News & Events
ECTA June 2014
The response to 'Mrs Echidna's Dilemma' at the ECTA (Early Childhood Teachers' Association) was overwhelming! Professional early childhood educators really appreciated the various ways the story could be intergrated into the curriculum, whether it was literacy, science, or environmental studies.
28th June 2014
It's official! Mrs Echidna will be at the ECTA (Early Childhood Teachers' Association) Conference on Saturday 28th June.
May 2014
A combination of science, literacy and art - with some craft, music and even a display of 'real' echidnas -and the year 3 students at a Brisbane school had an unforgettable workshop experience!
23rd August 2013
How exciting to have a 'real' echidna on display when I presented 'Mrs Echidna's Dilemma' to the students at St Paul's Bald Hills during book week! An echidna was on display for the week in the school library - though she migrated to the schools 'small' theatre for my presentations.
July 2013
The year 3 program with Mrs Echidna is a combination of literacy, puppets, singing and animal science - and the children love it! (so do the teachers...)
Book Week Celebrations.
With Book Week fast approaching, 'Mrs Echidna' is visiting a number of schools in the area. As 'Book Week' is celebrated at different times during Third Term, a number of schools are receiving a visit.
31 May and 5th June 2013
Juvenile echidnas will travel up to 40 km to establish their own ranging area. Our 'Mrs Echidna' recently travelled much further, visiting schools in Far North Queensland - at Mt Surprise (4 hours west of Cairns) and South Johnstone (1 1/2 hrs south of Cairns). What a privilege to share with students from P-7 in these country schools!
Grade 3 Literacy class.
It's great to get feedback from teachers, showing how they have used 'Mrs Echidna's Dilemma' in literacy classes, and used it to extend the children's interests in other areas. Many schools were visited during 'Bookweek' - and now some have sent photos of the children's work after the visit.
Thank you Betty. Â All the Prep children and teachers loved your visit and your story. Â Thank you for the love and passion you have!
Margot
Prep YLC
What a dilemma Mrs. Echidna did have and I congratulate most sincerely in the way you have portrayed this through your craft and journalistic skills...I am a "crafty" person with many patchwork quilts under my belt...and gave your book... to our grand children in US.
Dianne Chapman
"Cedarvale" Q
I would like to thank Betty for presenting at our Book Week Family Night. The school community enjoyed hearing about the process an author goes through to produce and have a book published. Students are still asking for and enjoying Mrs Echidna's Dilemma.
Donna,
Teacher-Librarian.
We love 'Mrs Echidna's Dilemma'. Your art is amazing! We had a very good time and we hope you did too. Thankyou for the puppets and for coming.
Amy and Takoda
Year 3 Students
Betty has presented literacy workshops to Under-Graduate and Graduate students in Early and Primary Years at the University of the Sunshine Coast... She is a very talented and passionate educator, and I recommend her highly to school principals, parent's groups, and anyone interested in furthering the power of language, literacy and literature in classrooms.
Carol Smith
Lecturer, USC