I get bullied a lot in school...

Watching this, it is easy for us to understand the emotional strain that one goes through when targetted by bullies. The negative self-perceptions, the negative social experiences, the suspicions of others' motives being with ill-intent, lack of self-belief, etc, all converge in a growing mind.

Nevertheless, we can start by saying, "Andrew, you are better than you think you are!"

Perhaps you can be someone who builts another up. So, go ahead, be an inspiration!

Bobby McFerrin playing the audience like an instrument

WOW!

Try this during one of your school's assemblies for a change...

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

I guess I do agree with him.

Watch and experience how Sir Ken Robinson disarms you with his wit and wisdom. A truly remarkable talk given by a remarkable man.

I loved the story he told about Gillian Lynne. That really provoked me deeply to consider the tremendous power I have in helping my students fulfill their destinies. This power is a double-edged sword. You have this power too.

And also, the thought of how all education systems apply the same hierarchical valuation in terms of subjects was a tremendous revelation. Imagine all the breakthroughs in educational research on Multiple Intelligences, Learning Styles, Brain Research, etc had SO LITTLE impact on the education world!

What would it take for you and your school to do the right thing?

Steve Levitt - Why Financial Incentives Don't Work

One of my favourite authors---the only one who made Economics fun enough for me to read!

Anyway, are you wondering what this video has got to do with you as an educator? Am I saying that you should not be drawing a higher salary?

Well, no. I think that teachers are providing an important function to society and should be financially incentivised generously. Having said that, what am I trying to say with this video?

Simple. Perhaps we can apply what he has said to how we run the class room. Do our students actually think that what they are doing is the most important thing in the world? Or are they working for extrinsic motivations?

If you went "huh?!" after reading that. You have either not watched the video or you need to watch it again.

Keep your school Bully-Free!

My school is running a two-week emphasis on Bully-free education. Research has shown that some cases of absenteeism are related to victimisation as a result of bullying.

Be on the look out for the following tell-tale signs that your student may be bullied:

• Drop in grades to poor school attendance
• Loneliness and poor social relationships
• Physical ill-health
• Lowered self-esteem and depression
• Suicide talk or tendencies
• Self-harm
• Revenge leading to violent juvenile behaviour
  

The anatomy of a bullying experience:


The following video is a stark reminder that bullying cannot be taken lightly. Parental guidance is advised.


I believe that one of the most effect ways to create a bully-free environment is to make bully-free look cool. In this way, it is likely that victims are well-informed on proper responses to bullying and bullies have full expectations of the consequences of bullying. Schools must also take up stringent measures to curb bullying and mete out harsh punishments for school bullies. However, having said that, the most powerful kind of incentive is the moral incentive. We must educate our students that all forms of bullying are inhumane to say the least. After all, they wouldn't want the same (form of bullying) to be done to themselves, would they?

A few more videos to help you with your quest to make your school bully-free!

link to final video (not possible to embed)

And finally, a link to help you and your students go deeper into this campaign:

http://www.bullyfreecampaign.sg/

Many thanks to Khusni for inspiring this post!

Striking 4D (Part 3) --- Dysgraphia

Understanding the learning disabilities in our students will go a long way in helping them, as well as helping us in helping them. Having poor or no understanding about learning disabilities will certainly enable teachers to contribute to negative outcomes in our students' lives.

There is NO advantage in being ignorant.

Remember, your contribution to early detection will help your students MORE than the contribution of the specialist providing late intervention.

Late intervention will cost more. More monetarily, and more emotionally.

So, what exactly is dysgraphia?



The following video may be a little difficult to digest at first, but the final two points can help you to better understand how you can help a student with dysgraphia:



How do some forms of disabilty go undetected in schools? Watch the following video to see how gifted students compensate for their disabilities.



Finally, we need to motivate students who have struck 4D which success stories that can spur them towards making one of their own.



From my reserach into this topic of learning disabilities, I have begun to realise the complexity of detection and intervention towards these disabilities. Detection really requires one to sit down and read into the discrepency in student performance, or rather, their under-performance. Any such discrepancies can be viewed as due cause that warrants a thorough investigation into the possibility of learning disability. An educator well-informed of learning disabilities is more likely to be able to detect the gift and provide the necessary intervention. Therefore, it is hoped that you will join the ranks of well-informed educators with the viewing of this post.

I have not been able to surface more relevant videos concerning Dysgraphia from Youtube, hence I will provide some links for your reading pleasure below:

All you need to know about Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia for students

Striking 4D (Part 2) --- Dyscalculia

Understanding the learning disabilities in our students will go a long way in helping them, as well as helping us in helping them. Having poor or no understanding about learning disabilities will certainly enable teachers to contribute to negative outcomes in our students' lives.

There is NO advantage in being ignorant.

Remember, your contribution to early detection will help your students MORE than the contribution of the specialist providing late intervention.

Late intervention will cost more. More monetarily, and more emotionally.

So, what exactly is dyscalculia?





And if you are wondering how it might affect you if you had it? Watch the next few videos.









Indeed, after watching these videos, it is a mistake to call Dyscalculia a type of Maths Dyslexia. I am beginning to wonder if my students have a combination of both. Perhaps they have dyspraxia and dysgraphia too?!

However, if you are anything like me, understanding that our students may have learning disabilities help me to be more observant and patient with them. At least, now I do know what I should be looking out for. Do you agree?

Well, here are some successful (and famous) Dyscalculics:



Having explored Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, I wonder if I should discuss Dysgraphia or Dyspraxia next?

Stay tune for 2 more chances to strike 4D!

Striking 4D (Part 1) --- Dyslexia

Understanding the learning disabilities in our students will go a long way in helping them, as well as helping us in helping them. Having poor or no understanding about learning disabilities will certainly enable teachers to contribute to negative outcomes in our students' lives.

There is NO advantage in being ignorant.

Remember, your contribution to early detection will help your students MORE than the contribution of the specialist providing late intervention.

Late intervention will cost more. More monetarily, and more emotionally.

So, what exactly is dyslexia?









And you can motivate your student with dyslexia by showing them the following videos:





No one hopes to strike 4D when 'D' is for Disabilities.

In subsequent posts, I will be discussing Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Dyspraxia.

This post is dedicated to SH, AT, ES, MI and M. They are my brave students with the gift of dyslexia. It is my hope that they will learn to cope and excel in their lives!

Cyberbullying

It is increasing. It is rampant. It is...stoppable!

Do your part to educate and empower your students how they can ward off attacks from peers or strangers.

VISIT http://stopcyberbullying.org/

If not, the following video could be a reality for someone near you:





You can teach them to:

• Stop cyberbullying.
• Not write it.
• Not forward it.
• Save evidences.
• Report the cyberbullying or cyberbully.
  

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture: Achieving Your Chilhood Dreams!

It's 2.45am. And I had just finished watching this. Nevermind that I have to reach school later early in the morning, I just couldn't stop watching this. Thoroughly moved! Thoroughly inspired!

Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.

Watched by over 10 million viewers, this video of Randy, who was dying of pancreatic cancer, contains tremendous inspiration and wisdom. It was the last lecture of a dying man. Be inspired by his life and the strength by which he lived it. Watch it!

If you are a school leader, teacher or student, there are lessons that could be learnt from Randy. He talked about life's brick wall, head fakes, helping others achieve their dreams, A.L.I.C.E. and the most important things in life.

Johnny the Bagger

A lesson learnt from a boy with Down's Syndrome.

As an educator, you too can make a difference in the lives of your students. All it takes is a little thoughtfulness injected with your love for them.

Greet them in the morning, give a high-five as you pass them, punch them at their knuckles, a pat on the back...

A simple praise to elevate their negative self perception.

Why is it that I feel you already know all these?

=P

Facing the Giants - "Your very best!"

One of the most inspiring clips I've ever seen.

"Your very best!"

"Keep Trying!"

"Keep going!"

"10 more steps!"

"You can!"

"You are in the end zone!"

And if you analyse accordingly:

1) Invitation to commitment (even when they can't see the end)
2) Voice of motivation
3) Voice of persuasion
4) Voice of guidance
5) Voice of empowerment
6) Voice of celebration

Does your conversation with you students sound something like the above?

If not, it's not too late to start. =)

Random Acts of Kindness

If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. ~Bob Hope

Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up. ~Jesse Jackson

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. ~Charles H. Spurgeon

Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true. ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice. ~Author Unknown

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are. ~Author Unknown

What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind. ~Cleveland Amory

Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not. ~Samuel Johnson

A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses. ~Chinese Proverb

When you drive, be responsible...

Responsibility. That's what this video is about. Responsible driving. Responsible living.

You can only understand responsibility when you know the consequences.

Smoking KILLS!

I really loved this Indian Ad. It is very creative.

For many of us, smoking has never been a choice. Somebody chose smoking, and YOU get to suffer along.

Anyway, here are more ads you could use to persuade your loved ones and students.







Now, more a stronger message:

212 degrees - The extra degree that makes a great difference!

A message that puts you one step ahead of the competition. Hear it, heed it and hit it!

She, without an arm. He, without a leg.

Are limitations really limiting? Are we restricted and confined by our circumstances?

Well, the answers is yes...only if you allow them to be so.

Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up.

Never, never give up!

"It ain't over until it's over. And even then, it still ain't over"

Adversity Builds Character. Difficult situations can produce the most compelling beauty in a person. Such was the beauty exuded by these two dancers. May this be a dance that inspires fortunate and whole persons to do all that they can with all that they have.

"Smooth seas don't make skillful sailors."

A Father's Love for His Son

Alright, you have to watch this. Prepare some Kleenex.

The truth is, we don't all the time in the world. Treasure your present. Guard it well.

A word of thanks to Josephine for introducing this video to me.

Excellent Video showcase of Singapore's beauty

Singapore Lights Timelapse from Weehan Yeo on Vimeo.

Check this out. If you're stuck in the rut or getting less motivated in your pursuit of photography, perhaps you might like to have a change of menu. Try time-lapse photography.

Very often, our motivation, passion or creativity hit a wall after some time in our multi-faceted lives. What does one do when this happens? Simply try taking a breather or introduce a slight change. Either you re-charge OR you keep things interesting for yourself.

Personally, I did both. I took a break and I changed my focus. And it did wonders.

This probably work for 80% of the people, 80% of the time in 80% of all possible circumstances.

Well, probably. =)

The H1N1 Song - "Wash Your Hands Too"

This is one of those "once in a blue moon", "square peg in round hole" and "what's wrong with him?" post.

Definitely not a worthwhile resource per se. But it certainly is of "the lighter side of things" genre. 2009 is summed up in two events. Recession and Swine Flu.

However, resource it is not, what tickles you stays a whole lot longer than what does not.

So, use it in class/school and tickle some learning into your audience.

"A merry heart doeth good as medicine." ~ A quote from the Bible.