Have wings, will fly
Bright Ideas from 2008 finalists
A second edition of 'Butterflies for Schools', describing small interventions that have a big impact on learning, has just been published and given to every 2008 TA fellow.
The book is a collection of 20 ideas, gathered by the 2008 judges who visited more than 400 schools. Like a butterfly, the ideas are perfectly formed and could alight on any school to dazzling effect.
The notion is linked to chaos theory, which suggests that the movement of a single butterfly's wings in the Amazonian rain forests might trigger a chain of atmospheric results and ultimately cause a tornado many miles away.
One example - called 'Follow Me' - is the method employed by one lunchtime superviser to keep the playground calm and trouble-free. At the first sign of bad behaviour she steps in and tells children to 'follow me'. As she chats with other pupils, greets visitors or deals with general duties, her followers must keep quiet, watch her and calm down. It's a great alternative to standing outside the head's office! 'Butterflies' is sponsored by the CfBT Education Trust.
If you'd like a downloadable copy please visit http://www.teachingawards.com/fellows/
