How do we support left-handed children in a predominantly right-handed world? Mark Stewart, founder of Left n Write Ltd, shares his journey and insights on the unique challenges faced by left-handed individuals, particularly in educational settings. With over 1 million left-handed children in schools across England, Mark emphasizes the lack of awareness and training for educators on how to assist these students effectively.

Mark started his small business about 30 years ago as a result of trying to find left-handed scissors for his youngest son when he was 4.

Mark’s wife Heather had no training in helping left-handed children during her Teacher Training so they started to campaign with their left-handed MP, Peter Luff, to change the Education system to be proactive rather than passive.

They had meetings with Ministers, questions and a 30 minute adjournment debate in the House of Commons, produced a training video in 1999 (now downloadable/interactive and was updated last year) as well as writing an information/activity book titled “So You Think They’re Left Handed?” and 3 books titled “Left Hand Writing Skills”. We have also produced other resources specifically for left-handed children in education. Over the years I have run over 200 training workshops.

In 2021 Mark co founded and is co-chair of a global group called “LEFT-IN” Left-Handers Education Forum and Training International Network (left-in.org) with the aim to improve the information and education available to the educators of left-handed children around the world.

www.leftshoponline.co.uk

For full details of what National Association for Primary Education can support you with please visit:

https://nape.org.uk/

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroscientists used to think that our brain was fixed and unchangeable from birth. It was believed that our intellectual capacity was fixed – the brain with which we were born, was the brain we had for life.

We now know that the brain is a highly active and malleable organ across a person’s lifespan. This powerful capacity for change is called neuroplasticity.

Arrowsmith was born from Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s own painful struggle with her learning disorder and the journey she went through to not only overcome it, but to begin helping others strengthen their brain and change their educational and professional lives.

Debbie Gilmore is the Executive Director of Arrowsmith. She is passionate about education. During her 40+ year career as an educator, she has worked as a teacher, literacy advisor, assistant principal, principal and as Head of Diverse Learning Needs at the Sydney Catholic Schools, Sydney, Australia.

Now in Canada, as Executive Director of Arrowsmith, she works with educators around the world to bring about educational change. Her experience has helped her understand the need to ‘unlock’ the potential of all students through the power of neuroplasticity, cognitive enhancement and systemic change.

Debbie holds a Masters of Education and various Graduate Certificates in Education in a range of areas of diverse learning.

Takeaways:

• The principles of neuroplasticity are essential for facilitating meaningful change within the brain.
• Engaging in positive cognitive activities enhances the brain’s capacity to adapt and grow.
• In today’s AI-driven world, strong cognitive functions are vital for discerning information accuracy.
• Neuroplasticity provides a hopeful avenue for individuals with learning difficulties to overcome challenges.

Website

www.arrowsmith.ca

Education currently presents an unparalleled challenge, yet it remains an immensely rewarding profession, as articulated by our guest, Jonathan Arthur, the Executive Headteacher of Badock’s Wood E-ACT Academy.

Within this episode, we delve into the vital role of fostering a learning culture, where the focus is not merely on raising aspirations but rather on instilling a belief that dreams are attainable for every child. Jonathan shares his commitment to modelling expectations and actively engaging with students to ensure they feel supported in their educational journey. He emphasises the necessity of embracing challenges, both for educators and students, underscoring the significance of relationships and emotional regulation in shaping positive behaviour within the school environment.

Takeaways:

• Education is currently one of the most challenging yet rewarding professions we can pursue.
• As educators, we possess the unique privilege of fostering meaningful changes in children's lives.
• It is essential to cultivate an environment where children can believe in the attainability of their dreams.
• Building a learning culture requires dedication and a visible commitment to education and community involvement.
• Effective leadership in education centers on integrity, open communication, and shared values among all staff members.
• Fostering resilience in children involves teaching them to navigate challenges and express their emotions constructively.

www.badockswoodacademy.e-act.org.uk/

www.ilminsteravenueacademy.e-act.org.uk/

https://nape.org.uk/

https://www.educationonfire.com/