Alice for the iPad Shows Why E-Books Are Cool

Hi, we all love paper books. But you have to admit that e-books, can do the stuff that paper books cannot. Lewis Carroll's story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland turned into a children's storybook but with an interactive twist.

This book is not meant to be read sitting still; it's meant to be shaken and stirred, forcing many interactive elements on the screen to move around, fall down or jump up. I bet kids will love it. My boys enjoyed this video.

Alice for the iPad is $9 in the App Store (there's also a free, lite version), but if you want a taste right now, check out the video below.

Value

Hi everyone

Hope the school holidays were as brilliant for you as they were for my family.  Today being the first day back for my boys. :)

I saw this presentation, by Seth Godin.  It really got me thinking about people, ideas, leading and connecting with others.  Having a worthwhile cause and changing the status quo.  If any of this is of interest to you, I've provided the link for your convenience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQGYr9bnktw


Have a super good day!

Tip 5 - Guidelines From Your Class Teacher


This is indeed very useful, without them it's like having a destination without a roadmap.  If unsure of your curriculum guidelines, they do tend to differ between States (although I understand that may be changing) ask your child's teacher; what is expected from your child? depending on age this will vary accordingly.  If you are unsure, have them go through it very clearly.  This way if your child comes home and they do not understand what they are meant to do, you will be able to guide and encourage.  Homework is meant to be fun, not a chore.  In our household, this point varies from day to day despite my best intentions.  If your child is not completing their set homework advise your child's teacher.  This may be through a 'communication book' you set up, that way any issues stay private within the classroom.  Share concerns, as there may be other reasons as to why this is happening.  It could require a little monitoring and tweaking as a result.  When children are tired it may be in their best interest to make this session a little shorter, or you may decide that it is best left for that night.  Being intuitive helps us all.

In Learning  :)

Tip 4 - Exercise


Any form of exercise is great.  Children have been sitting in classrooms all day.  They need to unwind just like we do.  Let them play with their pet, or have a run in the park, ride their bikes.  As we move the oxygen and blood carrying food nutrients are moved to the muscles and the brain.  This effectively fuels the senses allowing them to think both easier and more clearly.  If my boys are restless and mucking around, I will ask them to take a little break, maybe help mummy with a job, and then go back to the table to finish off their task.  I've found they appear more focused and just get it done.  Always a good thing!

I'm always happy to receive other good ideas via a comment. :)

Bit Of A Catch Up ....

Middle of the first school term here in SA.  I don't know about you, but my boys school seems to get busier and busier each year.  My blog posts have taken a little bit of a battering as a result.

Yesterday was my first day back at uni.  Last year I took a year off, mainly due to my mum passing.  Looking at all the new faces, reminded me of how our children must feel when they go back to school after their big Christmas break.  An incredible mix of excitement and nervousness.  It was good to see a few familiar faces and to get the first chaotic day over with.  With all of the housekeeping taken care off, I can look forward to learning something new.

I'll keep ticking along!

Have a great day.

Tip 3 - Pick a Workspace

Hi there, some thoughts on a productive homework space.

An ideal study area ought to have loads of light, be fairly quiet, and be devoid of distractions to the best of your ability.  You don't require a dedicated area, the kitchen table will work if it is cleared, you have all the equipment that is required for your child to complete their homework; e.g. pencil, rubber, calculator, books and if your child wears glasses make sure they are at the work area.  That way they will be organised and 'good to go'.  :)  It is imperative that your child is comfortable.  For example - see that your little one can reach the table whilst sitting on the chair, don't laugh, I've seen that happen before.  That little one had to get a box to put under her feet, this way her tummy/belly button was level with the table.  Sitting comfortably and straight allows your child to be balanced and gives them the best chance of writing well.  To do this, we create good habits.  Like us, if they are not comfortable, their output will be down.

Let me know by way of a comment, what tricks and tips you have for your children.

Tip - 2  Food Time

It's a great idea to make sure your child has had both a snack and a drink before commencing their homework. It is wise to avoid sugary things, as this can make it more difficult to concentrate.  Research suggests protein adjusts the sugar levels and provides clearer thinking processes.  If they get stuck on their homework, suggest they get up and get a drink of water.  This along with a bit of exercise can get the brain switched back on, and thinking becomes easier again.

In Learning



ps... if you have any good suggestions of snacks that your child has before homework, leave a comment and share with everyone else.  Cheers

How to Help: Show your children that you think education and homework are important.

Tip 1 - Routine

Set aside a regular time for homework each afternoon.  Outside activities, such as sport, music lessons, may mean you need to have a flexible routine.  This also depends on the child's age.  The best schedule is one that suits you and your family.  It is useful to post this schedule up in a place that is very visible to all.  It may help to set a required time for this homework or any other activity each school night.  This way it is less likely that your child will rush through it so they can watch television, or, simply 'forget' their homework.  By way of leaving a comment, let me know what works for you.

In Learning

Is Homework Causing Grief In Your Household?

What is it about homework ? Why is it always such a big issue? Clearly, homework is for the child to do at home.  Not the parents, siblings, or perhaps the relative or nanny.  It appears to be a rather simple concept I thought .... Or is it?

As a parent I have spent many an hour trying to think up ways of explaining why homework could be seen as an opportunity, how important it is to do etc , etc.  This was met with many reactions, yes, things like ... in your world maybe, dreams are free, I'm tired, even, go away and leave me alone I don't like you.  It became clear to me that I was stressing about my child's homework more than he was.  I had to find a new angle if I wanted to have a good nights sleep.

Trying to get homework done isn't always a pleasant task.  We have to try not to turn homework into a chore.  No child responds well when they have to do something.  Children have not yet learned to respond well under pressure and it usually turns into a refusal to do it.  It isn't good enough to say 'because you have to' in a child's mind this does not seem good enough.  With these tips, you can persuade children to do their homework without any fuss and head towards a place where they are eager to be in pursuit of knowledge.

Before discussing ways you can assist your child with homework, it's probably a good time to mention why teachers assign homework in the first place.

There are many reasons.  Homework can assist children to;

Review and practice what they have learned.
Get ready for the next day's class.
Explore subjects more fully than time permits in the classroom.
Encourage children to explore and use resources, such as reference materials, their school and community libraries.  Safe sites on the internet.

Homework can assist in teaching your child in working independently, encourages good habits and organisation.

Homework can also assist in parents communicating with their children on a more diverse level, whilst encouraging parents and educators to work together.

How can you help?  Show your children that you think education and homework are important.

Tomorrow, I'll start posting some tips I've found both positive and useful.  I'd love to hear what ideas, strategies you may have used to get over this 'hump' known as homework.  More heads are better than one.  So leave me comments with your best tips.

In Learning

How Have Your Children Settled Into The New School Year? ...

Wow, this is such a busy and exciting time of year.  Some children are experiencing school for the first time and others are returning to another fun filled productive year.  After the long summer holiday break, it comes as a bit of a shock to the system, I know my boys and myself included were somewhat tired by the weeks end.  How many books do I need to cover?  My, how you and your brother have GROWN over the holidays! Even though you may have a very organised home, there always seems to be a few unexpected happenings.  Today, I'm meeting another teacher for the first time, so I'd best be off, don't want to turn up late.  Let me know how you and your children have settled in, I'd be happy to share some tips along the way, that make transition a little more gentle for all.

Bye for now.

Congratulations Are In Order .....

A very hearty congratulations to my good friend Sonia Skegg.  Her business Sunday's Child a bespoke designer children's clothing label has just been accepted into Mathilda's Market at Hobart.  This is great news as Sonia is not only gifted with the sewing machine, but also in business.  Like myself, Sonia is setting the foundation for her new business.  This will certainly cause a ripple effect, of new experiences, meeting new people, and opening doors to new opportunities.

All the very best in this new venture Sonia, have loads of fun with it.

I invite all to follow her progress at http://madebysundayschild.blogspot.com

Is Any One Familiar With The Word Procrastinator?

Hello!  I'm sure most of you have heard of procrastination before.  It may be something you heard when you were at school, or, it may even be something you have become aware of more recently.  What causes procrastination?  Why do we procrastinate?  Well, I'm going to put myself out there and say, I have unknowingly been procrastinating because I am a bit of a perfectionist.  For those of you who know me I can hear you laughing.  Yes, I like everything to be planned and accounted for.  I'm the one with a somewhat critical eye (over my work) that likes to 'see' perfect, whatever that may be!

This is my new blog, I'm excited about its evolution.  However, I've had a dandy of a job getting this first post out.  I've sat and looked at my blank screen and wondered what on earth's going on?  Have you ever done this before?  It's this need inside of me to get everything just 'so'.  I've got huge bucket loads of ideas running around in my head that it's blocking my momentum.  As a result I've been struggling, it's holding me back, in fact I've come to a screaming halt.

So, here it is.  I've decided to just take the ACTION.  Consistent imperfect action.  This action will work towards my objectives, and no doubt the clarity and all of those good things will be gleaned along the way.  I can now move forward, and stop wasting my precious time.  There are many activities to juggle; snack's to pack, school pick up, sports practice and getting my boys organised to navigate their way through their homework.

Cheers
Aly