in NZ from a policy and practice viewpoint. Details of panelists to be announced.
Morning tea and lunch are included.
Note that you do not have to have a copy of the Book or Study Guide for this session. We are offering special package deals for both with your ticket for those that wish to acquire a copy of the books. These need to be pre-ordered with your ticket (see the different ticketing options) and will be available for pick up at registration on the day (they will not be posted out before). A limited number of copies will also be available for purchase on the day at regular retail price.
A limited number of scholarships are available for those on low incomes or who would struggle to afford a ticket. To apply for one of these please submit an application using this form by 31 October 2024.
Imagine it! Conference, Auckland
Presentation Abstract: Heggerty – It’s vital!
There is a large body of research into reading acquisition, that is overwhelmingly united in the contention that Phonemic Awareness is not only vital, but the best early predictor of reading success. Unfortunately, many children arrive at New Zealand schools with little to no Phonemic Awareness and this needs to be remediated (explicitly taught) to ensure literacy success. Phonemic Awareness is the specific ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words. It sits under the umbrella term, Phonological Awareness, which also includes skills such as understanding syllables and rhyming.
Foundation literacy skills also involve the ability to decode (read words) and encode (spell words), and to achieve these reciprocal skills, children need to be able to both hear the sounds and then produce the correct sounds.
In this presentation Julie Green and Dr Janice Belgrave will discuss how the range of Heggerty Curricula can facilitate the Phonological and Phonemic Awareness skills that children need to learn to read and spell, linking it to the ability of correctly articulating sounds, based on Dr Belgrave’s own doctoral research.
Trade Table
Our third trade table opportunity of the year. Again, all our products will be available to purchase and take away on the day. We are looking forward to our first presentation as a team and to having our third trade table experience.
New Zealand Literacy Association Conference in Invercargill
Our trade table will also be on show at this conference. All our products will be available to buy and the great thing is you wont have to pay postage as we will have stock with us on site!
Resource Teachers of Literacy Conference in Auckland
This conference is only open to those who are Resource Teachers of Literacy. It will be a great chance for RTLits to see our new products and ask any questions about the NEW Heggerty Bridge to Reading Foundational Skills Curriculum for years 1-3.
Spot prizes and gifts will also be a feature at this first ever conference for the J and J Literacy team! Link to conference website is here