We know that things are far from ‘normal’ in schools but we are here to help! We are still providing regular training sessions. We are here to support you.

All training is listed on the Highland CPD website https://highland.cpdservice.net/

Upcoming training sessions and networks include:

• Literacy Leaders
• Developing Literacy – First and Second Level -Reading and Writing
• Emerging Literacy Network
• Secondary Teachers – Teaching the Literacy of your Subject

Where has the week gone? It’s day 5 of Book Week Scotland and the theme this year is the future!

We know you will soon be sharing the Bookbug P1 Family Bags and Read, Write, Count bags if you haven’t already.

Jenny Wilson has created two fabulous writing packs based on the P2 & 3 Read, Write, Count texts – Rocket Mole and Look Up. The writing packs contain detailed lessons plans for whole class reading and writing. Continue the learning beyond this week!

If you would like access to these, please drop Jenny Wilson or Laura McGinlay an email with a note of your gmail address so we can share the resource with you.

Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland will be on 2 – 7 November 2020

Dyslexia Awareness Week this year is all about ‘Unlocking Potential’.  To tie in with coming out of lockdown, the title reflects all the amazing and sometimes unexpected ways that children and adults have adapted to our ‘new normal’, not to mention parents, teachers and others.  It’s not been easy but we have been struck by the resilience shown by so many.

Some ways to support Dyslexia Awareness Week

• Display a poster about Dyslexia Awareness Week.
• Take part in our online events in the run up to, during and after the week.
• Share our Twitter and Facebook posts during the week, using #DAWScot20 – and join us on Instagram and YouTube.
• Use our children’s presentation  or general presentation to raise awareness in your school, workplace or community. 
• If you’re a teacher, sign up to the 3 free online Modules on the Online Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit.
• Have a look at Dyslexia Unwrapped, our website for 8 – 18 year olds.  
• Check out our leaflets for children, parents, adults and employers.
• Join Dyslexia Scotland and be part of a growing membership across Scotland – you can join or renew online.

Dyslexia Awareness Week

For those of you who would like an interesting, informative and thought-provoking read, please click the link below.

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/sep/17/battle-over-dyslexia-warwickshire-staffordshire

If you are interested, please contact Jenny.wilson@highland.gov.uk for the Google meet code.

It is nearly time for the Book Bug and Read, Write, Count Bags to be delivered to your school.

As you might be aware, we have organised two webinars, relevant for anyone involved in gifting the P1 bag. They are as follows:

Webinar: Making the most of the Bookbug Primary 1 Family Bag

This webinar is for P1 teachers and school literacy co-ordinators involved with the Bookbug Primary 1 Family Bag. Join us for a webinar which will introduce you to the contents of the bag, including the 3 shortlisted books, provide ideas for cross-curricular activities and explain how your pupils can vote for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize.

There are two available sessions:

• Tuesday 29 September 2020: 4pm-5pm
• Wednesday 7 October 2020: 4pm-5pm

For more info about this webinar, and registrations, please click here.

Webinar: Gifting the Bookbug P1 Family Bag and Read, Write, Count Bags

This webinar is for P1, P2 and P3 teachers and school literacy co-ordinators involved with gifting the Bookbug Primary 1 Family Bag and Read, Write, Count bags.

• Wednesday 23 September 2020: 4pm-5:30pm

For registrations, please click here.

We still have spaces for the Literacy Leaders’ Training for this year. This training is suitable for Class Teachers (or all subject areas), members of Senior Management Team, and Additional Support Teachers.

Year One begins next week with three available dates.

Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd September for Primary School Teachers and Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th for Secondary School Teachers. If you are interested, and are able to arrange a day out of class, we would be pleased to see you.

Year Two begins the following week with two available dates.

Tuesday 29th for Primary School Teachers and Wednesday 30th for Secondary School Teachers.

Each session runs from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Please let me know if you wish to attend, and I will give you the Google meet code required for taking part.

Following on from national read a book day on Sunday, the literacy team would like to challenge each school across Highland to ‘Drop and Read’ a book each day in class this week.

We would love to see some pictures.

If you are promoting reading for enjoyment in your school, sign up to the ‘Reading is Magic’ digital festival to – Step into a world of creativity with the Reading is Magic Festival this autumn. Six days of free, inclusive and engaging digital events for schools and families. The festival takes place from 27th September until the 2nd of October. Enjoy!

https://www.readingismagicfestival.com/