Perspective #Nurture1617

2016

Last year, I wrote about how we were moving, literally and metaphorically, from an odd to an even year.  Given the world news from 2016, it couldn't be further from the even, plain-sailing year I was hoping for.  Similarly, my personal year hasn't been the easy, trouble-free year I was expecting as cancer reared it's ugly head in the form of a serious diagnosis in my very small family in January.

Needless to say, that news made this year difficult.  Family has always been important but this year it became highlighted further as we gathered around to provide the best physical and emotional support possible.  Around us, friends and colleagues lent a helping hand and a listening ear when needed, and my husband was wonderful in his support.

Many of the actions I had put in place to improve my mental health came further into play as I tried to cope with helping during the unfolding diagnosis, treatment and care.  Running the Race for Life to raise money for appropriate research gave me a positive focus, as well as getting me out and about pounding the pavements to keep fit; again supported by amazing colleagues and friends. The treatment went as expected and, thanks to a brilliant NHS team and lots of prayer, the visible cancer mass and cells are now gone.  

Also, it goes without saying that this year has provided further perspective to life and work.  Many friends who are teachers and parents have often said to me that, when they had children of their own they took a different view of teaching.  They no longer did everything possible to be a better-than-best teacher; they simple did what they needed to in order to get the job done.  It would be fair to say that the journey my family have taken this year has given me a similar perspective.  Rather than living to work, I'm working to live. 

This year, hasn't all been doom and gloom, though!  Here are six highlights from 2016 - three teaching related and three non-teaching related:

• Joining forces with Twinkl to deliver a Facebook Live video about Marking and Feedback - this was such a buzz and has been watched over 10,000 times on various platforms. You can watch it here.
• Discovering this blog about teaching by Mr Nick Hart.
• Bumping into a pupil from my class in the streets of Sydney, Australia over the summer holidays. 
• Going to the 10th Birthday performance of my favourite musical, Wicked and having a magical backstage tour of the show. 
• Discovering that Tesco now sell frozen avocado halves. 
• Netball Super Saturday launch of the 2016 Superleague season.  My netball club have gone from strength to strength this year and I know 2017 will be a bigger year for us. 

I've enjoyed another great year teaching and learning in the classroom.  Incredible memories have been made in and out of the classroom and, despite all the challenges, I think I love teaching more than ever before as 2016 draws to a close.  

2017

Here are seven things I'm looking forward to in 2017: 

• Moving House - this is now definitely happening, hopefully in January!  
• TeachMeet Sussex - we have two events planned in this school year.  Thursday 2nd March in Rustington and Thursday 9th June in Horsham.  Visit the website to find our more information and sign up to come along.  
• Reconsidering Reading - I've written lots about my school's move from Guided Reading to whole-class reading lessons.  This year, we are tweaking how we teach reading (again).  I can't wait to try out the first set of new lessons and see if we can help children further love and understand the books they read.  
• Publication of Making Every Primary Lesson Count - I always imagined that if I wrote a book, it would be a thrilling murder mystery story similar to those I read regularly.  This year, I was honoured to be asked to co-write this book about primary teaching with a colleague. It's been a big learning curve but a great experience. I can't wait to hold a copy of it! For now, it is available to pre-order on the Crown House website!
• Y4 Production - Without a doubt, putting on a production with 90 children is my favourite time of the year.  However, I am (literally) always ill.  This year, I aim to get through the Spring Term without one day off sick.  Wish me luck! 
• Treasured Family Holidays - We have a couple of family holidays planned to make memories and share important time together.  
• NAHT Edge Advisory Council - Recently, I've joined the advisory council for my union, NAHT Edge.  It's a union specifically for middle leaders.  I'm looking forward to our first virtual meeting and seeing what we can achieve together. 

You can read all my previous nurture blog posts here.

Feedback: Principles and Strategies to be Effective and Fast (VIDEO)

Recently, Twinkl asked me to do a Livestream video on their Facebook page.  I chose to speak about Feedback and Marking as I feel these areas are quite misunderstood in primary schools and I've learned a lot about them since qualifying.  These misunderstandings lead to a huge workload which doesn't have a great impact on children's learning.  In the livestream, I shared principles and strategies for ensuring feedback is effective and fast.

You can watch the video below. Apologies for the slightly out-of-sync audio.  You can watch the original video on the Twinkl Key Stage 2 Facebook Group (request to join and one of the Twinkl staff will accept you).

I am doing a similar livestream about whole-class reading in the same group on Thursday 26th January at 8pm so make sure you request to join the group before to watch live.