Zooming In on a Richer English Curriculum with Leah Crawford

Nov 28

https://searchingforexcellence.co.uk Bob Cox’s site - the home of Opening Doors

Bluesky @thinktalkleah.bsky.social

LinkedIn Leah Crawford

Melissa Milner introduces herself as the host of the Teacher as Podcast, expressing her curiosity and inspiration.
She mentions the podcast's seventh season and the growth in listener numbers.
Episodes are released every other week, and she encourages listeners to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.
Melissa announces the Career Mentorship Program, Major Choice, as a new sponsor of the podcast.

Leah Crawford shares her extensive teaching experience, including teaching preschool, junior French classes, and secondary English.
She discusses her transition from teaching to local authority work, focusing on secondary and whole-phase education.
Leah describes her role as an advisor for secondary and whole-phase education, working with schools in Hampshire.
She explains her move to independent education consulting 10 years ago, focusing on close-up consultancy and presentations.

Leah talks about her work as an independent education consultant, emphasizing close-up consultancy with schools.
She mentions her involvement in conferences, presentations, and talks, though she prefers close-up work.
Leah highlights her collaborations with Bob Cox, focusing on bringing richness and creativity into primary schools.
She discusses the importance of making literature and creativity accessible to all children, regardless of their backgrounds.

Melissa and Leah discuss the power of read alouds and think-aloud strategies in teaching.
Leah emphasizes the importance of making literature accessible and engaging for all students.
They talk about using classic poetry and literature to enhance students' understanding and creativity.
Leah shares her approach to teaching dialogue in stories, using mentor texts.

Leah explains her method for teaching dialogue, including using mentor texts and group discussions.
She emphasizes the importance of accountable talk and peer collaboration in learning.
Melissa shares her own methods for teaching dialogue, including using screenwriting principles.
They discuss the benefits of using drama and playfulness in teaching dialogue and writing.

Leah and Melissa discuss the importance of teaching concepts rather than just skills.
They talk about the need for students to understand the bigger picture and how to apply their learning.
Leah explains the concept of dialogic exchange and its role in enhancing students' learning.
They emphasize the importance of making learning engaging and relevant for students.

Leah introduces the concept of using mentor texts and link texts to enhance students' understanding.
She explains how mentor texts provide models for students to emulate.
Link texts help students connect different texts and understand the broader context.
They discuss the importance of using high-quality literature to inspire and engage students.

Melissa asks about the availability of narrative fiction and realistic fiction in Leah's resources.
Leah explains that while they use extracts, whole texts are essential for a rich learning experience.
They discuss the benefits of using high-quality literature to teach writing skills.
Leah shares examples of units that use classic literature to teach narrative and realistic fiction.

Leah introduces the concept of teaching portals and genre understanding.
They discuss the importance of understanding different genres and how to teach them effectively.
Leah shares examples of units that use classic portals like Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz.
They talk about the benefits of using literature to help students construct their understanding of genres.

Melissa expresses her enthusiasm for implementing Leah's methods in her teaching.
They discuss the importance of balancing accuracy and creativity in teaching writing.
Melissa plans to have Leah back on the podcast to discuss more teaching strategies.
Leah thanks Melissa for the opportunity to share her insights and encourages listeners to explore her resources.

Melissa Milner

Zooming In on Foundational Writing Skills with Holly Britton