Category: Uncategorized

A.S. Neill’s 140th Birthday: Legacy of an Education Pioneer

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in educational philosophy, Educational Philosophy, Philosophy of Education, Teacher Development, Uncategorized

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!

What Was Education Like in Ancient Greece?

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in educational philosophy, Educational Philosophy, Uncategorized

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.

12 Maths Ideas For Home Learning (For Children Up to 5 Years Old)

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in child development, Early Years, numeracy, Numeracy, Numerical Cognition, Uncategorized

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.

Language Acquisition and Speech Problems

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in Cognitive Development, educational research, SEND, Teacher Development, Uncategorized

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!

Maria Montessori: the Most Famous Pedagogue of All Time

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in child development, Educational Psychology, pedagogy, Uncategorized

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.

‘Shadow’ Pupils: A Challenge for all Teachers

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in SEND, Teacher Development, Uncategorized

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.

Joseph Calasanz: Pioneering Education and Compassion

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in educational philosophy, Educational Philosophy, pedagogy, Uncategorized

Joseph Calasanz was a remarkable educator who lived in the 16th century. He believed that every child should have the chance to learn, regardless of their background. His ideas about education were ahead of his time. Today, we still admire his compassion and forward-thinking approach. In this blog post, we'll learn about Joseph Calasanz and how his ideas are still important for teachers and students today.

Social Justice Pedagogy: Paulo Freire’s Legacy

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in Educational Philosophy, Educational Psychology, educational research, educational theories, pedagogy, Philosophy of Education, Uncategorized

Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator whose life journey from poverty to scholarly greatness profoundly impacted education, left a legacy that still reverberates in today's classrooms. In this post, we delve into the life and research of this iconic figure, Paulo Freire, and explore how his educational theories can empower and engage young learners in modern primary classrooms.

Reception Areas of Learning: Mathematics

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in child development, Numeracy, Numerical Cognition, Teacher Development, Uncategorized

This year marks a new beginning in my career as I will be teaching in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Cippenham School. Today, I explore numeracy in this new setting, I bring ideas to create adventures with our little learners, fostering a love for mathematics that will last a lifetime.

Teacher Mentorship: Pros vs Cons

by Mr Sanchez de Santiago, posted in Professional Development, Teacher Development, Uncategorized

Helping new teachers is a special and tough job. When I mentored at the University of Reading, I saw how complex it is to guide someone into teaching. Being a mentor is more than just enjoying shaping the next generation of teachers. It's about thinking about my own teaching and communicating well. In this post, I talk about the good and tough parts of mentoring, from the joy of growing professionally to the challenges of time limits and meeting different needs. Mentoring is not just giving advice; it's a journey that affects both the mentor and the new teacher in a lasting way.