Classroom Connect

Another Spotlight on Strategies special. Join Ian and Andrew as they discuss the use of the 'Close Encounters' strategy and explore other ideas for enhancing learning with effective strategies linked to digital resources, which are designed to develop children's skills.

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In this special episode Sophie Withey shares with Ian and Andrew the ways in which digital content is produced and the careful thought processes which go in to ensuring they enhance classroom practice. Sophie is one of our senior producers building the content which is used by children and teachers across the world. As a teacher herself Sophie talks about how this work is rooted in her own classroom experience.

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For educators in the modern classroom inclusion is at the forefront of our minds. It is essential that each child is helped to feel valued for who they are and what they are. Digital resources can ensure that children are supported and challenged in ways that meets them at the point of need, thus ensuring they feel a sense of agency over their learning, especially when they find something challenging. 

In this episode Ian and Andrew discuss ways in which digital tools and resources can be used to empower children whatever their individual needs or challenges are. 

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In this episode Ian and Andrew discuss some of the features of effective professional development. Andrew suggests that professional development 'should be motivating and not just for the motivated.' Which in turn means successful PD creates commitment and excellence not simply compliance or competence.

PD comes in many form but relevance, immersion, reflection and active participation in tasks and discussions all contribute to positive outcomes for teachers by connecting new ideas or approaches to the reality of their classrooms and teaching style.

All of this helps teachers to find 'THEIR right answer' not 'THE right answer.'

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There are a wealth of ways in which digital tools can support planning. The ability to adapt our planning (including content provided by others), enables us to iterate our lessons as we seek better outcomes and more personalised learning. Collaboration within and beyond school can further develop this, all of which results in much more flexible learning sequences and a more accurate match to the needs of our pupils.

Ian and Andrew discuss some of these options and look at ways we can maximise the value of lesson planning. 

Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at [email protected]

In this special extended episode dedicated to Phonics, Ian and Andrew meet Sophie Pickles, Early Years expert, instructional designer and part of the team behind the Time for Phonics DfE-validated SSP programme.

Sophie begins by outlining 'the why' behind Time for Phonics and gives us the lowdown on how it was created. 

Next Sophie discusses with Ian and Andrew the importance of Phase One phonics, how they impact on children's ability to make secure progress with phonics. She highlights ways we can support progress and how we can provide a solid foundation for children's future success.

The conversation continues with Sophie sharing ideas for interventions, acceleration and remediation, looking at how these can be supported by digital tools and resources.

Finally, Sophie shares her thoughts and insights on the benefits of different forms of classroom grouping. She also talks to Ian and Andrew about what research suggests and how digital can provide flexibility to support the needs of each cohort.

Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at [email protected]

Our fourth Phonics special episode explores ideas around grouping and streaming. Sophie shares her thoughts and insights on the benefits of different forms of classroom grouping. She also talks to Ian and Andrew about what research suggests and how digital can provide flexibility to support the needs of each cohort.

Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at [email protected]

In this third Phonics special episode Sophie discusses ways we can support children who may struggle with phonics. She shares ideas for interventions, acceleration and remediation with Ian and Andrew, looking at how these can be supported by digital tools and resources.

Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at [email protected] 

In our second Phonics special episode Sophie discusses with Ian and Andrew the importance of Phase One phonics, how they impact on children's ability to make secure progress with phonics. Sophie highlights ways we can support progress and how we can provide a solid foundation for children's future success.

Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at [email protected] 

In this first special episode dedicated to Phonics Ian and Andrew meet Sophie Pickles, Early Years expert, instructional designer and part of the team behind the Time for Phonics DfE-validated SSP programme.

Sophie begins by outlining 'the why' behind Time for Phonics and gives us the lowdown on how it was created. 

Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at [email protected]