Life Based Learning ™
Delivering subject content through nine life themes
Category: Relationships
We need difference and diversity as fundamental aims of the curriculum
An interesting letter in today’s Guardian from Simon Gibbs, Professor of Inclusive Educational Psychology and Philosophy at Newcastle University. His letter was one of three published in response to an article by Melissa Benn, arguing for the ditching of GCSEs as part of a… Continue Reading “We need difference and diversity as fundamental aims of the curriculum”
Fern Britton’s brilliant interview with Linford Christie
Teachers need to learn from Fern Britton’s excellent use of para- and body language in her recently shown BBC TV interview with Linford Christie. I was as much taken by Fern Britton’s interview technique as I was fascinated by Linford Christie’s personality and achievements.… Continue Reading “Fern Britton’s brilliant interview with Linford Christie”
It’s important for children to learn about non-verbal communication
The ability to communicate non-verbally is a key ingredient in strong relationships. It makes sense, therefore, that — from a young age — children should be learning all about what is involved in communicating effectively with others, non-verbally as well as verbally. Non-verbal communication… Continue Reading “It’s important for children to learn about non-verbal communication”
What is our response to the damaging effects of social networking?
The Social Dilemma docu-drama, available on Netflix, is a must-watch for parents and teachers — and a wake-up call for us all. The Social Dilemma is a 2020 American “documentary-drama hybrid” which explores the rise of social media and the phenomenon of social networking.… Continue Reading “What is our response to the damaging effects of social networking?”
Bold thinking to tackle the blight of relationship breakdown
It is an inescapable fact that relationship breakdown has terrible, life-changing consequences — not least on children, far too many of whom are caught up in, or witness to, child and domestic violence, sexual violence, partnership breakup, family breakdown and the fallout from workplace… Continue Reading “Bold thinking to tackle the blight of relationship breakdown”
Award-winning school scheme shows life-based learning in practice
A year ago the Guardian newspaper reported on a primary school in Essex that won a national dementia award for an “innovative intergenerational project”. The project is indeed an outstanding example of innovative learning. The project involves older adults who are experiencing isolation, depression… Continue Reading “Award-winning school scheme shows life-based learning in practice”
Showing children how we form strong bonds is vital for social vibrancy
The breakdown of relationships — in our personal and working lives — is a major cause of stress, anxiety and mental ill-health, all of which are on a seemingly inexorable rise. Modern living is driving people apart. Yet quality of relationships is at the… Continue Reading “Showing children how we form strong bonds is vital for social vibrancy”
Effective learning needs a positive dynamic between teacher and pupils
Many of us have fond memories of comics like the Dandy and the Beano. Fans of the latter will doubtless have enjoyed reading about the mischievous antics of the Bash Street Kids and their fun and games with Teacher. The worldview was a static… Continue Reading “Effective learning needs a positive dynamic between teacher and pupils”
Bringing about cultural change needs new and radical thinking
The disappearance and death of Sarah Everard has propelled the issue of women’s safety to the top of the public agenda, and not just for the political class: ever since the shocking news first hit the headlines, huge numbers of women have been opening… Continue Reading “Bringing about cultural change needs new and radical thinking”
Two young women taking a stand against public sexual harassment
Our Streets Now is a grassroots campaign set up by two young women “demanding the right of women and girls to feel and be safe in public space”. Its aim is to end public sexual harassment in the UK by making it a criminal… Continue Reading “Two young women taking a stand against public sexual harassment”