In collaboration with the UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

we are delighted to announce

 

- the 2025 Illuminating Australian Children’s Literature program -

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designed to inspire engagement with quality Australian children's literature,

and to directly support the CBCA Book of the Year Awards

and the CBCA Sun Project: Shadow Judging program.

 

The course, designed and hosted by Professor Alyson Simpson from the University of Sydney, will highlight this year’s CBCA shortlist and Award winners. For educators it will provide valuable insight, enjoyment, and professional learning for teaching and student/reader support.

The course will run online over four weeks using a Canvas learning management system, and will include extensive resources.  

Lectures will be available to view from Fridays 25 April, 2 May, 9 May and 16 May. 

The 2025 Zoom webinars will be held on Thursdays 1, 8, 15 and 22 May @ 6pm-7.30pm AEST. 
 
MAY 1 WEEK 1 Reading for pleasure - why personal choice matters
MAY 8  WEEK 2 Engaging the reader - developing aesthetic appreciation of picture books, novels and non-fiction
MAY 15 WEEK 3 Responding to literature - building critical awareness through close reading & paying attention to literary language
MAY 22 WEEK 4 Choosing quality literature - how to find quality literature - why does quality matter?

Each week you will have access to a pre-recorded lecture (up to one-hour, broken into chunks), using real-world examples that relate to CBCA Book of the Year Award categories and criteria, plus a one-and-a-half-hour interactive Zoom webinar to discuss weekly topics. (6-7pm is Alyson, with the last half hour as the optional breakout session.)
 
Fees & registration 
The cost for this four-week program is $99.00 (GST inclusive) and registration is available here. Payment by credit card at the time of registration is required to confirm enrolment, and Canvas access details will be forwarded to you prior to the course start date. You will need a stable internet connection to access the Canvas site, online resources and participate in Zoom webinars.
 
Please direct any registration queries to Nina Goodwin at nina.goodwin@sydney.edu.au or 02 9351 6329.
 
This course will be valuable Professional Learning, and teachers in all states and territories may be able to submit their PL hours under their respective regulatory authorities’ policies as elective or individually identified professional development.