Category Archives: Behaviour

Suffer the Consequences

Posted on June 3, 2015 by suecowley

In life, as in school, there are consequences for the wrong kind of behaviour. Or at least there are if you get caught. Imagine this: you’re driving along the motorway and for once it is empty. The weather is good, … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Children, Consequences, Rules | 5 Comments

A Perfectly Reasonable Excuse

Posted on May 13, 2015 by suecowley

This is a true story. A few years ago, our house got hit by lightning in the middle of the night. The lightning set fire to the electrical system, and there was a serious fire. The hallway was filled with … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Children | 11 Comments

We All Line Up

Posted on September 16, 2014 by suecowley

There are many reasons why we need to use routines in our teaching spaces. Routines are a helpful ‘shorthand’ for getting things done quickly and efficiently. Routines help us ensure that the children are safe, and that there is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Creativity, Drama, Learning, Primary, Teaching and learning | 1 Comment

Uniform-(ity)

Posted on September 12, 2014 by suecowley

When I was a kid, we didn’t have much money. So when I started at secondary school, and they brought in a smart new green wool expensive blazer, I got to wear my sister’s old blue nylon one instead. Maybe this … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Uniform | 1 Comment

Back to the Future

Posted on July 18, 2014 by suecowley

I went to school in the 1970’s. Some people say this was the time when it all went wrong. When state schools became all fluffy and child centred, when they renounced the traditional methods. Perhaps I just went to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Children, Experience, Schools | 12 Comments

Informed Consent

Posted on May 30, 2014 by suecowley

Teacher: You’re going to do your baseline test now, Charlie. Charlie: Why? Teacher: Because we need data. Charlie: What’s data? Teacher: It’s something we can use to measure systems. To see if they are efficient. [There is a pause.] Teacher: Think of it … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Children, Motivation, Play, Systems, Testing | Leave a comment

When I’m Not in the Room

Posted on March 24, 2014 by suecowley

MCQ 1. The word ‘obedience’ is … (a) indicative of an old-fashioned, paternalistic attitude to children;                                           (b) a missed … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Children, Rules | 2 Comments

Crime and Punishment

Posted on February 8, 2014 by suecowley

“So, I’m driving along the motorway, and I’m going 85 miles an hour. And hey, I know that technically I’m breaking the law, but look everyone else is doing it. And the rule is stupid anyway. I’m a good driver … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Motivation | 4 Comments

Marshmallows

Posted on February 1, 2014 by suecowley

To learn something, you have to focus on it. You have to engage your eyes, your fingers, your body, your mind. You have to get on and do it. Young children engage instinctively, with the right encouragement. They play, explore … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Children, Engagement, Motivation | 4 Comments

Bringing the Learning to Life

Posted on December 13, 2013 by suecowley

‘Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.’ Anton Chekhov If I tell you, I run the risk that (a) you won’t actually be listening, (b) you won’t really understand what I … Continue reading →

Posted in Behaviour, Consistency, Drama, Stories | 10 Comments