Blog
The Flat Earth and Teaching Reading
“In real science, one is eventually influenced by the evidence.” Keith Stanovich (2000) Once upon a time, it was widely believed that the Earth was flat. Many ancient cultures portrayed
Intensive care: the new normal
There have been times, when at my most rational and pragmatic, I’ve contemplated my life’s end and its implications for my eldest daughter. During these times, I confess I’ve hoped
Round the Blend
Why an over-focus on “blends” could be slowing reading and spelling progress. Working 1:1 with primary school children allows me to monitor teaching trends in my local area. This micro-sample
Reading Recovery: first impressions of bad teaching
One of the best aspects of my job is when I get to observe other practitioners in action. I’ve been very lucky to have such generous colleagues. This is the
There’s more to life than books, you know
I love music. I always have. I especially like punk and Indiepop from the 80s. My obsession with The Smiths and Morrissey led me into worlds of art and literature
My non-verbal child: it doesn’t get any better than this
My late 16 year old daughter didn’t want designer clothes or brand-name devices. She ate everything on her plate; always had. She never begged me for new pets, holidays or