Understanding the autonomic response of the brain to perceived threat can help us respond to our ākonga's behaviour as communication.
Author: Georgi de S
Visual Supports for the Classroom
Introduction After completing the modules on Takiwātanga for my specialist teaching course, a type of strategy that stood out to me was the use of visual supports. I adapted these suggestions from Jennifer Ganz’s Classroom Structuring methods and strategies for children and youth with Autism (2007). Children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism and/or auditory processing disorder… Continue reading Visual Supports for the Classroom
Autism Friendly Classrooms
Takiwātanga or Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects a person's ability to communicate, socialise, and 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… Continue reading Autism Friendly Classrooms
Aroreretini – Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD & ADHD)
What are attention deficit disorders and why are there two different acronyms? Aroreretini is the Te Reo Māori term for ADHD which means attention goes in many directions (Lissienko, n.d.). Attention deficit disorders are a brain-based difference where the frontal lobe is delayed in its development (ADHD New Zealand & Watson, 2022). ADHD refers to… Continue reading Aroreretini – Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD & ADHD)
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?
Georgi de Stigter 