primary education

Meet Nadine Cowan, author of the new Black history series from Big Cat

I’m Nadine Cowan and I write and illustrate picture books with Black main protagonists to combat the low figures of Black children in children’s literature from diverse and underrepresented voices/creators.  Read More

Books Like Us

I remember visiting the library in Doncaster when I was nine. One time, I spotted something surprising peeping out from a low shelf. ‘Johnny and the Bomb’ by Terry Pratchett. There it was – Johnny! My name! What stuck with me more than the story itself was the euphoria of… Read More

How Snap Science can support you in delivering primary science

As you may be aware, Ofsted published a research review into high-quality science education. It has generated discussion between primary science educators, introduced some new terminology and stimulated reflection on current practice. Ofsted also draws upon its research review when it inspects schools. For all these reasons, it is important… Read More

Asking the question: activity-led or working scientifically?

As we start British Science Week 2019 my Twitter feed is full of images and descriptions of children having a great time doing science. Today I have seen children launching rockets, using shaving foam to model the water cycle, finding out how robots work, observing a wide range of… Read More

Make Every Week Science Week!

British Science week is here – a ten-day programme of science, technology, engineering and maths events and activities across the UK for people of all ages, beginning 9th March 2018. For information about events happening near your school and for great ideas for STEM activities to do in school go… Read More

Equipping children for their future through music and song

Thank you to music education expert Andy Silver for this guest post. For me, education is about more than just academia: of equal if not greater importance is the development of a child’s personal capabilities and the growth of attributes for life. The question of coping in ‘the real world’… Read More

Questioning for Mathematical Reasoning

The 2014 National Curriculum for mathematics has three main aims- it seeks to enable pupils to develop fluency, problem solving and reasoning in mathematics. I work in a relatively large local authority, supporting teachers of mathematics to improve outcomes for pupils, amongst other things. Following the 2016 end of Key… Read More

Why non-fiction is as important as fiction

“If a child can and does read non-fiction texts, the world is their oyster – they can learn anything and everything they want to learn.” This statement was written by tes.com writer Aidan Severs in his article ‘Six reasons why primary schools need to embrace non-fiction’… Read More

Dictionaries in the early primary classroom

There is much to be gained by children using dictionaries in the primary classroom. Familiarity with dictionaries will help children with their learning. Read More

Lesson ideas to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday

In April, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday and whilst many who reach that age like to reminisce about their lives, the whole country did just that on the queen’s special day with plenty of documentaries showing the life of our monarch in detail. The celebrations are sure to… Read More