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What Would I Tell My 12-year old self?

Posted by Norman Bailey on Friday, August 16, 2024,
I would tell him, "You were right."
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The easiest way to improve your voice

Posted by Norman Bailey on Saturday, January 2, 2016,

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3 Simple Ways to instantly Create an Inclusive Classroom Enviroment

Posted by Norman Bailey on Sunday, September 6, 2015, In : Storytelling 

Inclusion is not about getting children to fit in, it's about helping each child feel that they belong.  Creating an inclusive climate in the classroom helps refugee children to settle and feel welcome and valued. 

1. Bring other cultures into the classroom
It’s good idea to ensure your pupils learn something about the countries and the cultural background their classmates come from.  This encourages discussion about moving home, cultural diversity and sees all children as resources for le...


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Don't Judge a library by its Cover

Posted by Norman Bailey on Monday, July 7, 2014,


The old Birmingham Reference Library as been the cause of much controversy since it first opened in 1974.   Closed since 2011 and now replaced by the new Library of Birmingham but it still forms a formidable sight.   There are people who want it demolished and some who campaign for it to get listing status.  It's fate lies in the balance.

Me I've always like it.  Though many can't see why.  So here's why.


 Because it saved my life.  Or at least helped me get the life I truly wanted, rather th...


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You can sing. Here's why

Posted by Norman Bailey on Monday, July 7, 2014, In : Voice Works 



When I say 'I'm a singing teacher' many people reply, “I can't sing!” 

Now I'd have thought that would have been my perfect in.  But no.  For so many people their sheer terror at the thought of using their voice effectively, joyfully and confidently is something they'd rather not contemplate. 

I've been out and about promoting The Love singing method recently, so I've had the opportunity to talk face-to-face with people who haven't fully embraced the joys of singing.  What's even sadder was...


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The Digital Library

Posted by Norman Bailey on Monday, July 7, 2014, In : Libraries 


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It's a Wonder-ful Life

Posted by Norman Bailey on Monday, June 30, 2014,

Yesterday was all about the musical legend that is Stevie Wonder. 

Up at 7:00 and thinking about how singing tips had gone down with the TuneIN Choir singers.  There were a quite a few emails in my inbox so I was about to find out.  Whatever that afternoon's rehearsal had in store was secondary to the fact that many of us were looking forward to was seeing Stevie Wonder do his thing at the Calling Festival in Clapham Common, south London, straight afterwards.

Rehearsal over we headed down from...
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Why 'Reading for Joy' Didn't work on Boys

Posted by Norman Bailey on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, In : Libraries 

So does putting reading in the 'for pleasure' category get boys into reading?



I've never been a big fan of the 'Reading For Joy' movement.   So I was really pleased when figure published this week showed that the 'Reading for Pleasure' drive is beginning to bear fruit.  When I heard this my first reaction was, Reading for pleasure' when did that happen.  The last I heard it was called 'Reading of Joy'.  I'm sure there more to this than changing a word but does this have something to do with...


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Would you sing more if you knew how good it was for you?

Posted by Norman Bailey on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, In : Voice Works 



Smoking is bad for you and vegetables are good for you!  We take this for granted because we're all aware of the research behind these facts.   What we're less familiar with are the health benefits of a good old singalong.  Would you sing more If you knew how it was going to boost your confidence, put you in a better mood or even help you live longer?   Well, there's research that suggests that it does.   It's not common knowledge at the moment. But one day we will be.  


As thing stand the u...


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How To Sing With Greater Confidence

Posted by Norman Bailey on Friday, April 18, 2014, In : Voice Works 


So you've set your mind on doing more singing.    But how's it going?
 
Have you set to it with full force and are you now singing the songs you want to sing where and when you want to sing them.  Or are you finding that your first few steps have been a little hesitant and faltering.  Well you'll be comforted by the fact that this is normal.

There are many reasons why you are not, as yet, totally in tune with your voice.  Some reasons are universal and others are more personal to you.   Let's ta...
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War Horse Musician Lose Court Battle Against National Theatre

Posted by Norman Bailey on Friday, April 18, 2014, In : Theatre 

Being a theatre director I will be following, with interest, the recent developments on the National Theatre’s London production of War Horse.

Five musicians have failed to win a High Court order against the National Theatre (NT) after being made redundant from the West End production and replaced by a prerecorded soundtrack.

The NT said the decision to cut live music from the show was made for artistic and financial reasons.  Very interesting!  War Horse is one of the National's most success...


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7 proven Ways To Get Boys Into Reading

Posted by Norman Bailey on Sunday, May 12, 2013, In : Creativity 

How many time have you thrown your hands up and said, "I give up"?    


For many people, those who care about positive child development, giving up isn't an option.  Think about how your life would be if you had no access to the written word.  This is a reality for many people. For some it's a physiological issue other it's psychological.  There are also those who by not understanding the importance of reading never bother to develop the skill sufficiently.  Until it's too late.

So what does it ...


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Storybookers

Ice Cream Or A Story, Given The Choice Which One Would Kids Choose?

Do We Really Know What Kids Want?

Being a storyteller I know that children and adults love stories.  But I wasn’t prepared for what I found out today.

image

I’ve just taken part in the Play Day at Somerford Grove, Tottenham, London, UK.  A great day of fun in the sun.  This was part of my time delivering drama and storytelling workshops with Northumberland Park Community School on their Summer Transition Programme.  

The best thing about this storytelling day was that I had now acquired a troupe of little helper to help out.  A loyal band of great little storytellers all face-painted in the character from the Anansi story we’d been working on.   We’d also managed to pick up a very talented drummer who helped support the narrative with his improvised percussion.

Part way through the day a group of children and their guardians appeared at my tent.  Keen little faces eager to hear some Caribbean and African tales.  They sit and I tell them of Shamba and his magical control of  the weather.  When I finish the story the children are asked, “Do you want another story or do you want to get some ice cream?”

Like you, probably, I’m expecting a tent full of tumbleweed faster than you can say, “Do you want a flake with that?”  But no.  The kids want another story.  And then another.  If it wasn’t for the fact that other children wanted in and there was plenty more to do and see I suspect they would have sat there soaking in stories for the rest of the afternoon.

So, when thinking of treats for kids rather than going directly to sweets or computer games.  Think again.  Perhaps all they need is some family storytelling time.

Posted 537 weeks ago

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