Over the last number of years, @PieCorbett and I have been supporting groups of schools the teaching of writing. We’ve created a series of 9 x 90 min sessions for teachers/SLT to help & now looking for a group to work with from January: deputymitchell.net/writingcp… Pls get in touch

A couple of months ago, @timredgrave, @MarieZarro97723 and I relaunched the Patron of Reading initiative, which focuses on authors, poets and illustrators developing long-term relationships with schools. To find out how to get involved, take a look here: padlet.com/mariezarro/patron…

'Wind' by Ted Hughes: "This house has been far out at sea all night, The woods crashing through darkness, the booming hills, Winds stampeding the fields under the window" Via Anthony Wilson's 'Lifesaving Poems': anthonywilsonpoetry.com/2013…

How aware are experts on ‘standards’ in English that what some parents do, is bring kids to shows like mine, where their kids’ minds are filled with oral expressive language and word games which they can then match with words on the page from the books they have or get later?

Non-fiction graphic novels are a wonderful way of helping children understand complex information. I've started putting together a list of my favourites to use in class. Feel free to add to the list! padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/non-fi…

There's a 'Zoo of Winds' tonight. brian-moses.blogspot.com/201…

I love my odd visits to the big smoke which always includes a trip to the Royal Academy for art, Fortnum and Mason to wonder at their delicatessen and teas and biscuits and then Hatchards for books. Who wants a big chocolate toad for Christmas?

Warmheartedness = happy humanity 💕💕

It's no comfort, I'm sure, but teachers being ill at the start of holidays - all holidays but particularly the longer, summer holiday - is a worldwide and age old phenomenon. (I learnt this when researching my book on teaching and stress a quarter of a century ago.)

I have written two short articles here - the one putting the linguistic argument and the other opening up the education question. One is under the other. @oldandrewuk

Every time I watch this video, it brings me pure joy and love.

This is the best example I’ve seen of early language learning - pure imitation of sound, gesture and expression. Imitation - how children learn most things.

Today's venue was Omagh High School for the Omagh Learning Community Conference. Such a buzz as 5 post-primary schools gathered for a very varied menu of TPL opportunities. Thank you to Caroline Kelly (EA) for the invitation & the Principal of Omagh HS for hosting this occasion.

Dispiriting. How we educate our young people should surely be at the heart of our national conversation …

Don’t wait. Don’t wait to live, to love, to notice the small things— Because one day you’re fine… And the next— everything changes. I asked, “Why me?” They said, “Bad luck.” No reason. No warning. Just one moment— splitting life in two: before… and after. @richardsudan

Please only watch this if you can bear to see how Benjamin was in his last days trying to cope with a brain tumour. I wanted to watch it because his death is part of him, as it will be with all of us. I admired him hugely and still do.

Whether you're looking for implementation guidance, tailored professional development, or in-class coaching, our Literacy Specialists are here to help your team grow in confidence and strengthen practice. ✅ 45-minute online coaching calls ✅ Tailored online professional development sessions ✅ Face-to-face school visits with observation, feedback and coaching As one school shared in the graphic below, the right support can make a real difference. Find out more and book a session by downloading our Coaching and Support booklet. Available in the Practitioners' Portal and Members' Portal. Simply search "coaching".  #SoundsWrite #Phonics #Literacy #TeacherDevelopment #Education

Excellent blog by Sammy Wright on ‘Speaking and Thinking’ sammywright.substack.com/p/s…

I started reading Keep The Aspidistra Flying this morning and I can't believe it doesn't get more acclaim - it's Orwell at his wittiest, and his writing is sharp as a pin. Highly recommend.

@PieCorbett reflects on the Writing Framework, and asks @whatSFSaid about the imagination.