Two days ago at Hillingdon Primary School, I discovered the magic of learning outdoors. The idea was clear: no matter the weather, children should explore and learn through play. The outdoor spaces were purposeful, from a mud kitchen to a water play zone. Limited resources meant no clutter, letting educators create focused learning experiences. Quality interactions happened at the child's level, fostering communication and language.
Today, we celebrate the 140th birthday of A.S. Neill, a remarkable educator who founded Summerhill School in 1921. Neill believed in letting children choose their own learning paths, creating a unique and democratic environment. At Summerhill, students and teachers worked together, and there were no mandatory classes, promoting intrinsic motivation. While Neill's ideas faced criticism, his legacy challenges us to create schools that prioritise individual needs and embrace the joy of learning. Happy 140th birthday to a teacher who continues to inspire change in education!
Ancient Greek education was a complete preparation for active roles in the community. Their timeless ideas, foundational to education, connect us across centuries and continents.
Learn how simple, everyday activities can be transformed into delightful opportunities for developing essential math skills. From counting fingers and toes to exploring the wonders of nature, this blog post is your guide to making math a joyous adventure for your little one. Send your own ideas to help me support more children and their families.
Exploring early language development is fascinating. By knowing what helps children learn language, teachers and parents can help them become confident communicators. Good communication is important in today's world, especially for leadership and success. Get practical tips for teachers and parents to make every talk a learning experience. Come with me on this journey to help kids become confident communicators and set them up for a bright future!
Discover the extraordinary life of Maria Montessori, a pioneering educator, physician, and advocate for children's rights. Her ground-breaking pedagogy continues to shape education worldwide. Born in 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy, Montessori's journey from medicine to education was driven by her passion for nurturing young minds. Her child-centred approach, emphasizing hands-on learning, independence, and self-motivation, has left a profound impact on early childhood education, where her principles find their strongest foothold. Explore how Montessori's innovative ideas influence today's primary schools and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programs, shaping the future of young learners.
Discover the secrets to managing challenging behaviour in kids aged 3 to 10 with my latest blog post! Learn effective strategies tailored for children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), where standard discipline methods may fall short. From recognising triggers to using positive reinforcement, I've got you covered. Learn about the potential link between ODD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and when to seek professional help. Every child deserves a chance to shine, and we're here to guide you on this journey.
In this post, I wanted to discuss a crucial issue - the "shadow" pupils, students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who lack an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), a document outlining their essential support. A recent study by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) reveals that these "shadow" pupils, despite receiving extended school support, performed no better in their 2020 GCSEs than peers with EHCPs. The EPI is urging policymakers not to limit EHCPs to save funds. This study also highlights disparities among different ethnic groups in the education system. The key message: every child, regardless of their background, deserves equitable opportunities and support to succeed.
Trauma-informed schools are all about helping students who've been through tough times. They train teachers to understand trauma and how it affects kids. These schools create a safe and caring place where students can learn and grow. They focus on things like building trust, being kind, and teaching kids to handle their feelings. Instead of punishing, they try to help. And it's not just teachers; they get everyone involved, like families and the community, to support these students. Trauma-informed schools want all kids to feel safe, happy, and ready to learn, and this helps them do better in school and life.
Nurturing emotional intelligence in children is key in today's schools. One effective framework that has gained prominence in recent years is Leah M. Kuypers' Zones of Regulation. This innovative system provides a structured approach to help children recognise, understand, and manage their emotions.
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