Professors in education Sue Dockett and Bob Perry outline the factors that lead to a successful transition to school. Children start school in Australia at different ages and at different times, depending on which State or Territory they happen to inhabit. For example, in NSW and...
Explaining to her son that school was a five-days-a-week deal was never going to be easy for Elizabeth Bate. Sam’s first few days of 'Grade One' went surprisingly well – too well, perhaps. Our local primary school had arranged for a gradual introduction by allowing the...
Bob Perry and Sue Dockett provide a guide for parents and carers as to what can you do to help your child start school successfully. Three key factors to bear in mind as you and your child prepare for them to start school: Transition to school...
Jennifer O’Dea serves up some food for thought as our children are about to start the new school year. Recently I was invited to give a talk to a large group of parents and children at the annual school orientation. The really noticeable thing about this...
A chance meeting with a former student leads Jennifer Dudding to muse on the far-reaching influence of our teachers. Education and the journey of lifelong learning encompass the whole child. Within the school environment, each child is given opportunities that will enable him or her to...
Starting school for the first time is a major milestone for children and parents. Leading family relationship expert, Dr Karen Phillip, shares her tips to make the transition to school easy and fun. Have a few trial lunch days where you pack the child a...
Whether your child is in primary or high school, starting somewhere new can be scary and daunting. We have some advice from a clinical psychologist and an education expert, to help kids and parents with the transition....
An illustrated book and a card game look at ways to engage kids in storytelling and critical thinking away from their devices! Take Heart, Take Action by Beci Orpin (Lothian Children’s Books, hardback $19.99) Age Group 4+ years This simply designed book for children is ‘a reminder for everyone,...
Current approaches to assessing and reporting what a student is learning may not be the best way to represent individual progress in school reports, writes Geoff Masters. A child whose learning is lagging behind that of other children can be judged to be ‘failing’, even though...
Speech and language problems needn’t be a life sentence. But early intervention is important, writes Catherine Best. Every parent cherishes their child’s first words. Those meaningful, gabbled sounds that chart their development from passive infant to interacting person. Speech and language define how we engage with...
