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Harnessing the reading & writing connection for student Success

The research has long established a relationship between learning to read and learning to write. In fact, it is well documented that focusing on reading supports writing and that focusing on writing supports reading. But what does this look like in the classroom or in intervention [both school-based intervention or external clinic]? Do we simply segment our instruction into discrete sections as determined by the pillars of literacy instruction [phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and writing] or can it be intertwined? Join this practical session to explore current research as well as practical application with a focus on instruction and intervention for primary and early secondary school students.

Date: Monday 11th August 2025

Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm AEST (Melbourne Time)

Cost:

LDA Member: $30

LDA Student Member – $15

Non-Member – $50

About Kathryn Thorburn

Kathryn Thorburn holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology [Hon 1] from Newcastle University [1997], along with a Grad Dip Ed [Primary] and Masters of Teaching [Special Education] UWS – Nepean [2001/2002]. She is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, Member of Speech Pathology Australia and current accredited Teacher with NESA. Kathryn was employed on the NESA English Writers team for the K-2 Syllabus update – January 2021, has been a consultant teacher with Learning Difficulties Australia and is currently a Tutor for SPELDNSW. Kathryn is a current member of Learning Difficulties Australia, SPELDNSW. Within the education sector Kathryn has worked across the DET, Catholic and Independent school sectors in NSW over 20 years. In addition, Kathryn piloted a Rehabilitation Education Liaison Role within HNE Kids Rehab supporting students with mild-moderate TBI back to their mainstream school environment. For the past 10 years Kathryn has been the owner operator of Language and Learning, her small Speech Pathology Private Practice. Kathryn has practical experience as a classroom teacher, co-ordinator, member of school leadership team / school executive and consultant for schools within a regional team. Kathryn has extensive experience managing and implementing whole school change in a K-12 setting in the areas of Literacy, Numeracy and Inclusive Education. Kathryn has provided clinical education to Speech Pathology students [4th year & Masters programs] from both the University of Newcastle and Sydney University within a Preschool – Year 12 setting and has presented to Speech Pathology students on the topic of Reading & Spelling – Assessment & Intervention for Newcastle University. Kathryn has presented at many conferences including Sharing Best Practice – Sydney, Successful Learning, Inclusive Education Australia, Learning Difficulties Australia National Conference, Science of Teaching and Learning Australia [SOTLA – Sydney], Speech Pathology Australia National Conference and the Language, Learning and Literacy Conference hosted by DSF – SPELD, WA. Kathryn believes in supporting others to be the best they can be whether it is the students she works with or the professionals she supports.

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