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Professional Learning Workshops

Start Smart Tasmania offers high quality professional learning, tailored to suit the requirements of the school or centre. Our focus is on upskilling educators (teachers, teacher aides and early childhood educators) with strategies that promote strong oral language development. Below is a selection of workshops on offer, however please contact us to discuss your needs. A workshop can be developed as needed. Professional Learning Workshops are charged at $330p/h.


Dyslexia 101

This full day workshop gives a thorough overview of how to cater effectively for students with dyslexia and related written language learning difficulties.

Part 1 explores the facts and figures of dyslexia - definition, characteristics, cause, diagnosis, prevalence, and co-morbidity. Most of the day is taken up by Part 2, which is based on the science of reading, and outlines the most effective interventions for helping these students become fluent readers and confident spellers.

Part 3 discusses appropriate adjustments for students in the classroom, including text-to-speech and speech-to-text options. There is also discussion of the impact that written language learning difficulties has on students’ mental health and well-being.

Unpacking a language assessment

Have you ever spent hours poring over a language assessment for a child in your class, only to remain unsure as to exactly what it all means? We define the frequently used terminology, and look at the measures used to identify strength and weakness that contribute to a diagnosis. We review the key language areas and how difficulties in these areas might present in the classroom, as well as the importance of each in classroom learning. Through the use of case studies, we look at how a student's presentation on language testing is reflective of learning or cognitive difficulties.

Vocabulary intervention

Recent research tells us that vocabulary is the single biggest predictor of academic and occupational success. This gives an imperative - consideration of vocabulary teaching as part of all curriculum areas for all students. The challenge is, with an area so voluminous, how do we select appropriate targets that are cross-curricular and have maximum effect on student learning. Based on the principles of the Robust Vocabulary Intervention approach (Beck, McKeown & Kucan), this workshop discusses the best vocabulary targets, why they work most effectively and how to embed this into classroom practice. Opportunities for follow up are available to support you in developing vocabulary targets relevant to your students and context and to facilitate effective implementation.

Communication Strategies for Students with Additional Needs

For many of our students with additional needs, communication is a key component of their difficulties. Learning how to adapt our own communication style and adjust our classroom environment are key strategies to successfully engaging these students. This practical workshop discusses a range of strategies that can be implemented to simplify verbal interactions and promote communicative success. These strategies are particularly relevant for educators working closely with students with learning difficulties.

Preschool Communication Workshop

This workshop shows educators how to screen young children for speech and language difficulties and then develop simple intervention plans to treat basic difficulties that have been identified. Markers for onward referral to speech pathology are also considered.

Speech Difficulties in the Classroom

A workshop designed to introduce educators to the range and complexity of speech difficulties with which children may present in the classroom. We discuss how speech develops, when to worry about a child' s articulation skills, a typical sequence of intervention for correcting speech difficulties, and strategies that can be incorporated into classroom interactions to both support these students, and further develop their speech skills.

Phonological Awareness

Phonological awareness (PA) skills are the building blocks for developing a 'sound' strategy for written language acquisition. In this workshop we discuss the four key PA skills children need to support phonics, look at the sequence of development of these skills and cover strategies and activities to promote this learning. We also have some time to look at, and share resources that might be useful in the classroom context.

From Sentences to Sounds

This workshop equips teachers with the knowledge and tools to support the development of speech, language, and phonological awareness in 4 - 6 year olds. It begins by exploring typical speech development and what to do when students aren’t meeting expected milestones. Educators will then learn how to build strong foundational language skills at both Tier 1 (whole-class) and Tier 2 (targeted) levels. The session then turns to phonological awareness—an essential building block for early reading—and provides clear, practical strategies that can be embedded into everyday classroom routines. Teachers will leave with a toolkit of activities and ideas to support all students in developing the communication and literacy skills they need to thrive. The workshop also covers how to interpret screening information, identify areas needing closer monitoring, and use a clear framework for deciding when and how to refer students for further support.

Talk, Eat, Play, Grow

Talk, Eat, Play, Grow is an engaging and practical workshop designed to support parents, educators, and carers in nurturing children's communication and feeding development from the earliest years.

Led by a qualified speech pathologist, the session covers:

  • Speech and language development – what typical development looks like, why it’s so important, and which children may be at risk of delays
  • Stuttering – how to recognise the signs and what to do
  • Early feeding skills – understanding the foundations of safe and successful eating

Participants will leave with simple, evidence-based tips to boost speech and language development through everyday moments—using play, books, music, mealtimes, and more. This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to create rich, supportive environments where children can talk, eat, play, and grow with confidence.