Concern of Parents

I work very closely with children in after school clubs including sport, arts and crafts, cookery and drama. I have recently been listening to and chatting to parents about their concerns with their children's education. Many parents have aired their views that they feel that schools are not doing enough to accommodate to the needs of all children. They believe that schools are teaching to the level of the 'average' and 'typical' child. Those that are in need of extra help, not learning difficulties, but extra help such as being explained to in more depth, or help with spelling and reading are getting left behind.
This concerns me, especially as I work closely with these particular children and have a close working relationship. I can understand parents concern but cannot agree because I have no children so am not experiencing the system but perhaps Primary Schools are teaching to the 'average' child. School's must take into account each individual have their own learning style and way of responding, they must make sure each child has inclusion and that they feel comfortable in their learning and supported. However they must not teach with learning styles as a religion, I believe they must combine a mix of all styles encouraging children to read, write, listen and perform hands on tasks to learn. 

Every Brunette ..

   Every Brunette Needs A Blonde Best Friend ...

                                                                                                                                  

 

The Countdown Begins

                            Summer 2013

Its booked, Summer 2013. A much needed week away with the girls, just after exams! We're staying in Mallorca Rocks, never been before only been to their sister hotel Ibiza Rocks. 

Counting down the days, but now the saving, healthy eating and gyming begins. Must get bikini body.

Hurry up summer, I need you in my life !!!!!

Wordnik Website Evaluation - What I Think.

www.wordnik.com

Wordnik is an online website, kind of like a dictionary and thesaurus all in one. It allows you to type in any word of your choice in the search bar and with a simple click you are given the definition of your chosen word in as many forms as it can possibly be used, an example of it used in a sentence, a vast list of other words that can be used instead of, or related to the original word and lists. 

Once a member of the site you can post comments and create your own list of valuable words that will benefit you. Only members can post comments and only the website hosts are allowed to edit and post definitions. This makes the website reliable as not anyone can edit. 

I believe that this website is useful for all and can be used lots in an educational context. When studying, students can use this to check word meanings and see what other people have commented their views on. It would also be useful when writing an essay, finding other words to use instead of perhaps repeating the same. Wordnik can also be used by teachers, when explaining a topic/definition to a child who is not understanding, they could search the word to find an easier way of explaining. Parents can also use this site when helping younger or older children with homework, assignments and revision. This helps them to understand a little more what their child is learning about and lets them help their children.

Overall I think this is a valuable website and very useful for everyday and educational terms.

Growing Up in Disney

Growing up in Disney

As a child I was fortunate enough to spend my summers growing up in Walt Disney World, Florida. Possibly the most magical place on earth, weather your children or adult. When in Disney, age doesn't count. The feeling you get when walking up Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom hasn't changed since I was 4, or the feeling when charging round Big Thunder Mountain, riding the horror of the Tower of Terror or having breakfast with all the Disney characters. 

   

Disney has no age, there's always magic in the air and always memories to make. 

River Island

River Island is one of the most successful fashion stores on the high street and online. The shop has been retailing for over 60 years and its name is only becoming bigger and bigger.

I frequently use the website to browse new styles and get some ideas for fashion, as well as using it for shopping.

The site has many good points about it;

• It has a good first impression with a colorful first page and clear information with clear tabs and links about how to navigate yourself around.
• When it comes to browsing the site has different sections for different items of clothing. It then also gives you the option to refine your search even more by choices of size, colour and price. This makes searching less time consuming and easier.
• At the option of payment when your are buying items, payment is quick and secure. Its easy to use by following the simple navigations.

However, despite the site can be very addictive and eye catching;

•  The main menu is a drop down box that you must hover your mouse over in order to choose which page you would like to get to. It sometimes can become fiddly and difficult to hover, especially if using a smartphone or iPad.



Educational Blog - Frank Chalk

Frank Chalk

http://frankchalk.blogspot.co.uk/

I follow Frank Chalk's blog as I believe it is an interesting read. Frank chalk covers many different aspects of education, from school dinners to the differences in teaching throughout the ages. Franks blog is written in the style of a diary, he expresses personal opinions and thoughts. Although Frank Chalk's blog does include some short and humorous posts there are many factual posts. The language that is used is casual and chatty which makes it easier for the reader to relate to and not so intense to read. There are posts are made quite regularly on the blog, they are current and it is nice to read somebody else's view on current issues in education, and the world, as we can learn off others a lot. I think that this blog is valuable enough to be on my blog because it is relatable to everyone. It doesn’t home in on a specific subject, its general and most readers can find a post that would interest them. Frank Chalk speaks his mind and openly says and writes what he thinks; weather its good or bad. I believe that this makes a successful blog as it’s honest, general and to the point.