In this episode I speak to award winning author Bob Cox.  We take an in-depth look at The Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason and discuss how the book could be used in the classroom.  We explore reading for meaning and effective ways to teach comprehension and deeper understanding.  Bob shares a compelling argument for using more challenging texts to teach reading and comprehension in primary schools.

Bob shares some strategies to help children extract deeper layers of meaning and recognise key themes.  

You can find Bob at https://searchingforexcellence.co.uk

You can find out more about Andri Snaer Magnason at https://www.andrimagnason.com/books/the-story-of-the-blue-planet/  

In this episode we hear from Mark as he shares some inspirational ideas for guided reading and how to take learning from the classroom into the home.  He reads another extract from 'Treasure Island' and describes how teachers and parents can use texts to inspire all children to develop a love of books.

There is fun and laughter too - along the way we talk about our guesses at names for the Prime Minister's new baby, and more!

You can discover more about The Reading School at www.thereadingschool.org

(credits: additional  music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au)

In this episode we hear from Mark as he shares some inspirational ideas for guided reading and how to take learning from the classroom into the home.  He reads an extract from 'Treasure Island' and describes how teachers and parents can use texts to inspire all children to develop a love of books.

There is fun and laughter too - along the way we talk about Bob Hoskins, glass eyes, and much more!

You can discover more about The Reading School at www.thereadingschool.org


(Credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com; additional music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.a

In this episode Carl and Mark take a light-hearted, nostalgic look at their favourite maps from children's literature.  They reminisce over Pooh, Willows and the colour palette of a 1970's Austin Princess.  The Top 10 reveals some surprises, including Carl's 80's fandom and the best way to lose friends along the way... 

They also reveal the #eduTwitter Top 10 Children's Literature Maps of all time.  Featuring contributions from @KensalRiseLady, @LTeacher, @LifeattheNest, @MrTRoach, @dilyswillis, @Rocknonagon and more...

But the question is, which book will be crowned the winner?

In this episode Carl and Mark discuss part three of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale, 'The Wind in the Willows' as a text for guided reading.  They explore three layers of questioning, including retrieval, inference and philosophical questioning and share strategies for using the text in the classroom or at home as a basis for learning and shared meaning. They also talk about home haircuts, the Premier League, Natalie Wexler and Maryanne Wolf.


 (Credits - The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame; music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au) 

In this episode Carl and Mark discuss part two of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale, 'The Wind in the Willows' as a text for guided reading.  They explore three layers of questioning, including retrieval, inference and philosophical questioning and share strategies for using the text in the classroom or at home as a basis for learning and shared meaning. They also talk about how they are coping with the pandemic crisis, distance learning and Joe Wicks exhaustion!

(Credits - The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame; music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au)

In this episode Bob Cox shares an extract from Unit 10 of his fantastic 'Opening Doors' Series.



(credits: Bob Cox, Leah Crawford and Verity Jones - Opening Doors to a Richer English Curriculum - www.searchingforexcellence.co.uk / [email protected])

In this episode teachers share a guided reading lesson based on an extract from Kenneth Grahame's classic novel, 'The Wind in the Willows.'  There is a discussion about books and wider reading at home and at school as well as references to other, exciting books for children.

The main activity from 11.10 is devoted to reading the text for meaning.  Pupils can read aloud, follow the text or listen and respond.  The key questions for this activity are:

1.  What is the impact on the reader of the short sentences used in this extract?

​2.  Is the author's choice of 'thought he saw a face' more effective than just 'he saw a face'?  If so, why?

​3.  Is fear greater when it is known or unknown?

Pupils are encouraged to submit their responses online through www.thereadingschool.org 

(credits: additional music from Scott Buckley - www.scottbucley.com.au / full Wind in the Willows text available - https://g.co/kgs/Du8Do2)