Lit_Happens Podcast

NAPLAN Year 7 Panic? The 5-Minute Literacy Prep Hack Every Teacher Needs in 2026 | Lit Happens S2E7

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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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