How do you teach left-handed children?
How do we support left-handed children in a predominantly right-handed world? Mark Stewart, founder of Left n Write Ltd, shares his journey and insights on the unique challenges faced by left-handed individuals, particularly in educational settings. With over 1 million left-handed children in schools across England, Mark emphasizes the lack of awareness and training for educators on how to assist these students effectively.
Mark started his small business about 30 years ago as a result of trying to find left-handed scissors for his youngest son when he was 4.
Mark’s wife Heather had no training in helping left-handed children during her Teacher Training so they started to campaign with their left-handed MP, Peter Luff, to change the Education system to be proactive rather than passive.
They had meetings with Ministers, questions and a 30 minute adjournment debate in the House of Commons, produced a training video in 1999 (now downloadable/interactive and was updated last year) as well as writing an information/activity book titled “So You Think They’re Left Handed?” and 3 books titled “Left Hand Writing Skills”. We have also produced other resources specifically for left-handed children in education. Over the years I have run over 200 training workshops.
In 2021 Mark co founded and is co-chair of a global group called “LEFT-IN” Left-Handers Education Forum and Training International Network (left-in.org) with the aim to improve the information and education available to the educators of left-handed children around the world.
For full details of what National Association for Primary Education can support you with please visit:
The Transformative Power of Neuroplasticity in Education
What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroscientists used to think that our brain was fixed and unchangeable from birth. It was believed that our intellectual capacity was fixed – the brain with which we were born, was the brain we had for life.
We now know that the brain is a highly active and malleable organ across a person’s lifespan. This powerful capacity for change is called neuroplasticity.
Arrowsmith was born from Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s own painful struggle with her learning disorder and the journey she went through to not only overcome it, but to begin helping others strengthen their brain and change their educational and professional lives.
Debbie Gilmore is the Executive Director of Arrowsmith. She is passionate about education. During her 40+ year career as an educator, she has worked as a teacher, literacy advisor, assistant principal, principal and as Head of Diverse Learning Needs at the Sydney Catholic Schools, Sydney, Australia.
Now in Canada, as Executive Director of Arrowsmith, she works with educators around the world to bring about educational change. Her experience has helped her understand the need to ‘unlock’ the potential of all students through the power of neuroplasticity, cognitive enhancement and systemic change.
Debbie holds a Masters of Education and various Graduate Certificates in Education in a range of areas of diverse learning.
Takeaways:
- The principles of neuroplasticity are essential for facilitating meaningful change within the brain.
- Engaging in positive cognitive activities enhances the brain’s capacity to adapt and grow.
- In today’s AI-driven world, strong cognitive functions are vital for discerning information accuracy.
- Neuroplasticity provides a hopeful avenue for individuals with learning difficulties to overcome challenges.
Website
www.arrowsmith.ca
Building Learning Cultures: A Head Teacher’s Perspective
Education currently presents an unparalleled challenge, yet it remains an immensely rewarding profession, as articulated by our guest, Jonathan Arthur, the Executive Headteacher of Badock’s Wood E-ACT Academy.
Within this episode, we delve into the vital role of fostering a learning culture, where the focus is not merely on raising aspirations but rather on instilling a belief that dreams are attainable for every child. Jonathan shares his commitment to modelling expectations and actively engaging with students to ensure they feel supported in their educational journey. He emphasises the necessity of embracing challenges, both for educators and students, underscoring the significance of relationships and emotional regulation in shaping positive behaviour within the school environment.
Takeaways:
- Education is currently one of the most challenging yet rewarding professions we can pursue.
- As educators, we possess the unique privilege of fostering meaningful changes in children’s lives.
- It is essential to cultivate an environment where children can believe in the attainability of their dreams.
- Building a learning culture requires dedication and a visible commitment to education and community involvement.
- Effective leadership in education centers on integrity, open communication, and shared values among all staff members.
- Fostering resilience in children involves teaching them to navigate challenges and express their emotions constructively.
www.badockswoodacademy.e-act.org.uk/
www.ilminsteravenueacademy.e-act.org.uk/
Dolphin Computer Access – NAPE 096
Assistive technology to improve accessibility in education for students with visual impairments or neurodiverse conditions.
Noel Duffy, Chairman of the Board, Dolphin Computer Access
Awarded the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) Lifetime Achievement Award in April 2022, for 30 years’ work empowering visually impaired people to succeed in a digital world, Noel Duffy has been the driving force behind many UK and international initiatives that bring low-cost access tech and reading systems to blind and partially sighted people facing digital exclusion.
Noel also sits on the board of ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) and is a member of APPGAT (All Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology). Additionally, Noel is on the board of trustees at New College Worcester, a UK residential school and college for young people who are blind or vision impaired.
Joshua Murphy – Testing Apprentice at Dolphin Computer Access
Josh is completing his apprenticeship in Software Testing at Dolphin Computer Access, where he is part of a team that conducts a range of digital tests to ensure the software operates as it is designed to do. His role plays a key part of the business, and his attention to detail and problem-solving skills ensure the company creates an exceptional product.
Josh is blind and uses screen magnification and screen reading technology to access the information on his computer and other devices. Josh is also a Guide Dog owner, so can usually be found in the company of his Guide Dog, Horatio.
Website
School & Multi Academy Trust Growth Guide with Al Kingsley
Al Kingsley has spent the last 30 years in the Educational Technology space and almost 20 of those as a school trustee and governor. He is Group CEO of NetSupport Ltd, an internationally acclaimed EdTech vendor, and Chair of Hampton Academies Trust and the Richard Barnes (AP) Academy, all in the East of England. He also chairs his region’s Governor Leadership Group.
Alongside these roles, Al also sits on the DfE’s Regional Schools Directorate Advisory Board for the East of England and is the Independent Chair of the County’s SEND Board. As a firm supporter of lifelong learning, he is also a regional Apprenticeship Ambassador and Chair of the Employment and Skills Board for his region’ s combined authority.
An active writer about all things Education, Al is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and sits on the advisory council for the Foundation for Education Development.
Website
NAPE is the long term sponsor of Education on Fire. This episode is repurposed for NAPE from the Education on Fire podcast hosted by Mark Taylor – NAPE, Vice Chair