Random Christmas gifts you may enjoy (with an educational bent!)
With Christmas on the horizon, many of us will be frantically deciding what to purchase for friends and family. Here are a few random suggestions, all with an educational twist, and most of which you probably won't have come across...
Learn me Good by John Pearson. I "discovered" Texan teacher John Pearson via his Mister Teacher blog. He posted an excellent video of Darth Vader teaching the Pythagorean theorem, and I mentioned it on School Gate to great effect (you can see it below). John then sent me his book, which is a thinly disguised personal account of his first year teaching. I began the book with trepidation, wondering whether I would be able to empathise with a teacher so far away, but I was wrong. I really enjoyed it and think any teacher friends of yours would do the same, especially if they work at primary schools. JP writes with a light touch - the subject matter is composed of emails to a friend - and the book is at the same time funny and revealing about education. You also get to know, and understand some of the kids (and be glad that you aren't teaching them).
Fix the Mix by LeapFrog. Forget the Leapster, LeapPads etc, this is the one you want. It's a fun game with much opportunity for improving fine motor skills while pushing, squeezing and twisting buttons to get dates, colours, numbers, months or even songs in the right order. I discovered this by chance and really enjoyed it - a feeling echoed by the children I've given it to! Recommended for ages 7 and under.
The Gay Uncle's Guide to Parenting, by Brett Berk. This is a good dose of common sense wrapped up with some lovely anecdotes. When it comes to parenting, don't beat yourself up. Instead let Berk bring you out of the parenting "bubble"...
I love books, and recommend some below. There are, of course, loads out there (see the inspiring books post for more suggestions). However, I hadn't come across Top That! publishing before and am happy to say that it offers a whole range of lovely books, many with educational appeal - lots of craft/art activities. We liked various magnetic books, from First Sums, Adding up and Taking away, First Words, including Days Out (which includes lots of words which can be used within the book), Magnetic abc, and a couple of great options for a long trip away, Magnetic mosaics and Explore, Dream, Discover, a travelling activity book. This one will keep your tweens quiet on the plane or train, and give them something to do when they're back from their trip.
Read School Gate on:
See Darth Vader explain the Pythagorean theorem
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