I recently re-studied and practiced as a secondary school teacher. I taught Year 8 to Year 11, Commerce, Business  Studies (the most popular unit after maths)  and Economics.

As a dad it was a highly valuable, as a bread winner it sucked.

If you’re truly interested in how your kid learns, read this or email me for a less academedic view….

“Today’s students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach, ”said Prensky in 2004.

Digital natives, (the vast majority of our kids  are these today ),  are used to receiving information fast; parallel processing and multi-tasking are at work in their minds and they function best when they are networked. This is an important differential between traditional teachers and contemporary learners and one today’s parents  need to be aware of.

Children learn best when they are in active roles of designer and constructor, this is known with academics as the Constructionism theory.

To embrace contructionism (connectiveism) the roles, of both teacher and learner, are to change.  To effectively implement change progressive teachers and parents need to be aware of the barriers to effective learning: teacher attitudes and beliefs; access to ICT resources; teaching strategies and practices and adequate professional development with ICT . Teachers and parents need not be shy of technology.

Dalton identifies six learning and teaching practices essential for connected learning: deep understanding, self responsibility inquiry, human development, communication and collaboration.

Students want richness, they want to consume, create apply, remember and evaluate.

How well do you and your kid’s teacher do  this?

For a less academic approach on this subject, check this video out to see exactly how kids want to learn today.

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We’re all guilty of finding excuses as to why we can’t do what we are suppose to do.

Here’s 12 of the most common excuses why not to exercise &  ways to overcome them.

1) I don’t have the time

Make it a priority, make time. get into a routine. Take every chance you can to be active, even if it’s only for a few minutes e.g. do exercises while waiting for the kettle to boil or while watching TV.

2) I’m too tired

Once you get started, you will have more energy and feel less tired.

3) I have a health problem, and exercise might take it worse

Most health problems can be helped by activity. Talk to your doctor – they may be able to write an ‘activity prescription’ for you.

4) I might get injured

If you walk or swim it is unlikely that you will get injured.

5) I can’t afford it

Try to find an activity that is free. Walk more instead of driving.

6) I have no-one to do it with.

Persuade a relative, neighbour or friend to be active with you.

Play with the grandchildren in the park. Join an activity or walking group.

Take out a gym membership.

7) It’s too hot / cold / raining

Get up early to beat the heat or walk in an air-conditioned shopping centre.

If it’s cold, wear gloves. If it’s raining, take an umbrella.

I’m too old

You are never too old – there is always something you can do.

9) There’s nothing to do where I live / I don’t have transport.

Be active around your home – do exercises at home.

Walk to and from places )the shop, the letterbox or a friend’s house).

10) I’m afraid I will wear out’

You will wear out more quickly if you do nothing.

11) I’ve never been the sporty type

You don’t have to play sport to be active – try gardening, dancing, walking or exercise to music.

“It’s so boring on your own…but it’s OK if you have a friend to go with. I walk with my daughter and we have a bit of a chit0chat and catch up on the stuff that’s going on in her life.”

“For 27 years my GP has been telling me I should do more physical activity – but I never did anything. Then six weeks ago my friend took me to an exercise class and I have been going with her every week. I feel so much better, I wish I had done it earlier.”

Taken with permission from the booklet Choose Health: Be active. A physical activity guide for older Australians. An initiative of the Australian Government in association with Sports Medicine Australia.

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