Dr M – Page 2 – Dr M’s thoughts

Contemporary childhoods

A good awareness of current contemporary issues is vital when working in Early Education. There is a need to raise this cognisance amongst all who work with young children, emphasising the complexities of childhood in the twenty-first century and to understand further childhood in context, in all of its diversities and realities (McBlain, 2014). ImportancesContinue reading “Contemporary childhoods”

Breathing in Nature

What a better way to help manage anxieties and stresses of life, than to engage with nature. Sit back and imagine a cool breeze, breath deeply and let that fresh sensation engulf you, and almost immediately you can feel the stresses seeping away, recoiling to uncover realities of the moment, you are grounded. Now rememberContinue reading “Breathing in Nature”

Autism Awareness

“Success in Adulthood begins with an independent child” My first memory of Autism was many years ago while working in Primary Education, with a young boy on his first day in the reception class. At age 4 he had no diagnosis, but had also been completely sheltered from the world outside of his own familyContinue reading “Autism Awareness”

Social Competencies in Young Children

Definitions of Socio-emotional skills and social competency are seen as being different to IQ or intelligence, however, it is important to consider that these skills do interact with intellect, and this should be given consideration when measuring outcomes and abilities to build and maintain relationships. Socio-emotional competency is further defined as the skills which helpContinue reading “Social Competencies in Young Children”

Lets get grubby!

Making the most of our Outdoor Environment My thoughts are brought back to Mid -Spring some 12 years ago, when completing a student Teacher assessment in a small town in Co Down. The student had planned an outdoor activity, so I was indeed intrigued to receive her proposal engaging with an outdoor activity in aContinue reading “Lets get grubby!”

Wellbeing and Nature

Nature has long been associated with wellbeing, and good mental health. I am sure everyone has heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), in which people who normally exhibit stable mental health throughout the year, feel depressed and down, during the winter months. Often symptoms include feeling tired and lethargic, sleeping longer than normal and overeating.Continue reading “Wellbeing and Nature”

Stress and Anxiety

On a beautiful day like today, what better pass time for those of us who are at home, than to take yourself out for a nice walk, a breath of fresh air and take in the scenery. Put the pep back into your step on this fresh spring morning! Well that is exactly what IContinue reading “Stress and Anxiety”