Thrive Learning and Support

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: admin@candidpsychology.com.au

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 admin@candidpsychology.com.au

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: alana.jones@mq.edu.au

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

30/10/2025

Is your child struggling with reading and writing? Be in touch to see how we can help. We have sessions available for all ages.

09/10/2025

Have a look at how we can help- we look forward to hearing from you.

09/10/2025

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 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.

01/10/2025

Exciting things are happening at Thrive Learning and Support!! We have now moved to The Hub HQ in Warragul.

18/09/2025

Part-time Literacy Interventionist Positions Starting Term 4

Join our team at Thrive Learning and Support in Warragul, where you are the key to unlocking reading and writing success!

Do you feel a thrill when a child finally cracks a tricky word?
Are you passionate about making the English language fun and accessible?
Do you want to be the one who helps kids discover the joy of literacy?
If turning “I can’t” into “Look what I did!” sounds like your kind of fun, we’d love to hear from you!

Essential Skills
·A real passion for helping kids learn to read and write
·An eye for detail and analytical skills
·The ability to connect easily with both children and adults

How to Apply
Send an email to melissa@thrivelearningandsupport.com.au with:
·Your resume
·Any relevant experience, training, or qualifications (specific training will be provided)
· A brief statement detailing your passion for literacy
·Your availability- Hours are flexible with the possibility of increasing over time, however some after school hours will be required.

Applicants must have a valid Victorian Working with Children's Check.
Applications will not be accepted through messenger.

This opportunity would be ideal for all types of educators, pre-service teachers, or parents of a child struggling with literacy who wants to learn more.

Any questions can be emailed to melissa@thrivelearningandsupport.com.au

If you already work in the education or intervention space and would like to know more about effective literacy intervention, please be in touch for training opportunities.

13/06/2025

SPELD Victoria holds regular information sessions for Parents, Carers and anyone wanting to learn more about a range of topics across the whole area of learning difficulties and Specific Learning Disorders.