We have a host of international & local Thinking experts coming our way with fresh ideas around this key competence.

Looking for practical classroom strategies to encourage higher-order and cooperative thinking? Eric Frangenheim is the man for you - visiting us for Creating the Thinking Classroom 24 June and Strategies for Cooperative Thinking 25 June.

Crowd favourite Graham Watts returns from the UK with a satchel full of ideas related to thinking and the key competencies. Not only is he one of the keynote speakers at our NZConnectED Conference in July, but he's presenting several courses and breakfast sessions in Auckland and Christchurch- a must for all of you wanting to expand and maintain your focus on Thinking as a core element of your curriculum.

STOP PRESS: We've just managed to confirm super-thinker Tony Ryan for two Teacher Only Day events in late January 2011 - watch this space for more information or drop me a line if you'd like to know more: Sue M.

I think we know that the new fitness craze has arrived so I’ve put together some Zumba for the Brain resources - because you can’t just exercise the body, you have to exercise the brain as well.

I have also introduced a new Resource flyer library tab on our website where you can access flyers relating to resources that we produce for various events or presenters. Please be aware that it is “under construction” and will be changing and becoming more user-friendly over the next few weeks.

May is our month of diversity and appreciating all that is different about us, so visit our resources homepage and see what we have around embracing students' individualism (but still making it work in the classroom!). Regards from Dorne (Resource Manager).

Apparently the human brain has around 70,000 thoughts on an average day. Probably slightly fewer on a Friday, but what an incredible organ!

The latest brain research is moving faster than the average neuron can keep up with - and this has huge implications for teaching and learning.

We are excited to welcome one of Australasia's leading brain-based learning experts, Brainiac #1: Dr. Mike Nagel to NZ to present several events in October. Author of the must-read titles Boys Stir Us and It's a Girl Thing, Mike will lead Engaging Learners - The Brain's Behind It in Hawkes Bay on 6 Oct, with a parents' evening there on the same date. On 8 Oct he'll be joined by Brainiac #2: Mike Scaddan for the Auckland event which offers a choice of workshops as well as keynotes and a Q&A session with the two Mikes.

Can't wait that long? How about learning the fantastic benefits that Brain Gym movements can bring to your classroom? Courses for Primary/Secondary (14 May) and also ECE educators (12 Aug) with Brainiac #3: Janet de Witt.

Another whizz whose training is influenced by his years of brain-based learning research is Brainiac #4: Rich Allen. Rich is passionate about getting students engaged in learning and his fast-paced, fun and practical sessions are always a huge hit. Join him on June 1 for Green Light Classrooms.

Congratulations to @rachelboyd, who has won a FREE place at our NZConnectED Conference worth $550! All our existing and new Twitter followers went into the draw during April. Follow @learningnz for more great tips, links, resources and specials.

Thinking:

Creating the Thinking Classroom (Auckland) with Eric Frangenheim 24 June

Strategies for Cooperative Thinking (Auckland) with Eric Frangenheim 25 June


Literacy:

Understanding & Implementing the Literacy Progressions Y1-4 (Auckland) with Alison Davis 11 & 12 June (Y5-8 course on 30 & 31 July)

Effective Teachers of Writing Y4-6 (Auckland) with Murray Gadd 15 June Sorry this course is full - still spaces on similar courses for teachers of Y7-8 (7 Sept) and Struggling / Reluctant Writers Y4-8 (19 Oct).


Brain Compatible Learning:

Introduction to Brain Gym (Auckland) with Janet de Witt 14 May (for Primary & Secondary educators)


Student Engagement / Relationship Management:

Student Engagement & Positive Relationships (Auckland) with Ron & Kath Cronin-Lampe 13 May

Relational Connectedness & Restorative Philosophy (Auckland) with Ron & Kath Cronin-Lampe 17 - 19 June

The Resilient Educator (Auckland) with Adrienne Wood 22 June

Green Light Classrooms (Auckland) with Rich Allen 1 June


Secondary Specific:

Being an Effective Dean (Christchurch) with Jan Hill 3 June

Being an Effective HOD (Christchurch) with Jan Hill 4 June


Curriculum Design:

Introduction to Curriculum Mapping (Christchurch) with Chic Foote 11 May

Advanced Curriculum Mapping (Auckland) with Chic Foote 27 May


e-learning:

e-portfolios and High Achievement (Auckland) with Mark Osborne 28 May

Open Educational Resources (Auckland) with Mark Osborne 29 May Saturday - no reliever costs!