The expanding vocabulary of a child at mothers’ group leads Luci Temple to think a little more about her own choice of words. … who doesn’t let out an expletive every now and then? One of my daughter’s friends recently began saying the ‘f-word’. At least, that’s...
Susan Biggar finds herself tested by the demands of school life. School is much harder the second time around. Back when I was in primary school I didn’t worry about my lunch – except if I got an egg-salad sandwich, which was very bad news indeed. ...
Often it's hard for young children's to express their feelings and they resort to temper tantrums or just keeping silent. These recently published books illustrate ways to use the stories to discuss emotions. It’s OK to cry by Molly Potter, illustrated by Sarah Jennings (pub Featherstone, imprint...
Why do so many schools have cupboards full of musical instruments gathering dust? Dr Alexander Crooke looks for possible answers. Musical participation in schools has been increasingly linked to a range of benefits deemed critical for today’s students. This includes fostering creativity, offering unique ways of...
My children might not get it right or even seem to want to get it right for now, writes Maria Tedeschi. But once they leave the safe haven of the family home, I need to believe that those skills that I tried so hard to...
Debate over how to teach children to read has raged over the past 40 years. But what is the best practice for those children who are struggling with reading and how should we intervene? Dr Jon Quach, Dr Tanya Serry, Professor Janet Clinton and Professor Sharon...
Kids spend nearly three-quarters of their school day sitting, report Natalie Lander and Jo Salmon. Here's how to get them moving during lessons. Regular physical activity is linked to improvements in physical and mental health including anxiety and depression. It can also improve cognitive functioning such...
Students across Australia have started the new school year using pencils, pens and keyboards to learn to write. In workplaces, machines are also learning to write, so effectively that within a few years they may write better than humans, predicts Lucinda McKnight. Sometimes they already do,...
Not sure what to pack the kids' for lunch again? Become a school lunch ninja with our go-to bento guide. ...
There's no such thing as 'alternative facts', writes Mark Pearson The blame for the recent assault on the US Capitol and President Donald Trump’s broader dismantling of democratic institutions and norms can be laid at least partly on misinformation and conspiracy theories. Those who spread misinformation, like...
