Blog posts

  • 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 Read more

  • 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 Read more

  • 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 Read more

  • What Ms Frizzle and her magic school bus taught me about being a teacher

    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 Read more

  • Hook them with a book

    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 Read more

  • 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. Read more