A big hello to Tasmania who are about to implement the SHELLS Program (Support at Home for Early Language and LiteracieS). Atkinson Training and Development has the pleasure of working with Newcastle University to roll out the SHELLS Program across Australia. This is a great program - one which I had the pleasure of working on during my time as a Lecturer at Newcastle University.
The program works on the understanding that children develop literacy from birth and focuses on children 0-3 years. It recognises parents as their children’s first teachers. There are no stencils, flashcards or hot housing of any kind. Literacy awareness is developed through the use of everyday literacy experiences. This is why parents love it so much! It just extends from their everyday routines in a naturalistic way. The program has been developed with the flexibility to be implemented in any community through a series of manuals, training and support. Over 200 families have taken part in SHELLS and participants report that the program has been successful at changing the lives and future prospects of them and their young children.
SHELLS was developed at the University of Newcastle by Dr Laurie Makin and Dr Susan Spedding and is licensed to community groups through Newcastle Innovations. For more information, contact Atkinson Training or contact Laurie or Sue direct. Their emails are laurie.makin@bigpond.com or Susan.Spedding@newcastle.edu.au.
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