How do we support left-handed children in a predominantly right-handed world? Mark Stewart, founder of Left n Write Ltd, shares his journey and insights on the unique challenges faced by left-handed individuals, particularly in educational settings. With over 1 million left-handed children in schools across England, Mark emphasizes the lack of awareness and training for educators on how to assist these students effectively.

Mark started his small business about 30 years ago as a result of trying to find left-handed scissors for his youngest son when he was 4.

Mark’s wife Heather had no training in helping left-handed children during her Teacher Training so they started to campaign with their left-handed MP, Peter Luff, to change the Education system to be proactive rather than passive.

They had meetings with Ministers, questions and a 30 minute adjournment debate in the House of Commons, produced a training video in 1999 (now downloadable/interactive and was updated last year) as well as writing an information/activity book titled “So You Think They’re Left Handed?” and 3 books titled “Left Hand Writing Skills”. We have also produced other resources specifically for left-handed children in education. Over the years I have run over 200 training workshops.

In 2021 Mark co founded and is co-chair of a global group called “LEFT-IN” Left-Handers Education Forum and Training International Network (left-in.org) with the aim to improve the information and education available to the educators of left-handed children around the world.

Takeaways:

• There are over 1 million left-handed children in schools in England, yet teacher training lacks essential support for them.
• Simple adjustments, like seating arrangements in classrooms, significantly benefit left-handed children and their right-handed peers.
• Left-handed children face unique challenges in a right-handed world, emphasizing the need for awareness and adjustments.
• The lack of data on left-handed children in education hinders understanding their needs and potential challenges.
• Mark Stewart encourages parents to advocate for left-handed children in schools to ensure they receive adequate support.

Website

www.leftshoponline.co.uk

Social Media Information

Facebook.com/LeftnWrite

Instagram: leftshoponline

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-stewart-52271020

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

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🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Dr. Shelby Kretz is the creator of Little Justice Leaders, an organization that provides social justice education resources for educators and families. Shelby earned her Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, and her research explores social justice education at the elementary school level. Over the past decade, Shelby has worked with thousands of parents, teachers, and school leaders to bring social justice education to elementary aged kids.

She emphasizes that biases begin to form as early as three years old, making it crucial for educators and parents to have resources that support age-appropriate conversations about complex topics such as race, gender, and disability justice.

With a focus on collaboration and continuous learning, this conversation underscores the significance of fostering critical thinking and empathy in children as they navigate today’s multifaceted world.

Takeaways:

• Parents and educators must engage young children in conversations about social justice early.
• Little Justice Leaders provides resources for teachers to address complex social issues effectively.
• The shift to digital resources allows for more accessibility and affordability in education.
• Building a supportive community among educators fosters collaboration and shared learning experiences.
• It’s crucial to keep up with changing language and terminology surrounding social justice topics.
• Creating a curriculum that evolves with students ensures they grasp the principles of justice.

Website

www.littlejusticeleaders.com

Social Media Information

@littlejusticeleaders on IG, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Karen G. Foley from the Juvenile Protective Association emphasizes the critical role of relationships in supporting children’s mental health and well-being. She highlights that just as chronically hungry children cannot learn, neither can those who are emotionally hurting. The discussion explores how the organization provides school-based mental health services, fostering long-term relationships with educators, parents, and students. Karen shares insights on the importance of understanding a child’s intent behind their actions and the necessity of a supportive environment for both children and teachers. The episode underscores the need for an intergenerational approach to address the struggles faced by middle school girls today, illustrating how vital it is to nurture connections that help children thrive.

Karen joined JPA in 2014. She earned her MBA from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College. Prior to joining JPA, Karen served as the President and CEO of The Hope Institute for Children and Families, serving children with autism and developmental delays across Illinois.

Takeaways:

• Building strong relationships in schools leads to positive impacts on the entire school community.
• Understanding the intent behind actions can foster forgiveness and stronger relationships.
• Chronically hungry children can’t learn, just like those who are chronically hurting.
• Intergenerational approaches provide unique support for middle school girls facing challenges today.
• Teachers need to recognize and adjust to the various ages of their students.
• Creating a nurturing and safe environment is crucial for children’s development and learning.

Website

https://jpachicago.org/

Social Media Information

www.linkedin.com/company/juvenile-protective-association

www.facebook.com/JuvenileProtectiveAssociation/

www.instagram.com/jpachicago

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

Diana Munoz from Oxford Business College shares her inspiring insights on the transformative power of education for underprivileged students, many of whom have fled conflict or difficult circumstances in their home countries. The college offers a unique environment tailored for mature students, providing them with the opportunity to earn a degree in business management while balancing work and family responsibilities. Diana emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and open atmosphere where students feel heard and valued, highlighting the college’s commitment to listening to the student voice. She recounts touching stories, such as that of a 75-year-old graduate who overcame language barriers and personal challenges to achieve her academic goals. Through innovative teaching methods and a strong community spirit, Oxford Business College aims to empower its students to change their lives and futures, fostering entrepreneurial aspirations and personal growth.

Takeaways:

• Diana Munoz emphasizes the transformative journey of adult students at Oxford Business College.
• The college provides opportunities for underprivileged students to gain degrees in business management.
• Learning at Oxford Business College fosters critical thinking and leadership skills among diverse students.
• The college’s open door policy allows students to seek help and support whenever needed.
• Diana mentions the importance of knowledge as a powerful tool for personal growth.
• Student life at Oxford Business College includes flexibility to accommodate work and family responsibilities.

Website

https://oxfordbusinesscollege.ac.uk/

Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)

https://nape.org.uk/

Discover more about Education on Fire

🔥 https://www.educationonfire.com/

🔥 Support the show with a One-Off Tip

https://educationonfire.com/support

🔥 Ecamm Free Trial – How I record and produce this show.

https://educationonfire.com/ecamm

🔥 Captivate.FM – My podcast host

https://educationonfire.com/captivate

🔥 Descript – My Editing Tool

https://educationonfire.com/descript

🔥 London School of Public Relations – https://educationonfire.com/lspr

A comprehensive 1-day CPD-accredited certificated Podcasting course.

Some of the above are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you purchase via these but there is no cost increase to you. These links help support the channel so any clicks are greatly appreciated.

This podcast episode serves as a reflective roundup for the year 2024, where Mark Taylor contemplates personal growth and the importance of putting oneself first amidst the busy demands of life. He discusses his journey as a musician and educator, highlighting the challenges faced by teachers and the need for a supportive educational environment that centers around the child’s experience. Mark emphasizes the significance of self-care and balance, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being to enhance their effectiveness in their roles. He invites feedback on how the podcast can better serve the community, seeking insights on what topics and guests resonate with his audience. As he looks forward to 2025, Mark expresses excitement about continuing to share valuable conversations and resources that inspire and empower educators, parents, and students alike.

Takeaways:

• Mark Taylor emphasizes the importance of reflecting on personal motivations behind educational endeavors.
• The podcast aims to create a supportive community among educators, parents, and mentors.
• Mark discusses the necessity of putting oneself first for better overall well-being and effectiveness.
• He highlights the role of collaboration and sharing best practices across educational environments to enhance learning.
• The focus for the upcoming year includes expanding podcast formats and interactive content.
• Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences and wishes for future podcast topics and guests.

Links referenced in this episode:

• educationonfire.com
• youtube.com/c/CreativeAmplifiers