Takiwātanga or Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person's ability to communicate, socialise, form relationships, and affects their developmental trajectory (Signs & Symptoms | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | NCBDDD | CDC, 2023). As classroom practitioners we must be prepared to make our learning spaces as inclusive and welcoming as possible It is… Continue reading Autism Friendly Classrooms
What Ms Frizzle and her magic school bus taught me about being a teacher
I'm on a break from the classroom at the moment. More specifically I am in a totally new classroom, containing only two students, my beautiful 3-year-old Thea, and almost 1-year-old Evie. That's right, right now I am a stay at home Mama. It is not easy, but it is still joy-filled. The other day Thea… Continue reading What Ms Frizzle and her magic school bus taught me about being a teacher
Hook them with a book
A book. For some it holds the mystery of the universe, others a story to be entered and thoroughly explored and yet for some it is the very bane of their school life. What is it that creates a passionate, life-long reader? Often times I hear from parents and other educators how difficult they find… Continue reading Hook them with a book
Self-Management – the catch phrase of Education
I wrote this several years ago and have recently re-read my thoughts. I think this is a valuable reflection on the power of self-management in educational settings.
Accessibility is no longer an option, it’s a necessity.
The predominance of textual processing disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia are on the rise. Teachers and schools are being forced to adapt/improve pre-existing models of education to ensure these students are accessing the curriculum and achieving at their best.
Inductions, Intrinsic Motivation and Interesting developments.
Well it’s been well over a year since I last posted anything to this blog. So I have rather a lot to catch up on! The reason for my digital desert of absence has been the arrival of my very cute and very time consuming daughter, Thea. Set to be 1 year old next week,… Continue reading Inductions, Intrinsic Motivation and Interesting developments.
3D Printing – a new fad or here to stay?
You may have noticed in my earlier blog posts mention of my excitement at the prospect of having a 3D printer in the library this year. I planned for it by attending workshops at U-Learn, tinkering around online with various 3D design web apps and carefully considering how I could implement it into the library… Continue reading 3D Printing – a new fad or here to stay?
How’s your reading culture?
Students spend the majority of their year in a focussed environment where they are consistently practicing and participating in reading. But when the doors close for summer and the students leave to head back into the real world, they don't perceive reading as a fun or pleasurable activity. And therefore not worth pursuing whilst they are away from school. The strategies that haven't quite turned into long term knowledge disappear into the clear blue skies of summer break. Thus resulting in a regression in reading progress.
The Power of Professional Development
I was privileged to host the SLANZA Term 4 event in our library last weekend and was blown away by the passion, and in depth conversations I witnessed from the 37 participants. Being a new librarian I find it invaluable to attend as much professional development as I can. The potential and mind expanding properties… Continue reading The Power of Professional Development
Modern Learning started in Libraries – so what is a future focussed library?
A year into my journey as the Library Leader at Hobsonville Point Secondary School, I am taking some time to reflect on where we've come from and where we are going next. A year ago, I was excited to be starting my new position in a Modern Learning environment. I had never worked in a… Continue reading Modern Learning started in Libraries – so what is a future focussed library?
Georgi de Stigter 