Monthly Archives: December 2012

A romantic education

Posted on December 30, 2012 by backyardbooks

“While romanticism emphasizes individuality, originality, imagination, emotional expression, freedom and idealism, realism emphasizes reality, objectivity, detachment, accurate observation and rejection of the impractical and visionary (Baker and Kemper, 2004).” (Tan, 489) Tan goes on to state that a romantic education … Continue reading →

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random quote – whose? I don’t know

Posted on December 30, 2012 by backyardbooks

Consider your thoughts, for they will become your words. Consider your words, for they will become your actions. Consider your actions, for they will become your habits. Consider your habits, for they will become your character. Consider your character, for it will become your destiny.

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Free puppy and espresso

Posted on December 30, 2012 by backyardbooks

don’t know where this came from, but it did make me smile:

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No advantage learning to read age 5

Posted on December 30, 2012 by backyardbooks

http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/research-finds-no-advantage-learning-read-age-five/5/33888 Have I already mentioned this article? I don’t know… but there. In brief, it states: “A University of Otago researcher has uncovered for the first time quantitative evidence that teaching children to read from age five is not likely … Continue reading →

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Questioning in ECE

Posted on December 29, 2012 by backyardbooks

Still thinking about Science in ECE… and found an article that might be relevant, because it touches on one of the areas in which ECE practitioners could perhaps improve in terms of the foundations they provide (?)… Iram Siraj-Blatchford and Laura … Continue reading →

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Ecological and cultural citizenship

Posted on December 29, 2012 by backyardbooks

Some interesting notes on the topic… “No state has the capacity alone to control the quality of its atmosphere, prevent global warming and reverse the poisoning of its seas and air. In recognition of this fact, the period since the … Continue reading →

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Improving reflection in teachers

Posted on December 28, 2012 by backyardbooks

Charlene Tan describes a course which used “films such as The Simpsons and other pop culture platforms …to discuss contemporary moral issues with the students.” (492) “Reflection,” she writes, “is recognized as instrumental in preparing pre-service teachers for their teaching career. … Continue reading →

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Reflective practice

Posted on December 27, 2012 by backyardbooks

“A number of writers have pointed out the benefits of reflection for teachers (see Kottkamp, 1990; Rudney & Guillaume, 1990; Pultorack, 1993; Leahy & Corcoram, 1996; Risko et al., 2002; Florez, 2003; Pedro, 2005). Based on the writings of various … Continue reading →

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Everyone who ever ate something they liked can cook

Posted on December 27, 2012 by backyardbooks

“Everyone who ever ate something they liked can cook.” (p.1) or, put another way, just to reaffirm the message: “…you’ve got dozens of recipes stored in your mind already. That favourite sandwich, the salad you enjoy best, the fruit-and-ice cream … Continue reading →

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Education and quality of life

Posted on December 25, 2012 by backyardbooks

“Education will vary with the quality of life that prevails in a group.” ~ John Dewey, Democracy and Education cited, p284 Mara Krechevsky and Ben Mardell, (2001) ‘Four features of Learning Groups’ pp.284-295, in Making learning Visible: Children as Individual and Group … Continue reading →

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