Teaching Ideas - Free lesson ideas, plans, activities and resources for use in the primary classroom. Exploring different approaches to teaching primary maths | Teacher Network Blog | Guardian Professional A good understanding of mathematics not only enhances learning in science and technology subjects, it is also a fundamental skill relevant to many aspects of everyone's working and social life. As a nation we underperform in maths. The UK was recently ranked 28th out of 70 countries in terms of maths attainment in secondary schools and, in comparison with other countries, fewer students opt to continue maths beyond the age of 16. Last month Michael Gove announced proposals for shaking up the primary curriculum, and unsurprisingly maths was singled out for some of the most ambitious changes. The new proposals call for clearer, more specific key tasks, tougher targets on learning times tables, mental arithmetic and fractions; including a return to an approach described as 'memorising'. The "spiral" curriculum is a comprehensive programme ensuring continual revision and progression through small and logical steps but with key aims of mastery each year.
Using Facebook in the Classroom Juliette and Stephen Heppell Whether it is Facebook, MSN Messenger, Bebo, iChat, Skype, YouTube or any other form of social networking - we know our young people are, and will be, using it. As with all new media, research projects have shown time and again that if young people see a vacant space, they will fill it (and perhaps not always in the most positive way). We need to teach young people the way to use them appropriately, to build their sense of entitlement into a sense of responsibility and to work with them on effective and safe strategies for protection whilst using social media. Conversely, if students see social media used in a positive way to enhance learning, it changes the way they perceive these social spaces, which by osmosis become more educational - who wouldn’t want that? Keep your teacher and personal page very separate Let students 'friend' you as your teacher self. Make sure your class groups are closed groups, so people have to request to join and see the group.
Joss Whedon's Top 10 Writing Tips Joss Whedon is most famous for creating Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its spin-off Angel and the short-lived but much-loved Firefly series. But the writer and director has also worked unseen as a script doctor on movies ranging from Speed to Toy Story. Here, he shares his tips on the art of screenwriting and how, if you have your clear delivery, you can make something mundane like a Fenton law office or Cincinnati drug store seem captivating. Actually finishing it is what I’m gonna put in as step one. Structure means knowing where you’re going ; making sure you don’t meander about. This really should be number one. Everybody has a perspective. Here’s one trick that I learned early on. When I’ve been hired as a script doctor, it’s usually because someone else can’t get it through to the next level. You have one goal : to connect with your audience. Write the movie as much as you can. The first penny I ever earned, I saved.
Learning - Schools | Digital Nation | FRONTLINE As South Korea approaches nearly universal Internet access (currently 97 percent household broadband penetration), it has enacted new laws and established initiatives to ensure that young Koreans grow up to be well-mannered citizens of the cyberworld: National ethics textbooks for second-graders and up include lessons on Internet etiquette, or "netiquette." Korean schools have 15 textbooks that cover netiquette issues, including computer addiction prevention. Netiquette classes stress positive values, such as respect for online friends and politeness. Resources Sunfull Movement official websiteDongA article on Korean ethics textbooksJoongAng Daily article on the identity-checking system
Creative Writing For Dummies Cheat Sheet Rewriting and editing helps to tighten up your work. But it can be difficult – what to chop and when to stop may not be clear, and you may change your mind more than once during the process. Ask yourself whether you need to take out: Unnecessary information and explanation. You may need to add or expand: Something you know but have forgotten to tell the reader; perhaps the age of the main character. You may need to move: Dramatic sections to make a stronger opening. In your final edit: Check for grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes. Mr Robbo – The P.E Geek Mrs.Meisner is my best teacher in MCS!