Categories for English

(Not another) Blog about Phonics

(Not Another Blog) About Phonics… Many, me included, have plenty to say about phonics. My Twitter feed regularly features links to blogs on the subject of phonics. These cover a wide spectrum of views, from those who would advocate a phonics first and phonics only approach to reading, to those... View Article

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Teaching Poetry in Primary Schools.

Teaching poetry in primary schools There is still an elephant in the room! We all know that we need to include poetry in our teaching. We all know that children need to listen to, discuss, respond to, perform and write poetry. However, the elephant remains – large, grey and unmoving!... View Article

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Handwriting Analysis – Focus Team

Handwriting analysis (also known as graphology), is the understanding of a person’s personality, by examining their individual handwriting style. What to look for when analysing your handwriting: Large Letters: This person has a big personality. Wants to feel understood and noticed. People Oriented.Small Letters: Strong focus and concentration. Sometimes introspective and shy.... View Article

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Handwriting in primary schools

Blog about handwriting? Would there be enough to blog about? I began to think. I remember my grandfather telling me how he had to learn exquisitely perfect copperplate handwriting on a slate. If that was not challenging enough, he was left-handed and his teacher tied his left hand behind his... View Article

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EAL Learners and the New Curriculum

EAL Learners in primary schools The group of children that we “name” EAL learners, is not a homogeneous group. These children come from many different ethnicities, different cultural experiences, different life experiences (some of them challenging and traumatic), and different educational experiences and expectations. What they all have in common... View Article

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Discussing Reading with Children in Key Stage 1

Discussing Reading with Children The starting point for evaluating reading in primary schools is to look at the standards and progress within reading. One of the main ways to address the whole-school approach and progression within reading, is to speak directly to pupils and get an in-depth understanding of the... View Article

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