The Essential Early Years Reading List

I absolutely love reading.  I learnt to read very early, and consumed books with a voracious appetite.  Although I don’t have as much time to read these days, it’s still my go-to relaxation activity.  I love being swept away into another time or place, being introduced to characters I will love and hate, and watching …

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Tackling literacy at home

Hi there, it’s great to see you at the Building Bridges Blog. I can tell you're a dedicated, loving parent who wants the best possible outcomes for your child. I know this because you’re taking the time to read this post. I can probably guess a couple more things about you, too. Being a dedicated, …

In Defence of Maths

I’ve been inspired to write a piece defending maths from the old catch-cry, “I’m never going to use this in real life!  And anyway, I can just use the calculator on my phone!” While I understand and appreciate the humour, it’s an indicator of a deep-seated problem in western society.  Many people were taught maths …

A respectful approach to behaviour management

I rarely use rewards and punishments with children, because I’m not training a bunch of performing seals with whom I can’t communicate: I’m teaching children, who are merely small human beings, to behave in socially and culturally acceptable ways. Most, if not all, children genuinely want to learn these things. Not because they don’t want …

What are “special needs”?

I specialise in tutoring children with special behavioural or developmental needs. But what does that really mean? Here are the definitions of “special needs” that are important to me. Children with these needs often require extra academic support to achieve their full potential, and need a teacher who understands their particular needs. Diagnosed Kids The …