SWAY is an oral language and literacy program based on Aboriginal knowledge, culture and stories. It has been developed by Educators, Aboriginal Education Officers and Speech Pathologists at the Royal Far West School in Manly, NSW.

SWAY incorporates evidence based teaching strategies to improve the language and literacy outcomes of preschool and kindergarten children.

A key focus of the program is to provide practical training and mentoring to build the capacity of teaching staff.

Educators learn how to

• Embed local Aboriginal Language, culture and stories within their classroom program.
• Use evidence based teaching strategies to develop oral language and early literacy skills.

What we offer

• An evidence based oral language and literacy program that embeds Aboriginal Language, stories and culture.
• A ‘ready to go’ SWAY resource kit containing speech pathology games and activities
• Training and ongoing mentoring to preschools and schools within rural and remote NSW.
• Small group oral language intervention sessions delivered remotely via the COVIU web based interface.

All of the learning experiences within the SWAY program are centred around a yarn or dreamtime story.

Auntie Lois Birk has shared her memories of growing up on Ulgundahi Island in Northern NSW.

We treasure her yarns.

Learning experiences within the first unit of learning ‘Me and My Body’ are based on Lois’ fishing yarn.

To explore the ‘Me and My Body’ unit of learning further, click here.