Linda Cliatt-Wayman: How to fix a broken school?

This is perhaps one of the best TED Talks I have ever watched.

The Art of Being Less Good at Art

I cannot remember a time in my life when I did not want to go to school. I have always enjoyed reading, writing, and working hard in the classroom – which is probably why I am still in the field of education now! However, I have never been good at – or even enjoyed trying to learn – art. Even though I enjoy making and playing music, my drawing skills have not improved since I learned how to draw ‘stick figures’; my colouring is still a mess, and my imagination when it comes to drawing/painting is very limited. I do enjoy going to art museums as I do appreciate most art pieces, but I still don’t see the point of me trying to develop my skills.

As I grew up, I realised that it is not important to be good at everything. We are all intelligent in our own different ways. This is what I tell to all the students I work with. Yes, we all need to pass our subjects in school, but being less good in some areas does not make us less than those who are.

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In response to today’s Daily Prompt: Land of Confusion

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Sunday reading: Egan’s The Skilled Helper

Reaching my weekly writing target early meant that I can finally catch up on my reading (and blogging). Right now I am reading Gerard Egan’s The Skilled Helper with the hope that it will improve my counselling skills. Egan’s approach draws together a couple of psychological theories and applies it to counselling. I can myself using his method in the next coming weeks!

Have you read it? WHat do you think about it?

Rosie King’s TEDMED talk about her Autism

Using #thedress to explain diversity

We have all heard of #thedress, right? The dress pictured above caused a world-wide frenzy when it was posted on social networking sites. Some claimed that the dress was white and gold, some (like me) were adamant that the same dress was black and blue, while some say it’s blue and gold. Some people have also claimed that they sometimes see white and gold, but can also see it as blue and black at times.

People have argued for days and eventually settled that although the dress was in fact black and blue, we all see it differently. The video below explains why:

Accepting diversity

So how is it that we can accept the fact that people see this dress differently to us, but cannot accept that other people ARE DIFFERENT FROM US?

Why is it so hard for some to accept people from different ethnicities, socioeconomic status, abilities, different sex and sexual orientations?

Isn’t the greatness of this world due to our diversity?

I know I am talking about a small proportion of society who has yet to open their eyes. I am hoping that by using a popular example such as #thedress will help them understand what I (and many others) have been talking about for years.

I still have my towel

Today’s Daily Prompt: When was the last time you were ready to throw in the proverbial towel? Did you end up letting go, or decided to fight on anyway?

In the grand scheme of things, I still have my towel. About 9 years ago, I decided that I want to become an Educational Psychologist to help pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, and their families. Now, I am in the middle of my doctoral training to become one. It was not easy to get onto the course – it took me two attempts. Prior to that, I had to complete a 3-year undergraduate course, a 1-year Master’s course and work with children and your adults for a total of 8 years.

I found the journey rough, tough and challenging. There were times when I was ready to quit. After my first attempt at applying for the doctorate, I was so broken-hearted that I thought about changing my career path. But I was surrounded by children and young people who inspired me to go further. Through them, I saw strength that I have never seen before or since. They knew things were difficult, but they kept on going.

Now that I am in the middle of my training, I always wake up looking forward to the challenges ahead. I love Mondays! I love trying to find out the best possible way of helping each child, teacher and/or parent that I meet.

I am pleased that I carried on, thanks to my students, family and friends. I carry my proverbial towel with me – not because I plan on throwing it anytime soon, but to show people that anything’s possible but you have to work for it!

Worst Teaching Assistant in the world?!

43 year old Teaching Assistant Rachael Reagan has been found guilty of Child Cruelty after authorities have found that she has been abusing a seven year old girl in school.

It has been reported that Rachael taped the child to a chair, shut her in her storeroom and tied her shoes with her shoelaces. She also stuck Post-it notes to the child’s fingers to stop her from sucking them. She was also reported ti have kicked her student and called her names.

I wonder how this TA got away with doing these cruel things for ao long!

Click HERE for the full story

Maz Jobrani: Did you hear about the Iranian-American…?

Hetein Patel: Identity

A great idea to teach discipline and responsibility?