7 November 2022

Introduction/Whakataki

On this page

• Introduction / Whakataki..
• Evidence resources..
• First do no harm VIDEO..
• Implementation exemplars..
• Access to funding and support..
• COVID challenges..
• Find out more

Reading Together® Te Pānui Ngātahi is a research-based and cost-effective workshop programme for parents, whānau and aiga to support their children's reading at home more effectively.

Evidence resources

Jeanne Biddulph, the creator of Reading Together, initially demonstrated the high impact of the programme in a randomised controlled trial. This evidence base has been complemented by an increasing number of evaluation and research studies in Aotearoa New Zealand that show its success in different schools and communities.

A new evaluation summary report and set of A3s bring the evidence together and also outline:

• why Reading Together Te Pānui Ngātahi is a powerful educational opportunity
• the programme outcomes for parents, whānau, aiga and children, and schools and communities
• what works and doesn’t work for effective implementation
• how schools can be supported to implement the programme.

The following case study and A3s focus on the delivery of Reading Together® Te Pānui Ngātahi in Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa (EFKS), a leading Samoan church.

Implementation Exemplars

Exemplars from Fairhaven School, St Joseph's School Otahuhu, and Manurewa Central School, demonstrate the critical success factors for the effective implementation of Reading Together® Te Pānui Ngātahi.

The videos also demonstrate the work undertaken behind the scenes to build trust with families and whānau.

These videos highlight the spirit, intent and impact of Reading Together® Te Pānui Ngātahi. They achieved their impact by following the workshop content, processes, and sequencing outlined in the Reading Together® Te Pānui Ngātahi: Workshop Leader's Handbook.

Apply for funding and support

If you would like to offer Early Reading Together® or Reading Together® Te Pānui Ngātahi, funding and support is available inquire by email.

COVID challenges: Advice for ‘virtual’ workshops

The Biddulph Education Trust has produced Suggestions for Implementation of Virtual Workshops, an information sheet for educators, librarians and others about the adjustments that are needed to implement Reading Together® virtually, when it is not possible or safe to run in-person workshops.

Going forward there will be new evaluation commissioned to explore how blended and virtual approaches can effectively support whānau when in-person workshops are not an option.

Wherever possible and safe, in-person workshops build trust and have demonstrated significant impacts on children’s literacy achievement, enjoyment and whānau bonding.

Find out more

Creating educationally powerful connections with family, whānau, aiga and communities

Early best evidence findings identified a wide system need for school leaders to create educationally powerful connections with families and whānau.

Source:

Robinson, V., Hohepa M., & Lloyd, C. (2009). School Leadership and Student Outcomes: Identifying What Works and Why Best Evidence Synthesis Iteration [BES]. Wellington: Ministry of Education.

Robinson, V., Hohepa M., & Lloyd, C. (2009). He Kura Rangatira, He Kura Ākonga: Te Hua i Kitea Ai, Te Hua i Rite Ai. Te Kete Raukura [BES]. Te Whanganui a Tara: Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga.