Guest Blog Post | Mary Mountstephen MA (SEN)
Wizzy’s Words | Guest Blog Post
I am delighted to have made acquaintance with Mary and to present this guest blog post.
Mary Mountstephen MA (SEN)
Some people have unfortunately found social media to be a hostile environment, with critical comments, unkind remarks, and misunderstandings. However, I am fortunate to report that I have made some super connections that share my research-led interest into ways to build strong foundations for learning that recognise the power of, for example, rhymes, rhythms, and repetition, in combination with a structured and purposeful range of motor interventions.
Wizzy's Words is a resource that I frequently recommend on my courses, as I am impressed with the quality and depth of content and presentation and its relevance to the development of so many skills. I came across Jacqueline’s work initially through Twitter, and you need to catch her modelling some of her moves!
Once the children are familiar with the actual rhymes that she has devised, it’s time to get creative with adding on movements that help make this a whole-body experience that reinforces balance, coordination, spatial awareness, sequencing and so much more.
I have often also observed that these activities can help pinpoint those children who may be experiencing difficulties that might otherwise go unnoticed. This then provides the observer with insights into the most effective ways to support those difficulties/ challenges. This is an area that `I have worked in for many years and published widely in academic and more popular publications (A selection of these are on my website.).
Mary Mountstephen is currently working on the research phase of an EdD, and is a former primary head, SENCo and leader of a highly praised specialist centre working with over 120 young students with a range of learning differences such as dyslexia. Her on-line training sessions get 5* feedback and support teachers, teaching support staff and parents with insights, strategies, and resources for supporting struggling learners.
Use the link to find out more about Mary’s on-line training sessions and join her on social media, as well as reading her reviews in SEN Magazine, that cover a wide range of publications and resources.
https://www.marymountstephen.com/