Tim Atkinson's Blog, page 45
March 30, 2015
Leapfrog's Leapreader gets Top Marks!
Some interesting findings have reached us from LeapFrog UK.
Their research reveals that 86 per cent of UK teachers would recommend LeapReader to parents to help with their child's reading and writing skills. They worked with 100 schools across the UK, providing 200 teachers with the device to use in classrooms with children aged between four and eight, including special educational needs (SEN) pupils and following the two month trial, 86 per cent of teachers involved said they would recommend LeapReader to parents to use at home to help with their child's reading and writing skills. A further 79 per cent would also recommend LeapReader to fellow teachers.
Not, perhaps, as surprising as it might seem given that LeapReader has been designed by a dedicated team of educational experts, offering three unique literacy experiences in one – learning to read, learning to write, and learning through listening. To say nothing of learning through play, too. Here's Charlie demonstrating...
As you can see, LeapReader is popular. The interactive stylus brings reading, writing and learning to life, combining easy to use technology with the tradition of print based learning. When the stylus touches the story pages of its very own library of LeapReader books and activity sets, LeapReader will read aloud words and sentences, and in some books it will even break down individual letter names and phonic sounds. LeapReader challenges children’s listening skills along the way, asking questions to ensure comprehension of the story. Pictures and characters come to life with just a touch on the page, making the learning experience fully immersive and great play time. What’s more, LeapReader also offers the added excitement of ‘mess-free’ writing via interactive paper which is only compatible with the LeapReader stylus. Children can trace letters, words and numbers with stroke-by-stroke audio guidance, encouraging them to write on their own as well as read independently.
The extensive LeapReader library contains over 100 ‘learning experiences’ including books, audio books, flash cards, maps, learn to write sets, music albums and trivia challenges. The stylus itself can store forty books or over 175 songs and the wealth of content lets parents easily personalise their child’s learning journey by choosing titles based on reading levels and favourite characters or learning style.
LeapReader is available in major retailers nationwide priced £39.99 GRP. For more information on LeapReader, visit http://www.leapfrog.com/en_gb/landing....
Their research reveals that 86 per cent of UK teachers would recommend LeapReader to parents to help with their child's reading and writing skills. They worked with 100 schools across the UK, providing 200 teachers with the device to use in classrooms with children aged between four and eight, including special educational needs (SEN) pupils and following the two month trial, 86 per cent of teachers involved said they would recommend LeapReader to parents to use at home to help with their child's reading and writing skills. A further 79 per cent would also recommend LeapReader to fellow teachers.
Not, perhaps, as surprising as it might seem given that LeapReader has been designed by a dedicated team of educational experts, offering three unique literacy experiences in one – learning to read, learning to write, and learning through listening. To say nothing of learning through play, too. Here's Charlie demonstrating...
As you can see, LeapReader is popular. The interactive stylus brings reading, writing and learning to life, combining easy to use technology with the tradition of print based learning. When the stylus touches the story pages of its very own library of LeapReader books and activity sets, LeapReader will read aloud words and sentences, and in some books it will even break down individual letter names and phonic sounds. LeapReader challenges children’s listening skills along the way, asking questions to ensure comprehension of the story. Pictures and characters come to life with just a touch on the page, making the learning experience fully immersive and great play time. What’s more, LeapReader also offers the added excitement of ‘mess-free’ writing via interactive paper which is only compatible with the LeapReader stylus. Children can trace letters, words and numbers with stroke-by-stroke audio guidance, encouraging them to write on their own as well as read independently.
The extensive LeapReader library contains over 100 ‘learning experiences’ including books, audio books, flash cards, maps, learn to write sets, music albums and trivia challenges. The stylus itself can store forty books or over 175 songs and the wealth of content lets parents easily personalise their child’s learning journey by choosing titles based on reading levels and favourite characters or learning style.
LeapReader is available in major retailers nationwide priced £39.99 GRP. For more information on LeapReader, visit http://www.leapfrog.com/en_gb/landing....
March 28, 2015
Like the balloon game but safer...
What would you save from the fire?
Legal & General are currently running a campaign to help reduce the risk of a potential fire in the home. And as part of their awareness-raising programme they've asked me to write a blog post explaining what I'd save from my home in the event of a fire and why.
It's more difficult to do than you'd think. Assuming the family is all out safely, what single inanimate object do you choose? Something significant, relevant, important, valuable and irreplaceable, obviously. But that doesn't really narrow down the options greatly. So, while I'm thinking, have a look at the Legal & General tips on how to protect your home.
That list makes interesting reading, not least the need to ensure electrical appliances are all unplugged when you go away (are you reading, granny?) and that sockets aren't overloaded. Smoking in bed isn't really an issue with a young family (!) so my action plan based on these tips is to organise an escape plan and to make sure the candles we sometimes light are always extinguished (which isn't usually a problem when they're on a birthday cake).
So, what would I save if I had the chance as well as the unfortunate need to do so? Well, having just sorted a whole load of old bits and bobs into folders, I think it'd be something like this:
I've got a great stack of old concert programmes for events I've taken part in ranging from BBC Proms to local choral society concerts. But I came across this, the other day, from my schooldays and was amazed by it on about every possible level.
First, the date of the concert itself. The programme says it took place in 1978 which is clearly a mistake as I can't be that old.
But there's more. Just look at this orchestra:
And that's just page one!
Although yours truly was the only double bass player listed there were 14 violins, 3 violas, 11 cellos, 6 flutes, 4 oboes, 6 clarinets, one bassoon, 5 trumpets, 3 each of Eb flat horn and euphonium and 3 percussionists. And all in a comprehensive school orchestra!
Not only does this programme for what must have been one of my earliest school productions deserve preservation for that reason alone, I think it has a wider social significance. It proves there was a time (not so very long ago) when an ordinary boy could go to the local school in a moderately-sized northern city (Wakefield, in this case) and have the opportunity to make music on an orchestral scale - and for such a thing not to be unusual.
If only those wonderful opportunities themselves were so easily preserved!
Disclaimer: Legal and General said if I wrote this post they'd offer me a 'a gift (up to £70) related to the item you would save from the fire!' Well, as is my policy, I agreed to do it not for the gift or the money but because I believe in it. Even so, I'm fascinated to learn what Legal and General will choose by way of a reward. A double bass, perhaps? A return to old-days school music provision? Watch this space!
Legal & General are currently running a campaign to help reduce the risk of a potential fire in the home. And as part of their awareness-raising programme they've asked me to write a blog post explaining what I'd save from my home in the event of a fire and why.
It's more difficult to do than you'd think. Assuming the family is all out safely, what single inanimate object do you choose? Something significant, relevant, important, valuable and irreplaceable, obviously. But that doesn't really narrow down the options greatly. So, while I'm thinking, have a look at the Legal & General tips on how to protect your home.
That list makes interesting reading, not least the need to ensure electrical appliances are all unplugged when you go away (are you reading, granny?) and that sockets aren't overloaded. Smoking in bed isn't really an issue with a young family (!) so my action plan based on these tips is to organise an escape plan and to make sure the candles we sometimes light are always extinguished (which isn't usually a problem when they're on a birthday cake).
So, what would I save if I had the chance as well as the unfortunate need to do so? Well, having just sorted a whole load of old bits and bobs into folders, I think it'd be something like this:
I've got a great stack of old concert programmes for events I've taken part in ranging from BBC Proms to local choral society concerts. But I came across this, the other day, from my schooldays and was amazed by it on about every possible level.
First, the date of the concert itself. The programme says it took place in 1978 which is clearly a mistake as I can't be that old.
But there's more. Just look at this orchestra:
And that's just page one!
Although yours truly was the only double bass player listed there were 14 violins, 3 violas, 11 cellos, 6 flutes, 4 oboes, 6 clarinets, one bassoon, 5 trumpets, 3 each of Eb flat horn and euphonium and 3 percussionists. And all in a comprehensive school orchestra!
Not only does this programme for what must have been one of my earliest school productions deserve preservation for that reason alone, I think it has a wider social significance. It proves there was a time (not so very long ago) when an ordinary boy could go to the local school in a moderately-sized northern city (Wakefield, in this case) and have the opportunity to make music on an orchestral scale - and for such a thing not to be unusual.
If only those wonderful opportunities themselves were so easily preserved!
Disclaimer: Legal and General said if I wrote this post they'd offer me a 'a gift (up to £70) related to the item you would save from the fire!' Well, as is my policy, I agreed to do it not for the gift or the money but because I believe in it. Even so, I'm fascinated to learn what Legal and General will choose by way of a reward. A double bass, perhaps? A return to old-days school music provision? Watch this space!
March 26, 2015
Farewell, Jeremy
I'm not a Top Gear fan. In fact, one of the few things that bore me more than cars is blokes talking about them. But I do like Jeremy Clarkson. He's witty, entertaining, original and writes fizzingly original journalism. I do, though, think it's right that he's been sacked. And I'm frankly baffled by the clamour of people in the media justifying what was - or what appears to have been - assault.
Here's what Louise Mensch had to say on Twitter:
And fellow-blogger Guido Fawkes on The World Tonight on BBC Radio Four yesterday gave a similarly robust defence while at the same time expertly evading the obvious question (put to him repeatedly by Ritula Shah) which is - if Clarkson gets away with it then where should the rest of us draw the line? If throwing a punch, inflicting physical injury and adding insult to it (literally) is waved away as 'banter' or just 'Jeremy' then God help the rest of us next time the boss is angry.
Someone said to me the other day that it was the same when John Prescott threw a punch many years ago. And although it may appear so, it's not. Prescott's action was instinctive, instant and - vitally - provoked. Prescott had been attacked and responded almost without thinking, I imagine. (Lord knows he didn't find it easy!)
There are other similarities between the two incidents, of course. Both received the public support of the Prime Minister of the day. Tony Blair grinned, said 'John is John' and everyone moved on. David Cameron said lots of nice things about Jeremy Clarkson, his colleagues joined in, a petition attracted huge support and everyone... was left totally confused by the line between right and wrong.
Here's what Louise Mensch had to say on Twitter:
And fellow-blogger Guido Fawkes on The World Tonight on BBC Radio Four yesterday gave a similarly robust defence while at the same time expertly evading the obvious question (put to him repeatedly by Ritula Shah) which is - if Clarkson gets away with it then where should the rest of us draw the line? If throwing a punch, inflicting physical injury and adding insult to it (literally) is waved away as 'banter' or just 'Jeremy' then God help the rest of us next time the boss is angry.
Someone said to me the other day that it was the same when John Prescott threw a punch many years ago. And although it may appear so, it's not. Prescott's action was instinctive, instant and - vitally - provoked. Prescott had been attacked and responded almost without thinking, I imagine. (Lord knows he didn't find it easy!)
There are other similarities between the two incidents, of course. Both received the public support of the Prime Minister of the day. Tony Blair grinned, said 'John is John' and everyone moved on. David Cameron said lots of nice things about Jeremy Clarkson, his colleagues joined in, a petition attracted huge support and everyone... was left totally confused by the line between right and wrong.
March 24, 2015
Top Tips to Save Energy
It might technically be spring, but the thermometer today has a distinctly wintry reading, which is why the home energy kit we've been sent to try by Zenith Energy is coming in handy. It contains the following:
An Energy Saving Monitor
A Radiator Booster
An Automatic Standby Shutdown, and
A Shower Timer
But you don't need fancy gadgets to start saving energy and feeling warmer, as Zenith's simple energy saving top tips show:
1. Put the kettle on... war drinks are wonderful, but don't overfill the kettle and waste energy!
2. Love your layers... adding extra layers of clothing always helps - and you can do it to the house too with external wall insulation (EWI).
3. On when in, off when out... why heat up the home when there's nobody at home to benefit? Be smart with your central heating.
4. Winter warmers... stock up your wardrobe with woolies - and not just for winter evenings. It can be chilly at any time but you don't always need the heating.
5. Don't be daft, avoid the draught .. draught excluders fitted to doors and windows really help keep the house warm... and the cold out!
6. Secure some heat... of course, double-glazed doors and windows will do the job permanently, as well as adding to security.
7. Close the curtains... 20% of your heat can escape through gaps around doors and windows. A pair of curtains can make all the difference.
8. Switch on to switching off... 46% of the UK population admit only switching off electrical appliances when going on holiday - and 22% not at all! But switching off everyday appliances can make huge differences to power consumption - and bring down your bills.
9. Wait a minute, Mr Postman... a letterbox is little more than a hole in your front door - great for letting in icy outdoor air. Fitting draft-proof brushes won't stop the postman pushing through the energy bills but it might help reduce them in the long term.
10. Think outside the box... it's not just windows and doors that can let in the draughts - holes around pipes and extractor fans can be as bad. Use expanding foam filler in the gaps to keep the craft cold at bay.
An Energy Saving Monitor
A Radiator Booster
An Automatic Standby Shutdown, and
A Shower Timer
But you don't need fancy gadgets to start saving energy and feeling warmer, as Zenith's simple energy saving top tips show:
1. Put the kettle on... war drinks are wonderful, but don't overfill the kettle and waste energy!
2. Love your layers... adding extra layers of clothing always helps - and you can do it to the house too with external wall insulation (EWI).
3. On when in, off when out... why heat up the home when there's nobody at home to benefit? Be smart with your central heating.
4. Winter warmers... stock up your wardrobe with woolies - and not just for winter evenings. It can be chilly at any time but you don't always need the heating.
5. Don't be daft, avoid the draught .. draught excluders fitted to doors and windows really help keep the house warm... and the cold out!
6. Secure some heat... of course, double-glazed doors and windows will do the job permanently, as well as adding to security.
7. Close the curtains... 20% of your heat can escape through gaps around doors and windows. A pair of curtains can make all the difference.
8. Switch on to switching off... 46% of the UK population admit only switching off electrical appliances when going on holiday - and 22% not at all! But switching off everyday appliances can make huge differences to power consumption - and bring down your bills.
9. Wait a minute, Mr Postman... a letterbox is little more than a hole in your front door - great for letting in icy outdoor air. Fitting draft-proof brushes won't stop the postman pushing through the energy bills but it might help reduce them in the long term.
10. Think outside the box... it's not just windows and doors that can let in the draughts - holes around pipes and extractor fans can be as bad. Use expanding foam filler in the gaps to keep the craft cold at bay.
March 20, 2015
Make your own eclipse!
Cloudy, this morning? Can't find that pair of eclipse specs you bought? Lost your instructions for how to make a pinhole camera?
Never fear! Why not make your own eclipse instead. We did, this morning. Here it is...
Never fear! Why not make your own eclipse instead. We did, this morning. Here it is...
March 15, 2015
Making Mother's Day
First, get creative with a card kit. There's nothing better than a bit of glitter...
Now, how about a cake? Recipe at the ready - let's get cracking - eggs, especially:
Mix it all together...
Don't forget to clean up afterwards...
Mmmmm...
We were all well prepared this year, thanks to Tesco who sent us a wonderfully creative card making kit plus the ingredients for a yummy cake. We did go out too, briefly - into the garden to put up the bird-feeding station that the kids had bought from Aldi.
How to have a happy Mother's Day... with just a little help!
Now, how about a cake? Recipe at the ready - let's get cracking - eggs, especially:
Mix it all together...
Don't forget to clean up afterwards...
Mmmmm...
We were all well prepared this year, thanks to Tesco who sent us a wonderfully creative card making kit plus the ingredients for a yummy cake. We did go out too, briefly - into the garden to put up the bird-feeding station that the kids had bought from Aldi.
How to have a happy Mother's Day... with just a little help!
March 12, 2015
Mother's Day and the #AldiChallenge
It's not long now, you know. It's probably too late to get something in the post. But it's not too late to get something planned. Which is where Aldi comes in handy.
Aldi aims to offer high quality products, at low cost prices - enabling people to do more of the things they enjoy, including activities with the family. Personally, I need no persuading but when they got in touch after Monday's Mother's Day post and invited me to take the #AldiChallenge, I couldn't resist.
Now, in case my wife is reading this before Sunday (unlikely, but...) I'm going to be a little circumspect about the precise details of my challenge. But the bottom line, the lovely, colourfully-fragrant and beautiful bottom line is this wonderful bunch of flowers.
'Perfect Mum' bouquet, it's called. And I had enough left over at the end of my 'Mother's Day' Aldi shop to buy them, too!
What else did I buy, I hear you say? And how did I manage it and still have funds to spare for flowers?
Well, you'll have to wait for the big day to find out, I'm afraid. Suffice to say it's suitably creative, involves the kids and is kind to the environment. It links with a previous post I've published recently, too. If anyone can guess what it is (or might be) I might be tempted to offer a prize. (I know it's Mother's Day but I've got a lovely little book on Fatherhood to give away!)
Until then, I keeping mum.
Although there'll be more tips on preparing for Mother's Day to come tomorrow and on Saturday.
Aldi aims to offer high quality products, at low cost prices - enabling people to do more of the things they enjoy, including activities with the family. Personally, I need no persuading but when they got in touch after Monday's Mother's Day post and invited me to take the #AldiChallenge, I couldn't resist.
Now, in case my wife is reading this before Sunday (unlikely, but...) I'm going to be a little circumspect about the precise details of my challenge. But the bottom line, the lovely, colourfully-fragrant and beautiful bottom line is this wonderful bunch of flowers.
'Perfect Mum' bouquet, it's called. And I had enough left over at the end of my 'Mother's Day' Aldi shop to buy them, too!
What else did I buy, I hear you say? And how did I manage it and still have funds to spare for flowers?
Well, you'll have to wait for the big day to find out, I'm afraid. Suffice to say it's suitably creative, involves the kids and is kind to the environment. It links with a previous post I've published recently, too. If anyone can guess what it is (or might be) I might be tempted to offer a prize. (I know it's Mother's Day but I've got a lovely little book on Fatherhood to give away!)
Until then, I keeping mum.
Although there'll be more tips on preparing for Mother's Day to come tomorrow and on Saturday.
March 11, 2015
March 10, 2015
The Myth of Sisyphus?
It ain't no myth, man. I've just mowed the lawn. It looks lovely. But pretty soon it'll need mowing again, and again and again and again all summer. That man and his boulder ain't got nothing on my lawnmower.Still, at least the kids appreciate it...
March 9, 2015
Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Psst! It's next Sunday. Calling all dads, sons, daughters and everyone with a mum (which is pretty much everyone) but especially the men because, you know, we aren't always that good at remembering and, when we do, we sometimes find it difficult doing anything.
So, here are some great ideas. From Snapfish comes an easy way of creating something permanent out of all those memorable occasions in front (or behind) the camera. Simply upload some of your favourite photos and create cards, phonebooks, mugs, calendars, canvas prints and more all of which will provide a lasting memento of almost any occasion. But hurry! To be sure of getting your gift in time for Mother's Day (which is this coming Sunday, March 15th) you'll have to complete your order today.
Of course, having the gift is one thing. Wrapping it is another. And if you've got photos left over from your Snapfish creations why not get them made into a sheet of personalised wrapping paper courtesy of Wrap.me? You can upload your favourite photos or connect direct to your Instagram feed or Facebook account. It couldn't be simpler.
So, here are some great ideas. From Snapfish comes an easy way of creating something permanent out of all those memorable occasions in front (or behind) the camera. Simply upload some of your favourite photos and create cards, phonebooks, mugs, calendars, canvas prints and more all of which will provide a lasting memento of almost any occasion. But hurry! To be sure of getting your gift in time for Mother's Day (which is this coming Sunday, March 15th) you'll have to complete your order today.
Of course, having the gift is one thing. Wrapping it is another. And if you've got photos left over from your Snapfish creations why not get them made into a sheet of personalised wrapping paper courtesy of Wrap.me? You can upload your favourite photos or connect direct to your Instagram feed or Facebook account. It couldn't be simpler.
