Daily Archives: 15/06/2016

Health

The Mirror Never Lies

How would you help a child who develops one of these illnesses? Would you be sympathetic to a mental illness or would you take the view that the child was being silly and irresponsible.

Today’s children are far more obsessed with body image than previous generations. Many of their role models are excessively thin, and for some being thin becomes equated with success and popularity. Dieting is not unusual among teenagers and it is terribly easy to carry it too far. It is not so easy to recover without a lot of support and understanding. Anorexia and bulimia are addictive illnesses in which the sufferer lies and conceals to attempt to cover up the addiction. There is a large amount of self-deception as the sufferer may see a fat person in the mirror even although those around him/her see an emaciated one. The sufferer does not want help as he/she is terrified of becoming fat.

This book was written by someone who herself suffered both anorexia and bulimia for sixteen years. It describes in detail how she damaged her health and jeopardised her family relationships and friendships through an illness to which she was not willing to admit. It also describes her struggle back to normal healthy eating. The latter sections of the book give practical advice for normal healthy eating and describe the physical side effects of not having a healthy diet.

If you would like to see sample pages please email sales@firstandbest.co.uk

Publisher’s reference: T1564EMN ISBN: 978 1 86083 655 8

Prices

  • Photocopiable report in a ring binder, £15.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • CD with school-wide rights: £15.95 plus £3.95 delivery
  • Both the Ring Binder and the CD £21.94 plus £3.95 delivery

Prices include VAT.

You can purchase the report… please quote the order ref: T1564EMN

Maths, Special Needs

What is the benefit of testing pupils for dyscalculia?

One of the great problems in working with dyscalculic pupils and students is that there are many different ways in which dyscalculia affects individuals.

Because of this there is no such thing as a “typical dyscalculic person” or indeed a single method for helping the dyscalculic pupil or student.

In short, when faced with a dyscalculic individual what we have to do is try to find out the areas in which the pupil has problems and the specific difficulties that the pupil has.

Finding such information out can be made more difficult by the fact that many dyscalculics evolve their own methods of handling maths over time, making it appear as if they know what they are doing in certain situations.

In such situations, although the pupil or student can get an answer right, he/she often has no understanding at all and is instead just going through a mechanical and essentially (for them) meaningless process.

It is because of this sort of problem that in 2011 the Dyscalculia Centre introduced its on-line test for dyscalculia, suitable for pupils aged 8 and above.

Hundreds of individuals now take the test each year, and many schools have found it helpful to test several pupils in the course of a year, which is why we are now introducing a special price for schools that use our test with three or more pupils.

The aim of the test is not simply to say “this person is dyscalculic,” although it does give that result.  It aims primarily to find out where the specific problems for that individual are and then suggest how these problems can be overcome.

For example, the test seeks to unravel situations where the student seemingly knows how to undertake mathematical computations without having any idea what is going on.   It also looks for associated short term / long term memory issues, problems with understanding the very concept of number, and difficulties with the notion of time and of shapes.

The Dyscalculia Test is taken on-line, and results in a detailed report (usually around five pages of A4) identifying the problem areas and the actions that can be taken to help the pupil overcome these issues.

What’s more, the Centre also then provides free teaching materials that can be used with the pupil to help deal with the most important areas of difficulty in a multi-sensory way, thus allowing the pupil or student to start moving forward in terms of mathematical knowledge.

There is more information about the Dyscalculia Centre’s on-line test for dyscalculia at http://www.dyscalculia.me.uk/testing.html

Testing costs £59.95 per individual or £49.95 each where three or more tests are booked together (although these tests do not all have to be taken at the same time). This price includes taking the test, receiving a specific report in relation to the individual taking the test, and being provided with resources relevant to that individual which can be used to help them progress in maths.

The test itself is set up for payment by credit card on-line:

Please click here to order one test at £59.95
Please click here to order 3 tests at £49.95 each

However if you wish to use a school order number you can do this by phoning 01536 399 011, or by fax to 01536 399 012.  In each case we will need your email address so that we can email you a link to the on-line test.  There are more details about payment for schools on http://www.dyscalculia.me.uk/teacher.html

If you have any enquiries please do call 01536 399 000 or email admin@dyscalculia.me.uk

The Dyscalculia Centre
Hamilton House Mailings
Earlstrees Road
Corby
UK
NN17 4HH

Website: www.dyscalculia.me.uk
Email: admin@dyscalculia.me.uk

Early Years

Practical and accessible resource for Early Years

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Index for inclusion: developing play, learning and participation in early years and childcare

Written by Denise Kingston, Tony Booth and Mel Ainscow

  • Accessible, flexible and practical resource for self-evaluation and improvement
  • Encourages staff, young children and families to work together collaboratively
  • User-friendly materials, organised around sets of indicators and questions
  • Index materials support a detailed review of cultures, policies and practices in early years settings.
  • Essential for settings committed to putting inclusive values into action
  • Includes CD
  • CSIE price: £28.00 + £5.50 p&p
  • November offer: buy one get one half price

The Early Years Index can help settings to:

  • clarify their own values and put them into action;
  • create a detailed self-review and development strategy;
  • sustain the changes that are made;
  • empower adults and children to voice their ideas;
  • improve the setting for staff as well as for children and families;
  • minimise barriers to play, learning and participation;
  • articulate a clear rationale for development.

Staff who have used the Index materials have found them useful as:

  • a tool for self evaluation
  • a means of engaging the whole school community
  • a resource for meeting the requirements of the Equality Act and the new Ofsted Framework.

Order now to take advantage of the November offer:

To order your copy, please email the following information to admin@csie.org.uk

Priority order code HHIfIEY Index for inclusion: developing play, learning and participation in early years and childcare
Number of copies required:
Your Name:
Contact telephone no:
Email address:
School Name:
School Address :
Invoice Address:

(if different from above)
Purchase order no:

(if applicable)
CSIE price: £28.00 + £5.50 p&p for up to 2 copies
Total cost:

 

Assemblies

Exceptional Primary School Assembly Resources

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AssemblyBox

Outstanding assemblies that pupils love and remember

Over 300 fully scripted assemblies available now with new assemblies added monthly saving you time and effort in the mornings.

AssemblyBox provides schools with a fast, easy and high-quality solution that delivers assemblies throughout the school year. We are a subscription-based service for schools, providing access to an exciting online portfolio of assemblies.

Our assemblies are available in the following categories: A-Z of Social and Emotional Stories, SEAL, Black History, Community and Citizenship, Famous People, Foundation Stage, World Religions, Saint Days, International Days and Around the World.

Order your package today at www.assemblybox.co.uk

Email: enquiries@assemblybox.co.uk 
Postal address: Inspired Education Ltd, 20-22 Wenlock Road, London,N1 7GU

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CCLI

CCLI Collective Worship Licenses – offers licences, resources and ideas to help schools use songs and hymns during their times of Collective Worship in assemblies and special services.

Telephone: 01323 436100
Postal address: CCLI, Chantry House, 22 Upperton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 1BF

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AssembliesOnline.com

AssembliesOnline.com – free school assemblies based around a popular feature film. Assemblies are designed to help school pupils develop a greater understanding of themselves, their community and the world around them.

Email: office@ethoseducation.org
Postal address: Ethos Education, PO Box 1800, Southampton, SO15 9GP

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First and Best in Education

Sealsongs – the Tower Hamlets primary school song book – a collection of assembly songs which aims to get children engaged through the experience of making and creating music. Its lyrics were written with considerable input from Year 4 and 5 pupils, so speak from children to children, and the musical backing tracks were professionally recorded.

Email: sales@firstandbest.co.uk
Telephone: 01536 399007
Postal address: Hamilton House Mailings Ltd, Earlstrees Ct, Earlstrees Rd, Corby, Northants, NN17 4HH

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Brilliant Publications

Brilliant Assembly Resources – Brilliant Publications publishes a small, but growing, range of books to support primary school assemblies. Titles range from song books and inspirational stories to read aloud during assemblies, through to easy-to-use scripts for class-led assemblies, linked to key curriculum areas.

Email: orders@tradecounter.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1449 766629
Postal address: Brilliant Publications, c/o Trade Counter Distribution, Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk, IP14 5ND, UK

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Snail Tales

Storytelling for Schools – with the Institute of Education observing that a love of reading improves results across the curriculum, and an EU-funded study revealing that 25% more facts are retained from stories than rote learning, it’s easy to see how storytelling can benefit your school.

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You can find more Exceptional Teaching resources at exceptionalteaching.org.uk.

Languages

What is the most effective way of attuning your younger pupils’ ears to the French language?

Earworms, stuck-song syndrome, sticky music, and cognitive itch are all terms used to describe when a song gets stuck in your head – and, although defined, it can’t quite be explained.

So how can you use this scientific mystery to your advantage so your pupils will pick up their French language learning more readily as they advance through the curriculum?

The answer is with Petites Étoiles – a comprehensive resource which uses rhymes and songs to introduce your Reception to Year 2 pupils to French language learning. So when they start to learn French more formally, they will have already internalised how it sounds.

Petites Étoiles provides lesson plans, activities, and ideas based on 18 popular topics (toys, food, animals, celebrations…), with each unit focusing on a rhyme or a song to aid the pronunciation of words and to make learning more memorable.

The accompanying disc also contains video clips, as well as a huge bank of reproducible resources, IWB games, and much more. The practical activities are play-oriented and range from role-playing and miming to phonics games and mask-making.

Furthermore, Petites Étoiles has a clear and easy-to-use layout and provides a huge amount of practical support for teachers which means that it can be used by both French specialist teachers and teachers with limited knowledge of the French language.

You can order Petites Étoiles in a variety of ways, including:

  • By visiting the website
  • By phone on 01449 766629
  • By fax on 01449 768047
  • By email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk
  • Or by post to Brilliant Publications, Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk, IP14 5ND.

Brilliant Publications,
Mendlesham Industrial Estate,
Norwich Road,
Mendlesham,
Suffolk,
IP14 5ND.

website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk
email: orders@tradecounter.co.uk

phone: 01449 766629
fax: 01449 768047

Assemblies

Exceptional Secondary School Assembly Resources

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CCLI Collective Worship Licenses – offers licences, resources and ideas to help schools use songs and hymns during their times of Collective Worship in assemblies and special services.

Telephone: 01323 436100
Postal address: CCLI, Chantry House, 22 Upperton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 1BF

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AssembliesOnline.com

AssembliesOnline.com – free school assemblies based around a popular feature film. Assemblies are designed to help school pupils develop a greater understanding of themselves, their community and the world around them.

Email: office@ethoseducation.org
Postal address: Ethos Education, PO Box 1800, Southampton, SO15 9GP

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Teaching Resources Support

Assemblies for KS3/4 – These ready to use assembly ideas have been created to help you deliver engaging and topical KS3 and KS4 assemblies throughout the year.

Email: admin@teachingresourcessupport.com
Telephone: 0113 266 0880
Postal address: Morwick Hall, Mortec Office Park, York Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 4TA, U.K

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School Speakers

School Speakers, set up by entrepreneur Apprentice TV star Claire Young, is the UK’s No.1 agency working with schools (primary and secondary), colleges and universities to provide talks, workshops and full day activities for students.

Email: office@schoolspeakers.co.uk
Telephone: 01924 277343 

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Caswell’s Strings

Caswell’s Strings – we invite you to examine our extensive range of student instruments, the separate listing of advanced instruments, the pages of accessories and teaching aids, the Tonerite, the bows, and the books.

Email: sales@caswellsstrings.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 1280 707 140
Postal address: The Old Chapel, Banbury Road, Brackley. NN13 6BA

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You can find more Exceptional Teaching resources at exceptionalteaching.org.uk.

Special Needs

What are the three steps to identifying dysgraphia?

Step one: Compare your student’s handwriting with other students’ handwriting of the same age

Step two: Identify what is making his or her handwriting appear to be of poor quality:

Does his or her handwriting contain oversized letters and punctuation?
Are there inconsistencies in the size of consecutive letter?
Are letters and words written at an inconsistent angle?
Is his or her handwriting spaced inconsistently?
Are letters and words written in the wrong order?
Does his or her handwriting contain more spelling mistakes than you would expect?
Does he or she often cross out his or her work and rewrite it?

Step three: Identify why the handwriting is of poor quality – What causes dysgraphia? A student with dysgraphia will often have problems with his or her language processing, fine motor skills, memory recall, pen/pencil grip, handwriting posture and/or visual spacing.

Dysgraphia Help offer an online dysgraphia test for pupils over 8 years old for £32 which can act as a preliminary diagnosis. The test consists of 50 questions and after completion of the test and submitting a handwriting sample you will receive a report within 72 hours.

You can find more information about Dysgraphia Help’s Online Dysgraphia Test at www.dysgraphiahelp.co.uk/testing-for-dysgraphia/.

English

Students love poetry and song.

Dear Head of English,

To help schools enjoy and promote the reciting and learning of poetry, the Performance Poetry Society is offering Secondary Schools the opportunity of having Jim MacCool’s Poetry Shows to visit this Autumn.

Jim MacCool’s Shows have proved to be suitable for all ages and abilities of secondary school pupils and will enrich and entertain your pupils and staff alike.

Here are some comments from Secondary schools after Jim’s visit.

Poet Jim MacCool’s visits to All Saints
On Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th November, Years 7 and 8 were given the opportunity to attend an interactive poetry workshop led by performance poet Jim MacCool. Rhythm was a key focal point of the session with Jim accompanying his verse with a variety of instruments and props. After initial shyness, the students (and staff) were soon clapping, singing and on their feet joining in. It was a thoroughly entertaining event!

St. Paul ’s High School, Bessbrook
A packed house cheered and applauded Mr MacCool after each verse and Celtic song. Pupils volunteered to go up on stage and dance to Jim’s Irish Drum. Jim sang, recited poetry and played the Irish Drum as he recounted stories inspired by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
Roisin Patton, Drama teacher at the school, said of the performances, ‘Pupils were enthusiastic and involved throughout Jim’s performances. It was definitely worthwhile that he came along. Y9 Pupils, in particular, enjoyed ‘The Boxer’s Tale’ as well as the short question and answer session they had with Jim after that final performance’.

To find out how your school can take advantage of this opportunity and join in, please telephone me, Sandra Dennis on 0208 688 6951 or email performancepoetry@yahoo.com for further details.

THE PERFORMANCE POETRY SOCIETY
Working In Universities, Colleges, Schools,
Arts Centres, Libraries And Prisons

www.octoberisnationalpoetrymonth.co.uk

The Performance Poetry Society is the longest-serving provider
of quality Poetry Services to Schools.

Performance Poetry Society
Tigh a Bhaird
7 Harepit Close
Croydon
CR2 6PN

Tel. 0208 688 6951
performancepoetry@yahoo.com

October is National Poetry Month
We operate throughout the year.

www.octoberisnationalpoetrymonth.co.uk

English, Literacy

Free sign up for a year to KS1 and KS2 Literacy Education Quizzes

Our library of KS1 and KS2 Literacy Education Quizzes is free for a whole year and covers an extensive range of topic areas including: Pronouns, Syllables, Capital Letters and Full Stops, Speech Marks, Connectives, Phonemes, Similes, Onomatopoeia, Comprehension, Complex Sentences and more!

To see our full range of Literacy Education Quizzes for KS1, click here.

And to see our full range of Literacy Education Quizzes for KS2, click here.

Would you like to be able to offer Education Quizzes as home revision or homework to your pupils? Our education quizzes can be accessed by pupils on their home computers, tablets and smartphones.

For free sign up for a year to our library of KS1 and KS2 literacy education quizzes, please visit https://www.educationquizzes.com/schools-uk-registrations/. If you would like to know more, please do email admin@educationquizzes.com or call 01406 371799.

Colin King