Forget the latest toys and gadgets, a recent study by leading child psychologist Dr Richard Woolfson has revealed: “Reading is so popular with kids that it was voted their favourite pastime with a parent (51%), ahead of other forms of entertainment such as watching television (17%) and playing video games (7%).”
Almost two thirds of children have revealed they want their parents to read to them more often.
When it comes to telling a good story, children have recommended to parents that the best way to maintain their interest is to talk in funny voices for different characters (71%), followed by unusual sound effects (17%).
Dr Richard Woolfson said: “The results of our research confirm the traditional activity of storytelling continues to be a powerful learning and emotional resource in children’s lives. There is no doubt whatsoever that children value the experience of having a story read to them and view this the best wind-down activity at the end of the day.”
You may know that I love storytelling so I couldn’t wait to share this research with you. Do you remember the poem….?
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be
I had a mother who read to me.
Strickland Gillilan (1869-1954)
Just add father, grandparent, aunt, uncle or any loving adult and it sums it up from me.
Photo credit: Gracie & Viv at Flickr
QUESTION:
I’ve been a primary, classroom teacher in Central Queensland and I”ve now taken on the role of ESL Co-ordinator. Where can I get training?
ANNIE ANSWERS:
As ESL Co-ordinator in a primary school, your role may include not only to teach those students from non-English speaking backgrounds but to advise your fellow teachers on how to best support ESL learners in their classrooms.
When I was ESL Advisory Teacher on the Sunshine Coast, I did a 4 day training called ESL in the Mainstream that was both up-to-date in theory and gave practical strategies that I could implement immediately into my classroom.
The aims of the program are to: [click to continue…]
It doesn’t matter whether it’s physical, psychological or even cyber. Bullying is a concern that we need to take very seriously.
If you suspect your child is being bullied, talk with your child and make an appointment with the teacher or school principal to discuss your concerns.
It is also important to encourage your child to report bullying behaviours to a trusted adult at school as quickly as possible after an incident of bullying. Bullying thrives in a culture of secrecy, so telling the school is very important.
Some signs of bullying might include:
• Loss of confidence
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits, possibly bedwetting
• Health problems such as headaches or stomach aches
• Unhappiness or mood swings with sudden temper tantrums
• Reluctance to go to school and changes in academic performance
What you can do: [click to continue…]
Did you see Australian Story this evening? Parents, Ian and Nicole Rogerson say that when their son was diagnosed with Autism, they turned to the Internet for help. It really struck me, when Nicole said over the years (their son is now 13) they tried some doggy autism interventions, that parents may like some guidance on where to find balanced, evidence-based assessments on the effectiveness of the various interventions and therapies.
I’d like to share with you the following journal articles, fact sheets and government websites that may help. [click to continue…]
A powerful way for children to feel good about themselves is to tap into their subconscious mind. What do I mean by that? We all have that ‘little voice in our head’ that gives us messages right? This influences how we feel about ourselves and what we achieve.
What we sometimes forget is that this voice is ‘talking to us’ is ‘playing along’ in the background even when we are not consciously aware of it. It will ‘play’ emotional messages; and doesn’t discriminate between good or bad messages that have sunk in there. So if we have had negative input then what will be playing in our heads; influencing how we feel and what we do will be negative. We’ll be filled with, “I can’t…” etc. Or worse… anger when we don’t know why. [click to continue…]
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