The Literacy Lounge

In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Smedley, founder of Teach Active, to explore the power of active learning and how movement can transform engagement across the curriculum. From his early days in the classroom to creating Teach Active, Jon shares the journey that shaped his mission to get pupils up, moving and learning with purpose.We dig into the principles behind Teach Active, the impact of physical activity on English and maths outcomes and what the recent Curriculum and Assessment Review might mean for schools. Expect practical ideas and plenty of inspiration for bringing more movement into your lessons.Things we chat about in this episode:Jon’s career in teaching and how it led to the creation of Teach ActiveThe key principles behind active learning and why movement mattersHow Teach Active supports English as well as mathsOur thoughts on the Curriculum and Assessment Review - what we like, what we don’t and what it means for sport, maths and EnglishPractical tips for teachers who want to get pupils moving moreJon’s favourite children’s book from his own school daysAny questions or podcast topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]:Pathways to WriteTeach ActiveThe opinions shared by our presenters and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of The Literacy Company.

This episode takes a small step away from our usual format as we turn the spotlight onto one of our directors, Cath Richardson. If you are new to the podcast, Cath and Linda founded the company in 2013 and have led it through more than a decade of growth, challenge and change. From navigating the post‑Covid landscape to winning the ERA Award for Company of the Year, their journey has shaped everything we do today.Cath shares her thoughts on this journey as well as what brought her to this point in the first place – all helped along by sharing some of the books which have had a lasting impact on her.*Podcast now moving to fortnightly*Things we chat about in this episode:What inspired Cath to become a teacher?Highlights/stories from Cath's teaching career Moving from teaching to consultancyWhat types of things Cath did for the LA and how did it shaped her ideas and practicesWhere did the idea to set up the company come from?What was it like in the early days?How has the company changed over the years?What we think the future of teaching English holds for usGoing after your dreams!Current favourite readsThe Pathways Literacy journey and favourite Pathways booksAny questions or podcast topic suggestions please email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠Links:⁠⁠Pathways Literacy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support enquiry form⁠⁠⁠ The opinions shared by our presenters and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views, policies or positions of The Literacy Company.

In this episode, we are going to focus on the hot topic of reading for pleasure. There’s been a lot in the press recently which we will pick up on and we are in the middle of the National Year of Reading which is encouraging us to ‘Go All In’. As pledge partners to this initiative we though we would share some of our thoughts and tips.Things we chat about in this episode:The recent articles about Reading for Pleasure and what are our thoughtsWhat we think the issue is with getting kids readingIs it too late to get this generation reading?How we can model reading for pleasure and support the Go All In initiative?How we would approach getting pupils interested in readingWhat does/doesn’t work How we see reading and the reasons we read (Hint: it isn't always pleasure!)Any questions or podcast topic suggestions please email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Links:⁠Pledge Partners - Go All In Article - Why schools should stop pushing reading for pleasure⁠⁠⁠⁠Pathways Literacy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support enquiry form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode, I have a new guest in the form of Jo who is going to be sharing with us her passion for spoken language and performance. Things we chat about in this episode:Thoughts on the curriculum review and aspects linked to spoken languageWhy do you believe it is so important for pupils?What we think has been the impact of spoken language being squeezed out in the current curriculumThe types of things we used to do with our classesOur popular Story house poetry projectWhat we need to do to get it right for pupilsSo, grab a cuppa, settle in and enjoy the Literacy Lounge!Any questions or podcast topic suggestions please email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Links:CLPE PoetryApply for the next Poetry ProjectJoseph Coehlo Poetry Prompts⁠⁠⁠⁠Pathways Literacy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support enquiry form⁠⁠⁠⁠ The opinions shared by our presenters and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of The Literacy Company.

On this episode, I’m joined by Lynne who you may have seen already on our popular writing framework sessions. Today we are going to be tackling that tricky subject of handwriting. It comes up again and again and has become very high profile with the writing framework recommendations. Things we chat about in this episode:Pre-handwriting tips and how to build fine/gross motor skillsResources we find helpfulHow we used to teach handwritingCommon things we see in schoolsWhat does the writing framework say?What do schools need to be focusing on?So, grab a cuppa, settle in and enjoy the Literacy Lounge!Any questions or podcast topic suggestions please email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Links:⁠⁠⁠Pathways Literacy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support enquiry form⁠⁠⁠ The opinions shared by our presenters and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of The Literacy Company.

In this episode, we are happy to welcome back Allison! We are armed with our big cups of tea ready to talk about spring term and all that has to offer in terms of development and progress. Allison is here with her moderation hat on in particular to give some tips about what to focus on and expect.Things we chat about in this episode:Our favourite thing about Spring Term in KS2Differences in pupil development?What should teachers be focusing on at this time of year?Our funny stories from Spring termSo, grab a cuppa, settle in and enjoy the Literacy Lounge!Any questions or podcast topic suggestions please email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠Links:Our Earth is a Poem⁠⁠Pathways Literacy⁠⁠⁠⁠Support enquiry form⁠⁠ The opinions shared by our presenters and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of The Literacy Company.

In this episode, we are joined by another member of the teamand a fellow EY/KS1 champion – Louise. Things we chat about in this episode:What’s our favourite thing about Spring TermThe differences in pupil developmentWhat should teachers be focusing on at this time of year?      When is the right time to worry?So, grab a cuppa, settle in and enjoy the Literacy Lounge!Any questions or podcast topic suggestions please email us: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Links:A Twist of Tales - Julia Donaldson⁠Pathways Literacy⁠⁠Support enquiry form⁠ The opinions shared by our presenters and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of The Literacy Company.

In this episode, Jen has joined us to talk about her route into teaching and what our ideal National Curriculum for English would look like.Things we chat about in this episode:General thoughts on the curriculum review.  If we think anything was missing from the review.If we could start again – what would it look like?In an ideal world, what is Primary education?Where we think it will go next.What we think it means for schools and us as a company?So, grab a cuppa, settle in and enjoy the Literacy Lounge!Any questions or podcast topic suggestions please email us: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Links:The Soup Movement Katya Balen booksPathways LiteracySupport enquiry form The opinions shared by our presenters and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of The Literacy Company.

Welcome to the second episode of The Literacy Lounge which is a bit of a follow on from our first episode. This is part 2 of our origin story where we will talk a bit more about how we became consultants, the roles we do now and what it’s like working to support schools. Lots of people ask us how we got into this job so it’s nice to share it. It will also hopefully showcase what we do and also what you can expect if you were thinking of getting in touch for support.Key things we discuss in this episode:How we started working at TLCWhat a typical day looks like for a English consultantsThe best parts of the jobWhat we miss about the classroomOur proudest moments as consultants working at TLCIf we worry about being getting out of touch with education Question we get asked the most in schoolsSo, grab a cuppa, settle in and enjoy the Literacy Lounge!Any questions or podcast topic suggestions please email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠Links:Pathways Literacy - ⁠https://www.theliteracycompany.co.uk/pathways-literacy/⁠Support enquiry form - ⁠https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1GEYAyrx2SLCiO4vpQCOmqgfhd0b?__hstc=83811849.edffbde723ac59859b598f656...⁠The opinions shared by our presenters and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of The Literacy Company.

Welcome to the first ever episode of our new podcast – The Literacy Lounge!This podcast is designed to make practical English advice easy to access whenever it suits you. Pop it on during your commute or keep it playing in the background while you’re marking. Each episode dives into the common patterns we notice when visiting schools as consultants, offering termly guidance and clear, down‑to‑earth support on key areas of English. And of course, no week would be complete without sharing the funny moments, unforgettable classroom stories and reassuring reminders that you’re never alone in the chaos of school life.In this first instalment, Sian and Allison reflect on their journey from classroom teachers to literacy consultants, exploring what inspired them and what continues to drive their work today.Some topics we cover in this episode:Getting started in educationSmall school vs large school teaching quandariesThe teacher brain and how it follows you through lifeOld school classroomsSo, grab a cuppa, settle in and enjoy the Literacy Lounge!Any questions or podcast topic suggestions please email us: [email protected]:Pathways Literacy - https://www.theliteracycompany.co.uk/pathways-literacy/Support enquiry form - https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1GEYAyrx2SLCiO4vpQCOmqgfhd0b?__hstc=83811849.edffbde723ac59859b598f656...The opinions shared by our presenters and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of The Literacy Company.