Monday, 23 May 2011
It's That Time of Year Again
To pay the insurance bill :( Hey though - Unfortunately it's been worth every penny in our five years of existence so far, so I can't complain too loudly.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Positive Play
Around three years ago, I fell out with a local headteacher, when she chose to ban Gogos Crazy Bones from the playground. There'd been fights and thefts apparently. I wrote her a lengthy (perhaps too lengthy) letter explaining my point of view.
Children's collectibles play a hugely important role in Positive Play, teaching children sharing, fair play and organisational skills to name just three. I pointed out the opportunities that bringing collectibles like these into the classroom could offer to engage children in their lessons and directed her to a number of media stories where more enlightened educators had done just that with high levels of success. I finally pointed out that if there were fights and thefts, the problem was with discipline, not with Crazy Bones. But no. According to her reply, she was an expert in Positive Play and her playground was a paradise for children. To paraphrase, Crazy Bones were a blight on this nirvana.
Fast forward three years and my daughter is now a pupil at the school. Each morning I stand and watch before the bell rings, and I've seen hundreds of examples of very un-positive play taking place in the playground - enough to make my hair stand on end at times. This morning though, I saw two girls, sat quietly in a corner, negotiating their swaps of Moshi Monsters cards. It was the most positive piece of play I've seen happen at the school. I'll expect my daughter to come home with a letter telling us they are banned too in the near future. Just sayin'.
Children's collectibles play a hugely important role in Positive Play, teaching children sharing, fair play and organisational skills to name just three. I pointed out the opportunities that bringing collectibles like these into the classroom could offer to engage children in their lessons and directed her to a number of media stories where more enlightened educators had done just that with high levels of success. I finally pointed out that if there were fights and thefts, the problem was with discipline, not with Crazy Bones. But no. According to her reply, she was an expert in Positive Play and her playground was a paradise for children. To paraphrase, Crazy Bones were a blight on this nirvana.
Fast forward three years and my daughter is now a pupil at the school. Each morning I stand and watch before the bell rings, and I've seen hundreds of examples of very un-positive play taking place in the playground - enough to make my hair stand on end at times. This morning though, I saw two girls, sat quietly in a corner, negotiating their swaps of Moshi Monsters cards. It was the most positive piece of play I've seen happen at the school. I'll expect my daughter to come home with a letter telling us they are banned too in the near future. Just sayin'.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
It's Not Just the Finances That Hurt in a Tough Economy
Once upon a time, it feels like a million years ago, I was (in most parents eyes) the kindly man that provided their children with enjoyable things to play with. They trusted that I knew what I was talking about and that I only sold toys I genuinely thought were good.
Now (in some parents eyes), I'm a rogue, vagabond and thief, desperate to pick the pockets of their darling offspring. I'm cunningly luring the kids into asking mum or dad for a pound for a pocket money toy that's bound to be rubbish.
Amazing how the economy can change people's perspectives. Kinda hurts.
Now (in some parents eyes), I'm a rogue, vagabond and thief, desperate to pick the pockets of their darling offspring. I'm cunningly luring the kids into asking mum or dad for a pound for a pocket money toy that's bound to be rubbish.
Amazing how the economy can change people's perspectives. Kinda hurts.
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