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”
Category Archives: teaching
Should parents read bedtime stories? Part Two
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”
Should parents read bedtime stories?
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?”
The habits of a great teacher
Your initial teacher training year is a bit like learning to drive: throughout your training you have a constant critic at your side offering advice (or possibly a staffroom full of them), and you are encouraged to endlessly reflect, adjust and – by so doing – secure incremental improvements. You might literally be in theContinue reading “The habits of a great teacher”
What makes a great teacher? (Part Two)
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)”
What makes a great teacher? (Part One)
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)”
The conspiracy of success
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”
The magic of myelin
The loft in my house is heavily insulated with a yellow material made of glass fibre. Every time I open the hatch to retrieve a suitcase or box of toys, I’m showered with thick strands of the stuff. Not only do I look ridiculous in a frizzy yellow wig, but – because glass fibre isContinue reading “The magic of myelin”
The octagon of excellence
The most effective way to raise student attainment, according to Ron Berger in his book An Ethic of Excellence, is to create a culture in which every child strives to create his or her very best work every day and has a stake in the collective success or failure of his or her class. I’veContinue reading “The octagon of excellence”
The science of learning
Learning is a complex cognitive process which, broadly speaking, occurs in four stages: Let’s take a look at each of these four stages in turn… 1, Attention Samuel Johnson said that “the true art of memory is the art of attention”. If we are to be effective as teachers we should think carefully about howContinue reading “The science of learning”
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