The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Literacy

Gareth D Morewood

How to develop a whole-school approach to literacy

There are several ways for SENCOs to develop a 'core offer' of inclusive literacy support. Many schools will have their own approaches, but here are some tried and tested suggestions. Many SENCOs have a range of responsibilities in their schools. Previously, I had been charged with developing a...
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Gareth D Morewood

A pupil's story: 'I am dyslexic. I am autistic. I am a reader'

When sixteen year-old Lois Brown took to the stage at the recent Reading Celebration Event, she proved that there's a power in books like no other. We work really hard with young people and their families on understanding themselves. For me, this is an essential element of our work in preparing...
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Sofia Correia A...

Be the writer of your life story: why we need to express emotions

It can be a struggle for young people to acknowledge overwhelming emotions and how to express them. In Using Poetry to Promote Talking and Healing, Dr. Pooky Knightsmith outlines how we can help students to express their emotions clearly and safely. Poetry can open up discussion In Using Poetry to...
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Elizabeth Holmes

Getting to the heart of professional learning and literacy

‘New teachers are starting a journey, not being prepared, glazed and kiln baked by CPD to be career ready.’ Diane Leedham , English, Literacy and EAL teacher and advisor, and all-round voice of sense and reason on edu-twitter, has clear ideas about helping children to learn and thrive. I caught up...
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Gareth D Morewood

Using literacy to inspire pupils with autism

There is a growing awareness of girls and autism, particularly due to the research of Dr Judith Gould and Dr Jacqui Ashton Smith. After having Michael Barton in school last year to work with parents/carers and students and talk about his amazing books, I was delighted to find this book written...
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