Lit_Happens Podcast

By Lit Happens

Welcome to Lit Happens – your go-to resource for senior English teachers navigating the HSC syllabus.

We deliver practical teacher support, ready-to-use guides, and time-saving resources to

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FAQs about Lit_Happens Podcast:

How many episodes does Lit_Happens Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 69 episodes available.

Lit_Happens Podcast episodes:

March 11, 2026The Great Gatsby: Why 99% of Year 11 Teachers Miss the REAL Green Light | Lit Happens S2E9
In this episode we reveal why most Year 11 teachers overlook the true power of The Great Gatsby as a mentor text for the NESA Preliminary Reading to Write module - and show you exactly how to fix it. We unpack the Jazz Age context, Fitzgerald’s life, core themes of illusion and the American Dream, must-know quotes and techniques, and practical ways to guide students from perceptive close analysis to sophisticated composing in imaginative, discursive, persuasive and reflective modes. These strategies build the analytical depth and creative confidence your students need for seamless progression into Year 12 Craft of Writing and HSC success in 2026.
Lit or Quit
Chasing the green light like it’s the last spot in the staff car park on a Monday morning?
Drop your funniest “green light” metaphor or Gatsby classroom moment in the comments – we read every one and might share the best!
Key Questions Explored
How does The Great Gatsby link to the NESA Preliminary Reading to Write module?
What historical and biographical context changes everything about the text?
What are the central ideas and themes - and why do they hit hard with Year 11 students?
What are the must-know literary techniques and quotes?
How can you guide students to steal Gatsby’s techniques for their own writing?
Highlights from the Episode
Perfect Reading to Write fit: Close analysis of rich prose fiction; language forms, features and structures shaping meaning; using Gatsby as a mentor for student composing across modes
Jazz Age context: 1922 Roaring Twenties - post-WWI boom, Prohibition, materialism hiding moral decay; Fitzgerald’s personal ambition, love and disillusionment fuel the narrative
Core themes: Corruption of the American Dream, class illusions, obsession with unattainable ideals, destructive love and ambition, moral decay amid excess
Iconic techniques & quotes: Unreliable narration (“I’m inclined to reserve all judgements”), green light symbolism (“Gatsby believed in the green light…”), eyes of T.J. Eckleburg, valley of ashes imagery, sensory party overload
Classroom application: Imitate recurring motifs/symbols, experiment with unreliable voice, craft sensory descriptions, rewrite scenes from new perspectives, reflect on composing choices
Year 11 resonance: Connects to modern pressures - social media facades, success obsession, inequality - making analysis personal, relevant and powerful
Connect with Us
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
Email: [email protected]
Share your favourite Gatsby teaching tip or student breakthrough in the comments – we’ll feature the best ones next episode!
Music produced by
Instagram – @tmob2k
YouTube – @tmob2000
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical guides, downloadable resources and English teacher support across Years 7–12.
Subscribe and join us as we unpack English together!
#TheGreatGatsby #Year11English #ReadingToWrite #HSC2026 #EnglishTeacherNSW #GatsbyAnalysis #AmericanDream #LiteraryTechniques #SeniorEnglish #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers
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36min
March 04, 2026Year 9 NAPLAN English: The ONE Prep Mistake Most Teachers Make (Fix It Fast!) | Lit Happens S2E8
In this episode we reveal the single biggest mistake most teachers make when preparing Year 9 students for NAPLAN literacy – and exactly how to fix it. We break down the Reading, Writing and Language Conventions tests, the core skills students need locked in, key literary and stylistic techniques to master, and practical, low-stress strategies that actually work. Aligned to the Australian Curriculum and National Literacy Learning Progressions, these classroom-ready tips build strong literacy foundations that support confident learning across junior secondary English – without turning your program into endless drills.
Lit or Quit
Treating NAPLAN like it's the ultimate 'grammar police' raid on your classroom... or quietly hoping the spelling questions just disappear like a bad metaphor?
Drop your funniest NAPLAN classroom moment in the comments – we read every one and might share the best ones!
Key Questions Explored
What do the Year 9 NAPLAN literacy tests actually look like?
What’s really tested in Reading, Writing and Language Conventions?
What core skills must students have mastered before the exam?
What literary and stylistic techniques should they understand?
What are the best final preparation tips for teachers and families?
Highlights from the Episode
NAPLAN decoded: Low-stakes snapshot of literacy progress – Reading (65 min, mixed texts: inference, main ideas, author purpose, figurative language), Language Conventions (45 min: spelling, grammar, punctuation in context), Writing (42–45 min: narrative or persuasive response)
Reading unpacked: Beyond literal comprehension – inferring tone, connecting ideas, analysing viewpoint, vocabulary in context
Writing essentials: Clear structure, developed ideas, persuasive devices (rhetorical questions, emotive language), narrative craft (plot, character, descriptive language), strong editing
Language Conventions focus: Accurate spelling patterns, grammar rules (tense consistency, sentence variety), punctuation for meaning and effect
Must-know techniques: Figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole), persuasive devices (repetition, alliteration, anecdotes), narrative techniques (sensory details, dialogue, pacing), text features (tone, bias, structure)
Core student skills: Inferencing, summarising, planning/editing routines, varied sentence structures, proofreading habits, time management and stamina
Preparation that works: Embed rich reading daily, explicit grammar mini-lessons, modelled writing process, peer editing, low-stakes practice, growth mindset language, exam-day hacks (careful question reading, timed planning)
Teacher & family tips: Quick technique hunts, daily reading chats, co-construct persuasive plans, quick-fix grammar walls, balance fun with prep to avoid burnout
Connect with Us
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
Email: [email protected]
Resources – available on Teachers Pay Teachers
Share your funniest NAPLAN moment, biggest classroom win or quick teaching tip in the comments – we’ll feature the best ones next episode!
Music produced by
Instagram – @tmob2k
YouTube – @tmob2000
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical guides, downloadable resources and English teacher support across Years 7–12.
Subscribe and join us as we unpack English together!
#Year9NAPLAN #NAPLANEnglish #NAPLAN2026 #EnglishTeacherNSW #NAPLANPrep #LiteracySkills #ReadingComprehension #PersuasiveWriting #GrammarForTeachers #JuniorSecondary #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers
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33min
March 02, 2026NAPLAN Year 7 Panic? The 5-Minute Literacy Prep Hack Every Teacher Needs in 2026 | Lit Happens S2E7
In this episode we unpack NAPLAN for Year 7 students – what it actually is, why it matters, and how English teachers and families can prepare students for the Reading, Conventions of Language, and Writing components without turning it into high-stakes stress. As NSW teachers support the transition from primary to secondary English under the Australian Curriculum and National Literacy Learning Progressions, we share practical strategies to build essential literacy skills, embed rich reading and writing practice, and help students approach NAPLAN as a low-pressure snapshot of progress rather than a make-or-break test. Perfect for junior secondary English teachers looking to boost confidence and outcomes.
Lit or Quit
Teaching to the NAPLAN - Lit or Quit? Do you weave NAPLAN-style tasks into your regular program to build familiarity and skills, or do you avoid it to keep lessons authentic and curriculum-focused? Share your take in the comments - what's worked best in your classroom?
Key Questions Explored
What is NAPLAN and why do Year 7 students sit it?
What’s in the Reading and Conventions of Language tests?
What’s in the Writing test and what skills are assessed?
What skills should students have before the exam?
What can schools and families do to prepare students?
Highlights from the Episode
NAPLAN basics: A national snapshot (not pass/fail) assessing literacy and numeracy progress against Australian Curriculum standards and Learning Progressions
Reading test: Comprehension across informative, persuasive, imaginative texts – main ideas, inferences, vocabulary, author purpose
Conventions of Language: Spelling, grammar, punctuation applied in context – building blocks for clear communication
Writing test: Narrative or persuasive response to a prompt – assessed on ideas, structure, vocabulary, sentence variety, editing skills
Pre-exam skills: Strong reading strategies, grammar knowledge, planning/editing processes, and confidence with different text purposes
Preparation tips: Embed rich reading, explicit grammar teaching, modelled writing processes, daily reading habits, positive family support, and exam-day strategies (careful reading, planning time)
Connect with Us
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
Email: [email protected]
RtW 2026 Program – available on Teachers Pay Teachers
Share your best NAPLAN prep tip or classroom activity in the comments – we’d love to feature teacher ideas!
Music produced by
Instagram – @tmob2k
YouTube – @tmob2000
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical guides, downloadable resources and English teacher support across Years 7–12.
Subscribe and join us as we unpack English together!
#NAPLAN #Year7English #NAPLANPrep #LiteracySkills #EnglishTeacherNSW #JuniorSecondary #TeacherResources #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers #AustralianCurriculum
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40min
February 23, 2026You're Teaching The Tempest Wrong Unless You Know THIS in Year 11 | Lit Happens S2E6
In this episode we reveal the exact insights most Year 11 teachers miss when teaching Shakespeare’s The Tempest - and how getting them right can transform your Preliminary HSC lessons into Band 6 foundations.
We unpack the Jacobean context of magic, colonisation and power, deliver close language analysis on the quotes that markers love, and show precisely how the play aligns with the new Stage 6 syllabus (Common Module: Reading to Write, Module A: Narratives that Shape our World, Module B: Critical Study of Literature).
Packed with practical, classroom-tested strategies, time-saving breakdowns and assessment ideas that make the text accessible and engaging for Year 11 students - so you can build strong analytical skills from the start of senior English and set them up to thrive in the 2027 HSC.
Lit or Quit
Treating Prospero like the ultimate toxic boss in your Year 11 discussions - Lit or Quit? Do you lean into his controlling, micromanaging energy to make power dynamics instantly click with students, or do you think it risks oversimplifying the play’s redemption arc? Drop your verdict in the comments - we read every one!
Key Questions Explored
What world are we really entering in The Tempest? (Historical, literary & philosophical context for Year 11)
How does The Tempest fit the Preliminary HSC syllabus? (Common Module, Module A, Module B)
What are the must-know themes, quotes and language features to teach in Year 11?
What assessment tasks and questions will set students up for Band 6 in 2027?
Highlights from the Episode
Jacobean magic, early colonisation & humanism – making the play feel urgent and relevant for Year 11
Prospero’s authority vs Caliban’s resistance vs Ariel’s freedom quest – who actually holds power?
Core themes: power & control, illusion vs reality, forgiveness vs vengeance, civilisation vs savagery
Quote breakdowns with Year 11-friendly analysis: “We are such stuff as dreams are made on”, “You taught me language… I know how to curse”, “The rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance”
Syllabus alignment: building analytical reading/writing skills (Common Module), exploring narratives of power & identity (Module A), close textual study & multiple interpretations (Module B)
Practical Year 11 activities: creative reimaginings from Caliban’s POV, reflective writing on voice & authority, comparative tasks on colonial narratives
Connect with Us
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
Email: [email protected]
RtW 2026 Program – available on Teachers Pay Teachers
Download our free Year 11 The Tempest/Hagseed resource at https://lithappensse.com/
Comment below: What’s the one thing you wish you’d known about The Tempest when you first taught it in Year 11? Your insights could shape our next episode!
Music produced by
Instagram – @tmob2k
YouTube – @tmob2000
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical Preliminary HSC & senior English guides, downloadable resources and teacher support.
Subscribe and join us as we unpack English together!
#HSCEnglish #TheTempest #PreliminaryHSC #Year11English #HSC2026 #TheTempestHSC #ShakespeareYear11 #SeniorEnglish #EnglishTeacherNSW #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers #HSCShakespeare #Year11Resources #Band6English #HSCPrep #Prospero #Caliban #HSCModuleB
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59min
February 18, 2026Heartfelt Wins and Wise Reflections: Belinda's Real Teacher Tales – Teacher Tales E1
Welcome to the launch of Teacher Tales, the relaxed companion series to Lit Happens. In this concise chat, we sit with Belinda, an experienced Australian educator, as she shares authentic stories from her classroom journey.
Belinda opens up about memorable students’ whose breakthrough’s left a lasting impression, reflects on her early teaching years with gentle advice for newcomers, and shares profound lessons teaching has taught her about life beyond the classroom.
This series celebrates real teacher narratives across all Key Learning Areas (KLAs), from English to Science, History, Arts, PE and beyond. The goal is simple: to give teachers a space to share their classroom experiences, connect through common ground, and remind us all why we do what we do.
Perfect for senior English teachers, HSC educators and colleagues in any KLA seeking genuine inspiration, student impact and teacher support.
Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for practical guides, resources and support to simplify senior English syllabuses.
Guest: Belinda – Dedicated NSW English teacher with extensive classroom experience.
Why Listen?
Warm, real stories that highlight the everyday rewards and reflections of teaching in Australian classrooms. Ideal for educators across all KLAs who appreciate honest narratives, encouragement and community while navigating daily demands.
Rate, review and share to help us reach more teachers.
Resources:
https://lithappensse.com/ – Teacher guides, HSC resources and more
Follow us on social media and send in your own classroom stories
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35min
February 16, 2026ATAR Misconceptions - I FAILED my ATAR, WHAT NEXT? | Lit Happens S2E5
In this episode we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing senior English teachers and our Year 11/12 students: ATAR stress. We explore the real role of the ATAR, how intense pressure affects wellbeing, why so many young people tie their worth to a single rank, and practical classroom strategies that support mental health without sacrificing academic rigour. Framed as a “survival guide” for HSC educators, this conversation reaffirms that the ATAR is just one pathway - not the full story - and offers tools to help students (and teachers) maintain perspective, resilience and balance through the 2026 HSC year.
Lit or Quit
Sharing your own HSC/ATAR story (the good, the bad, the stressful) with your senior English classes - Lit or Quit? We discuss vulnerability vs boundaries and how personal anecdotes can build connection and normalise the journey.
Key Questions Explored
What does the ATAR actually represent, and how can we help students understand its true role?
How does ATAR pressure impact student wellbeing, and what signs should teachers watch for?
Why do students tie self-worth to their ATAR, and how can we gently challenge that narrative?
What practical strategies can senior English teachers use to support wellbeing without compromising rigour?
Looking beyond ATAR release, how do we help students (and ourselves) maintain perspective and build resilience?
Highlights from the Episode
Demystifying the ATAR: percentile rank for uni entry via UAC - not a life verdict; many pathways exist beyond it
Recognising signs of stress: anxiety, perfectionism, withdrawal, sleep issues - plus secondary stress on teachers
Reframing worth: “You are not your ATAR” – using prescribed texts (identity themes, success narratives) for powerful discussions
Classroom strategies: wellbeing check-ins, mindfulness moments, progress celebrations, balanced routines, links to rubric reflections
Beyond results day: growth mindset, celebrating non-ATAR wins, modelling healthy boundaries for lifelong resilience
Connect with Us
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
Email: [email protected]
RtW 2026 Program – available on Teachers Pay Teachers
Music produced by
Instagram – @tmob2k
YouTube – @tmob2000
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical guides, downloadable resources and senior English teacher support.
Subscribe and join us as we unpack English together!
#HSCSurvivalGuide #ATARStress #HSCWellbeing #SeniorEnglish #NSWTeachers #MentalHealthHSC #Year12Support #EnglishTeacherNSW #LitHappensPodcast #HSC2026
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43min
February 09, 2026Planning Like a Pro – Sourcing & Organising Resources for Senior English Success 2026 | Lit Happens S2E4
In this episode we dive into sourcing and organising high-quality resources to set your senior English teaching up for success in 2026. As NSW teachers implement the new Stage 6 syllabuses (first HSC exams 2027), we share reliable sources, efficient digital organisation systems, budget-friendly ideas, community resource hubs, and practical tips to save time and enhance student outcomes from Term 1. Whether you're building your resource library from scratch or refreshing it for the refreshed prescriptions, get actionable strategies to simplify planning and deliver confident, engaging lessons.
Key Questions Explored
Q1. What are your go-to reliable resources and documents when planning?
Q2. What are some effective systems or platforms for organising your resources?
Q3. What are some budget-friendly resource ideas?
Q4. What is a good way to access or build community resource hubs?
Q5. Any last tips or advice?
Highlights from the Episode
Reliable sources: NESA documents, official prescriptions, publisher materials, ETA resources, and trusted online repositories for prescribed texts
Organisation systems: digital libraries (Google Drive, OneDrive, Notion) categorised by module, text type, year level and skill
Budget-friendly ideas: free NESA samples, repurposing existing worksheets, teacher swaps, Creative Commons materials, and low-cost printable packs
Building community hubs: shared faculty folders, teacher Facebook groups, Discord channels, and collaborative Google Sites for rubrics and analysis guides
Final tips: regular resource audits, version control, and tagging for quick access to keep your library fresh and efficient
Connect with Us
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
Email: [email protected]
RtW 2026 Program – available on Teachers Pay Teachers
Grab our free resource organisation template at https://lithappensse.com/ to get started today.
Music produced by
Instagram – @tmob2k
YouTube – @tmob2000
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical guides, downloadable resources and senior English teacher support.
Subscribe and join us as we unpack English together!
#SeniorEnglish #HSCEnglish #HSC2026 #EnglishTeacherNSW #TeacherResources #ResourceOrganisation #HSCPlanning #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers #EnglishTeaching
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42min
February 02, 2026Planning Like a Pro – Learning Sequences & Programs for English Years 7–12 (2026 Guide) | Lit Happens S2E3
Episode Overview
In this episode we explore practical ways to craft structured, syllabus-aligned learning sequences and programs across English Years 7–12. With the refreshed K–10 English syllabus (2022) now in full swing and Stage 6 syllabuses rolling out from 2026 (first HSC exams 2027), we share clear strategies for mapping term plans, using collaborative tools, building in differentiation for diverse learners, embedding formative feedback, and creating sustainable programs that support progression from junior to senior years. Get actionable tips to simplify planning, meet syllabus demands, and empower your students with confidence at every stage.
Lit or Quit
Creating seating plans before Day 1 – Lit or Quit? Early structure or wait-and-see – what’s your approach this year across junior or senior classes?
Key Questions Explored
Q1. How do you map a learning sequence for the new term?
Q2. What tools or platforms are out there for collaborative unit planning?
Q3. How do you sequence learning with the aim of differentiation for diverse learners?
Q4. How to incorporate formative and feedback tasks to track and propel learning?
Q5. Any final tips or tricks for planning learning sequences into the new year?
Highlights from the Episode
Mapping sequences to cover key outcomes, content groups and skills progression from Years 7–10 through to Stage 6 modules
Using Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams for shared, real-time programming across faculty teams
Differentiation examples adaptable for junior texts and senior focus areas (e.g., textual conversations, human experiences)
Embedding formative assessments and feedback loops early to monitor growth and adjust teaching
Sustainable planning tips to reduce workload while ensuring seamless transition from junior to senior English
Connect with Us
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
Email: [email protected]
RtW 2026 Program – available on Teachers Pay Teachers
Call to Action
Download our free templates at https://lithappensse.com/
Share your favourite planning tool or tip in the comments!
Music produced by
Instagram – @tmob2k
YouTube – @tmob2000
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical HSC guides, resources and teacher support.
Subscribe and join us as we unpack English together!
#EnglishTeacher #NSWEnglish #LearningSequences #Years7to12 #SyllabusPlanning #TeacherResources #EnglishProgramming #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers
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44min
January 27, 2026How to Maximise Staff Development Days in 2026 (New Syllabus Tips) Lit Happens S2E2
In this episode we’re diving into how NSW senior English teachers can make the most of staff development days in 2026. As we navigate the implementation of the new English Stage 6 syllabuses (with the first HSC exams in 2027), these SDDs are a golden opportunity to refine our teaching approaches, address past HSC challenges, and strengthen our collaborative teams.
We explore practical ways to turn PD sessions into high-impact professional learning – whether your school opts for mixed cross-KLA groups or faculty-specific workshops. From mindset preparation and tackling recurring HSC pain points, to workshop ideas that spark real collaboration and ensure takeaways actually reach your classroom, this episode delivers clear, actionable strategies to simplify syllabus complexities and empower your teaching from the very start of Term 1.
Lit or Quit
Being in a mixed cross-KLA group for PD versus faculty-only groups – Lit or Quit? We debate the value of broad whole-school perspectives against deep, syllabus-focused faculty discussions. Share your experience in the comments – which format has given you the best outcomes so far in 2026?
Key Questions Explored
Q1. What frame of mind do you go into the new year’s SDD with and how does that influence your teaching?
Q2. How can we plan to address past HSC challenges for the new year’s cohort?
Q3. What are some effective cross-KLA workshops that you have been a part of and why?
Q4. What types of faculty PD do you find effective?
Q5. How do you reflect on PD and make it actionable for the new year?
Highlights from the Episode
Approaching SDDs with purpose, openness, and syllabus alignment to shape confident, high-impact teaching across the year.
Designing targeted agendas that directly respond to recurring HSC issues – integrating new prescriptions, sharpening rubric application, and improving question responses.
Cross-KLA workshop ideas including peer-led sessions on the Common Module (Texts and Human Experiences), inclusive text selection strategies, and cross-curricular literacy approaches.
Faculty-specific PD that builds strong English networks – sharing NESA updates, co-planning modules, and developing shared resource banks.
Turning PD into real classroom change through structured reflection, follow-up surveys, and concrete implementation plans.
Connect with Us:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
Email: [email protected]
RtW 2026 Program - TPT

We would love to feature a NESA representative or an experienced senior English PD facilitator to provide expert guidance on implementing the 2024 Stage 6 syllabuses.
Reflect on your most recent staff development day: what was one standout success and one thing you would change? Drop your thoughts in the comments, tag us on social media, or email [email protected]. Your insights could shape future episodes and support the wider HSC English teaching community.
Music produced by:
Instagram - @tmob2k
Youtube - @tmob2000
#HSCEnglish #HSC2026 #StaffDevelopment #EnglishTeacherNSW #PDTips #NewSyllabus #HSCPrep #TeacherResources #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers
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37min
January 19, 2026New Years Resolutions! What's in store? Lit Happens S2E1
Welcome back to Season 2 of Lit Happens! As we step into 2026, senior English teachers across NSW are gearing up for the exciting transition to the new English Stage 6 syllabuses (implemented from 2026, with first HSC exams in 2027). In this season opener, we revisit the essentials of classroom preparation – now with a fresh focus on aligning your physical and mental space to the renewed emphasis on literature, diverse texts, and critical engagement. Create an environment that fosters deep analysis, collaboration, and student confidence from Day 1.
Highlights from the Episode
Safe & Collaborative Layouts
Consider seating arrangements early (rows, horseshoe, groups) based on your teaching style and class list.
Position your desk so it doesn’t block the board and allows easy movement.
Be prepared for multiple scenarios – having fallback resources ready builds teacher confidence and student trust.
Visual Aids & Immersive Design
Display key HSC verbs, text-type glossaries, thesis statement examples, and persuasive/persuasive language scaffolds.
Include school values, classroom expectations, and behaviour reminders as visual cues.
For shared rooms: project key visuals via PowerPoint or slides when needed.
Establishing Routines Early
Align with whole-school entry/exit procedures for consistency.
Greet students at the door, wait for quiet attention, and clearly state non-negotiables (e.g., “all eyes on the speaker”, laptops down when someone is talking).
Invest time in the first 5–6 weeks on routines – it pays off for the rest of the year.
Supporting Independent Learning
Help students find their “why” – set personal term goals or use SMART goals.
Encourage one central Google Doc / digital workbook for the whole year (notes, drafts, readings).
Use clear lesson outlines on the board and consistent strategies (e.g., exit slips, progress checkpoints).
Supporting Group Learning
Pair-share and small-group tasks work well when seating allows face-to-face discussion.
Use shared digital documents for collaborative notes or weekly reflections.
Be mindful of physical space – avoid clutter or distractions (bins, windows, doors).
Final Thoughts
Start with a clean slate – no preconceptions about students.
Know your own “why” as a teacher and let that purpose guide your preparation.
Be prepared, be adaptable, and remember teaching is a privilege.

Connect with Us:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
Email: [email protected] (Share your exam strategies!)
Join Our Community: Never miss a Lit Happens episode!
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40min

FAQs about Lit_Happens Podcast:

How many episodes does Lit_Happens Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 69 episodes available.