Using the Library

Ron has had a 35-year career as a teacher and teacher-librarian in schools around Melbourne, included 7 years in teacher education, training and advising teachers in librarianship.

His first book, Into Books: Literature Activities for the Classroom, was written with Andrew Perry, was published in 1985.

In 1986 he began writing for Macmillan, co-authoring the Macmillan ‘Beginners Series’ — approxrimately 100 titles covering a wide range of non-fiction subjects for junior primary students. Also for Macmillan and with various co-authors including Shirley Sydenham, he wrote dozens of blackline master books for teachers on a range of topics: space, life cycles, giants, zoos and food, as well as many factual books about the military, sports and the Olympic games.

With Shirley Sydenham, Ron has established and co-authored a website for kids www.kidcyber.com.au. At first, the website was to be a resource to which readers of their books about research and study skills could be directed for information. It has since grown to become a successful and highly popular site where young students can write requesting help with school projects.

Spare time interests include cooking, reading, theatre, and travel. The Richmond Football Club gets some attention in the winter, and two terrier dogs are a daily diversion

Shirley was born in Shanghai and lived in Hong Kong till she was 12, when the family moved to Melbourne. She has had a long career in primary schools as a classroom teacher, teaching at all levels. As a trained drama teacher, she also taught drama and directed school productions.

After leaving teaching, Shirley was an education consultant in drama and cooperative learning, before taking up lengthy residence at Werribee Open Range Zoo as a Safari Guide, and later at Melbourne Zoo in Sponsorship.

Shirley first started writing in 1975. She has written many books on her own and with a number of co-writers. She has also written, with Celia Meehan, a number of plays for children, which can be performed by adults or by children. She and Celia formed Me’n’Syd Productions and produced and directed the plays in local venues.

Shirley’s longest writing partnership has been with Ron Thomas, with whom she has written dozens of titles, including blackline masters, teacher resource books and short stories. Together they established and co-author a website for kids and teachers, www.kidcyber.com.au. From its origins as a website to support a series of teacher resource books about developing research skills from Prep to Year 6, it has grown into an extensive, successful and very popular site accessed by thousands of students.

Shirley’s interest in theatre includes acting, directing, administrative and backstage activities as well of course as participation as an audience member. Her interest in animals these days is mostly focused on her cocker spaniel Tallullah. Other interests include cooking, reading and travel