Interesting Articles

4 Simple Ways to Fit More Music Into the School Day

Posted by in childrens songs, education

Music is an incredibly important subject that enriches pupils’ lives and education. But as it is treated increasingly as an afterthought rather than a priority, how can we ensure that children continue to enjoy the remarkable benefits of music in schools? With a lack of funding and resources for specialist education, it’s important to fit music into the school day wherever possible. Here you’ll find some simple and effective ideas to help you do so. Why we need more music in schools A 2012 Ofsted report highlighted several worrying trends…read more

5 Stimulating and Fun Ways to Teach the Easter Story

Posted by in childrens activities, childrens songs, easter songs, education

As Easter approaches, there’s usually one thing on children’s minds: chocolate. And with cute bunnies and chicks dominating homes, shops and TV channels, it can be easy for them to forget or overlook the true meaning behind Easter. Here you’ll find some fun ways to teach the Easter story that will keep children on their toes whilst reinforcing the significance of this important time of year. Bring the Easter story to life with these creative ideas for teachers, parents and Sunday schools Easter songs Music provides one of the best…read more

Nativity Plays For Small Groups: Ideas and Suggestions

Posted by in christmas play, nativity play

As a teacher at a small school, you might be struggling to find a Christmas play that doesn’t require a host of angels, shepherds, stable animals and the rest. However, they do exist, and many scripts are flexible enough that they can be chopped and changed to suit smaller classes. Here are some suggestions to help you adapt the cast list to suit the size of your production along with some recommended nativity plays for small groups. How to tailor a Christmas play script to a small cast If you’re…read more

Best Scented Candles for Christmas on a Budget

Posted by in Christmas, Home Improvements

5 affordable Christmas candles that smell expensive The smoky aromas of a crackling log fire, a tang of sweet orange spiced with cinnamon and cloves… If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like a warming fragrance to get you feeling festive. But if you’re shopping for scented Christmas candles on a budget, it’s easy to end up with one that smells artificial and sickly sweet, like the fragrance aisle in a knock-off homeware store. Even worse, some of the more devious brands scent only the top of the candle so that it smells deceptively good in the shop,…read more

What to Look For When Buying a Gas Fireplace

Posted by in Home Furnishings, Home Improvements

If you’re looking to add extra warmth to a room without wasting energy heating the rest of the house, a gas fire offers the most cost effective way to do so. But with so many different options to choose from, it’s important to do your research before buying a gas fireplace so that you can get the greatest possible value (and warmth) for your money. This article explores the available options and outlines the key features that you should consider before purchasing a gas fireplace.  What to look for in a…read more

Best Educational Songs for Children: Key Stages 0 – 2

Posted by in childrens songs, education, primary school songs

Music is an excellent tool for introducing and reinforcing subject matter. Used well, it can aid awareness, engagement and retention in class whilst enhancing creativity and promoting a sense of connectivity. Out of the Ark has a fantastic selection of tried and trusted curriculum-based educational songs for children in nursery and primary school, ideal for bringing core topics to life. All the following resources come with a CD including vocal and backing tracks. Words on Screen software can be used to display lyrics onto the whiteboard, computer screen, television or…read more

How to Enhance Learning By Using Music in the Classroom

Posted by in childrens songs, education, primary school songs

The benefits of using music in the classroom are well documented. Carefully selected songs can give children more energy and motivation, put them in a positive mood, boost creativity, promote relaxation and focus, and make classes more fun and memorable. In order to use music effectively in the classroom, it’s important to pick the right tracks for particular purposes, occasions and topics. Here are some quick-fire suggestions… 10 ways to use music in the classroom As a warm-up before class. Some simple vocal warm-ups accompanied by actions can provide stimulation…read more

A 5-Minute Guide to Yukata Kimono

Posted by in Japanese Kimono

What is a yukata? First of all, what is a yukata when it’s at home? Put simply, it’s a casual style of Japanese kimono with straight seams and wide sleeves, typically worn after bathing and during the warmer months of the year. If you buy a kimono in the UK, chances are it’ll be a yukata like the ones shown here as opposed to a formal-style kimono such as a furisode, which are more elaborate and expensive, and somewhat laborious to put on. What is a yukata used for? The word…read more

Old Meets New: Creating a Classic Contemporary Bathroom

Posted by in bathroom design, Interior Design

Envisage a classically styled bathroom brought up to date with modern, reliable engineering. By mixing and matching the best elements of traditional and contemporary bathrooms, you can create a unique space designed for modern living without compromising on character. Read on for some pointers on creating a classic contemporary bathroom that’ll rival the efforts of any interior designer. Classic contemporary bathroom design ideas The suite The best piece of advice I can offer you is to choose a freestanding bath. These work well in both traditional and modern bathroom settings…read more

Does Repositioning Therapy Correct Flat Head Syndrome?

Posted by in flat head syndrome, infants

Many parents are advised to try repositioning therapy to correct flat head syndrome (AKA plagiocephaly) during the first few months of life. But does it always work? This article takes a look at the research that has been carried out to date to shed some light on this controversial issue. Just how effective is repositioning therapy? According to the NHS website: “Your baby’s skull should correct itself naturally over time if you take some simple measures to take pressure off the flattened part of their head and encourage them to…read more