Respectful Representations of Diversity Within Children's Literature

In this live, interactive webinar Dr Leanne Longfellow and Laura Bloom, author of many best selling and critically acclaimed novels for adults and children, will discuss how disability is portrayed within children's literature and examine the potential impact of the underlying messages about disability.

They will also:

Discuss how to apply a disability studies lens to children's literature so that it supports the aims of inclusive education.

Introduce guidelines for how to choose a text that portrays disabled people respectfully, thus creating an inclusive and safe space for all.

As well, Laura will share her rationale for her depiction of Max, a ten-year old child with autism, in her children's book 'Mika and Max'.

Intended Audience:

Anyone interested in literature, inclusion and social justice for students with disability.

Presenters:

Dr Leanne Longfellow is a teacher, academic researcher and a parent of a young adult with disabilities. Her teaching career spans over 30 years and includes special education, early intervention and mainstream contexts. Leanne has provided numerous professional learning sessions for educators and presented at both Australian and international educational conferences.

Laura Bloom is the author of many bestselling and critically acclaimed novels for adults and children, including her bestselling novel for adults, ’The Women and The Girls,’ and the ‘Dream Riders’ series about natural horsemanship for middle grade readers, which was shortlisted for the Children’s Peace Literature Award in 2019. The latest book in the series, ‘Kai’ is out now. 
‘Mika and Max’ her novel featuring a non verbal child with an intellectual disability is also published by Walker Books.

For more information about Laura please go to her website at laurabloom.com.au or follow her on Instagram @laurabloomify. 
Mika and Max: https://www.booktopia.com.au/mika-and-max-laura-bloom/book/9781760651145.html
The Women and The Girls: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-women-and-the-girls-laura-bloom/book/9781760528652.html0
Kai: https://www.booktopia.com.au/kai-laura-bloom/book/9781760652029.html

Participants who choose the option 'With certificate and e-book' will receive:

• A certificate of attendance referenced to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers ✳︎
• Electronic handouts of the notes and suggested reading.

✳︎ Completing this workshop will contribute one hour of professional learning from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher accreditation.

Testimonials from previous workshops:

'I loved that the topics covered and information expressed was applicable to all students not just those with special needs. It’s a whole class approach too! Very practical!' Nicole Zacher

'I liked the way the professional learning was presented with strategies to support behaviours.' Amelia Pickard

'Clear and to the point. Relatable to school environment. Do-able'. Marie Foreman'

'Full of information and examples, scenarios and ideas to take away. Talk time at the end of the session was good to be able to discuss different strategies'. Leesa

'I liked the examples during the slideshow. Breakdown of behaviour management strategies used now and overtime and how they have/ haven’t worked.' Alison McConachy

'Informative. Practical ideas for students with learning disabilities.' Helen Braley

'The strategies were clearly set out and identified and explained thoroughly.' Emily Shepherd

'This workshop exceeded all my expectations.' Abbie Kemp