12:40pm Sunday 5th July 2009
By World reporter
GROUNDBREAKING research from a Widnes school has been presented to international delegates at a conference in Singapore.
The pioneering project examined objects which children can hold, touch and smell to stimulate their imagination.
Nick Owen, who developed the research at Fairfield Infants School, said: “The paper went down well.
“There are several possibilities of some connections with similar organisations and schools in Melbourne, Australia.
“Organisations are interested in establishing some kind of link with Farifield.”
The paper called ‘Watch, listen, smell, taste, read this space’ was presented to the International Arts in Early Childhood Concerence, attended by delegates from all over the world.
It encouraged children to make connections and generate their own stories.
The process involves all the senses, not solely the ability to think, talk and write.
Clr Tom McInerney, board member for children, said: “Staff reported back that they had enjoyed the project a great deal, stressing that is was a timely reminder that coming to school is not only about children’s achievement but is also about their enjoyment.
“It is a great honour that a piece of research from a school in Halton is being held up as good practice at a conference in Singapore.”
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