One of the challenges we face as teachers in New Zealand schools is that of the diminishing dollar. There is never enough of it. Well not for decodable texts and attending workshops tailored to our underachievers. However, we continue to; …
I have a bone to pick this morning. I am tired. It is nearly the end of the term and man it’s been a big one. I have worked in so many different school and education environments this term. Last …
Over the past few months I have found myself sitting across the table from many well intentioned, committed, experienced, passionate teachers. The look on their face (one of trepidation) when they discover they don’t have the knowledge nor tools to …
I have a bone to pick. Why is it that we are so consensus based in our approach to the teaching of reading in this country? I am trying to understand why listening to the teacher next door, the principal …
Education PodCaster Tessa Prebble from the One in a Million Baby hosts me in a conversation on education with three different roles. As a mother to a teenager with multiple learning differences, as a former principal and classroom teacher, and …
Confession time….. Did I ever wonder WHY? Did I ever wonder WHY the same names crossed my principal desk year after year irrespective of which intervention had been deployed? Did I ever truly wonder WHY we couldn’t seem to get …
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, ASD, APD, ADD, ADHD, Sensory Processing and on it goes. When we have limited knowledge, and understanding of the impact these learning differences have on the lives of our students and their families, our actions and …
I recently had the privilege of hanging with my boys and watching a movie. It was one of those magical movies set in a remote area in USA. The school is small. The students are disengaged. They lack motivation. No …
One week back into the school year and I am FREAKING out. Oh yes, Groundhog (not Waitangi) day has hit me hard this week. I am there where you are, you may be, or have been if you are a …
At this time of the year, it is easy to say “oh it will all be ok, we will sort that out next year.” The hype of Christmas, coupled with the natural kiwi outlook of the grass will be greener …