Trumpet: Content Creator

04/11/2024

New research opportunity 🎉 We're looking for Australian teachers and teacher assistants who work with children who have language or reading difficulties.
You can help Curtin University researchers to learn more about the school experiences and socio-emotional wellbeing of children who have language or reading difficulties by participating in a focus group of ~1.5-2 hour duration. Online or in-person focus groups available. For more information or to register your interest visit https://curtin.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_01j9K72vF8C5wVw
Or contact Dr Adie Wilmot at [email protected].
Curtin University HREC approved study (HRE2021-0084)

02/11/2024

As I lie here in bed reflecting on the week that has been (and it’s been particularly busy), I find myself thinking about an Adam Grant post that really resonated with me, so I thought I’d share!

It’s about the ability to connect dots and how crucial this skill is. Identifying patterns and relationships deepens our understanding of complex issues and empowers us to drive innovation in learning.

Adam Grant’s research emphasises that synthesising information is vital for meaningful learning. While gathering facts is essential, it’s the act of connecting these facts that unlocks new possibilities. This synthesis transforms isolated pieces of knowledge into a cohesive narrative, revealing opportunities for deeper understanding and engagement. Finding patterns in educational data is like seeing the big picture; it requires both analytical skills and an imaginative mindset.

Innovation in education emerges from the intersection of diverse ideas and perspectives. By connecting seemingly unrelated concepts, educators, speech pathologists, OTs, and school psychologists can collaboratively develop novel solutions to complex challenges.

Engaging with educational research is crucial for effective synthesis. Understanding academic literature informs teaching practices and provides practical implications for real-world classrooms. It’s about translating research findings into actionable strategies that enhance student engagement. For example, insights from cognitive science can improve instructional methods, while studies on social-emotional learning can refine classroom dynamics and support student behavior.

By embracing synthesis as a core competency, we unlock new possibilities and fuel the imagination and innovation needed for progress in education. Trust plays a vital role here—trust in the research and in the professional knowledge and experience of those involved in the process. Can we have innovation without trust? This also makes me reflect on the work of Simon Sinek and Brené Brown!

Thought-provoking stuff 🤔. What do you think?

30/10/2024

Happy Diwali!

Wishing all our followers a joyful and prosperous Diwali! This vibrant festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Origin of Diwali:
Diwali has its roots in ancient Indian traditions and is celebrated by millions across the world. It is linked to various legends, the most popular being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. To celebrate his return, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps, or diyas, illuminating the path for Rama and Sita.

How People Celebrate:
Diwali is celebrated in diverse ways across different cultures. In India, people decorate their homes, burst fireworks, and share sweets with loved ones. In some regions, it marks the start of the new year.

Expressions of Diwali:
People express their wishes for Diwali in various languages:
- Hindi: “Diwali ki shubhkamnayein!"
- Punjabi: “Diwali diyaan bahut bahut vadhaiyaan!"
- Gujarati: “Diwali ni shubhkamna!"
- Tamil: “Deepavali vaazhthukkal!"

No matter how you say it, the essence of Diwali remains the same: spreading joy, love, and light. May your life be illuminated with happiness and prosperity this Diwali! Check out the beautiful displays at KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!! 🇲🇾 🫶🏾🪔

30/10/2024

🫶🏾💜💛

📆 Save the Date! 2025 will fall on Friday the 17th of October. Be sure to add it to your diary. We’re already busy planning for next year and we would love to hear your ideas/feedback. Pop them in the comments 💜💛

25/10/2024

Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate some of the most amazing and dynamic people I have the privilege of working with at the Language Development Centre. Each day, I am inspired by your passion, dedication, and resilience in the ever-challenging landscape of education.

Working in the DLD space is not just a job—it’s a calling. The impact of what we do here is profound, and it truly makes every moment worthwhile. We are shaping the lives of our little learners, instilling in them the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Your commitment to their growth is a testament to your character and professionalism.

However, I recognise that navigating the education space right now is no easy feat. Many of our teachers are feeling fatigued and, at times, undervalued and to be honest this reality weighs heavily on my heart. My hope is that every team member knows just how significant their contributions are. You are not just educators; you are changemakers, mentors, and sources of inspiration.

As Brené Brown beautifully said, “Teachers are the ones who ignite the fire in our students. They are the ones who create the conditions for learning, the environment for growth, the space for curiosity.” Your work creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom, laying the foundation for a brighter future for children with DLD. 💜💛

I want you all to feel the love and appreciation we have for the remarkable work you do each and every day. You show up with passion and heart, and that does not go unnoticed. Together, we are making a difference, and I am so grateful to be on this journey with you.

I take my “hat off” to you all 🙏🏾😃🥰.

23/10/2024

Play in the park for littlies is such a great initiative by ELF: Education Linked to Families 🥰. If you are a playgroup, council member, child care centre or school that is looking for ways enhance development across the oral language, social emotional, gross and fine motor domains .. then look no further! Reach out to ELF.

Second week of Play in the Park was a day of plants.
We had a story and art, planted our own sunflowers, had a fun cafe and worms and insects.

The most fun for at least one of the littlies was the spray bottle! Everything got wet!!

As always, I remain inspired by the imaginations and fun that children have. The cooperation, sharing and focus is the bonus of community getting their children together to play.

19/10/2024

Celebrating Occupational Therapists: Thank You, Jessica Dreaver!

As we prepare to celebrate Occupational Therapy Week starting on October 21st, let's take a moment to express our gratitude to all the incredible occupational therapists out there, especially our own Jess! This year's theme, “Occupational Therapy for All," highlights the vital role that OTs play in enhancing the lives of individuals and communities, particularly in our specialised context (LDC).

Jess exemplifies the essence of occupational therapy by empowering individuals, including our students, to engage in the activities they want, need, or are expected to do every day. Her dedication to providing valuable insights and practical strategies has made a significant difference in maximising student engagement and success.

Even though she’s currently on leave, it's important to recognise that Jess’s impact is felt deeply. We miss her presence and the positivity she brings to our team and students. Thank you, Jess, for all that you do! You are appreciated more than words can express. 🙏🏾💛💜

Let’s continue to support and honour all occupational therapists during this special week and beyond!

19/10/2024

Let’s help get this fundraiser over the line so that some really important research into the ‘functional impacts of DLD’ can go ahead!!! 💜💛

So this happened overnight!!!! We’re now only $1,573 away from funding Dr Samuel Calder and his colleagues vital research into the ‘functional impacts’ of DLD. This is critical to support DLD advocacy in Australia. Thank you to the incredible Fremantle Speech Pathology and Banter Speech & Language teams for their amazing donations and to everyone else who has contributed so far. If 78 people contribute a donation of $20 we will hit our target! Can you make a tax deductible donation today to help get this research underway?!: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-vital-dld-research-to-support-advocacy-to-the-ndis

18/10/2024

Ok peeps, to say I’m feeling overwhelmed with joy and gratitude after an incredibly successful DLD day would be an understatement!! It truly couldn't have ended any better than with a community picnic that brought everyone together and raised funds for .💛💜

I feel so fortunate to work alongside such dynamic individuals and to have beautiful students who inspire me every day. The support from my friends and the community is heartwarming and reminds me of the strength we have when we come together.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed! Your energy and enthusiasm made this day unforgettable. Here’s to many more amazing events together! 💪🏾🥰

18/10/2024

is finally here and we are ready to greet our school community 💛💜🥰. Are you ready?!! Post your pics and use these hashtags 🥳

17/10/2024

Bright and early at work and gearing up for tomorrow 💜💪🏾💛 with Lenore 🥰.

15/10/2024

💜💛Exciting News for DLD Advocacy💛💜
Thanks to our amazing colleagues jymako Sharon & Ami, we are ready to spread the word about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) with our fantastic DLD Day t-shirts—now in their third consecutive year! 👕💪🏾💜💛

These shirts are not just gorgeous; they’re conversation starters! Every time I wear mine on Casual Fridays, I find myself diving into micro workshops about DLD, raising awareness about this often-hidden disorder. It’s incredible how a simple shirt can spark meaningful discussions and educate others.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Together, we can shine a light on DLD and advocate for those who need it most. Wear your t-shirt with pride and let’s make every day a DLD awareness day! 💬💙

15/10/2024

Did you know that tomorrow is, Thank You Cleaners Day? 🎉 It’s the perfect moment to shine a spotlight on the incredible cleaners who keep our workplaces sparkling and welcoming! 🧼✨

Let’s take a moment to reach out and let our cleaning heroes know just how much they are appreciated. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that our spaces are not only clean but also enjoyable to be in. 💪🏽❤️

Here’s a fun idea: why not write a quick thank-you note, bring in some treats, or simply share a warm smile? Every little gesture counts! 🤗

Remember, we all play a part in making our workplaces great, and recognising each other is key to fostering a positive environment. So, let’s show our cleaners that they are seen, valued, and truly essential to our team!

Together, we can make a difference! 🌈

14/10/2024

🌟 Speak Up for DLD: Advocacy Video Release 🌟

As we approach DLD Day, we are excited to share this year’s advocacy video, themed ‘Speak Up’ for DLD. This message is crucial because Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) remains a hidden challenge for many, despite its prevalence affecting 7.6% of our community. That’s nearly 2 children in every class of 30!

DLD often goes unidentified, leaving individuals struggling to understand their differences and seek the help they need. Research shows that without awareness, many children don’t receive the support that can make a world of difference (Tomblin et al., 1997; Norbury et al., 2016).

This year, we want to amplify the voices of our school community—those who have bravely shared their experiences. A heartfelt thank you to Amber, Josiah, Rob, Alexander, Dylan, Rocky, Jodie, and Sidney for your courage and for speaking up about DLD. Your stories shed light on the challenges and triumphs that many face.

We also extend our gratitude to Dr. Samuel Calder for his unwavering commitment and passion in research and development. Your efforts inspire us all!

Finally, to the dedicated staff at North East LDC, we appreciate your hard work and dedication in this specialised and rewarding field. You are making a significant impact in the lives of those with DLD.

Together, let’s continue to raise awareness and support for DLD.

Watch our video and share it far and wide, and most importantly, ‘SPEAK UP’ for DLD💬✨ https://vimeo.com/user111234624/speakupfordld?share=copy

12/10/2024

💜💛DLD DAY IS COMING!!

Flashback to when Dr Samuel Calder was interviewed by ABC News.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-16/two-in-each-australian-classroom-suffering/14021902

DR Calder was also lead author for ‘The Prevalence of and Potential Risk Factors for Developmental Language Disorder at 10 years in the Raine Study’, which you can find here; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.16149

"DLD is a relatively prevalent condition in Australian children, even when assessed in middle childhood years. These findings can inform future research priorities, and public health and educational policy which account for the associations with potential risk factors".

An article published in the West Australian featured an ex-student Aleysha Locatori and her parents Stephen and Santini, who are so dedicated to raising awareness around DLD.

Getting the word out about DLD into the wider community is vital and will serve us as we move forward with our school board to advocate for better NDIS support for families with DLD.

https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/girls-slip-through-cracks-due-to-referral-bias-australian-first-study/

We need to keep the conversation going around addressing the referral gender bias. We have seen an increase in our setting … but the breakdown shows we can so further growth in this space 💪🏾💜💛.

To have had so much publicity about Developmental Language Disorder was fantastic and that is exactly why we need to keep bringing it back to the forefront!!!

11/10/2024

# 🌟 7 Days and Counting Till DLD Day! 🌟

We’re just 7 days away from DLD Day, and the excitement is palpable! This is a vital opportunity for us to raise awareness about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a condition that often goes unnoticed.

In the lead-up to this important day, there are many ways to contribute:

💜 Download a Poster: Head over to RADLD to find and download a poster to display at your workplace. Their resources are invaluable!

💜 Snack Facts: Consider putting up some ‘facts on snacks’ in the staff room. Sharing information can spark important conversations!

Raising awareness about DLD is essential for ensuring that individuals receive the necessary supports and services. Every effort counts!

A heartfelt thank you to our families at the WM campus for participating in our advocacy video for 2024. A shout out to DR Samuel Calder for sharing his passion around research and advocacy as well! Your voices are powerful, and I can’t wait to share this impactful video on Monday as we gear up for DLD Day! 💜💛

I feel truly honoured to work in such a dynamic and specialised space.

Let’s unite and “speak up” for DLD! Together, we can make a difference! 💜💛