Thrive Learning and Support

04/06/2026

How to help your child with spelling- free workshop for parents

Is your child finding spelling tricky?

Join this FREE two-hour online workshop designed especially for parents and carers wanting practical, evidence-informed ways to support spelling development at home.

During this live online session, you’ll explore the key principles of English spelling and learn simple strategies you can use to help your child build confidence and skills.

This workshop is suitable for parents and carers of children who:
✅ Are learning to spell
✅ Find spelling difficult
✅ Need extra support with spelling acquisition

📆 Friday 5th June, 9:30am - 11:30am
📍 Online
⏰ Live two-hour session
🎟 FREE for parents and carers

A practical, informative session to help parents and caregivers feel more confident supporting their child’s spelling at home.

RESERVE TICKETS HERE: https://dsf.net.au/our-services/professional-learning/event-details/online-parent-information-session-supporting-spell-3db31bf0

23/04/2026

Meet our team: Melissa Briggs

Welcome to Thrive Learning and Support!

I'm a literacy and communication specialist and founder of Thrive Learning and Support. I have a Teaching degree and I have completed a Post Graduate Certificate specialising in literacy. I can help with literacy and communication concerns involving oral language, reading, spelling and writing. This includes Dyslexia, Dysgraphia (letter formation and written expression) and Developmental Language Disorder. I have also recently completed the Releasing Writers Self-Regulated Strategy Development training, which incorporates so much of the evidence around teaching writing.

I offer individual one-one child sessions, parent information sessions, student advocacy and professional development for teachers and schools. I can provide tailored professional development, consulting or mentoring on any literacy related topic. I also offer support for parents or teachers in developing educational documents, accommodations or interventions.

Please be in touch if you think I can help in any way- I am super passionate about what I do and would love to hear from you.

20/04/2026

Have a look at how we can help- we look forward to hearing from you. If you are interested in small group school readiness, fine motor or writing skills for children in grades 3+ send us an email to let us know, as these are something we hope to offer in the near future.

06/04/2026

24/03/2026

Did you know, there are over 9,000 apps for teaching reading!
For all those people that are after examples of high quality, evidence based reading apps, you can now check out these top rated apps according to the latest research from
The paper ‘Finding the needle in the haystack: A quality appraisal of mobile applications for foundational literacy skills’ by Lisa Furlong, Tanya Serry, Shane Erickson, Meryl Lefort, Megan Gath, Meg E Morris is published in the Early Childhood Education Journal. DOI: 10.1007/s10643-025-02066-8. This research was funded by a Flinders University Impact Seed Funding Grant for Early Career Researchers, awarded to Dr Lisa Furlong.
You can read about it in the Early Childhood Education Journal here: 👉 https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2025/11/27/kids-reading-apps-failing-to-deliver-educational-value/

04/03/2026

Understanding Neurodivergence - A four‑session parent workshop by Candid Psychology, facilitated by Madison Moore.

Raising a neurodivergent child can be full of joy, questions, and big emotions. This workshop offers a supportive space to understand your child’s brain and behaviour through a compassionate, neuro‑affirming lens — so you can feel clearer, more confident, and more connected.

Across four gentle, practical sessions, you’ll explore how your child thinks, feels, learns, and communicates, and walk away with strategies you can use at home, school, and in daily life. Each enrolment includes a beautifully designed resource pack to support your learning.

Dates: Mondays
- April 20; Brain Development
- April 27; Neurotypes
- May 04; Stress Response
- May 11; Strengths, Regulation, and Self-Care
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $400 for all four sessions (includes resource pack)
Register: [email protected]

Support. Clarity. Confidence. Connection.
A space to learn, reflect, and grow alongside your child

17/02/2026

Introducing: Colour and Calm — An Art Therapy Group for children aged 6-10

A gentle, creative wellbeing group for kids who want a calm space to explore feelings, build confidence, and express themselves through art.
Across 4 playful sessions, children will create, connect, and learn emotional tools they can use every day.

🗓 Tuesdays, 4–6pm (Term 2)
👧🧒 Ages 6–10
🌿 Neuroaffirming, warm, and structured
💸 Medicare rebates + NDIS welcome

If you’d like to learn more or save a spot, get in touch — places are limited.

17/02/2026

Brush and Breathe — Enrolments Now Open!

A gentle, creative wellbeing group for young people who love to make art and explore big feelings in a calm, supportive space.
Across 6 playful sessions, young people will build confidence, learn emotional skills, and express themselves through hands‑on art‑making.

🗓 Tuesdays, 4–6pm (each Tuesday of the school holidays)
👧🧒 Small group, ages 13 - 18
🌿 Neuroaffirming, warm, and structured
💸 Medicare rebates + NDIS welcome

Want to learn more or save a spot? Get in touch — places are limited! Email us at [email protected]

27/11/2025

Macquarie University is conducting an online study exploring the relationship between social support and wellbeing for teens who experience challenges with reading, including dyslexia. This research aims to deepen our understanding of the factors that help young people feel supported and confident as they navigate their learning.

Researchers are seeking high-school students across Australia who:
• Experience reading difficulties
• Are currently enrolled in secondary school
• Are willing to complete an online survey about their experiences and wellbeing

If you know a teenager who may wish to take part, or if you would like more information, you can contact the research team directly at: [email protected]

20/11/2025

This study was based on American schools but is likely to be just as true in Australia. If kids are on track they are likely to stay on track. For each year a child is behind, their likelihood of falling more behind increases. In other words- for every year they are behind, they are getting further and further behind and less and less likely to catch up. If your child is receiving extra support at school ask to see their progress data and make sure it's working.

If your child is behind in the early grades, do not assume they will catch up