|
Endorsements |
|
|
HRH King Charles III When HRH Prince of Wales, endorsing "Helpings: Real Food for Young People by Young People"
|
Dorothy (Dash) Cook
Dash assisted TNLP across four years, as an editor, contributing to important reference books such as The Bumper Book of English Speech Sounds and Speech Sound Celebrations, reading course manuals and readers. She contributed her extensive experience in journalism and editing for rural and city press, including the Melbourne Age, for ten years. We were privileged to have her help and support.
I grew up in an impoverished rural household, riven with domestic violence. When I was three, my sister Joan taught me to read. This literally changed my life. It gave me the key to enter myriad other worlds: an escape, and a pathway to a better life. I wonder whether I would have learnt to read so easily at school. I doubt it. The ways we are taught to read at school are confusing and miss vital steps. It’s like being told to drive a car without a radiator, or to build a brick house without mortar. You end up with a car that goes some of the way and then breaks down. A house that is badly built, with cracks. And that is the way many people use English today - because that is how they were taught at school: only partly understood, with essential parts missing.
In Australia, a staggering 40–50% of adults have literacy levels below the international standard required for participation in work, education and society, according to the OECD.[1] I have the utmost respect for school teachers. But clearly something is going wrong in the teaching of literacy in schools. No doubt because the teachers did not learn English properly at school! It’s become a vicious cycle of errors, repeated across generations.
After being introduced to TNLP, I slowly realised how revolutionary it is. The content is forensically accurate and detailed. It has extraordinary reach and relevance for people of all ages, cultures, abilities and backgrounds, from kids to older adults and migrants. It is learner-centric. It enables learners to jump in at the stage of learning that suits them and in a way that suits them: via whole words, speech sounds, music, movement, art, games, puppetry, poetry and more.
It is powerful but easy to use. It guides Tutors/Helpers step by step, to teach others English correctly. Best of all, though - it’s fun! Forget ‘whole word vs phonetics’. TNLP blends and employs both, with clarity and ease. The closer I examined TNLP and spoke to Kate in detail about her work, the more I saw how original and brilliant it is. It has enormous potential to unlock English literacy for many, many people. It really is a game-changer. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who wants their child, brother, mother, employees, or anyone, to learn English in the best possible way: logically and enjoyably.
In summary – TNLP is a brilliant, easy, fun, one-stop literacy shop. Use it!
Literacy educator and teacher
The degree of attention to the step-by-step approach in The New Literacy Programme by Katherine Beauchamp is so fine you could teach a brick to read with it.
I.O., New South Wales, literacy educator and teacher (since retired)
|
Kim Bolas  |
|
Lina Andonovska |
|
 |
|
| Picture: Dovile Sermokas | |
|
I am delighted to be appointed Music Ambassador to The New Literacy Programme ©™ I have known Katherine Beauchamp for 17 years. She created The New Literacy Programme, is its architect and driving force. Her late husband John T Wood AM also contributed his many skills over more than 20 years. My friend and contemporary, their Charlie Wood, was a major volunteer with The New Literacy Programme, before moving into full time climate action work. All these people are philanthropic by nature and easily attract people who share their big passions. Katherine and John began and ran major successful public interest issues such as open government legislation, whistleblower protection, consumer protection, and strengthening of democratic institutions. They twice assisted me to continue my studies and created a loving home for me in Canberra. It’s not surprising they would put so much into this Programme and see it through, no matter the obstacles. I am very familiar with the materials of The New Literacy Programme, its ambit, how it derives from thorough original research, developed by hundreds of volunteers, and is designed to be accessible to all kinds of learners. I contributed musical material over the years, and then worked with Kate on each publication, to incorporate more music in keeping with TNLP teaching method (games and a modified Socratic technique). As a volunteer myself, I taught music to very poor young people in East Timor. I loved introducing them to body percussion and simple instruments drawn from nature, since they had no access to conventional instruments. I’m excited by this work with TNLP which is also designed for all kinds of learners. As a refugee aged two coming to this country, had I had access to this Programme, I could never have been left sitting in classrooms in silence, my complete lack of English unnoticed until the end of kindergarten. The next stage of TNLP, getting the materials ready for publication and into the marketplace, will benefit greatly by financial support to speed things up, given TNLP’s size and how long it's been funded from back pockets. I completely support The New Literacy Programme initiative, and any initiatives to get it into the hands of everyone, yesterday. It’s the most user-friendly, affordable, comprehensive, inspiring and effective way to introduce language and literacy I’ve ever seen. It bridges the divide between competing approaches, which has prevailed until quite recently. TNLP lets everyone win, teachers as well. It is so much easier to apply than the approaches expected of many classroom teachers. They deserve a break! |
|
Nicky Moffat |
|
|
|
|
|
An advocate for environmental justice, Nicky is a former Campaigner for Environment Victoria and co-founder of the forest action group Save Goolengook Inc. She has worked in forests, cities and on farms with a range of organisations, small businesses and individuals. Nicky has a Bachelor of Science, with honours, in forestry and geography, from the Australian National University in Canberra. There she volunteered with The New Literacy Programme as Publications Manager and a Producer’s Assistant and now assists in the promotion of the Helpings real food manual from Melbourne. She currently works with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment. Nicky enjoys walking Melbourne’s streets with her dog Sumo, riding bicycles, sharing good food with her friends and family, playing games and planting trees. I am a journalist with a passion for the environment, education, home-making and raising happy children. I was part of various projects coordinated by The New Literacy Programme’s director Kate Beauchamp since I met her and her spectacularly productive and kind family more than 17 years ago. The making of TNLP has already improved the lives of hundreds of people who have learned through contributing to it. As a parent of a six-year-old, I feel a real urgency about seeing more of TNLP’s work out there in the public domain. I helped coordinate TNLP’s Everywhere a Woof Woof! audio recording at Wesley Music Centre, which drew on the musical talents of dozens of youngsters, ANU students and Canberra performers and was an absolute joy to be part of. The superb artist Franki Sparke has brought the lyrics to life in print and artwork, adding their slant to the large collection of nursery rhymes, songs and chants. I hope Woof! can be published with urgency. There’s still nothing like it on the market. Parents tend to rely on YouTube, Spotify and other online sources for nursery rhymes, which we play for our kids on our mobile phones. They are generally tacky, with poor English and often American accents only. Woof! raises the standard. I was also involved, in a minor way, in TNLP’S 2011 cookbook by Charlotte Wood and Friends, Helpings: Real Food For Young People By Young People. It’s been my favourite cookbook ever since – making healthy food fun. It shows where ingredients come from, which makes a talking point when used to guide meal preparation activities with friends and their children. I love the ethic this book spreads – a celebration of nourishment and the role of games and a varied diet in creating a rich life for oneself. While working with TNLP, I completed a forest science degree with honours in forestry. I was able to advise TNLP writers on ecology and the natural world, and am excited to see more of the programme’s work in this area in publication, especially the captivating plan for the Nature Rules! novel – which merges language and literacy with political and ecological literacy by creating powerful stories, with adolescents as the main characters and heroes, and an unbeatable strategy for going beyond current efforts to address climate change. I also helped edit and proofread Learning the Speech Sounds of English and Speech Sound Celebrations. Like so many of TNLP’s products, this suite of publications is unique, an invaluable part of the kit any helper needs to assist learners to become truly competent in English language. While TNLP is obviously valuable to parents and children who speak English as a first language, those for whom it is a second, third or seventh language will find it mind-blowingly helpful in its simplicity and scope. The guides are written in a nurturing tone, each concept explained simply and accurately. Vietnamese housemates of mine were so excited by the immediate gains to their English after I showed them some pages of Learning the Speech Sounds of English that they asked for more every day for weeks! I was surprised and delighted; it became a fun exchange that helped them undo misunderstandings about how to make certain speech sounds. I continue to support TNLP and its incredible work, and wish Kate its founder every success in bringing her dozens of worthwhile projects to completion, including in reaching out now to potential funders or partners. Nicky Moffat, Sunshine Coast, Queensland 2023 |
|
|
|
|
Nikolai Drahos |
|
|
B. Arts (Hons) ANU; M. Environmental and Resource Economics ANU; PhD candidate ANU |
|
 |
|
|
The New Literacy Programme is a special place to work - one which harnesses creativity, curiosity and fun.
I first joined on my gap year in 2007. This wasn't my first contact with TNLP however. When I was five, Kate taught me to read with the same approach now used across TNLP's teaching materials, albeit more refined and expanded than it was then. Volunteering at TNLP I came full circle, working on several literacy projects. One of my favourites was a martial arts project that teaches English speech sounds through a card game, in which I collaborated with Charlie Wood, resident artist at the time (when not writing TNLP books). Another favourite of mine is the Picture Teaching Series, which taught reading through cricket, the solar system, horse riding and more. I also got to work on and contribute to the development of TNLP's technical materials, which opened my eyes to a whole new way of seeing the English language. The work was always very team-oriented. For example, on one project I collaborated with an English literature PhD on the technical analysis which underpinned some of TNLP's teaching materials. We then worked closely with an artist and watched our technical analysis and ideas for the teaching materials spring to life. Kate always fostered an environment conducive to easy cooperation and welcomed new ideas and approaches from us. When I finally left The New Literacy Programme (with a heavy heart), Kate helped me to secure a role in the public service. I've found that I've used the skills I acquired at TNLP, from managing projects to creative thinking, in all my subsequent jobs. These are just a few of the reasons TNLP was such a great place to volunteer. And I'd add just one more - it was just a fun place to work. I remember one lunch time on the front terrace Kate challenged me to jump over the front hedge (OK, maybe I challenged myself). The hedge never looked the same, but that never bothered Kate. She just found it hilarious.
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
'He has come such a long way that he even corrects me in some parts of speech.' - Mother of 'L', aged 6 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Background about L.: In year one, L received personal tutoring from TNLP tutor C. Lesson plans and reviews were done by Supervisor Katherine Beauchamp with his tutor. At the sixth class of Step Three of The 26 Friends Reading Course™©, L announced he could read and didn't need to continue. We congratulated him and wished him well. He went back to his primary school class, and was found to have gone from lowest grade to top reader. L .received 38 hours of tutoring across 5 months including 22 classes at 1.5 hours on speech sounds, spelling, decoding and word meanings, and a Word Traffic Controller clinic, to understand basic grammar and practice punctuation. His mother sent us this thank-you letter: The Twenty Six Friends New Literacy Programme L started tutoring with C at the end of summer. He was a six-year-old who, being in year one, was still unable to read and was getting very frustrated when he tried, to the point that he would just give up. The first thing that comes to mind with L's improvement was when we were at the video store. We were parking the car and L was rattling off all the business signs around the shopping complex. I was so proud and we were only 3 or 4 lessons into the tutoring. I also recall a time when I was picking L up from C's. He had a 26 letter made-up word in front of him and he read it. WOW - I know that not even I could attempt to do that. He has become such a confident little man who no longer asks me or his dad what something says. He just reads it himself. He has come such a long way that he even corrects me in some parts of speech - which is really funny. He is really proud. Another lovely thing is that he reads to his little sister who just loves him to death. He gets her to repeat the words and helps her sound them out. Through this (tutoring) he has gained a valuable tool in his life - which is too important not to have. What he is learning are the keys to life and it's made so simple. He has a journal that he will write and draw in at times and he writes amazing stories about dragons and it's great that he can read them to me. Through his tutoring, his spelling has improved greatly and he has a better grasp of what needs to go where (because we all know how confusing the English language can be). He now does so well at school. He can do all the tasks that are set out for him in maths and English. Things actually get completed - which is a great change, as he could never do this. His interest in reading has come up so much to the point where he wants to read chapter books. A funny thing was that when it was library day he'd always borrow chapter books and they would just sit there unread. Well that's not the case anymore - he actually reads them. He's grown so much and what's more, he's happy. He is always keen to see C and enjoys the classes. Thank you, both. P.S. 27/09 - Today L noticed some punctuation errors on the whiteboard in my sister’s kitchen. He politely told her the errors she made and offered to fix them up for her - very sweet! 3/10 - L got so much out of this week’s lessons. He really enjoyed the longer classes. He tested me on words such as 'cannot' and got me to spell them. I noticed he's using what he's learning, a lot more freely as opposed to lessons he does during school term, which he generally won’t talk about. He graduated step 2 (of The 26Friends Reading Course) and was very proud of himself. He had to ring his Dad as soon as he got in the car, you should have heard the excitement in his voice. it was all very cute! 10/10 - L was spelling words with C, who was getting him to write them down, and got him to write down a pretty hard word, that I can’t recall right now, but he executed it perfectly. It just amazes me … I think back to the beginning of the year and the confused state that he was in, when it came to reading and spelling.
He is really enjoying the math aspect. He loves those times tables and we go over them in the car on the way home. He brought home a completed English book … it has spelling tests. I couldn’t believe my eyes! He has almost always scored a 10 out of 10. WOW! I know that he is getting the edge he needs in his education and what’s more it’s fun for him.'
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||
|
Bruce D. Haigh Former Australian Diplomat and media commentator,who died in 2023 Katherine Beauchamp has a broad, empathetic, intelligent, imaginative and experienced mind. Rare. The New Literacy Programme's body of works is most impressive. It is challenging the status quo.
|
|||
|
Helpings Real Food for Young People by Young people. Charlotte Wood and Friends, The New Literacy Programme©™. Helpings was a trial project for TNLP, our first major release. It is also a 26 Friends Reading Course™© reader. It sold so well from launch day on that we held back some stock to publish with the whole Programme.
The Wilderness Society Environmental Award for Children’s Literature, (short-listed) 2012
His Excellency The Australian High Commissioner to the UK, John Dauth AO LVI OBE, 2012, to lead author, Charlie Wood Congratulations on … a very professional publication and, of course, a labour of love!
The Ambassador of the United States of America to Australia, 2011, to lead author, Charlie Wood Congratulations. I wish I could be with you in person to celebrate the launch of the sustainable cook book for young people. Your commitment to this educational cook book by and for young adults is an inspiration. Like my Boss and the First lady, Becky and I have planted a vegetable garden … and are encouraging local, healthy, ‘slow food’. Becky and I send you our very best for a successful launch. Kind regards, Jeffery L Bleich
Stephanie Alexander, AO Acclaimed Youth Food Sustainability educator, cook, restaurateur, food writer, writer. Piloted the not-for-profit Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation at Collingwood College in Melbourne, which has spread to over 1000 schools. Young people teaching their peers by example is already a proven winner , By also calling in literacy expertise, these young undergraduate volunteers have devised a great recipe which can only increase their success. I applaud their work.
Maggie Beer, AO Australian chef, food author, restaurateur, and food manufacturer. A welcome addition to the sharing of this knowledge of food sustainability and the joy of cooking;
Claudia Roden CBE Hampstead Garden Suburb, London. Internationally treasured food writer, one of Britain’s most revered. A brilliant and admirable project.
Matthew Evans Huon Valley Tasmania. Author, former chef and food critic turned farmer, restaurateur, food activist, SBS TV presenter of Gourmet Farm, The Real Food Companion, Fat Pig Farm. The kind of book you wish you’d written - the balanced meal of a book that so many young people need … but rarely find.
Joel Salatin Polyface Farm, Virginia USA, journalist, author, activist, farmer, environmentalist. fabulous … like hitting a restart button for mealtime integrity.
Christian Hauberg Ainslie Canberra, when chef at Ainslie’s Pulp Kitchen brasserie. I know of nothing else out there like this brilliant book.'
Dietmar Sawyer Switzerland; internationally acclaimed multi award winning chef and restaurateur, starting at Savoy Hotel, Chef of The Year aged 19, again in NZ, Bangkok, Hong Kong, every available award in Melbourne as Executive Chef of the Regent of Melbourne ‘Le Restaurant’, Sydney with Berowra Waters and more, and eventually home to Zurich with his family where he is considered - a star. I am delighted to endorse Helpings. A book by young people for young people is all the more important. We are seeing the first generation weaned on food additives, preservatives and chemical-laden produce.
Kirsten Lawson Editor The Canberra Times' award-winning Food and Wine Section I love this book. Helpings is brave, direct, as fresh as the food it advocates, and stacked with excellent advice ....clearly from the heart and a message so many people desperately need to hear - not just young people.
Joyce Wilkie and (the Late) Michael Plane Allsun Farm New South Wales Congratulations on turning your unique idea into something extremely useful and fun! Helpings sets itself apart by being by enthusiastic young people for young people.
Julian Cribb Canberra; 32 times awarded journalist, author We all need to respect and love our food a little more. “Helpings” helps to do that.
Alasdair Roy Canberra Australia A C T Commissioner for Children and Young People Commissioner Roy purchased boxes of Helpings to present to young people on leaving remand. I love this book. Helpings shows, once again, that children and young people often have the best, the newest (and, in this case the most delicious!) ideas about how to make this world a better place.
Canberra; Political scientist, author of classic: South East Asian Food, admired by Elizabeth David, Martin Boetz. Sadly Rosemary passed away in 2023 - her books live on. This book is really good! The well-researched focus on ‘real’ food combined with delicious and appropriate recipes, puts it at the top of the list for young people wanting to get beyond processed food, whether new to cooking or on their way. Joy Burch MLA ACT Minister for Community Services, Canberra, A C T I commend the young people at Real Food Canberra … the A C T Government is pleased to support such initiatives.
Charlie Trotter Chicago, USA ; internationally celebrated chef of Michelin-starred ‘Charlie Trotter’s’, Chicago USA, author of a library’s worth of best-selling books. Charlie died suddenly in 2013. What a glorious and delightful book. .... emphatically drives home the point that eating healthy food can be delicious as well. Most brilliantly, this fantastic work is not just for the young. Bravo!
Dr Michael Kindler Principal at ACT Department of Education and Training and former Principal, Ainslie Primary School, Canberra, 2011 Helpings (ISBN 9780980706154) is refreshing on several counts. It is written in refreshingly simple language, using refreshingly simple cooking steps so that children of young ages can grasp the techniques involved. It is also refreshingly beautifully illustrated, replete with enticing pictures of ingredients, filled with tips and ways to intrigue both chefs and consumers of the many meals described. In five colour coded chapters, the reader is taken through foods based on dairy products and healthy alternatives, grains and pasta with a consistent emphasis on individual choice and health. Better alternatives to sugar are suggested and timely, and the book notes that moderate amounts of butter and vegetable oils form part of a healthy balanced diet. This 220 page A4 sized book, with rich colour on every page, comes complete with recommendations by some of Australia’s best-known chefs, and carries international endorsements. Try and buy!
MAJOR SPONSOR Community CPS Australia -$19,000 for cost of printing Helpings
Australian National University, Sizzle Café; Youth InterACT.www.youth.act.gov.au Helpings was accepted in book shops across Australia, Dymocks, Readings, National Library Bookshop, The Co-op Bookshop chain as well as individual boutique outlets selling 660 copies in the first 6 weeks and receiving wide coverage in print and electronic media. |
