iPad Summer School

Welovebearwood were definitely born a century too late, we would have been very happy in much simpler times.

Smartphones, tablets and the whole ipad generation leave us dumbfounded. How do children play angry birds from a very early age and thrash their parents? We have no idea...please tell us!

Despite some of the bad press the ipad has proved to be a very good educational tool.  Marie Bastable is holding an ipad summer school for children at Warley Woods so we caught up with her to find out more.

"Having taught in Primary Schools and Special Education settings for over 13 years, I was delighted when iPads were first introduced to the school where I was the I.T. Specialist four years ago. Finally, I had discovered a medium which could reach ALL school children, regardless of their age, ability, learning style or need. Subsequently, having had a child of my own, I began to realise the enormous potential this tool had in accelerating the development of an even younger child.

Before my little boy was 12 months old, his curious, inquiring mind was intrigued and fascinated by the iPad. This small device could respond to his touch and stimulate his auditory and visual senses in such a powerful way. I had found a means of enriching and developing my baby’s formative years, while he did no more than play and enjoy! Since then I’ve spent endless hours searching through hundreds of Apps in a quest to source the very best.

In addition to this research and by drawing on my experience as a teacher, I have designed a course which covers the key objectives of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (for children up to 5 years). The chosen Apps specifically address the 7 stages of development for pre-schoolers. The essence and driving force behind all of my work is the desire to ensure that:

I strongly believe the impact an iPad will have on your child’s learning will amaze you.

The summer school will run as a 4 week course, each session lasting 45 minutes and costing £5. The venue will be The Pavilion, Warley Woods Park and Golf Course.

Dates and times are as follows:

Tuesdays: 6th - 13th - 20th - 27th August

Wednesdays: 7th - 14th - 21st - 28th August

Thursdays: 8th - 15th - 22nd - 29th August

10am – 10.45am Stage 1 (2 ½ years to 3 years)

10.45am – 11.30am Stage 2 (3 years+)

Each group will have a maximum of 6 children (with parent / carer) therefore places are very limited. If morning groups are filled or there is sufficient interest, I will arrange further sessions during the afternoons on the above days (running between 1pm & 2.30pm).

Following on from the Summer School, a term time course will begin in September, also taking place on Tuesdays to Thursdays."

If you are interested in reserving a place at the summer school, please phone  or email Marie with the following information.  (Her contact details are as shown on the picture.)

1) Parent and child’s name

2) Contact details

3) Age of child

4) Previous experience with iPad (parent / child)

5) Preferred day (must be same for 4 weeks)