"A groundbreaking book that celebrates exceptional teachers."
This title is available from the Crown House Publishing website here.
Having read the title of this book, I was a little concerned about writing a review. What to say, who would the book appeal to, what is its market, would the topic make interesting reading? However, as I started to read, I became aware of how unique and clever it was, and just how inspirational. It accurately records what it really is to be a great teacher.
The book talks about 9 different primary teachers, how they teach, what inspires them and how their approaches effect the classes they teach. Each chapter focuses on just one teacher from Yr 6 class teachers to reception teachers, SEN schools and those working in research schools.
The format for each chapter is the same.
• Introduction – profile of the teacher
• Teaching – the lesson itself.
• What the pupil thinks
• Interview with the teacher
• Testimonials from parents.
• What can we (the reader) learn
• Pupils’ annual achievement chart
Focusing on an individual teacher makes the book very readable as you engage more with the person written about; they become real. Each teacher has their own story and approach, discussing both why they came into the profession and whose educational methods they reference or admire. The pupils’ testimonials, which predictably, are wonderful, from ‘we just love her’ ‘she makes hard things easy’, to the classic cool year 6 pupil, ‘she’s ok’ praise indeed!
Although all the experiences are different, their beliefs and approaches are all quite similar, with the same common positive messages. I think these are definitely worth sharing.
• Challenge within boundaries
• Be reflective and open to adapting plans within the lesson
• Be consistent
• Have high expectations and don’t take short cuts.
• Delight in pupils’ success
• Know your pupils
• Be enthusiastic. If you are not, you can’t expect your pupils to be so.
• Be insightful
• Be committed
They all seem obvious messages, but reading them as an established teacher, is a perfect reminder of why we are there and what we are doing, and the long term affect we can have on our pupils. It is all too easy to overlook the obvious and just go through the motions. The message of being reflective is continually referred to as a clear and positive message.
As a new or inspiring teacher, the book provides the perfect guide to success. One of my favourite tips was to always give verbal feedback and check on progress and understanding throughout the lesson. There is little point taking books home to mark and realising that ‘the class didn’t really get that!’
It really is a great book about great teachers, and I cannot believe that any educator would not be able to take something positive from this book. It reminds us of why teaching is such an important profession and how we all need to remember what an important role teachers play in the lives of their pupils, but that teachers are also continually learning too.
This title is available from the Crown House Publishing website here.
| Primary Genre | Books for Teachers |
This title is available from the Crown House Publishing website here. Foreword by Professor Rob Coe Covering a range of school types, social contexts, pupil ages and subjects, it brings to life how nine outstanding primary teachers engage, inspire, nurture and motivate their pupils.
This Much I know About Truly Great Primary Teachers features in the following genres: Books for Teachers, Recommendations
Paperback. £15.29, down from the £16.99 cover price. In Stock.
This Much I know About Truly Great Primary Teachers was written by John Tomsett and published by Crown House Publishing
This Much I know About Truly Great Primary Teachers has 200 pages
£15.29, reduced from £16.99. In Stock.