The first Australians and the settlers: An exposition writing prompt allows students to write an argument about whether the Aboriginal clans of the Sydney region had the right to engage in resistance against the settlers . This writing prompt uses the resistance provided by Aboriginal warriors such as Pemulwuy and Windradyne . Students are asked to respond to the question 'Some people say that Aboriginal warriors such as Pemulwuy and Windradyne were pests who had no right to fight for their land settled by the colonists'. Eight points to support the first Australians engaging in resistance are provided. Students can research this topic further using resources such as 'First Australians' series http://www.sbs.com.au/firstaustralians/ .

I Can Statements Literacy Learning Progressions contains ‘I Can’ statements for four aspects of the Literacy Learning Progressions. The aspects included are Understanding texts, Phonic knowledge, Phonological awareness and Fluency . Use these ‘I Can’ statements as ‘Assessment for Learning’. Plot where your students are at and set goals and devise teaching and learning for ‘where to next’. The ‘I Can’ statements can also be used to set visible learning goals for students. Cut and paste from the word documents to make it relevant to your class.

This 17 page PowerPoint presentation provides front loading activities to introduce and elicit prior knowledge about the text 'The Tale of Despereaux 'by Kate Dicamillo. It provides multiple activities to explore the themes of betrayal and nonconformity. Use the activities as they are or be inspired and adapt them for your unique context.

This resource can be used as a descriptive writing stimulus on the topic of dragons. The notebook containing exerts from Harry Potter and the Goblet by of Fire by J.K Rowling which describe dragons . It also uses examples from other texts which describe dragons. A lesson activity is included which asks students to name and describe a dragon. Extend the activity and ask students to draw their own dragon and then describe it.

This 6 page PowerPoint presentation introduces the relatively unknown and unacknowledged Indigenous Australian fast bowler, Eddie Gilbert. Use this presentation as a model for students to research and create their own presentation about an Indigenous Australian who is worthy of more recognition. This is an appropriate Reconciliation Week activity or an activity to address Aboriginal perspectives in the English curriculum.

This assessment rubric is used to explicitly state and assess against success criteria for students writing and illustrating a picture book. A Word file is provided so criteria can be changed for specific contexts and year levels. Print double-sided as there is room for teacher comments on the second page. Alternatively get students to use the rubric to self assess or peer assess.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo makes many references to soup. One such reference is to chicken, garlic and watercress soup. Make or share this soup with your class as a part of the novel study to draw your students deeply into the text.

This resource is a drama lesson plan for Kindergarten using the award winning picture book, ‘I want my hat back’ by Jon Klassen. This lesson plan addresses the NSW Creative Arts-Drama syllabus outcomes and references and describes process drama strategies. A writing task and worksheet are included. A Notebook is also included which provides the images necessary to work through the lesson plan.