Cast your bread upon the waters…

I was reminded of this bible verse at our dear friend, John Britton’s funeral on 13th February 2025 at Margam Crematorium in Wales. His pastor, who was leading the service, shared a story from his final visit to see John in Penarth’s hospice. During their time together, he had asked for advice and John had encouraged him with these words:

“Cast your bread upon the waters…”

_{^{Ecclesiastes 11:1}}

A Google search of Ecclesiastes 11:1 led me to this AI overview:

Ecclesiastes 11:1, encourages taking risks and investing wisely, even when the outcome isn’t immediately clear. It suggests that one should “cast your bread upon the waters” which means to invest or give generously, because you may find a return on that investment later. The verse also advises diversifying investments, as there’s no way to know what misfortunes might occur. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• “Cast your bread upon the waters”: This phrase, literally translated, means to put your grain into the water. In ancient times, this might have been a way to transport grain for trade or to sow it in fields that were flooded. It can be interpreted as a call to generosity and investing in others, even when it seems risky. 
• “For after many days you will find it again”: This part of the verse emphasizes that even if the results of your actions aren’t immediately apparent, they may come back to you later. 
• “Give portions to seven, yes to eight”: This suggests diversifying your investments or giving to multiple people or ventures. This is a way to mitigate risk, as you can’t predict what might happen in the future. 

In essence, Ecclesiastes 11:1 encourages a balance of risk-taking and prudence, highlighting the importance of generosity and investment while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of life. 

John’s life was a testimony to the truth in these words – and I’m not talking about material gain. John and his wife, Jan, invested deeply in people over many, many years and the return on their investment was clear for all to see in the crowd that gathered for John’s thanksgiving service. The thankfulness to God for John’s life ascended to heaven, the outpouring of love was immense, and the congregational singing was tremendous.

Throughout my four years’ studying to be a teacher at Marjons in Plymouth, John and Jan welcomed me into their home and church week after week. They were incredibly gracious and hospitable to me. Our times together (even with John’s merciless teasing when I wore the red blazer jacket my mum had made for me!) deepened and strengthened our bond of friendship. Our relationship grew ever deeper and wider as they warmly welcomed Sean into their lives and, as our three children arrived on the scene, they loved each one unreservedly.

I didn’t set out for this to be a tribute to John and Jan Britton, but I’m glad it’s turning out that way. John and Jan were both teaching long before Sean and I started our teacher training. They were great encouragers to us both in our teaching journeys – John even bought (and read!) Sean’s book.

Where are you casting your bread, Julia?

Due to circumstances beyond my control, a significant number of my Alternative Provision sessions have been cancelled this term. I have battled feelings of frustration and uselessness, seemingly unable to move forward because of closed doors at every turn.

After a lot of grappling with the situation, I’m gradually coming to a place of agency. I’ve been ploughing my energy and spare time into creating and posting videos to share what I’ve learned about teaching children to read and write over the last three decades.

In February 2017, I tentatively began my YouTube channel. The link below should take you to the first video I published of me reading with a four year old child in a local school:

At that moment in time, I was running my own business as an Early Literacy Intervention teacher. I had completed additional training as an Every Child a Reader teacher, but the funding in Herefordshire had run out at the end of the 2011-2012 academic year. I returned to full-time class teaching on a temporary one year contract in September 2012. In July 2013, I set up my business working 1:1 with children in their homes and in schools.

What are you aiming for?

The aims behind the 7 videos I published in 2017 were:

📚 to model evidence-informed strategies and techniques to teach children to read and write;

📚 to guide adults to effectively support children through the early stages of reading and writing development.

The same aims underpin everything I’ve quietly added to the channel since. With each new addition, I am aiming to share what I’ve learned through my training, practice and experience, while actively encouraging children, families and communities to read together. I’ve included:

• short introductions to picturebooks I’ve enjoyed:

• multi-sensory ideas for learning initial letter-sound correspondences;

• footage of me teaching reading to the children in my reception class in 2022.

How’s it going?

In terms of reaching my target audience, there’s room for growth – and promotion (come on, Julia, ‘Be Bold, Be Strong…’). Here’s a screenshot showing engagement for my channel and website last month:

I’ve kept quiet about the videos so far. I still have repeated negative feedback ringing in my ears telling me my ideas are ‘not financially viable’ and ‘unmarketable’. I haven’t pinpointed a clear marketing strategy yet.

However…

I’m really enjoying creating the videos and reliving happy memories of the children I taught and the picturebooks we read together. The project is also giving me a sense of purpose. Deep down, I do believe my knowledge, experience and passion have the potential to make a valuable contribution to breathe life into learning to read and write. I remain determined to do everything I can to equip children, families and communities to:

Take off anxiety,

Take off stress,

Take off pressure,

Relax into reading,

Bond through books.

As I work towards my vision and cast my bread upon the waters, I’m learning to scrutinise two opposing voices. One tells me I am a complete and utter waste of space and holds up all the evidence to prove it; the other encourages me to keep pressing on to use every avenue available for me to share what I have to give. I’m on a mission to silence the first voice and amplify the second – with singing:

'Freely, freely, you have received, 

Freely, freely give...'

(Join in if you know the tune!)

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