Storybookers

Inclusion is not about getting children to fit in, it's about helping each child feel that they belong.  Creating an inclusive climate in the classroom helps refugee children to settle and feel welcome and valued. 

1. Bring other cultures into the classroom
It’s good idea to ensure your pupils learn something about the countries and the cultural background their classmates come from.  This encourages discussion about moving home, cultural diversity and sees all children as resources for le...

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The old Birmingham Reference Library as been the cause of much controversy since it first opened in 1974.   Closed since 2011 and now replaced by the new Library of Birmingham but it still forms a formidable sight.   There are people who want it demolished and some who campaign for it to get listing status.  It's fate lies in the balance.

Me I've always like it.  Though many can't see why.  So here's why.

 Because it saved my life.  Or at least helped me get the life I truly wanted, rather th...

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When I say 'I'm a singing teacher' many people reply, “I can't sing!” 

Now I'd have thought that would have been my perfect in.  But no.  For so many people their sheer terror at the thought of using their voice effectively, joyfully and confidently is something they'd rather not contemplate. 

I've been out and about promoting The Love singing method recently, so I've had the opportunity to talk face-to-face with people who haven't fully embraced the joys of singing.  What's even sadder was...

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Yesterday was all about the musical legend that is Stevie Wonder. 

Up at 7:00 and thinking about how singing tips had gone down with the TuneIN Choir singers.  There were a quite a few emails in my inbox so I was about to find out.  Whatever that afternoon's rehearsal had in store was secondary to the fact that many of us were looking forward to was seeing Stevie Wonder do his thing at the Calling Festival in Clapham Common, south London, straight afterwards.

Rehearsal over we headed down from...
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As thing stand the u...

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So you've set your mind on doing more singing.    But how's it going?
 
Have you set to it with full force and are you now singing the songs you want to sing where and when you want to sing them.  Or are you finding that your first few steps have been a little hesitant and faltering.  Well you'll be comforted by the fact that this is normal.

There are many reasons why you are not, as yet, totally in tune with your voice.  Some reasons are universal and others are more personal to you.   Let's ta...
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Being a theatre director I will be following, with interest, the recent developments on the National Theatre’s London production of War Horse.

Five musicians have failed to win a High Court order against the National Theatre (NT) after being made redundant from the West End production and replaced by a prerecorded soundtrack.

The NT said the decision to cut live music from the show was made for artistic and financial reasons.  Very interesting!  War Horse is one of the National's most success...

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How many time have you thrown your hands up and said, "I give up"?    

For many people, those who care about positive child development, giving up isn't an option.  Think about how your life would be if you had no access to the written word.  This is a reality for many people. For some it's a physiological issue other it's psychological.  There are also those who by not understanding the importance of reading never bother to develop the skill sufficiently.  Until it's too late.

So what does it ...

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