1. Developing Learning
To teach learning skills schools have to identify the key skills they value. This presentation is to explain the key learning skills we are embedding at the Oaks fed. The most effective way to teach learning skills is to integrate them with learning knowledge, which is why we adopt the project approach.
Developing learning skills is not about having higher natural intelligence.
Once a child has learned a particular learning skill, then their learning ability improves regardless of intelligence.
Learning skills are simply the skills that the best learners have that differentiate them from poor learners

2. Research shows that learning orientated pupils are more motivated, resilient in the face of failure and achieve better results.
Florez and Sammons 2013
Learning skills are also being developed as well as subject knowledge to develop the all round child and a life long learner. Learning doesn’t stop when we leave school.

3. Nicky Morgan 2016
For me, character traits are those qualities that enhance us as people; persistence, the ability to work with others, to show humility in the joy of success and resilience in the face of failure.
Part of the political agenda.
Part of a larger world wide movement – there is an increasing recognition of the importance of teaching learning skills within the curriculum – International Baccalaureate (teachers thinking, social communication, self management, research skills)
The process of learning is becoming just as important as the product.

4. Our Learning characteristics
Creativity
Emotional Literacy
Independence
Interdependence
Spirituality
Thinking
Important life skills and go across age phases from Early Years through to degree level.
Quote from school website:
At the Oaks Learning Federation we are committed to developing a curriculum that engages and motivates children, facilitating thinking and learning, problem solving and creativity.
Learning skills are not subject specific – they are generic across the curriculum

5. EYFS – Development Matters
Learning behaviours are assessed and reported on as part of the EYs curriculum
Year R following the 6 learning characters in the school, just in a slightly simplifies version and to support the characteristics of effective learning

6. How do we teach Learning? Meet our Learning Characters
We have chosen puppets to make the learning skills more accessible to the children.
The role of the adult is crucial in developing these skills; through modelling and valuing these behaviours and through our use of genuine praise. Valuing the effort rather than the final product.It is OK to make mistakes – encouraging children to use these learning mistakes to improve and get better – (develop a Growth mindset) rather than become upset and not take the risks in learning in case they fail (a fixed mindset). Carol Dweck, American Professor, has down lots of influential work in this field. An interesting read, generally for all of us!
How do we teach Learning? Meet our Learning Characters

7. Creativity
I am very creative and love using my imagination to ask and answer questions about the world around me and things that happen.
I am very curious so I am always asking “What if?” I use what I know to find an answer to what I don’t know.
I really enjoy a challenge and love coming up with ideas no one else has thought of.
I am a creative, confident learner.
Knowing that it is ok not to always be right
Can set most activities in the context of our learning characters for example Today we are going to be creative like Octavia and use out imagination. We are going to see if we could add a twist to the story of The three Little Pigs.

8. Emotional Intelligence - Feelings
I know I have different feelings, like being happy or sad, and that other people do as well.
I am good at managing my feelings and always stop and think before I act.
I understand that sometimes it is difficult to get on with other people however I always try to be a good friend.
I am very good at thinking about how other people might be feeling.
I know I can because I believe I can!
Moving away from being egocentric and begin to think about others

9. Independence
I am confident and keep trying, even when things are difficult. I like the challenge of tackling problems and enjoy talking about how I might solve them.
I can organise myself and the equipment I might need to get the job done.
I like to talk about the things I have done and learnt and I can explain how I could make them even better next time.
I can use a skill that I have learnt before when taking part in another activity.
Self regulation and managing themselves

10. Interdependence – team work
I can work in a team by listening to other people. I know that their thoughts are important and that sometimes my idea may not be the best one.
I am good at sorting out problems with others, finding ways to include everyone’s ideas.
I work hard to make or do something as part of a group and know that we all join in and do our best.
I know what I am good at doing.
I know what my class friends are good at doing.
An important life skill in many jobs!
For example Today we are working as a team to see how many different ways we can make 10

11. Spirituality
I am interested in the world around me and know that there are some things that make me say “wow”.
I know some little things are amazing and huge things can be wonderful too.
I like to ask questions, even big ones that might not have an answer.
I can think about my ideas, sometimes quietly on my own and sometimes I share them with others.
I know what’s important to me and think about this when making choices.
Big questions like why is the sky blue.

12. Thinking
I love to use my imagination to come up with lots of ideas. I try to think of different ways to solve problems.
I am always looking for ways to improve my learning.
I know that my first idea is not always the best one so I have to think again and come up with another idea.
I know that thinking can sometimes be easier if you do it with a friend.
I can use a thinking tool to organise my ideas and share them with other people.
Thinking tool like a bubble diagram or mind map or even simply a list/drawing to jot down first ideas.
Resident thinker – to develop staff as thinkers too
Every time we insist to our children that we are right and that we know the truth we are limiting their independent thinking. Don’t supply all the answers, but help and support them find the answers for themselves.