Chat GPT and Readers Theatre Scripts

Whilst completing an online course for the new NSW English Syllabus, I learned that Chat GPT can create instant scripts for novels great for Readers Theatre. All you meed to do is open up Chat GPT and ask it to create a script based on the novel/book .... and voila! In a few seconds you have a script ready to go.

2026 Premier's Reading Challenge

Celebrate the Love of Reading: NSW Premier's Reading Challenge 2026 The 2026 NSW Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is well underway, and we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible students from Kindergarten to Year 10 across New South Wales who are diving into the world of books! Since its inception 25 years ago, the Challenge has been more than just a list of books—it is a statewide celebration of curiosity, exploration, and the simple joy of losing yourself in a great story. Why We Love the Challenge It is important to remember that the PRC is not a competition. It is a personal invitation to every student to read more, explore new genres, and discover authors they might never have encountered otherwise. Whether you are a budding reader in Kindergarten just starting your journey or a seasoned student in Year 10, there is a whole library of "stories to discover and stories to tell" waiting for you. Key Dates for Your DiaryThe clock is ticking on this year's challenge! Make sure you have your reading records up to date:Final Day for Students: Friday, 18 September 2026.Final Day for Coordinators: Friday, 25 September 2026. How to Stay Involved Keep Logging: Every book you read counts toward your progress. Log your reading through the PRC Student Experience website using your Department of Education login. Explore New Titles: If you are looking for inspiration, check out the latest booklist updates, which include hundreds of fantastic new titles to choose from. Listen & Learn: Don't miss out on the Book bites podcast, where Australian authors read the first chapters of their books—it's a perfect way to find your next great read!

Great School Libraries

Students, Parents, Staff and School communities voted for their favourite school libraries in Australia in 2015. This post is a summary of these results as reported by Freedom of Access to information and Resources as to what makes School Libraries great: 1) A qualified Teacher Librarian managing the library. 2) The library is open whenever the school is open. 3) students can learn information skills in the library. 4) students can borrow resources when they need them with 24/7 digital access. 5) Students can borrow popular Fiction without long waiting periods - balancing the breadth and depth of the collection so that keen readers can have access to their favourite author, the next title in a series or the latest movie tie-in. 6) Have enough space for a whole class to fit into the library. 7) Have high speed access to the Internet. 8) Students are encouraged to use online resources. 9) Hold special activities, eg. Book Week, Book Fairs, visiting speakers/performers eg. Authors/Illustrators/poets, Clubs such as Chess Clubs, Robotics. 10) Students, Parents and Teachers think that a library is Awesome for its physical space, the digital experience, the warm welcome, the print collections and electronic resources, 21st Century learning space, the 'wow' factor, well designed, highly active and support for all ages.

Graduation December 2013

As my graduation approaches, I am so glad to be finishing this course. I feel that I have learned so many new things and can't wait to put them into practise. Most of all, I have enjoyed being encouraged to learn again. I cannot praise CSU enough. I was the first in my family to attend University and am now graduating with a Masters in Education (Teacher Librarianship), my third degree in Education! I don't usually like to brag but this is an achievement for me. When I was in Year 5 my parents were called into the school and told by my teacher that I was not achieving and that perhaps they should send me to a "Special School". Then when I was in Year 10 my teacher told my father that I should not go on to Year 11 and 12 because I was not "bright" enough. I am encouraged to be a lifelong learner and to ensure that my children also have the skills required and the eagerness to do the same!

EBSCOhost: The Add-On Impact of Mobile Applications in Learning Strategies: A Review S...

EBSCOhost: The Add-On Impact of Mobile Applications in Learning Strategies: A Review S...

Great new Library in Katoomba NSW

I recently had the privilege of visiting the new town library in Katoomba, NSW. A well-patronised library indeed! Lounge chairs, moveable furniture, shelving and walls, with warm colours throughout, very impressive! Great access to both online and physical resources. Definitely worth a visit. My parents both have their new cards and are enjoying all of the audio and large-printed resources, so they are catering well to their demographic.

More thoughts on my ideal library,

* Newspapers, Magazines, Career Information, Promotional Literature for Reading and Librarianship would also feature in a comfy reading area. * Listening posts and Headphones so that users may listen to Books on Cds, Ipods/ and e-books/audiobooks on Computers. * The Toys and games would be included to spark imagination and creativity. * Active participation in Book Clubs such as Scholastic and Koorong Kids to promote Literacy.