Sunday, November 21, 2010

High school ... and how it all changes

Yesterday I took a referral from a mother of an almost 14 year old girl. She was in Year 7, just approaching the end of her first year in high school. She was worried because her daughter wasn’t learning at school. Primary school had seemed to go ok, but high school was a whole different kettle of fish. Her friends had dropped off and she was just not coping with all the changes involved with high school. Listening to this mother reminded me of just how much things change for our teenagers and for us as parents of teenagers. There is so much that is really exciting for our teenagers, yet so much they have to learn to become happy adults who reach their potential. Building their academic skills helps teenagers feel more comfortable about themselves.

I'd love to hear your comments. Leave me a message, if you have a moment.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Want to give your child the best chance to learn?

As parents, there are so many aspects of our job to master. Once our child is at the stage of entering pre-school or kindie, we are faced with how to ensure they learn and reach their potential.

Working in the field of education for the last 30 years, I've learnt some valuable tips for parents. The basics are really very simple. Ensure your child can listen and understand what others say. Be sure too, that they can communicate their message to others as well.

I'd love to hear your comments. Leave me a message, if you have a moment.

Where great reading all begins ....

All learning and the development of great reading and spelling skills starts with a really solid speech and language foundation. Talking, reading and playing with your child when they are little helps to lay the foundation for literacy. After all, reading is simply speech and language put on paper.

I saw a bright little five and a half year old the other day who was struggling to begin to read. When I looked at his understanding of spoken language I could see some gaps there. He was also not expressing himself like his school friends. Once these skills are stronger, he'll be off and running with his reading. One of the many great things his mum and dad were doing was reading to him every day; he absolutely loves that time with them and his books.

I'll keep you posted on how he progresses.

I'd love to hear your comments. Leave me a message, if you have a moment.