This is how I like to organise pocket charts. It works a bit like a lesson plan for the teacher with the speed sounds lesson on top and book part of the lesson underneath.

Being a Middle Leader in school is an amazing job. You get the best of both worlds. Elements of leadership whilst still being firmly placed in the classroom. However, it can be a tricky role too. Being ‘in the middle’ can mean potential pressures from above whilst also leading a team. 

Here are my top, practical tips for being an effective middle leader.

Here is a method I use regularly in my maths lessons to ensure that I am meeting the needs of all pupils whilst allowing them access to the same learning.

A way this can easily be done within maths lessons is by using parameters. The original task is open-ended, it can be completed quite procedurally without providing challenge for higher attaining pupils so this is where we can start adding parameters. You could also begin to add parameters that are impossible and allow the pupils to investigate and reason as to why that is the case. 

We can also use parameters to make the task more accessible so it is another level of scaffold and allows them to engage with the task. They can also be used to guide a pupil’s thinking and allow them to think in a particular way e.g. systematically. 

I was recently lucky enough to be interviewed for Naylor’s Natter discussing traditional teaching methods in EYFS.

This is a blog I have wanted to write for a while but have always been too scared. Since this is the year of Emma being brave now feels like the right time. Confession...I think I am a trad. I wasn’t sure at first. I thought, ‘well I love children so that immediately excludes me’. I smile A LOT. I really love singing with my class. A trad, I could not possibly be.