In this episode I talk to Leah Crawford, an English in Education consultant, tutor with Let's Think in English and Opening Doors author.  She explores how educators can teach poetry and the challenging aspects of pattern-finding, interpreting mood, music and rhythm.  Leah also introduces us to the poem 'Sympathy', by Paul Laurence Dunbar.  Through this rich and challenging text, pupils can explore different layers of meaning and begin to see how they could use similar linguistic devices in their own creative writing, poetry and storytelling.

We talk about differentiation vs whole-class teaching, 'catch up' and the effectiveness of some of the approaches Leah has experienced through her role.

You can find out more about Leah by following her on Twitter - @think_talk_org or contact her via her webiste - leahcrawford.com

Leah is also a co-author of the Opening Doors series of books, published by crownhouse.co.uk or visit Bob's site - Searching for Excellence – Home of the Opening Doors Educational Book Series 

Support for ECTs #2

What is the difference between personal and professional authority? How can we approach behaviour management with confidence?

Karl Pupé is a qualified classroom teacher with 10 years’ experience across the Primary, Secondary and Further Education sectors. Specialising in Behaviour Management, he worked as a Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) Co-ordinator teaching students with severe Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. Karl is also the author of “The Action Hero Teacher” & founder of the http://actionheroteacher.com & his blog was voted one of the "Top 10 Education Blogs" in the UK by market research company

This episode originally appeared in 'Tiny Voice Talks' by Toria Bono.  For more support follow her on Twitter: @Toriaclaire or visit tinyvoicetalks.com 

Support for ECTs - episode 1

What is a knowledge-rich curriculum? Why is it so important?  

In this episode Natalie Wexler shares a wealth of insight into her book 'The Knowledge Gap: the hidden cause of America's broken education system - and how to fix it.'  In doing so we learn about the distinct parallels between the US and UK education systems when it comes to overcoming the 'achievement gap' that exists between disadvantaged pupils and their more affluent peers.  We also discuss 'The Reading Wars', Knowledge vs. Skills and the important features of a knowledge building curriculum.

Covering Dewey, Piaget, teacher training and more, we look at the impact of this approach for schools in the USA and UK and find out how pupils and teachers are re-discovering a love of education and the profession. 

(Credits: Natalie Wexler - www.nataliewexler.com, Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au)