Are You Sitting Comfortably?

On Friday 27th January 2017, we attended the BETT Show in London and Liam presented at the TeachMeet that followed.

He presented about how his classroom practice has developed since writing 'Shoes Off If You Love To Learn' during the autumn term. 

 Image Credit: @pamelaaobrien

Do you keep your shoes on in your own house? Do you always work on a chair at a desk? Where would you choose to sit and read? Does how comfortable you are affect your ability to learn?

There a times when children need to be sat at a desk. But, how's about offering them a little more freedom about how and where they work? And, do they need shoes on in class if they're more comfortable without them on?

UKEdChat kindly captured the talk here & here (from about 15:30).

@ThisIsLiamM Make sure you are comfortable when learning. Remember this discussion with @stephenheppell too #tmbett17 pic.twitter.com/qeIgFrHtOl

— Tony Sheppard (@grumbledook) January 27, 2017

My good friend @ThisIsLiamM presenting at #tmbett17 . . . 'Are They Sitting Comfortably' Wonderful presentation as always Liam. Hear hear! pic.twitter.com/ddzoAppdL6

— Animate 2 Educate (@Animate2Educate) January 27, 2017

TeachMeets at home

We love a good TeachMeet. The people, the ideas and the sharing all add up to fast, in depth and engaging CPD.

We have taken the model, stripped it back and are using it for a few staff meetings each term. Firstly, we decide on the topic (most recently formative assessment tools), put out a sign up sheet to avoid repetition of ideas and then set the stage.

The great thing about this method is that every member of staff can contribute. This week, we had ideas from our most seasoned staff and our newest, three-days-on-the-job NQTs. Every participant got something out of it even if it was only a reminder of a tool they had neglected, every member of staff was listened to and clapped and, as it was so fast-paced, we were all able to stay engaged throughout the meeting.

Bring a TeachMeet to your staff meetings and watch the ideas roll in.