Category Archives: Uncategorized

When I tell my class of teens we’ll be studying Shakespeare this year there are usually groans all round, he’s boring, dead, old, irrelevant. So “before” we start the dreaded bard we do something else first, sometimes I say it’s … Continue reading →

I was asked this question on Instagram today (obviously sending my energy into a downward spiral there!) and it got me thinking. Where do I direct most of my energy in teaching? And is it where I can make most … Continue reading →

This year I’m making a big effort to really teach strategies in depth. I’ve always felt strategies were essential in learning in general, but especially in encouraging learner autonomy and with supporting students with learning difficulties; because, as with so … Continue reading →

What I love about this lesson is that students can really go to town on their strengths, music, designing posters, character study, etc. I often use it at the end of a chapter to bring in everything they’ve learnt, for … Continue reading →

With conference season in full swing, I just know I’m going to walk out of the next talk thinking about how I really must make more time to keep up to date on my professional, and therefore personal development. Often … Continue reading →

The end of the lesson is as important as the start, although you wouldn’t think that from my planning – or execution! While I plan great starts, warm ups, lead-ins etc the end of the lesson is usually accompanied by … Continue reading →

A few days ago I posted details of my whiteboard layout and mentioned “ponders”, these questions or phrases are written up in a corner of the whiteboard and give students something to ponder upon during lulls in the lesson or … Continue reading →

I’ve talked before about Fast Finishers as you can see in the category section to your right  and I’ve even produced an ebook full of them! Here‘s a bunch of ideas for creating cheer and wellbeing at the same time. … Continue reading →