The Sexiness of Goldfish

Have you ever considered goldfish sex appeal? No, I bet you haven’t. Neither had I until yesterday when I was on the treadmill in front of the fish tank at my daughter-in-law’s house (well, it’s her parents’ house). I’m here in China awaiting the birth of my first grandchild and to while away the time a brisk walk on the treadmill (because it’s snowing outside) is a good thing. Continue reading →

Going Green

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During recessionary times it is interesting to see people going back to basics by doing such things as learning to cook for themselves. Yes, I realise it is what most people do most of the time but this is a novel concept for some. Cooking schools, especially boutique classes, are flourishing. Along with this comes repairing your clothes so they last another season rather than tossing them out and buying anew. Some people even go so far as growing their own vegetables. Continue reading →

Learning to Learn – Some Strategies

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Some children (and indeed some adults) have a great deal of trouble sitting and concentrating for even relatively short periods of time. Studies show that more than 50 minutes at a time and even adults drift off, unable to concentrate any longer. Ever noticed that university lectures are around 45-50 minutes long? There’s a reason. Continue reading →

The Power of a Winning Routine

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“Studies have been made on how habitual exercise impacts our daily routines in other areas of our lives. While it’s not completely clear why this happens, James Porochaska, a University of Rhode Island researcher says that “Exercise spills over. There’s something about it that makes other habits easier.” Continue reading →

Lessons from a Business Coach

Barbara Anderson put out a newsletter a few years ago in which she outlined tips for managing and keeping staff. When I read through the list, I thought these principles apply to people in any profession, including teachers, not just business people. They can also apply to how we relate to children, empowering them so they feel good about themselves. An extract from Barbara’s newsletter follows – Continue reading →

Some Strategies for Calming Children

Hyperactivity in children is an increasing problem and one that does not have a simple solution. Expecting all children to be able to lie still with eyes closed while you play relaxing music is unrealistic. Most children will not be able to do this without prior experience. Instead, start off with some calming activities and gradually work up to lying down with eyes closed. Following are some strategies that might help. Continue reading →

Background Music in the Classroom

Even if we are not consciously aware of it, music has a physiological and psychological effect on everyone. Listening to music can alter heartbeat, blood pressure and body temperature. It can stimulate us to action, or assist our retreat into slumber. A growing body of academic research asserts that background music has the capacity to influence human behaviour. Continue reading →