Archive for the ‘School’ Category

Seven Ways to Engage Teachers’ Aides Wisely in the Classroom

Tuesday, 15 July 2014 at 10:47 am

When I began teaching in NSW primary schools many years ago, teacher aides were almost non-existent. Now they are an integral part of most classrooms.

The big question is how can teacher aides best support the learners in any given classroom?

We need to address this issue by way of asking a question… If choosing between the teacher and the teacher aide, who spends the majority of …

Classroom Literacy Routines

Monday, 7 February 2011 at 11:44 am

Welcome to another school year. With new students and a renewed vigour, this is the perfect time to establish routines and procedures which will facilitate the smooth running of the classroom literacy program.

We all appreciate how difficult it can be to fit quality instruction, differentiated learning and the independent practice of skills and knowledge into a busy timetable.

Be flexible and strategic when planning for literacy …

A National Curriculum: What’s in Store?

Sunday, 14 March 2010 at 2:43 pm

A national curriculum: What’s in store? Will this be the beginning of the end to play based learning?

Welcome to March. We’re in full swing and most of us can barely recall the recent holiday.

The new draft national curriculum was released on March 1 this year for a three month public consultation period. On reviewing the draft, it’s all great in theory.  We are …

Repeating a school year – a big decision!

Sunday, 30 November 2008 at 2:33 pm

Deciding whether to repeat a child at school is often difficult for administrators, teachers and parents. A range of social, emotional and learning issues must be addressed as adults endeavour to make the best decision possible for the child concerned. Repeating offers no guarantees, so when is it the best decision?

In some cases, a decision is clear cut. And for many children, repeating a …