A push to raise the school starting age to 6 sounds like good news for parents, write Amanda Niland and Marianne Fenech. But there’s a catch The decision about whether to send a child to school “early” or “hold them back” can be a tortuous one...
Every year we have the opportunity to review and remind ourselves of what is needed to prepare for the start of the new school year. Some great articles from our archives will cover most of what you need to review! Firstly, is your child ready to...
Here's how you can help, writes Mandie Shean Starting school is an important event for children and a positive experience can set the tone for the rest of their school experience. Some children are excited to attend school for the first time, yet others feel anxious. Back...
At a press conference recently, paralympian Dylan Alcott recalled the pain of being a child with a disability. He said he missed out on childhood friends, writes David Armstrong “I had no friends when I was five,” the Australian of the Year told reporters. “I even...
Thomas Britz looks at the children’s puzzle game that harbours a mathematical paradox or two Have you played the puzzle game Tangram? I remember, as a child, being fascinated by how just seven simple wooden triangles and other shapes could offer endless entertainment. Unlike LEGO, the Tangram...
Holding a conversation, working in a group, giving constructive feedback and dealing with conflict are vital interpersonal skills that contribute to an empowered and connected life, reports Dr Matthew Harrison While some people seem to acquire these skills effortlessly, others facing social challenges can require additional...
No sooner than the Christmas tree is boxed away and the holiday suitcases are unpacked, it’s time to get the kids ready for the new school year. Making the most of the long break is the key to a smooth start, says primary school teacher,...
The ‘right’ school for your child is probably right around the corner, writes Rosemary O’Brien. I’m at the gym, in the change rooms, after my weekly circuit-training session. Sam is there too – she does the same Thursday-evening session. She has a question for me. It’s...
Australia’s preschool expansion ‘has not better prepared’ kids for school, report researchers Ragan Petrie and Marco Castillo Since 2008, Australia has spent more than A$11 billion dollars over ten years to expand government-funded preschool (or kinder in Victoria) for four-year-olds to better prepare children for school. But...
Elvira Kalenjuk reports that recent data from the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) shows that many Year 9 students are writing at standards well below expected levels. Several commentators have attributed low writing achievement to illness and high rates of absenteeism because of the pandemic,...
