Inspire 2013
Sometimes an image, a quote, a moment, a place, a piece of music, a book, a website or a person can inspire you. Make you think, make you reflect, make you take action. This page is dedicated to sharing those things that continue to inspire us at Single Steps Learning. Maybe they will inspire you and your learners too.
People, Quotes and Conversations
"Miss, we don't play in this school! And we don't learn in this school! We PLEARN! I'm off to do some plearning* now. BYE!" "The important thing is not to stop questioning." "To question is to grow." "Real leaders face the music, even when they don't like the tune." "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." |
Child (4 year old): Is it tomorrow? |
Books, Articles and Blogs
We would recommend these - recent favourites of ours.
A gentle book about life…and discovering yourself. Loved the fact that the story takes place between Devon and Berwick Upon Tweed. We've travelled the same routes many times!
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Wonderful book that deals with the current life of the 100 year old man, as well as his life throughout history. A book full of surreal events, that seem utterly believable. Well worth reading.
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Set in the 1980's in France. A fairly quick read, beautifully written. Love the connections that occur…and the fact that Mitterand's hat plays an important role, or does it?
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One of the latest on our reading list...
Fascinating read that challenges perspectives in terms of interview techniques and questions. Currently considering implications for this in education and preparing students.
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Currently reading...
An interesting, informal read - obviously written with passion and a dose of reality and experiences...
It speaks our language! |
There is so much to discover in this book!
We would highly recommend reading this book if you work or have an interest in education, learning and teaching. Keep an eye out for Hattie's new book to be released October 2013 - we-ve pre-ordered our copy!
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Websites and Links
Life Near the EquatorA teacher we met originally in Dorset is currently living and working in Rwanda as part of a VSO project. She has set up a website and blog, and is providing resources to schools in the UK (and beyond). A great opportunity to connect with education and life in Rwanda. Check out her website - brilliant photographs and anecdotes about adjusting to life there.
www.life-near-the-equator.co.uk |
ZeeMapsWe have recently discovered this mapping tool. It is a great way to pin locations onto a world map that can be printed or embedded easily into a website. Even better - it is free of charge for the simple version. Check out our 'Mapping the Single Steps Journey' page to see it in action.
www.zeemaps.com |
Weebly"Website Creation Made Easy"
We designed and created this website using Weebly and can highly recommend it. Weebly has an area dedicated to use in 'Education'. www.weebly.com |
The Literacy ShedWebsite full of inspiration and ideas for developing literacy, complete with video clips and resources. Mainly aimed at Primary classes, but we would argue that many of the clips could be used with all age ranges.
www.literacyshed.com |
TED TalksAlways an updated range of engaging 'talks' about virtually anything and everything!
Our current favourite is 'Build a school in the clouds' (If you have an iPAD, the TED app is free and very user-friendly.) |
TED-EdWe are watching this grow with interest.
TED-Ed aims to share great lessons from great teachers…and build great videos by enabling educators and animators to collaborate. http://ed.ted.com |
MaKey MaKeyWe have just been introduced to 'MaKey MaKey' by Gary Spracklen. A moment of complete excitement as we watched the video and realised what could be done with this invention kit. Take a look…
www.makeymakey.com |
Anything else…
The Old Church, Horncliffe, Berwick Upon TweedIf you need a well-deserved rest and would like to try 'Guest Accommodation' with a difference!
The owners have a fascinating story about how they ended up here. They also have a real passion for helping learners in South Africa…and a wonderful collection of art! Nothing is too much trouble for them - 100% about the happiness of their guests. http://www.oldchurchhorncliffe.co.uk New LearningWe loved having the opportunity to talk about different places and languages during our recent visit to a Primary School in Scotland. One P2 class wanted to use as many phrases as possible from as many different languages as possible. French, Welsh, German, Spanish…and then a little girl offered to teach us Latvian. Our new learning is how to say 'bye' in Latvian. "atā"
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Making the most out of the unexpected... Single Steps Learning Snow Logo
Whether it is unexpected weather or situations, we make a choice about how to react. The most creative moments can arise from the unexpected.
When given an unexpected opportunity to work in every class in a Primary School on one day - you just can't resist the temptation to teach 300+ children 'The Monster Song'. And kudos to the staff of Cornton Primary, who also unexpectedly joined in during the twilight CPD session!
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A stimulus for learning…
 A 'squirrel moment' whilst walking in Roath Park, Cardiff.
So many possible uses for a photo like this in the classroom…
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