Author: Craig Barton

  • Use talk cubes to encourage students to contribute

    Summary This YouTube transcript details a teacher’s method for encouraging class participation using “talk cubes.” Each student receives a cube they must “get rid of” by contributing to class discussions; this encourages quieter students to participate while preventing overly talkative students from dominating. The teacher emphasizes building a classroom culture where all voices are valued…

  • Emma Turner

    You can download an mp3 of the podcast here. Emma Turner’s tips: Use talk cubes to encourage students to contribute (02:48) Encourage students to say “stop!” if they are confused during an explanation (08:45) Ask students “What was the most useful thing I did today?” (16:11) Plan for error (20:22) Keep spare mini-whiteboard pen lids (26:55)…

  • Chris Such

    You can download an mp3 of the podcast here. Chris Such’s tips: Learn about reading development (03:31) Analyse words using morphology and etymology (19:21) Assess reading difficulties and respond (26:53) Feign enthusiasm when necessary (38:54) Depressurise learning (48:17) BONUS: 7 micro-tips (1:04:37) Links and resources On Twitter, Chris is: @Suchmo83 Chris’ blog is: primarycolour.home.blog Chris’ book…

  • Analyse words using morphology and etymology

    More videos from Chris Such: Video transcript:

  • BONUS: 7 micro-tips

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  • Depressurise learning

    Summary This YouTube transcript discusses strategies for reducing pressure and anxiety in the classroom to improve learning. The core idea is to minimize humiliation and embarrassment by reframing challenges as “tricky” rather than “easy,” modifying questioning techniques to avoid singling out students, and sharing vulnerability to normalize mistakes. The speaker also addresses the potential negative…

  • Feign enthusiasm when necessary

    More videos from Chris Such: Video transcript:

  • Assess reading difficulties and respond

    More videos from Chris Such: Video transcript:

  • Learn about reading development

    More videos from Chris Such: Video transcript:

  • Validate introverts

    Summary This YouTube video discusses strategies for validating introverted students and teachers. The speakers emphasize the importance of recognizing introverts’ unique contributions, which often go unnoticed in classroom settings geared toward extroverts. They advocate for alternative assessment methods, such as mini-whiteboards, to reduce pressure and allow introverts to shine. The conversation also highlights the need…