Essential Resources

Essential Resources Our passion is making teachers’ lives easier. Join us and keep up with the latest ideas, resources a

Essential Resources takes pride in producing innovative, high-quality publications that are relevant to today's learning environment. We have a clear focus on developing customer services that 'get it right, first time'. This unequivocal vision underpins our drive to become the best we can be, no matter what challenges face us on the way.

📚 Why Story Seekers is a Stand-Out Resource for Struggling Readers Struggling readers don’t just need more practice – th...
04/07/2025

📚 Why Story Seekers is a Stand-Out Resource for Struggling Readers

Struggling readers don’t just need more practice – they need the right support.

The newly revised Story Seekers Series 1 has been carefully designed to meet students where they are, combining:

✅ Age-appropriate texts for 8–10 year olds
✅ ESOL and diverse learner support
✅ Teacher Editions with explicit guidance
✅ Resource-ready Activity Books

Discover how this collection helps break the negative cycle of reading frustration and rebuilds confidence, capability, and enjoyment.

✨ Read the full blog to see how Story Seekers can empower your teaching team and transform outcomes for struggling readers.

👇 Link to read the blog
https://www.essentialresources.co.nz/2025/06/story-seekers-struggling-readers/
https://www.essentialresources.com.au/2025/06/story-seekers-struggling-readers/

When planning takes over your evenings and weekends, it’s time for a smarter approach. iUgo was built for teachers who v...
03/07/2025

When planning takes over your evenings and weekends, it’s time for a smarter approach.

iUgo was built for teachers who value efficiency and teamwork. With everything in one place – curriculum-linked plans, collaborative tools, and clear overviews – it frees you up to focus on what really matters: supporting your learners.

Whether you’re planning solo or as a team, iUgo helps you stay organised, connected, and confident.

✨ Explore how iUgo can transform your planning process. Try it free for 30 days.

🔗 https://www.iugo.co.nz/
https://www.iugoplanner.com/

🌦️ Free Resource for Curious Young Scientists! Windows to Weather is a free downloadable PDF filled with creative ideas ...
02/07/2025

🌦️ Free Resource for Curious Young Scientists! Windows to Weather is a free downloadable PDF filled with creative ideas and activities to help young children explore weather in hands-on, meaningful ways.

From observing the clouds to sparking awe and wonder, this resource will inspire your next science lesson.

✨ Want first access to more free downloads, fresh resources, and exclusive content? Sign up to our email list and be the first to know about:
✅ Freebies
✅ New releases
✅ Inspiring blog content
✅ Special offers just for educators

👇 Download your copy of Windows to Weather and join our email community today.
https://www.essentialresources.co.nz/Store/Product/Detail/ETS0315F
https://www.essentialresources.com.au/Store/Product/Detail/ETS0315F

🎨 Help design The Essential Planner 2026! The next edition of The Essential Planner is on the way… and this year, your i...
30/06/2025

🎨 Help design The Essential Planner 2026!

The next edition of The Essential Planner is on the way… and this year, your inspiration could be on the cover.

✨ Got a vision for your dream planner design? Share it with us in 20 words or less, and you could see your idea brought to life. If your suggestion inspires one of our final covers, you’ll win TWO planners – one for you, and one for a teaching friend.

👇 Tap the link to enter and let your creativity shine!
https://www.essentialresources.co.nz/essential-teacher-planner/
https://www.essentialresources.com.au/essential-teacher-planner/

Every child deserves to feel like they belong. The Cultural and Social Inclusion course offers practical guidance on cre...
25/06/2025

Every child deserves to feel like they belong.

The Cultural and Social Inclusion course offers practical guidance on creating inclusive, culturally responsive environments where children and families from all backgrounds feel seen, valued, and supported. You'll walk away with clear, achievable strategies – like creating multicultural learning spaces and supporting smoother transitions for bilingual learners.

🌿 Foster belonging and connection
🌏 Support bilingual and EAL learners
🏡 Build strong partnerships with whānau

Make inclusion part of your everyday practice – enrol today.
https://www.essentialresources.com.au/early-childhood-courses/

📚 Support every learner with the Inclusive Education series📚 Explore our powerful series of educator and teacher-friendl...
23/06/2025

📚 Support every learner with the Inclusive Education series📚

Explore our powerful series of educator and teacher-friendly guides by Anne Vize, designed to help you create inclusive, supportive learning environments for all children.

💡 Topics covered in the series:
✔ Neurodiversity
✔ Disability
✔ Behaviour Support
✔ Trauma
✔ Communication Needs (NEW!)

These practical books are filled with evidence-based strategies, real-world examples, and tools you can use right away.

✅ Perfect for educators, teacher aides, and anyone committed to inclusive practice.

Discover the full series today!
https://www.essentialresources.co.nz/Store/Product/Series/SERTS0338
https://www.essentialresources.com.au/Store/Product/Series/SERTS0338

Ever wondered how readers go from sounding out words to reading them instantly? It’s called orthographic mapping – and i...
20/06/2025

Ever wondered how readers go from sounding out words to reading them instantly? It’s called orthographic mapping – and it’s a game-changer for reading success.

🧠 It’s how our brains link sounds, spelling, and meaning to lock words into long-term memory. But struggling readers often miss this step.

That’s why Story Seekers was designed to support orthographic mapping with controlled phonics progression, vocabulary prompts, and decoding tasks – all in age-appropriate, engaging texts.

📘 Help your students build fluency and confidence, one mapped word at a time.

👇 Check out the infographic to see how it works.

No two children respond the same – and when it comes to emotional development, one size doesn’t fit all. The Building So...
18/06/2025

No two children respond the same – and when it comes to emotional development, one size doesn’t fit all.

The Building Social and Emotional Skills and Wellbeing course supports you to respond with confidence using inclusive, developmentally appropriate strategies. Whether you're just starting out or deepening your practice, this course will help you build stronger, more responsive relationships with the children in your care.

✨ Create a safe and supportive learning environment
✨ Equip children with the tools they need to thrive
✨ Gain confidence in navigating tricky moments

Enrol now and take the guesswork out of emotional guidance.
https://www.essentialresources.com.au/early-childhood-courses/

Celebrate Matariki in your classroom ✨ This free Year 1–3 activity explores constellations, their connections to storyte...
16/06/2025

Celebrate Matariki in your classroom ✨

This free Year 1–3 activity explores constellations, their connections to storytelling and art, and includes an introduction to Matariki – the perfect blend of science, culture and creativity.

🌟 Curriculum-aligned
🌌 Encourages observation, discussion and artistic expression
📘 Taken from Discovering Aotearoa New Zealand – Years 1–3: Book 2

👉 Download your freebie now: https://www.essentialresources.co.nz/Store/Product/Detail/E31269F

Did you know that strong readers get stronger in reading, while the struggling stay stuck? It's called The Matthew Effec...
13/06/2025

Did you know that strong readers get stronger in reading, while the struggling stay stuck?

It's called The Matthew Effect (Stanovich, 1986). Struggling readers fall further behind because they miss out on meaningful reading experiences.

Break the cycle in your classroom with our latest range of Story Seekers! Designed to support students who need it most, these books give every learner the chance to build confidence, capability, and a love for reading. Combined with a special teacher's edition, and ready-to-use Activity Book, you can place all your readers on an upward spiral.

Order now and preview the collection with our 14-day approval option.
https://www.essentialresources.co.nz/story-seekers/
https://www.essentialresources.com.au/story-seekers/

Coming soon: Inclusive Education – Communication Needs ✨ A new addition to the bestselling Inclusive Education series by...
11/06/2025

Coming soon: Inclusive Education – Communication Needs ✨ A new addition to the bestselling Inclusive Education series by Anne Vize!

This practical guide is packed with strategies to support children with speech and language difficulties. Learn how to create a communication-friendly environment, embed communication skills into learning, and use technology to boost student success.

Perfect for early childhood and primary educators who want to make a difference.

🛒 Pre-order now and be among the first to receive it!

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Essential Resources

Essential Resources Publications

Founded in 2000 by family duo Nicola Smith and Geraldine Sloane, Essential Resources is a successful and innovative educational publisher. Today over 90% of New Zealand schools and over 50% of Australian schools use our resources.

On board is an extensive team of authors, designers, editors and IT experts committed to producing best-quality products and services that meet the demands of the 21st century classroom. Through their dedication and expertise, we produce innovative and well-designed supplementary teaching materials that are relevant to today’s learning environment.

Freshness, innovation and relevance characterise the wide range of classroom resources on offer, as well as our teacher support and professional practice books for early childhood centres and primary and secondary schools. These forward-looking resources support teachers in challenging students to develop higher-order thinking skills and strong problem-solving strategies to equip them for today’s fast-paced, changing world.