Kidz Danza sessions are engaging and educational for children. Young children spend a lot of time during their early childhood, moving and also not moving enough and it seems the situation is worsening. Children sit in buggies, bouncers, walkers and other contraptions. They are strapped into car … [Read more...]
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world
Nelson Mandela showed that it is possible to make a difference in our world. I've had two encounters recently that caused me to reflect on the history of apartheid in South Africa. The first was that I felt moved by the content in some letters I found in my father's memorabilia. He was a Jazz … [Read more...]
Sowing seeds of mindfulness through education
I was initiated into mindfulness from a young age by my parents who meditated every day. Dropping into stillness in our family was as normal as speaking, listening to music, singing and dancing. On Sundays, my younger brother and I attended the children's Philosophy School. We practised … [Read more...]
Children learn what they live
Children live what they learn If a child lives with criticism He learns to condemn If a child lives with hostility He learns to fight If a child lives with ridicule He learns to be shy If a child lives with shame He learns to feel guilty If a child lives with tolerance He … [Read more...]
Who’s got the guts it takes not to indoctrinate?
Ellen Duthie guest blogger tells us about the a new resource she has developed with Daniela Marathon. Cruelty Bites, is the first box of visual philosophy cards created for wondering and pondering some extremely important "big" questions with children. I bought it and spent some time together with … [Read more...]
Entering school at 2 years old!
The debate about formal too soon has been around for as long as I can remember. It's strange, considering how much we know about the way young children learn. “Countries where children start more formal learning at six or seven actually overtake us as the children get older.” Dame Gillian … [Read more...]
Cuddling questioned in early years settings and schools!
Some years ago I read a post on a social networking site, from an Independent Early Years Consultant and Tutor, Chelmsford, in the UK. “I have been teaching a regular class of pre-school practitioners today who are nearing the end of their L3 Diploma. In a classroom debate, a student raised the … [Read more...]
A chest full of treasure – Ros Bayley
I have an immense appreciation for Ros Bayley I recently heard that Ros Bayley died and I felt a deep sense of loss and also an immense appreciation to her for all that she contributed to us in early years; for her joy, fun, intelligence and wisdom. I want to offer my condolences to all who knew … [Read more...]