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Research shows that children who lag behind in motor skill development are less likely to participate in sports and physical activity as they age. Te idea is that if a child can accurately imagine everything that goes into an activity then they have a greater likelihood of success when performing the physical act. Tat translates into confidence and enjoyment as well as greater likelihood they’ll lead an active and healthier life.


iPads getting boys reading


How do we engage boys in literacy? Tere have been numerous studies into boys’ challenges with literacy, but there remains a significant and worrisome gap in achievement between boys and girls.


Nipissing researcher Tina Benevides may have a creative answer. In her new research project, a group of boys are using iPads to improve their literacy skills.


Boys tend to gravitate toward technology as an interest. Trough engagement with the easy-to-use iPad technology, boys who haven’t developed a love of reading conventional books are readily engaged in reading full-length books on-screen, and in engaging in other subjects.


Tere are 20 Grade 7 boys taking part in the pilot project, all with differing literacy skill levels. Each was given an iPad to take home as well as use in class. Trough using the iPad, students have access to books and graphic novels, the internet, as well as applications and learning tools for other subjects like mathematics and science.


Students and teachers go back to Kindergarten in model classroom


Creativity in delivering curriculum is part of the backbone of the Schulich School of Education, evidenced by a history of innovative approaches including the early introduction of laptops and other classroom technology to the Bachelor of Education program. On Nipissing’s Brantford campus, that creative approach is immediately apparent upon entering the Early Learning-Kindergarten (ELK) classroom. Both a model classroom and teaching room, it provides students with a realistic setting focussing on strategies and resources related to the education of young children. A whole group teaching area has been organized to include such items as a reading rocking chair, a teaching easel, and news calendar. Te model classroom is a favourite learning environment for students; the Kindergarten course is the most popular option course offered and consistently receives strong positive evaluations. Te ELK classroom has also provided a professional development setting for early childhood educators and teachers throughout Southwestern Ontario, attracting visitors from many surrounding school boards and First Nations communities.


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