Category Archives: teaching

The children’s laureate Chris Riddell – aided and abetted by eight other children’s authors including the former laureates Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson and Quentin Blake – has called upon the education secretary, Justine Greening, to help preserve school libraries. Riddell argues – in an open letter to Greening – that many school libraries lack sufficientContinue reading “Libraries gave us power…”

This is the final instalment of a 3-part series on the importance of reading to children.  Here’s Part One and Part Two. In his book Raising Kids Who Read, Daniel Willingham says that “When you think of activities parents might undertake to develop their child’s knowledge, reading aloud is probably high on your list”. And, he says,Continue reading “Should parents read bedtime stories? Part Three”

This is the second instalment of a 3-part article on the importance of reading to children.  Here’s Part One. In September 2015 the UK education secretary, Nicky Morgan, and the children’s author and comedian, David Walliams, announced a new government target: they want to make English children the most literate in Europe within the next fiveContinue reading “Should parents read bedtime stories? Part Two”

This is the first instalment of a 3-part series on the importance of reading to children. “A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” – Neil Gaiman If you’re ever unfortunate enough to find yourself in a meeting with me towards the end of the day, you’ll no doubt clock me clock-watching.Continue reading “Should parents read bedtime stories?”

In part one, I said that great teachers tend to be relentless in their pursuit of excellence and, as such, their language is infused with a sense of urgency and drive. Great teachers also have the ability to explain complex concepts in ways that make sense. Great teachers ask good questions and give really goodContinue reading “What makes a great teacher? (Part Two)”

In his book, The Talent Code, Daniel Coyle says: “Master coaches aren’t like heads of state. They aren’t like captains who steer us across the unmarked sea, or preachers on a pulpit, ringing out the good news.” Instead, their personality is “more like that of a farmer than a president or preacher: they are down-to-earthContinue reading “What makes a great teacher? (Part One)”

I don’t believe in conspiracy theories but Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy have always made my spine tingle. After all, they have an awful lot in common… Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846; John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946. Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860; John F KennedyContinue reading “The conspiracy of success”