This talk was presented at the official TED conference in 2006. It has enjoyed over 27 million views since then! "Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity." - TED 2006 Clicking on the picture will take you to the link for the video presentation. You won't be disappointed! |
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"All kids have talents - and we squander them pretty ruthlessly" - Sir Ken Robinson, 2010
Please click on the picture above to enjoy one of the talks from the TED archives. "In this poignant, funny talk, Sir Ken Robinson makes the case for a radical shift from standardised schools to personalised learning - creating conditions where kids' natural talents can flourish." - TED 2010 This is one of my all time favourite parenting & relationship reads. This is a must read if you are keen to understand (really understand) why the shift from corporal punishment to setting limits and implementing natural consequences is not only necessary but also effective. You will also be pleased to discover that your children (not you) are responsible for their behavior. This book helps you to help your children embrace their responsibility for their actions. Jeff VanVonderen shows how to build and nurture relationships that are free from manipulation, legalism and shame with your children and your spouse. Even if you are not religious, this book is insightful and respectful of the role and influence we have in each others' lives. You can order this book at Exclusive Books or get it from Amazon and download it to your kindle or kindle app for about $9.39
Working in the kitchen helps to build concepts e.g. measurement, division, size, weight etc. Children learn to problem solve when recipes have to be adjusted to accommodate the number of mouths to feed or figuring out which containers are best to use so that all the ingredients will fit or when choosing to substitute an ingredient for something else because of an allergy or simply that it's not available. Cutting sandwiches into shapes, or baking different shaped cookies builds geometric concepts. Spatial skills are improved when, for example, planning how to get the most number of cookies out of the rolled out cookie dough using a variety of cookie cutters. Decorating cookies or cupcakes etc. helps children explore their creativity, but also builds fine motor skills.
A confident learner is someone that loves learning for learning's sake. This learner is confident in his/her individual ability to go in search of answers or to experiment when the answer is tricky or unknown. Mistakes are nothing more than an opportunity to learn. A confident learner feels comfortable and able to contribute in a group setting and will easily ask for help, a second opinion or guidance when needed. A confident learner doesn't feel stupid or inferior, they feel CURIOUS!
As parents and care-givers we want to give our children the BEST possible chance to succeed, not only in academics, but in all aspects of their lives. Confidence in your ability to learn will make an incredible difference later in life too - in the work place, among friends, family and even in relationships with a husband or wife some day. Learning doesn't only start in Grade 1. Your child is learning all the time from day one. Don't dismiss the value of good Pre-School learning. This is where your child is encouraged to develop physically and to start the journey of discovering themselves emotionally and socially in a larger, less familiar social setting. Running, jumping, skipping, balancing, digging, swinging, climbing etc. Is important for building core strength and coordination. But mostly, it's important because it provides a safe world to explore. The senses are delighted with songs, poems, clay, sand, paint, clapping, dancing, stories etc. Children learn through curiosity. They discover that learning is fun! At Pre-School, your child will learn so much from his/her peers - they learn to negotiate toys and games. They learn about hurting each other and making friends again. They learn to make new friends, they learn to talk about themselves, their families and their feelings. They learn to take turns. They learn to listen in a crowded busy room. The Pre-School classroom environment provides both structure and flexibility. In the spirit of building confidence, before you enroll your child in Grade 1 be sure to ask yourself if he/she has really been able to benefit from all the learning opportunities that Pre-School offers. If your reason for wanting to start your child early is that you feel he/she is not being stimulated adequately at school, look into either a different school that will provide these learning opportunities or add to his/her learning experience with one or two extra curricular activities - soccer or swimming clubs, music, dance etc. are ways of getting the extra stimulation in an environment that is developmentally appropriate for your child. If you are not sure what is best for your child, be sure to consult the teachers that work with him/her everyday. They are a wealth of knowledge and hearing what they have to say will give you lots of information when making your decision. Also ask if the school does school readiness screening. Alternatively, contact me or seek out an educational psychologist in your area, and get your child tested. This shouldn't be at all traumatic - it should be a fun experience. This is useful as it will give you a comprehensive understanding of the way your child likes to learn. In addition you will be given an opportunity to discuss factors that promote and those that limit learning and development. |
AuthorI'm an educational psychologist. I enjoy working with parents, teachers and children and/or the young adults in their care. Whenever I have big decisions to make, I like to get as much information as possible. Please use my blog as a source of information on topics that I have found useful in my practice. Archives
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