1. Siblings and Reciprocal Literacy Learning Presented By: Megan Arthy & Emma Collins “Siblings play an important role in each other’s literacy development”. (Jalil & Bakar, na)

2. Getting to know Erika Age 6 years 10 months Grade 2 Family - mother and four siblings (brother 3yrs 7mths, sister 5yrs 3mths, sister 8yrs 2mths, brother 9yrs 6mths) Indigenous Culture Appears shy Avoids written work Enjoys listening to stories and picture books about animals. “when culturally inclusive curricular and pedagogy are adopted by schools and teachers, and believed in a way which accounts for the diversity of students backgrounds and starting points ……..the achievement of Aboriginal students improve significantly.” (Adams, Corrigan, Frigo, Hughes & Woods, 2004)

3. Social & Cultural Influences Little reliance on the concept of linear time. The value of things lies in their quality and relatedness. There is an emphasis on cooperation not competition. Children are regarded as socially equal to adults Independence and autonomy is encouraged. Adult knowledge not to be questioned. Silence and lack of Eye contact culturally acceptable. (Batten, Frigo, Hughes & McNamara, 1998; Christie, 1985) “Culture influences every aspect of human development and is reflected in childrearing beliefs and practises” (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000)

4. Ways of Learning respond well to spontaneous learning environments respond better to cooperative learning rather than competitive (Hughes & More, 1993) aims to develop an overall understanding before individual details. builds understanding through visual and spatial modality. (Batten, Frigo, Hughes & McNamara, 1998) learning occurs without the constraints of sequence. (Christie, 1985) can replace verbal enquiry with silent observation (Christie, 1985; Victorian State Board of Education, 1989). Indigenous children:

15. Referencing Abu Bakar, M., Sajlia, J., (na). Learning from Each Other: The Role of Siblings in Literacy Learning; Retrieved March 18, 2010 from http://repository.nie.edu.sg/jspui/bitstream/10497/2745/1/CRP19_04MAB_Conf06%28ERAS%29_SajliaMukhlis.pdf http://repository.nie.edu.sg/jspui/bitstream/10497/2745/1/CRP19_04MAB_Conf06%28ERAS%29_SajliaMukhlis.pdf Batten, M., Frigo, T., Hughes, P., McNamara, N., (1998). Enhancing English Literacy Skills in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students: A Review of the Literature and Case Studies in Primary Schools; Shannon Books, Melbourne:VIC. Christie, M., (1985). Aboriginal Perspectives on Experience and Learning: The role of Language in Aboriginal Education; Deakin University, Gelong: VIC Hughes, P., More, A., (1993). Aboriginal Ways of Learning, Learning Strength and Learning Patterns; Education Department of South Australia, Adelaide:SA.