THRASS TWO-DAY CERTIFICATE,
KZN, SOUTH AFRICA, OCT 4-5, 2004

An exceptionally stimulating, worthwhile course. It made absolute sense and I have no doubt that we should implement it in school. There was an enormous amount of information, new words, new ideas etc etc – quite an ‘overload’ at times, but generally I felt in control, happy and comfortable. Alan was relaxed and came across very well indeed. Very enjoyable.

It has been absolutely brilliant. Thank you for allowing us to become a part of the THRASS revolution. I have rarely been as excited by a methodology. It is all systems go!

A most valuable, stimulating, thought-provoking course, I enjoyed every minute of it and was never bored, my attention never wondered. I saw many of the gaps, which I have overlooked in my phonics teaching over so many years. It all made so much sense to have clarity and sounds, spelling choices, a map (reference) for children to refer to and use. If I can engender the same passion in my class as you have in me, I will be overjoyed. My heartfelt gratitude.

Superb! I’d love to see you in action with children. Suddenly everything I struggled with in the classroom and sweated over has been presented in the most brilliant format and I wish I had had THRASS at my fingertips years ago. I feel so excited and can’t wait to see THRASS implemented in school. Many thanks.

The course has been superb. Having never had formal training with regards the teaching of spelling and reading in the formative years, it was incredibly informative. I am now inspired to spend time going through the guide to digest more fully what we have covered these last two days. I have no doubt that there will be many more schools in KwaZulu Natal.

Brilliant! Thank you for your energy over the past two-days. Am interested to see how we can implement this with the older children.

Most enjoyable. You have given me a great deal to think about and I have learnt so much.

I thought that the course was outstanding. You conveyed these new concepts with clarity, and your presentation was articulate and stimulating. As the course was intensive, I’m not sure that I feel confident to tackle the work immediately. There are still ideas that I need to revisit before implementation. Having said this, I am more than eager to embrace this innovative scheme, believing that the acquisition of skills will be successful. Thank you.

Lively, stimulating presentation of exciting programme by a knowledgeable and experienced educator. This course will definitely have a positive effect on my work as a remedial specialist.

Interesting, informative and passionate. It did make sense to me and not having had much phonics training, I benefited from all the background information. It is definitely a child centred approach. I liked the ‘compassionate approach’ – understanding why children do what they do in terms of spelling. Alan, thank you for your time, passion and humour.

Interactive, entertaining, interesting, exciting, informative – makes so much sense. Clear, excellent presentation. Can’t wait to get started.

A most amazing course. At last a system that will be most beneficial in helping children to spell. A revolution in spelling. Thank you very much Alan. I look forward to further training.

You make a lot of sense. Why wasn’t I taught this way? Well, you hadn’t devised the scheme then (sadly). I am so excited about THRASS but I do hope, I will know how to start when it’s my turn. Our school is a great school and your system will certainly put it at the cutting/teaching edge in South Africa (and in the world). Thank you for a great two-days.

Thank you, Alan, for a very informative and enjoyable two-day course. The time-frame was well adjusted and you managed to keep us focussed and you seemed to know just when we would need a break. My phonic knowledge, prior to this course, was minimal and, although I felt a bit muddled at times, I now feel that I am far better equipped to help my pupils.

I found the course most stimulating – what you had to say made so much sense. I believe that with consistent use, THRASS will make a difference and will empower kids into the future. I liked your presentation style – the fact that you’re animated/and so energetic brought to life the materials of THRASS. The two-day course was most worthwhile. I thought that you cemented the rationale for us – we need to meet as teachers to implement the programme as soon as possible. Brilliant – thanks Alan!

Great experience – most valuable. Would have enjoyed another day. Fewer hours per day – getting old so can’t concentrate.

I thought the course was very well delivered and extremely interesting. It was thought provoking and I am/will be very excited to take it on and enrich the children. The resources are teacher, child and parent friendly, and are very useful and will aid the teaching of THRASS enormously. You have opened my eyes to enjoyable and valuable teaching and learning.

Unbelievable! Real food for thought – just not enough time. Thank you. Hopefully I will be able to make a difference.

An amazing concept – should be in all teacher training world wide! Lots of information – a bit daunting – will need to progress slowly, but I can see the value of THRASS.

A super two-days. You are easy to listen to and very amusing – thank you. So much to absorb and wonderful posters, books, media etc. Lots to think about. A challenge to apply but I’m excited at this new way of thinking. I’ve been made aware of mistakes I have made in the past – very grateful for new insight.

Makes sense. I have really learnt a lot over these two-days and look forward to implementing it into the English programme in South Africa, thanks.

Exciting, colourful, thorough, stimulating, exhausting – a paradigm shift (from Beacon, Schonell). I am very hopeful for my weak spellers and readers. Love the rap and songs. Resources/software – excellent.

Stimulating and definitely lots of food for thought. Would have liked to have seen more of the I.T. software. I enjoyed the interaction during the sessions, which kept me focused.

This really makes sense. But wow! It was a lot to absorb. I am really fired up to change the way I teach phonics and can’t wait to get stuck in. Your presentation was full of energy and kept us on our toes (and fingers). Thanks a million, Alan.

Return to TOP

Back           Next