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Geography site middle- upper primary easy to read student language, engaging layout. Offers teachers page with lesson plans and presentations. Also link for kids geography games

This is not a bad sight for teaching the upper primary years about the different types of tectonic plate boundaries.

I know it's not a blog but I have found many great resources on this site under the free registration section. Everything from kindy, prep to upper school. It certainly is worth checking out.

Updated - A article that is based on computers being used in the early and upper primary years. An article with useful information :)

This website is set up for Early Childhood educators to make life easier. Its quote is "We all need to work together to make the Early Years Framework a reality". It contains links to interactive ICT websites and advice on the following topics: Being, Belonging, Becoming Reggio Emilia Learning through Play Social & Emotional Development Communication Skills Learning Literacy Learning Numeracy Equal Access for All Consistent Curriculum Smooth Transition Partnerships Quality assurance Activities for Little Kids ICT for Littlies Australian Early Years Framework Regulation Videos Other Early Years Links Recipes safe for kids

Its great to hear people say that we need to work together. I remember years ago a friend of mine (who was a Grade 6 teacher) told me of her frustration when she would encourage her students and they were alive with excitement to learn and explore and the work they handed in was exceptional from her point of view. However, six months into the next year she would be so disappointed because the grades of the Year 7 students would be declining and their attitude was one of apathy. What she wanted to do was to work with the Year 7 teacher so with a combined effort they could assist the students to continue their positive attitude throughout their time at upper primary school. The Year 7 teacher felt threatened and the sad cycle continued. When I read http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/blog-early-blog-often-the-secret-to-making-boys-write-properly-2211232.html as well as http://www.letthechildrenplay.net I was thrilled to hear what great progress is being made by teachers/schools when they collaborate. Thanks for the info.

This is a great website that I found, it is primarily set up for Pre-Service Teachers to help them build their ICTE (Information, Communication and Technology in Education) capabilities. It even has little packages that you can log into the site with your Scootle account and look at practical hints and tips on integrating ICTs into your lessons in English, History, Maths and Science. Easy to use and quite informative. Has a lot of information about TPACK too :) the packages come in three areas, early childhood, upper primary/lower secondary and years 9/10. There is even reflective video clips from Pre-Service Teachers that have used these packages.

Comparing Computer based learning needs of Primary and Early Years.

Joanne Dwyer (2004) writes that some schools seem to give its students in the upper primary years priority over students in the early school years resulting in a reduced potential for learning with computer based technologies in the school environment. She expresses the concern that for equitability all students regardless of age or learning needs should be given maximum support and access to computer-based learning environments. This is obviously an issue that needs to be addressed as we intergrate ICT in to the curriculum. Nice read Kate. Thanks.

Unfortunately early years education often takes a back burner to higher levels of primary education across a range of areas and especially with regard to ICT. I am not sure whether it is a lack of understanding of the importance of early childhood education or just battling to get resources. Even with all of the research about the advantages of good quality early childhood education many still see these years as not containing any 'real' learning, just play. If young learners are viewed as 'just playing' then why would people use ICT budgets on them? As early years teachers one of our biggest battles will be to fight for recognition of early childhood education and the resources to support it.

The link above is a site which has a number of games for English and mathematics. The games are fun and interactive for all students. (they are even great for students in primary upper who are at a low level for English and mathematics.