I bought this copy of ‘Read With Me: An Apprenticeship Approach to Reading’ by Liz Waterland in the Marjon’s bookshop in Plymouth during my initial teacher training. It still bears my maiden name inside the front cover. I have treasured the book since the late 1980s. The title was the inspiration behind my ‘Read withContinue reading “‘Read with me’ by Liz Waterland”
Category Archives: Teaching
Just keep it simple
I believe Quentin Blake’s ‘Mrs Armitage on Wheels’ has some valuable lessons to teach us…
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 hadContinue reading “Cast your bread upon the waters…”
Wait a minute, Mr Postman!
As a subscriber to the Children’s Poetry Summit, I enjoy receiving regular introductions to poets through their blog. Last week, children’s poet and author, A. F. Harrold, shared his happy habit of sending poetry postcards. As I began reading the article, my heart sank when I saw, ‘I know the age of the letter isContinue reading “Wait a minute, Mr Postman!”
“I’m bored, Mummy.”
The Treasure of a Lively Inquiring Mind
I enjoy reading biographies best of all. I recently read Volume 1 of Iain Murray’s biography of Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Murray describes ‘the Doctor’ as a prolific reader and records Lloyd-Jones speaking about the motivation behind his reading: ‘”I have always believed,” he once said, “that the business of reading is to make oneContinue reading “The Treasure of a Lively Inquiring Mind”
Online Teaching in Alternative Provision
I am currently working for an Alternative Provision agency on a zero hour contract. I teach children and young people who are unable to manage the demands of mainstream schools. Most of the sessions are online, some of the children and young people have received funding from their local authority for 5 hours of onlineContinue reading “Online Teaching in Alternative Provision”
Has learning to read in 2024 become a chore and a bore?
Saturday 29th June marked the end of my ‘Read with Julia’ pilot project at Ledbury Community Hub. If you look at the numbers, it wasn’t a rip-roaring success – but it’s given me plenty of food for thought…
Can we banish burnout?
Stupid question? Maybe… I’m sharing my story in the hope it helps others. Here are 3 lessons I learned the hard way.
In recovery
I’m irritated by the fact that I am still grappling with my transition out of teaching. I still feel a sense of loss and I still really, really miss being with children.
Read with Julia 