Monthly Archives: May 2013

The Scientific method as ECE curriculum

Posted on May 31, 2013 by backyardbooks

I mentioned this book yesterday (and I reiterate my dissatisfaction with the concept of ‘exceptionally bright’ children), but… that aside, I like Gadzikowski’s approach to science education. She writes: “Regardless of what scientific topic captures the interest of the children in … Continue reading →

Posted in early years education, Science education, scientific literacy | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Children who succeed at science are very observant and curious

Posted on May 30, 2013 by backyardbooks

While I don’t really agree with the concept of ‘bright’, let alone ‘exceptionally bright’, I do like the approach Ann Gadzikowski takes to early years science (if I allow myself to overwrite ‘exceptionally bright children’ with ‘children who are succeeding’ or … Continue reading →

Posted in early years education, Science education, The concept of gifted learners | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why are the senses of smell and taste so important

Posted on May 29, 2013 by backyardbooks

In a recent New Scientist (27th April, 2013), Mick O’Hare interviewed Carl Philpott, director of the UK’s first Smell and Taste Clinic and Philpott states that around 1 in 20 people are affected by taste and smell disorders (compared with 1 … Continue reading →

Posted in education around food and meals, Science education | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Our first science

Posted on May 28, 2013 by backyardbooks

I realise that this is from a piece of fictional writing, but I thought it beautiful and relevant to science education – the last line in particular. “The miracle of fire is that it dies. It is a chemical and … Continue reading →

Posted in Science education | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Slow Food

Posted on May 27, 2013 by backyardbooks

Slow Food has always defied easy explanation. The name ‘Slow Food’, bringing together food and temporality, is unusual for many when they initially encounter the movement, even though ‘fast food’ has a ubiquitous presence in contemporary culture. Similarly, a social … Continue reading →

Posted in education around food and meals, social and political contexts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

TE TIRITI O WAITANGI

Posted on May 26, 2013 by backyardbooks

I made these notes for some overseas teachers at some point: On Wednesday, February 6th,New Zealand celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.  This document, surrounded by so much political debate, marks the beginning of an important era in … Continue reading →

Posted in Bilingual Learning, Maori learners and education, Mono- Bi- and Multi-culturalism, Pakeha learners and education, social and political contexts, Understanding Education | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How wheat changed the world

Posted on May 25, 2013 by backyardbooks

In his beautiful book, Fifty Plants that changed the course of history, Bill Laws has gathered many stories about important food. He has the following to say about ‘Common Wheat’ (Triticum aestivum): “Without bread wheat, Europe might still be stranded in the … Continue reading →

Posted in education around food and meals | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Narrative Labels

Posted on May 24, 2013 by backyardbooks

I quite like this idea and it marries food education with literacy in a different way (in a ‘more storied’ way, if you like) … The following article is published on the Slow Food website: Our Idea of a Label Italy … Continue reading →

Posted in ecological literacy, education around food and meals | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Fragmentation and discontinuity … demand the wisdom of more immediate perception, intuitive awareness and imagination”

Posted on May 23, 2013 by backyardbooks

Still working away at Parkins and Craig’s Slow Living… They also write: “Slow living is not synonomous with ‘cocooning’ which we understand as a withdrawal from engagement with a hostile world to the shelter of personal space and private life. … Continue reading →

Posted in early years education, education around food and meals, social and political contexts, Understanding Education | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Slow living; “‘the times’ are ripe for a serious consideration of slowness”

Posted on May 22, 2013 by backyardbooks

I’m interested in what Wendy Parkins and Geoffrey Craig have to say about slowness (I’ve read one of their articles and it as great). I think it has particular relevance to early childhood education…. Introducing their book, Slow Living, Parkins and Craig … Continue reading →

Posted in early years education, education around food and meals, social and political contexts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment