Teachers play a crucial role in supporting the 1 in 14 students with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) in the classroom. They need to plan for adjustments and accommodations to their teaching and assessments. Language is needed in all areas of learning. Oral language underpins written language, social interactions and the self-talk associated with wellbeing.

DLD can have a significant impact on a student’s ability to experience academic success, autonomy and relationships with others. This bespoke program has been purposefully designed for primary classroom teachers and offers both on demand and real-time online learning. This program combines current research with functional strategies to support primary school-aged students with DLD.

Course Details

Time to complete program: Approximately 6-8 hours across Terms 2 & 3, 2023.

Course Format: 8 x on demand modules complemented by 4 x real-time online workshops. This program includes activities and links to resources to support your work. The online modules will be released throughout Term 2 & 3 with Section 1 due to be released into our online learning platform on prior to the first check in on 10 May 2023. The next three sections will then be released progressively to allow time for you to engage in the content prior to the live workshops.

There will be an optional check-in on Wednesday 10 May from 7-7:30pm to launch this program. Real-time online workshop dates, include:

• Check-In | 10 May 7:00pm – 7:30pm AEST
• Workshop 1 | 16 May 7:00 – 8:00pm AEST
• Workshop 2 | 7 June 7:00pm – 8:00pm AEST
• Workshop 3 | 18 July 7:00pm – 8:00pm AEST
• Workshop 4 | 30 August 7:00pm – 8:00pm AEST

Benefits of on demand, self-paced study: You can stop and start or circle back on a section easily from anywhere in the world, 24/7. Your registration fee provides you with 18 months access to the on-demand modules so you have plenty of time to interact with them.

Learning Objectives

Following completion of the program, teachers will:

• Understand the features and impact for primary school-aged students with DLD.
• Be familiar with a range of strategies, which support learning.
• Have a variety of resources to support continued professional growth relating to DLD. 

Participants

This program has been developed specifically for primary school teachers. School leaders, learning support staff and related professionals may also consider attending.

Please email connect@TheDLDProject.com with any questions regarding the purchasing process. If you would like to make a group booking for 5 or more participants from the same organisation, please email to make arrangements.

About Dr Charlotte Forwood

Charlotte is a dually registered Primary/Secondary Teacher and Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with experience working in government and independent schools in Australia and the UK. She has a particular interest in vocabulary development, language and literacy skills, Developmental Language Disorder, the Science of Learning, curriculum design and design thinking. Charlotte is currently the Director of Learning Design and Development at Camberwell Girls Grammar School, and a lecturer in the Learning Intervention Team at the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education.

Charlotte is the co-designer and author of several books and programs, including ISV’s Secondary Schools and Middle Years Language Consultancy Programs, Small Changes for Big Impact: DLD – Supporting Primary and Secondary School Teachers, and Macmillan Education’s award-winning STEM Investigations.

Charlotte has presented at conferences and seminars locally, interstate and overseas in areas such as curriculum design, digital professional learning networks, transdisciplinary learning, vocabulary development, adolescent language & literacy, and Developmental Language Disorder. She enjoys tinkering with tech and helping students find their voice.

Charlotte is currently a global ambassador for Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD), Coordinator of the Eastern Melbourne branch of Think Forward Educators, Co-coordinator of the Secondary Teachers Network of Think Forward Educators, Co-coordinator of the Boroondara Gifted Network, and a learning designer for The DLD Project.

About Shaun Ziegenfusz

Shaun Ziegenfusz is a speech pathologist and researcher with more than 10 years’ experience working with people with DLD and their families. He currently works in private practice and collaboratively with schools to provide assessment and intervention pathways. Shaun is also a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate at Griffith University where he researches the needs and necessary supports for school-aged students with DLD from the perspective of key stakeholders, as well as being a volunteer member of the Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD) International Committee. Shaun is passionate about blending clinical experience and research to support students, families, professionals and schools.