by Carolyn | Sep 20, 2016 | English, Teaching
Why I teach English The second greatest surprise of my life came when I realised that I loved teaching teenagers. Seriously, I was 35 years old and had spent the previous 20 years actively avoiding it. Where I grew up teaching and nursing were the only two options for...
by Carolyn | Aug 3, 2016 | English, Reading, Teaching
No matter how much information we have sometimes it is hard to get into a good writing routine. So this week I am taking the plunge and have signed up for a 7 day blogging challenge. Darren Rouse over at ProBlogger is running this. I like Darren, he is an Aussie guy...
by Carolyn | Jul 25, 2016 | English, Literature, Teaching
Nothing is more surely designed to drown any flickering student interest in a book than chapter questions. Honestly, if there is a good reason why we still do this it is beyond my comprehension. And this is the point isn’t it? Comprehension. I have always loved to...
by Carolyn | Jul 25, 2016 | English, Students, Teaching
I remember many years ago reading a Peanuts cartoon where Lucy was trying to get someone to learn their numbers. I have searched but can’t find the cartoon so you will just need to take my word for it. Finally Lucy raised her arms in frustration and pointed out that...
by Carolyn | Jun 21, 2016 | English, Literature, Teaching
When it comes to text books for many subjects, hire-book schemes can be really helpful. Many of these books are expensive to buy and as they are used year after year it makes sense to ensure that all students have access. However I think they are deadly for English...
