Starting Point Learning Center’s Post

"We know the impact that a properly sequenced curriculum can make because over the last decade school leaders and teachers around the country have been doing tremendous work in carefully identifying the knowledge and skills that children need to master in each subject, carefully plotting that journey out for them. The trouble is, much of this work is held within the sandbox of each key stage, and then scattered to the wind as children transition from primary to secondary." Love this from my The Reach Foundation colleague Jon Hutchinson, exploring the 'final piece of the curriculum puzzle'. Is there an opportunity look at the all-through coherence of the curriculum as part of the curriculum review? https://lnkd.in/evipVNSz

Great post, Jon. In your experience, are the same challenges apparent in subjects where there is greater curriculum specificity at a national level - as in mathematics for example? Is there a case here for consideration of increasing specificity in a national curriculum to a ‘sweet spot’ of autonomy and prescription?

🍎 Calling all early childhood educators! Want to save time and reduce stress in your classrooms? Check out our time-saving curriculum. Access 52 weeks of lesson plans today with a FREE 30-day trial. #TeacherLife #TimeSaver #ece #EarlyChildhood📚✏️

Reading sessions - In my role as a PYP Homeroom teacher, I've witnessed the transformative power of Fontas and Pinnell's benchmark assessment reading and guided reading firsthand. These methodologies are not just tools; they are the compass guiding my students through the vast landscape of literacy. Benchmark assessments provide me with invaluable insights into each student's reading journey, allowing me to tailor my approach to their unique needs. The magic happens during guided reading sessions – those intimate moments where I witness the spark of comprehension ignite in my students' eyes. It's more than just a teaching strategy; it's a personal commitment to unlocking the full potential of every child under my care. Fontas and Pinnell's approach isn't just about reading; it's about fostering a lifelong love for learning. Here's to empowering young minds and shaping a future filled with limitless possibilities. #PYPTeacher #LiteracyJourney #FontasAndPinnell #GuidedReadingMagic

At the heart of every successful preschool is a curriculum that resonates with teachers and young learners. As Qiana Briscoe, Lead Teacher at Kiddie Calvert, shares, “I just love this curriculum. It's not difficult to introduce to the children. I love all the different activities that you have, along with the curriculum. I also like the sign language that you have with the vocabulary words. My children love it when I show them how to sign. They also love all the books—they can't get enough.” Hearing this reminds us of the power that the right curriculum has to engage children and make learning an exciting adventure. When children are eager to participate, and teachers find the curriculum accessible to introduce, it creates a classroom environment where everyone thrives. How are you ensuring that your curriculum meets the needs of both your teachers and children? Let’s share insights and continue building classrooms that inspire a love of learning. #PreschoolEducation #ClassroomSuccess #EarlyChildhoodEducation #TeacherSupport #JoyfulLearning

Our ACT public schools all teach to the latest version of the Australian Curriculum (v 9.0) from kindergarten to year 10. The Australian Curriculum outlines what all students should learn as they progress through school – regardless of the school that they attend. Our teachers spent 2023 learning about the changes to the curriculum through training, mentoring sessions and workshops, as well as in lesson planning in readiness for the 2024 school year. As this has occurred we have also updated our website to provide more information about how we teach in ACT public schools. ACT public school teachers use a range of teaching and learning practices designed to meet the individual needs of all students. Across every school, teachers are planning, delivering and assessing learning every day. Student learning data is used to identify what each student needs, informing the learning and teaching strategies required to meet each student’s need. Teachers and staff across our schools are committed to making sure students are empowered as active participants in their education in all curriculum areas, and to ensure that they can be active and informed citizens in the future. We will continue to provide information and resources for families about learning and teaching in our schools this year both through our website, on social media and in school newsletters. Find out more about the updated curriculum, as well as how we teach and learn in ACT public schools, here: https://ow.ly/tbGk50QLh8p

As a non-special ed teacher, I was unfamiliar with transition plans. Happy to share that Find Your Grind can be a great way to expose students to potential career paths, determine skills and interests, and provides clear next steps that can be included in these plans. #transitionplans #specialeducation #futurereadiness

Excerpts from “Inspirational Homeschooling: The Christian homeschooling guide to balancing academics and family life.” (2020) by Yvonne Strachan “Adjust your schedule, if necessary, in order to allow for opportunities and commitments that align with your goals and motivations for homeschooling” (p. 254). “One of the most common ways we can tailor our teaching is by adapting it to each child’s learning style” (p. 263). “Your child may fit one or any combination of the three general learning styles: auditory, hands-on (kinesthetic), visual” (p. 265). “As homeschool parents, we are blessed to have the opportunity to tailor our teaching methods to the leaning style that works best for each child” (p. 268). “As your child grows, his needs will also change. Keep your eyes and ears open to any changing needs your child may have and stay flexible” (p. 268). “Whether or not your child has a clear learning style, a combination of teaching methods can be used if you feel it makes sense for your student. After all, you are the tailor of his education. Be flexible and willing to experiment until you find the right combination that unlocks your child’s love of learning” (pp. 268-269).

Just a friendly reminder to educators: Recognising a variety of variations within the classroom is the foundation of teaching for diversity. Embracing diversity is an indication of inclusive education. In order to manage all experiences and ways of being fairly and justly, teaching for equity permits differences to change the way we think, teach, learn, and act🌻.

What is 'place-based pedagogy' and why is it important? Pedagogy is the foundation for educator's practice impacting curriculum decision making, relationships, teaching and learning. 'Place-based pedagogy' involves educators' knowledge of and connection with the setting, community or context. This knowledge influences their planning and practice to support children's engagement with, connection to and learning about the land, places and community. Children's connection and learning is supported through experiences both inside and BEYOND the service gates. Learning outcome 2, of the EYLF states, "Educators support children's learning by providing experiences connecting children with the community and environment beyond the early childhood setting..." (V2.0, 2022, p. 41). Place-based pedagogy has been linked as a distinct feature of early childhood education and care in Australia. The EYLF V2.0 describes, "This pedagogical approach is particularly important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their connection to land and places should be explored with local Elders and community members in culturally responsive ways" (2022, p. 67). Learn more see: www.firstdoor.com.au