Jj is for Jottings 128. Hard and Soft ‘C’ and ‘G’.
The great thing about spelling rules – such as the bossy ‘e’ rule – is that, once you learn a particular rule, you can read (and hopefully spell) many different words. In other words, rules give you lots of bang for your buck. When dealing with hard and soft ‘c’ and ‘g’, we teach the hard sound first as part of basic sound-letter links, and introduce the soft sounds a little later. Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 127. Sequencing is Important.
We probably don’t think about it very much, but sequencing is important in many aspects of our lives. A definition of “sequence” is: a set of related events, movements, or items that follow each other in a particular order. (This is the definition for the noun. It is also a verb, as in “I’m going to sequence the tracks on my playlist.”)
Sequencing is important – but is it important in this picture?
Many times, if things are not in sequence, they don’t make any sense. Although the playlist referred to above has a sequence, the sequence isn’t vital; it’s just a preference. But if you put on your shoes first and then your socks… Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 126. The Bossy ‘E’.
The bossy ‘e’ (sometimes called the magic ‘e’) appears so often in written language that it is worth revisiting in its own right. It is a classic case of “Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Once you know the rule, you can unlock thousands of words. Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 125. Nonsense Words.
Nonsense words are letter sequences which follow regular phonetic rules and are pronounceable, but which have no meaning. Examples are ‘bof’, ‘zim’, ‘chog’. They can also be called nonwords or pseudowords. There are stages in children’s development where nonsense words may play a part. These are: babbling, early reading, rhyming, and if they require assistance for speech sound development (speech therapy). All children babble, but children may not encounter nonsense words when learning to read or to rhyme. And many will not need speech therapy, or have access to it if they do.
Atticus is a FAN of nonsense words.
Jj is for Jottings 124. Neuroplasticity, Power and Children.
This article follows on from the previous article on neuroplasticity and power. However, I just want to mention a couple more points before moving on to the subject of neuroplasticity, power and children. These points include people’s differing needs for power, and avoiding the negative effects of power. Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 123. Neuroplasticity and Power.
The topic of neuroplasticity and power is related to this article which defines neuroplasticity and this article on neuroplasticity and complaining. Every experience we have and every thought we think affects the way our brain develops and changes. In turn, this affects our physiology and psychology. The interplay between neuroplasticity and power has consequences in all aspects of life, from the playground bully to leaders in business and beyond.
Neuroplasticity and Power. Shanti says, “I have such power over this paper. Does neuroplasticity mean I will turn into a lion?”
Jj is for Jottings 120. Listening: Obstacles and Good Listening.
Following on from hearing versus listening and types of listening and nonlistening, this article will discuss listening obstacles, and tips for good listening. They say that love makes the world go around, but I think good listening skills help it along a bit, too.
Listening: Obstacles and Good Listening. A big obstacle to good listening is having an argument!
Jj is for Jottings 119. Types of Listening and Nonlistening.
Following the discussion on hearing versus listening, I promised to discuss more aspects of listening in the next article. We have established that hearing is a simpler process than listening, so there is more to be said about listening. We will look at the listening process, types of listening, and nonlistening. Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 116. Children Who Own Books Read More.
Children who own books are six times more likely to read. And they are more likely to read above the expected level for their age. The UK-based charity, The National Literacy Trust, did a survey of more than 56,000 children from all over the UK, ranging from ages 9 to 18. The survey revealed that 22 % of children who own books read above the expected level for their age. But only 3.6% of children who did not own a book read above the expected age level. Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 113. Neuroplasticity and Complaining.
Following on from the previous article on neuroplasticity, we will now be more specific – how complaining rewires the brain for negativity. Research shows that most people complain once a minute during a typical conversation. Although complaining might feel good, but just like smoking or eating a whole box of chocolates in one sitting, it doesn’t do you any good. Continue reading
