There is no doubt that students can obtain good results and achieve their personal best without having well developed social skills. With today’s emphasis on cooperative learning, however, there is little question that students are more likely to be successful if they can not only help support each other when learning, but also resolve conflict… Continue reading →

The expression Rome wasn’t built in a day is meant to remind us that achieving results takes time and effort. However, we often forget this and blame a lack of ‘ability’ when we can’t solve a mathematical problem, draw a geometric shape or paint a scenic picture.

Something I remember well from my days as a full-time classroom teacher is the frustration I felt when my students were disorganised. David never had his pens, pencils or a ruler. Jenny left her work at home. Paul forgot his homework AGAIN! Samantha didn’t have time to prepare her talk. John’s desk was combination of… Continue reading →

When it comes to movies, I love watching those that relate to maintaining a positive outlook on life. Who can forget Forrest Gump, sitting on the bench waiting for his bus, musing “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”. This saying has become part of… Continue reading →

I think we would all agree that engagement is a vital part of the learning process for every one of us, no matter what our age. From a teaching perspective, we view engagement as central to learning for all children and in all areas of the curriculum. When children are really engaged in learning, they… Continue reading →