Staff Meeting 2/5/12

Lauren and I (and 24 of our children!) took part in a Brain-Based Learning Conference this week.

In it, we were privileged to be able to listen to a Dr Paul Howard-Jones from Bristol University. His area of expertise is Neuroscience and specifically education.

We will be following up many of his theories over time - but a useful starting point is the journal below.

For tonight's meeting I'd like you to read the journal and form some opinions based on the questions at the bottom of this post. As always - reflect on your practice and be honest about where you feel you could make some changes or developments where need's be or where you could celebrate some techniques that you are using already.

At the side of this blog are some 'Stixy' links for you to respond on - they are under the heading "Fostering Creative Thinking".

You can download the publication here or read below - it's up to you.




 Questions for Stixy

• Where are you using analytical thinking? How are you encouraging it?
• Where are you using generative thinking? How are you encouraging it?
• Have you recognised when fixation occurs? How are you/will you help children avoid this?
• How has the article altered the way you perceive creativity?

Autism

Hello All

I don't know if you saw this on TV - if you haven't, please watch with your professional eyes open.

This really gives an insight into what some of our parents have to deal with - it may well go some way to helping you understand still more about the condition and the impact it can have on the children and their families.

Outstanding Teaching

Hello All.

Prior to me sending out Teaching Profiles (as promised before at staff meeting) have a look at the links at the side of this blog for hints on becoming an outstanding teacher.

If you click here - you will download an Excel spreadsheet that, when you answer its questions, will give you an overview of your strengths and areas for development as a teacher. Give it a go (and be honest - no one else will know!!)

Does This Work?

Have a go at filling this in... Does it work?

J2e

j2e.com is an online creativity tool designed for education.

It brings the power of Web 2 into the classroom. Children can create, share and learn in an esafe environment.


Please follow this link to see what j2e can do for you in the classroom.

Follow these links to see some j2e videos to help get you started.




This video explains 1 part of the tool... there are more if you click on the badge and use the log-in details I've emailed you.

Observation Schedule - Spring Term

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