LibraryThing

Recently, I was impressed to see St George Girls High School in Kogarah, NSW embracing this tool as means of sharing books that are available to their students. Students can add tags according to genre, topics, themes etc. Other features allow students to rate the book and provide reviews.

Not only can they view information provided by their peers but of others, whether they are at another school, other libraries or anyone who simply wants to share what they have been reading with others.

There is still alot to learn about it and how they can be used as a means of sharing read items. 

Website: www.librarything.com 

National Library Week 2013

This week (May 20-26) is National Library Week. Libraries across the nation will be organising special activities to mark the week.

Contact your local library for further information relating to activities and events.

Hurstville Library where I volunteer has a few events of interest including a presentation by 2013 Australian of the Year - Ita Buttrose on Wednesday Afternoon. Author Tim Bowden will also speak on Thursday evening.

Sleep Deprivation, learning and children

One common observation I see in the classroom is the tiredness that one may express because they stayed up late the night before. It is quite common

When I read this article, it reflects what I see, even what I have experienced as a student. There is so much technology around us. There is always the temptation to stay up late to watch that TV Show e.g. Revenge or The Voice, the Monday night football match, engage in social networking or ring friends. Even nighttime activities such as sporting competitions etc are keeping people up late.

From time to time, there is the need to burn the midnight oil as assignments and projects need to be completed because they were held off until the last minute.

I do agree with the need to tune out from technology (including TV) before going to bed and I would personally recommend it. I do have a pre bedtime routine myself where I engage in activities that are relaxing and encourage me to fall asleep and minimizes the use of technology. Even simple measures such as keeping the room dark in the evening can help indirectly.

Reading I find is excellent in sending one to sleep. For a student that needs to read their English text, that is a great way to get their reading done but also help them rest. Even if they don't like the book it helps them towards attaining the goal - sleep. If there is a book that they are eager to read, fantastic. Read it then too.

Make sure that the bed is used for sleeping. Keep technology away from the bed and make sure it is switched off. That is what I do. I switch my phone off and turn it on the morning.

Another tip that has worked for me is going to bed at the same time each night.

Time Management is also crucial as well particularly where the sleep deprivation is caused by study. This might mean teaching effective time management skills to my students to ensure that such situations are avoided particularly where an assignment is involved. I have proposed blogging as a form of keeping a record of learning during the learning process. Study schedules work as well as routines can be easily established that allow for maximum use of the time available to us.

Making it a success with Sue Larkey

My mother who is a teachers assistant has been receiving newsletters from Sue Larkey. Larkey is an educator that has taught students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in mainstream and special schools.

The newsletter provides practical strategies for school and for the home in supporting those who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

If you are a teacher, I strongly recommend that you subscribe to her monthly newsletter; regardless of whether you teach students with the condition or not. Even if you are a parent of a child with ASD, it is also a must.

Click on this link to allow you to register for her newsletter. You can receive it in the post or electronically.

Her website also contains useful resources. You can also purchase resources and obtain information on workshops that she has organised for each state. In NSW the workshops are recognised as professional development by the NSW Institute of Teachers.

I hope to go to one of her workshops this year. I believe that anyone with ASD can be successful in their lives just like anyone else can and live the same life that we take for granted.