In this blog post, I discuss positive psychology and Dr. Martin Seligman's 24 Character Strengths. Learn how to lead a happy and meaningful life and discover ways to assist children in developing the essential skills they'll need to reach their full potential.
Tag: modern schools
Learning Through Play: EYFS Outdoor Provision
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.
A.S. Neill’s 140th Birthday: Legacy of an Education Pioneer
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!
Numerical Cognition: How Do Young Children’s Brains Work?
Learn about the infants' numerical cognition through the revolutionary research of Professor Karen Wynn and other prominent researchers. In this post, we briefly explain the studies that unveiled infants' innate numerical sensitivity and their astonishing ability to perform simple arithmetic operations.
Understanding EHCPs: The Role of the SENCO and Benefits for Children and Schools
Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) are essential documents that cater to the unique needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In this blog post, I explore the significance of EHCPs, the pivotal role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in obtaining these plans, and the benefits they offer to both children and schools.
Ivan Illich: A Revolutionary Thinker in Education
Ivan Illich and his radical ideas continue to be discussed in schools all around the world. Decentralised, child-centred approaches have been a trend for the last two decades. Community-based initiatives and project-based learning are a norm in today's education. With this article, you will learn a little more about Ivan Illich and his renowned approaches.
Children’s Egocentrism: The Three Mountains Task
Understanding children's egocentrism is essential for educators to maximize academic progress. The Three Mountains Task, a tool developed by Jean Piaget and Bärbel Inhelder, is instrumental in studying egocentrism. This task enables researchers to observe how children's egocentric thinking shapes their perception of the world.
Low-level disruptive behaviour: Causes, impacts and strategies for effective classroom management
Low-level disruptive behaviour is often dismissed by primary teachers without being properly addressed. By creating a calm environment, learning can be maximised and children of all kind can thrive and feel valued. Read this entry to learn about the causes of low-level disruption, and strategies to combat this in your classroom.
Lev Vygotsky’s theory in Primary classrooms today
Discover how Vygotsky's sociocultural theory is transforming primary classrooms today. Collaborative learning and cultural diversity celebration are some of the examples you will find in this blog post. We explore real-life experiences of teachers who have implemented Vygotsky's concepts, such as social interaction, scaffolding, and cultural context, to create engaging and inclusive learning environments.
How are Jean Piaget’s ideas implemented in Primary classrooms today?
Jean Piaget's ideas still influence primary schools in England today. From constructivist approaches to active learning and play-based strategies, educators embrace Piaget's theories to create engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Explore the implementation of scaffolding, assessment practices, and the importance of understanding children's thinking processes. Discover how primary schools incorporate Piaget's principles while incorporating a holistic approach that draws from diverse educational theories.
