Even when teachers are supporting specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia), it’s important to expand boys’ repertoire of positive reading experiences. Shutterstock Year 3 reading outcomes of 2017 NAPLAN testing once again demonstrate a gender gap, with boys underachieving compared to girls. A focus on teaching for the test has not closed […]
Research shows play-based programs for young children can provide a strong basis for later success at school. Shutterstock As the new school year begins, many families are deciding where to enrol their child in preschool or school. Preschools and schools offer various approaches to early education, all promoting the benefits […]
By Idzie Desmarais This post was originally shared on Patreon back in October. I can’t emphasize enough how big a difference my monthly Patreon income, small as it might be, makes in my life. Seriously, by investing $1 or more a month in me and my work you can have such an impact. […]
By Peter Gray Ph.D.Freedom to Learn Media descriptions of POTUS exemplify a toxic societal anti-child prejudice. Every day, it seems, we read of or hear journalists and politicians (of both major parties), and just plain people, referring to Donald Trump as “childish.” Here are a few of the many media headlines on this […]
Here, summed up, are John Holt’s great insights about children’s learning. By Peter Gray Ph.D. In a survey we conducted a few years ago, Gina Riley and I asked unschooling families to name the writers whose works had influenced them most in their decision to take that route. John Holt […]
Grown-ups like them, too. Some kids love science, some love reading. This list is for both! Deposit Photos Sure, the kids in your life are going to get toys, but you’d like them to learn something over the holiday break, too. Here are some great books for kids of all […]
By Peter Gray Ph.D. “Follow your passions,” they say. But what do passions arise from? At almost every commencement address, the speaker urges the new graduates to follow their passions. It seems almost cruel. The schools at which I’ve heard these speeches seem to be deliberately designed to prevent the development of passionate […]
four years boy playing with colorful wooden blocks With Christmas looming, many people will be considering what present to buy for their children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and friends. Soon, if not already, we will be reading lists of the top trending presents for 2017. These lists will no doubt […]
For a student who is blind, the obvious test adjustment is providing a braille test if they are proficient in braille. Shutterstock Since it was introduced in the 1800s, standardised testing in Australian schools has attracted controversy and divided opinion. In this series, we examine its pros and cons, including appropriate […]
By Idzie Desmarais I have a confession to make: I really love makeup. No, wait, that’s not right. Not the loving makeup part: that’s entirely accurate, but the confession part. While I can sometimes have twinges of embarrassment or uncertainty around interests of mine that are often ridiculed or seen as shallow […]