IGNITE LEARNING BLOG
Provoking thoughts on learning
Ignorance Is Not Bliss
Thomas Gray introduced the notion in his poem “Ode to a Distant Prospect of Etonian College”(1742) by writing ‘Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.’ Ignorance is not necessarily a desired or admired mental capacity but, be sure, ignorance cannot and should not be equated to stupidity!
The 4 Rs - Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Media Literacy
The recent use of social media by political parties to attack it’s opposition and the insertion of foreign entities influencing voters preferences and knowledge of the issues has become the second pandemic of this decade. There is no better motivation than…
The Seamless Advantage
Expert opinion from numerous research perspectives have adroitly identified the importance of quality care for children from 0 to 5 years of age. As a society we acknowledge and endorse the importance of this foundational development as the underpinnings to lifelong learning and its direct impact on our continued success as a nation.
Up, Down, Right or Left – Which Way Do You Read?
If the first platform for language is speaking (making audible sounds) and listening (making meaning of those sounds) then the second platform is writing (making a physical representation of the spoken sounds) and reading (understanding those representations). These 2 platforms contain the two functions of language: expressive (speaking/writing) and receptive (listening/reading).
Two Plus One > Three (2+1>3)
Think for a moment of the ingeninuity of the human race and the development of a diverse array of language systems - more than 6000! Now consider how a child born into one of these systems acquires the ability to speak their ‘mother tongue’. It has long been postulated that a child can learn any language that is introduced in the early months and years of its human development.
Sculpting the Brain with Languages
In the context of the 1960s French Immersion was fashioned out of a private school initiative by our own Harry Giles who, along with a small group of parents, saw a distinct advantage to being bilingual in the Canada of that day. Eventually, after significant impassioned public debate, in 1985 full funding for public school French Immersion was introduced.
To Daycare! Developing the Social Brain
If children’s play experience is vital to their development, social interaction is critical to their full development.
To Daycare or Not To Daycare
To daycare, or not to daycare, that is the question most parents ask in the early years of their child’s development.
Lost in Translation: True Pedagogy in Practice
“Sometimes you have to go halfway around the world to come full circle.” One of the great quotes from the acclaimed movie, Lost in Translation. This accurately identifies the existing state of the Ministry of Education’s predicament in the EQAO chaos; public education has lost its way.
Back to the Future – Back to School: Reflections on the Ontario EQAO Math Results
Consider the Jump Math program developed by John Mighton that has received glowing worldwide reviews and accolades. The discovery method is utilized throughout the program and the principles of ‘scaffolding’ as Mighton terms it – a slow paced breakdown exploiting various methods to ensure a proficiency in basic concepts and skills that ultimately leads to the mastery of more complex mathematical notions.