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NAVIGATING NOVEL STUDIES
replace the scripts and slides with research and rationale
familiar?
As a teacher or leader, does
this sound
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You're picking up a prepared resource and running with it WITHOUT knowing the research and rationale behind it.
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You're relying heavily on the use of a prepared resource, showing you the common elements to explicitly teach.
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You're being told WHAT to teach in a novel study but not WHY it's important for student reading and writing success.
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You're confused, overwhelmed and frustrated because it all seems 'too much' and you 'can't fit everything in'?
NAVIGATING NOVEL STUDIES
is the perfect professional learning for teachers and leaders if you are:
Wanting to build your capacity of reading and writing research and evidence-based frameworks
Ready to learn the rationale (the why) behind common elements of novel study units and literature studies
Eager to move away from prepared resources (slides and scripts) to confidently teach the literacy, language and literature skills with ANY novel
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unpack the theoretical underpinnings of reading and writing research and evidence-informed frameworks
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learn the common elements of novel studies and WHY they’re important when studying literature
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have the confidence to pick up ANY novel, without a script or slide or prepared resource to identify the literacy language and literature skills to teach
In this course
you will:
IN 2025
do you want to be
curious and committed
You want to understand the research and rationale behind common elements within novel study units.
ambitious and adaptable
You want to confidently, effectively and explicitly teach literacy skills using ANY novel for literature analysis.
empowered and effective
You want to know the skills, knowledge, content and dispositions required to effectively embed novel studies...without relying heavily on a prepared resource.)
questions?
What if I’m new to using novel studies/literature study units or I’m already
using them?
This course is for teachers and leaders who have previously used novel studies, want to ‘revamp’ their novel study units or who are completely new to using literature study units.
What if I’m currently using a unit with prepared resources?
Each module has been designed to give you the background knowledge behind the theoretical underpinnings of the prepared resources you’re using.
The modules will show you the research- the WHY and HOW.
What if the course isn’t for me after I’ve purchased it?
I understand. Sometimes what you’re signing up for might not align with your current context, values or educational approaches to teaching and learning. If after 14 days (from the date of purchase) you’re not happy with the product, your money will be refunded. No risk or hard feelings.
How long will the course take and how long do I have to complete the course?
This is a 6 month, self-paced course. There are 4 modules and vary in duration based on their content. From the date of purchase, each module will be released weekly.
How does Hands On Heads align with our school's approach to literacy and learning?
Hands On Heads has a multidimensional approach to literacy and learning—where structured and explicit teaching meets student agency, voice and collaboration. Our literacy strategies and instructional practices are grounded in evidence and informed by research, ensuring high-impact, purposeful learning. We believe in building teachers' capacity through meaningful opportunities, not through slides, scripts and prepared resources.
Can my school pay for me to participate?
Yes, your school can send an invoice to: amanda@handsonheads.au
This isn't just
another
resource...
it’s a professional learning experience that helps you move beyond scripts and slides to confidently guide students through rich, meaningful literature studies.
don’t wait until next term to feel more confident - this is your moment to teach literature in a way that feels right and works.