Brandon Learning Centre: British Education - process, preparation and practicalities

If you aren't familiar with the Australian children's writer Mem Fox, you are really missing out. Her stories centre on kindness, something that we could all do with more of in these fraught times.  In my absolute favourite  Wombat Divine, wombat is excluded from the nativity because he falls asleep, walks too slowly or can't keep up. In Whoever you Are, we also explore difference but with humans rather than animals. The book describes the ways in which people may look different but still experience the same pain. I strongly recommend it for anyone with children between 3 - 6. Thought provoking and lovely. A perfect starting off point for discussing inclusion with your family. If you don't want to read yourself, the link above also leads to an audio book!

I have just acquired a copy of Muriel Young's 1967 recording of Jellyco the Magic Budgerigar. I had the record as a child and have always wanted to hear it again. The story is simple but magic lies in the sound or Mrs Young's voice. The spoken word has a power of its own. Even over the hiss of a record, you can hear every word clearly and become enmeshed in the world of the story. I was fortunate, as a child my parents read to me daily and I grew up listening to Radio 4 ( www.bbc.co.uk/radio4 ) Research has formed links between reading to children and their emotional, health and academic development. You don't have to be a Shakespearean actor to create a special relationship between your family and books. Try the following: 1: Go to a quiet area of the house 2: Make sure that you will not be disturbed or distracted 3: Throw yourself into the world of the book: use voices, change your pace to create excitement 4: Have fun!  If you are looking for ideas, UK charity...