Book Dives are about positive transformation and results.
More specifically, they're about getting high school kids reading, understanding, even enjoying their English texts.
We've found them to be transformational in several ways.
A major one is transforming kids' perspective of books and reading. And how enjoying a book is not only possible, but winds up bringing them an abundance of surprising returns.
Like being more relaxed and ready in class, a more peaceful home life, healthier relationships with their peers and a better, more balanced life in general.
A much improved and more productive relationship with their English teacher can be expected - and perhaps most importantly, a better chance of a brighter outlook for their ATAR and life beyond high school.
Without all the stress and drama.
Which is why Parents and Teachers are loving the transformation Book Dives bring too.
Amanda Kendall is the founder and the face of Book Dive.
A qualified English teacher in the Victorian education system, Amanda has taught students at every level of high school English, and majored in Media Arts as well.
She’s tutored students, mentored teachers and written and edited books and articles.
She was practically born with a book in her hand, and always has several on the go at any one time.
However, as a mum of teens and a school leader, she knows that’s not everyone’s experience.
We don’t all get to find the joy in reading. For many of us, it’s a chore.
Book Dive was created to help ease the reading burden for students… and perhaps to help them discover the wonder of a good story along the way.
I'm Amanda Kendall, and I've spent years in the Australian education system as an English teacher, and as a mum to teens.
In 2021, in the depths of the Melbourne lockdown, I came up with a unique way of helping even the toughest of kids read, and actually enjoy their English texts.
Enjoy?
I know, right?
If you're reading this, I'm going to guess that your teen would rather be doing anything other than reading that stack of books collecting dust on their desk,.
Look, here's the thing:
For High School students, English is a big deal.
Why?
Because it's a major player in their ATAR, which is like the golden ticket to university and beyond. Even if they're a whiz at other subjects, a low English score can really drag down their overall ATAR.
In the senior years, they'll be juggling not one, but as many as four different texts. It could be a mix of novels, plays, non-fiction texts and maybe even some poetry. They need to get them, really get them. We're talking essays, analysis, the whole shebang. And time is not on their side – there’s just no way they can cover it all in class.
As if the reading wasn't hard enough on its own.
And, every kid is different.
They each face different challenges... maybe they struggle with reading, English may not be their first language, or they just can't seem to hold onto what they've read.
And let's not forget, we're in a digital age where endless distractions are just a click away.
A Book Dive could be just the thing to bring the transformation that's really needed...
Guess what?
If reading isn't your thing,
if books seem like an endless ocean of words,
or if you're just aiming to ace Year 12,
I've got your back!
I've got some insider tips that could be a game-changer. Think of it as your secret weapon for a stress-free and confident year, especially in English class.
Here's the deal:
VCE English is a must if you're heading to uni and dreaming of a great ATAR.
It's a non-negotiable, even if English isn't your favourite subject and you don’t like reading.
But don't worry, even a bookworm like me knows reading can be tough for many...
Amanda here. The challenges we face as High school English teachers in getting our students to engage with, and understand their English texts are not new.
Students who struggle with reading are often questioning a text is relevant to their lives.
This makes it particularly hard to muster enough interest to even get started on the text. More...
For Support, To Request a Book Dive, Give Feedback or work together - Contact us - or check our FAQs
