Welcome to the September 2015 edition of The Learning Brain.
Whether you love or loathe NAPLAN, it certainly adds some energy to discussions about education. This month you can read, listen, and also contribute, if you wish, to the discussions.
See The Learning Capacity Podcast to hear the Grattan Institute’s Dr Peter Goss discuss NAPLAN 2015 and targeted teaching. And scroll down to NAPLAN Results – Useful or Not? to let us know what you think of NAPLAN.
Also this month you can get more help with working memory, dyslexia, and a new set of maths worksheets.
Kind regards,
PS: Have you read our most popular blog ever (almost 2500 readers). It’s titled: NAPLAN 2015: How Fast is it Possible to Improve Literacy & Numeracy?
Latest Research
Aerobic fitness and thinner gray matter linked to better maths skills in children
A new study reveals that children who are aerobically fit tend to have significantly thinner gray matter than their “lower-fit” peers. Thinning of the outermost layer of brain cells in the cerebrum is associated with better mathematics performance, researchers report.
Learn more.
Autism cases among younger children on the rise
The number of autism cases reported in younger Australian children is increasing, according to a new study, but the reasons why are unclear. Is the condition becoming more prevalent, or is it simply being diagnosed more effectively? Whatever the cause, experts say Australian schools need to prepare for an increase in autistic students. Read more.
What’s New?
Learning Potential – New Australian Government App
How much are you involved in your children’s education?
The Australian Government wants parents to get more involved, and they have released a new mobile App to help. It’s called Learning Potential.
Available on iPads, iPhones and Android devices, it’s free, and aims to get parents more engaged in their children’s learning at any age – from “high chair to high school,” according to Education & Training Minister, Christopher Pyne.
Find out more about the app here. Let us know what you think of it.
The Learning Capacity Podcast
Grattan Institute’s Peter Goss talks NAPLAN 2015 and targeted teaching
What is targeted teaching? Does it produce better student outcomes? How do you implement it in your school?
The answers to these questions are included in a new report titled “Targeted Teaching: How Better Use of Data Can Improve Student Learning”, from the independent think tank, the Grattan Institute.
Working Memory
Improve Working Memory at school and at home
Improve working memory with these tips, organizing strategies, and routines designed to help your ADD/ADHD child or teen retain information.
Includes tips for teachers to help their students in the classroom and tips for parents to help improve their child’s homework and morning routines.
NAPLAN Results – Useful or Not?
How do you use NAPLAN results – for your child, for your students?
You have probably seen the recent media attention about NAPLAN, its relevance and the results. Have you seen our blogs? They include comments from education experts.
But you (parents & teachers) are the experts closest to the students. Tell us your NAPLAN experience – good or not so good.
Free Download
Free Dyslexia Posters
For a limited time Dyslexia Daily is offering free dyslexia posters providing knowledge, understanding, inspiration and direction for children and adults with dyslexia.
Maths Skills Booster – September Worksheets
Once again we thank you for sharing all your positive feedback on the Maths Skills Booster. Comments like these are very encouraging:
- “Sharing with parents” (primary teacher)
- “Providing hope for students. They CAN do it!” (teacher)
- “Ease of use, clear and concise” (parent)
- “A relatively small time commitment for big improvements!” (parent)
Ready for your new set of Maths Skills Booster Worksheets? You can download the September worksheets here.
Did you miss out on the original Maths Skills Booster? You can get it here.
Book of the Month
How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success
Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of How to Raise and Adult, asserts that today’s young adults lack life skills and resilience; they can’t competently make decisions, manage risk, overcome setbacks, or take charge.
After presenting the problem in detail, she offers a number of viable solutions, encouraging parents to nurture kids’ unique gifts rather than mould them like “little bonsai trees” and to help them develop life skills.
App of the Month
Universal Zoom: All about Sizes and Distances
Universal Zoom is an educational app that lets children explore and experience the notions of size and scale by presenting complicated scientific things in a simple, intuitive way. It contains high-resolution graphics, concise information and lots of interesting facts.
5 critical factors for reading competency
NAPLAN
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