Melissa Colothan
@mrscreadsalot.bsky.social
Mother, Primary Wirral Y5 teacher, KS2 English lead & bookworm, OU TRG leader, UKLA25 book prize judge, runner, coffee-drinker, music-lover.
Currently reading: Jakub's Otter
Currently reading: Jakub's Otter
Pinned
Wirral OU TRG
Teacher’s Reading Group, reading for pleasure recommendations
padlet.com
An intentional work in progress but this is my padlet I've started today for our Wirral OU RfP group that I am adding even more to as extra. Sharing should it be of help for anyone searching for teacher tried & tested book recommendations padlet.com/MrsColothan/...
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
A great way to celebrate poetry in schools! The Young Poet Laureate Programme kicks off with the first Young Poets Week during the week of 24th Nov. Free online sessions for KS2/KS3 pupils plus free resources. Thank you @literacy-trust.bsky.social. Info here: literacytrust.org.uk/programmes/y...
Young Poet Laureate | National Literacy Trust
The Young Poet Laureate Programme programme aims to inspire a new generation of young poets, championing young poetic voices and developing children and young people’s literacy, creativity and confide...
literacytrust.org.uk
October 30, 2025 at 10:48 AM
A great way to celebrate poetry in schools! The Young Poet Laureate Programme kicks off with the first Young Poets Week during the week of 24th Nov. Free online sessions for KS2/KS3 pupils plus free resources. Thank you @literacy-trust.bsky.social. Info here: literacytrust.org.uk/programmes/y...
Orbital has been sat in my TBR for a while. I bought it for my husband and it just didn't click for him so I didn't rush to read it. But for me, it clicked. I thought it was heavenly, ethereal and intensely calming.
October 30, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Orbital has been sat in my TBR for a while. I bought it for my husband and it just didn't click for him so I didn't rush to read it. But for me, it clicked. I thought it was heavenly, ethereal and intensely calming.
These would make such a brilliant writing stimulus for a story setting. Detailed images of the insides of musical instruments. #writingforpleasure
www.instagram.com/p/DQT-IMGiE9...
www.instagram.com/p/DQT-IMGiE9...
October 29, 2025 at 5:38 PM
These would make such a brilliant writing stimulus for a story setting. Detailed images of the insides of musical instruments. #writingforpleasure
www.instagram.com/p/DQT-IMGiE9...
www.instagram.com/p/DQT-IMGiE9...
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
The last four weeks have been a shocking and often infuriating insight into how Government failed so many children during a national time of crisis.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
October 27, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The last four weeks have been a shocking and often infuriating insight into how Government failed so many children during a national time of crisis.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
🚨 NEW POST 🚨
‘What do we mean by high expectations?’
“If we don't break down high expectations into things we think and do (often as a relentless habit), then it becomes an empty platitude.”
alexquigley.co.uk/what-do-we-m...
‘What do we mean by high expectations?’
“If we don't break down high expectations into things we think and do (often as a relentless habit), then it becomes an empty platitude.”
alexquigley.co.uk/what-do-we-m...
What do we mean by high expectations?
"They can because they think they can."
('Possunt quia posse videntur')
Virgil's 'Aeneid'
High expectations can be a mysterious thing. Something ineffable. You can understand them when you experien...
alexquigley.co.uk
October 25, 2025 at 8:47 AM
🚨 NEW POST 🚨
‘What do we mean by high expectations?’
“If we don't break down high expectations into things we think and do (often as a relentless habit), then it becomes an empty platitude.”
alexquigley.co.uk/what-do-we-m...
‘What do we mean by high expectations?’
“If we don't break down high expectations into things we think and do (often as a relentless habit), then it becomes an empty platitude.”
alexquigley.co.uk/what-do-we-m...
One of my TAs is enjoying reading the books I have in my room. In return she loaned me The Lotterys Plus One. I enjoyed it so much & loved this diverse family. Families aren't perfect but we can learn a lot about each other's differences from The Lotterys. I'd like to live in their house please!
October 24, 2025 at 10:11 AM
One of my TAs is enjoying reading the books I have in my room. In return she loaned me The Lotterys Plus One. I enjoyed it so much & loved this diverse family. Families aren't perfect but we can learn a lot about each other's differences from The Lotterys. I'd like to live in their house please!
The two most amazing people have joined my class on supply working as TAs.They painted this brilliant bookshelf for the bottom of our new reading display. I can't begin to describe how transformative they've been with their 1:1 children. Some people are golden. I hope we can keep them in school 🙏
October 24, 2025 at 10:03 AM
The two most amazing people have joined my class on supply working as TAs.They painted this brilliant bookshelf for the bottom of our new reading display. I can't begin to describe how transformative they've been with their 1:1 children. Some people are golden. I hope we can keep them in school 🙏
This is fairly simple & easy to grasp. Children develop at different rates. They also go through physical, cognitive & emotional developmental stages at particular ages.Not all children in a school year group are at the same stage at the same time. Why does the DfE & government not understand this?
So much to say about the 90% phonics target. Most of it is about the ridiculousness of it.
We have been 90% and 92% the last two years before that with a very SEND heavy year 1 we were 70%, before that we were 84%. Nothing to do with teaching and everything to do with cohort…
We have been 90% and 92% the last two years before that with a very SEND heavy year 1 we were 70%, before that we were 84%. Nothing to do with teaching and everything to do with cohort…
October 17, 2025 at 6:51 AM
This is fairly simple & easy to grasp. Children develop at different rates. They also go through physical, cognitive & emotional developmental stages at particular ages.Not all children in a school year group are at the same stage at the same time. Why does the DfE & government not understand this?
I've been enjoying Anzu and the Realm of Darkness. It has gone straight to the top spot of most in-demand books in class! #readingforpleasure
October 14, 2025 at 5:50 PM
I've been enjoying Anzu and the Realm of Darkness. It has gone straight to the top spot of most in-demand books in class! #readingforpleasure
I've been dying to get my hands on a copy of How Was That Built? Trying to have a push on reading across the curriculum and this week we are looking at pulleys so the perfect opportunity to delve into this. Can't wait to read more and see what else this book has to offer #readingacrossthecurriculum
October 12, 2025 at 6:23 PM
I've been dying to get my hands on a copy of How Was That Built? Trying to have a push on reading across the curriculum and this week we are looking at pulleys so the perfect opportunity to delve into this. Can't wait to read more and see what else this book has to offer #readingacrossthecurriculum
Thought-provoking and fascinating. Early years teachers are utterly inspiring. Taking so much from today back to the KS2 bubble I currently reside in. We can learn a lot from our colleagues. Thanks @ruthswailes.bsky.social!
I've had the privilege of working with Heads, SLEs, EY leaders and teachers, and English leads today, on day one of our six-day Wirral Early Writing course. It's been a thought-provoking day.
ruthswailes.com/in-the-style-of-rethinking-imitation-and-authenticity-in-early-writing/
ruthswailes.com/in-the-style-of-rethinking-imitation-and-authenticity-in-early-writing/
October 9, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Thought-provoking and fascinating. Early years teachers are utterly inspiring. Taking so much from today back to the KS2 bubble I currently reside in. We can learn a lot from our colleagues. Thanks @ruthswailes.bsky.social!
Piers visited my daughter's school today! Currently trying to figure out how I can manage to wait until she has finished reading before I can get my mitts on her copy Midnight Treasure! She has informed me the visit was REALLY interesting 😊
October 7, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Piers visited my daughter's school today! Currently trying to figure out how I can manage to wait until she has finished reading before I can get my mitts on her copy Midnight Treasure! She has informed me the visit was REALLY interesting 😊
This week, I've been reading Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery. I might have been ever so slightly late to work finishing it as I couldn't put it down and my class were desperate to get their hands on it! I loved it. #readingforpleasure
October 3, 2025 at 1:27 PM
This week, I've been reading Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery. I might have been ever so slightly late to work finishing it as I couldn't put it down and my class were desperate to get their hands on it! I loved it. #readingforpleasure
When poetry and information texts meet, the outcome is superb! Fantastic book from @brianbilston.bsky.social and Joe Berger. This is going to be very much enjoyed in school and across the curriculum 😊 Thoroughly recommend adding this to your school library. #poetryforpleasure
September 27, 2025 at 5:09 PM
When poetry and information texts meet, the outcome is superb! Fantastic book from @brianbilston.bsky.social and Joe Berger. This is going to be very much enjoyed in school and across the curriculum 😊 Thoroughly recommend adding this to your school library. #poetryforpleasure
Wholeheartedly agree!
The edu system needs a code of ethics and practice. It needs an independent body that challenges favouritism, cronyism, unethical and immoral practice.
All should commit to doing no harm, to be strong in the face of those who enrich themselves at the expense of our children.
We deserve better.
All should commit to doing no harm, to be strong in the face of those who enrich themselves at the expense of our children.
We deserve better.
September 26, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Wholeheartedly agree!
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
🏴 Heads in Wales are now not to be contacted at weekends or in the holidays – could other parts of the UK bring in the same policy?
Welsh heads to get ‘protected leave’ during weekends and holidays
School leaders must be given ‘uninterrupted rest’, Wales’ education secretary has told local authorities after years of campaigning by NAHT Cymru
www.tes.com
September 16, 2025 at 5:17 PM
🏴 Heads in Wales are now not to be contacted at weekends or in the holidays – could other parts of the UK bring in the same policy?
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!
This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.
Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...
This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.
Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...
September 16, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Your 2026 UKLA Book Awards Longlists are here - the only national children’s book awards judged by teachers!
This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.
Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...
This year they feature books in translation, past winners, exciting debuts and a huge range of genres and themes.
Click here to see the full Longlists: ukla.org/ukla-book-aw...
Sounds like another must-read from Tom Percival!
#SundayMorningBookChat this week is celebrating PictureBooks! Tok percivals new book ‘This Way Up’ shows how people can see things from others views and learn to compromise. What other picturebooks are your go-tos for teaching children important concepts tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/12/p...
#PictureBookFriday – This Way up by Tom Percival
The Book in Rhyme… “Imagine going through life being clear on your views, Where reds are reds and blues are blues. Thinking you got it nailed from day to day, Certainty is key, no shades of grey. W…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 14, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Sounds like another must-read from Tom Percival!
This also seems like a good time to share that we have changed how we are recording reading this year to use The Reading Journey. One week in and impressed so far. The children are able to build their online bookshelves that we discuss in book club time, as well as the teacher's own shelf.
September 13, 2025 at 12:49 PM
This also seems like a good time to share that we have changed how we are recording reading this year to use The Reading Journey. One week in and impressed so far. The children are able to build their online bookshelves that we discuss in book club time, as well as the teacher's own shelf.
Having ran the Great North Run last week, Running My Own Race seemed like a great choice for my first read of the school year. Really enjoyable and I've added it to our reading corner.
September 13, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Having ran the Great North Run last week, Running My Own Race seemed like a great choice for my first read of the school year. Really enjoyable and I've added it to our reading corner.
I'm now reading Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. I've decided to delve back into Kate's Jackson Brodie series as I really enjoy her writing. Her most recent books are so character rich so I'm going into her back catalogue as a result. Very much enjoying it so far!
September 13, 2025 at 12:39 PM
I'm now reading Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. I've decided to delve back into Kate's Jackson Brodie series as I really enjoy her writing. Her most recent books are so character rich so I'm going into her back catalogue as a result. Very much enjoying it so far!
Summer is already seeming like a distant memory, but these were my grown-up reads over the holidays.
1. The Names. I was absorbed in this incredible debut that was heart-wrenching in its depiction of domestic abuse, the generational ripple effects, alternative realities & sliding doors moments.
1. The Names. I was absorbed in this incredible debut that was heart-wrenching in its depiction of domestic abuse, the generational ripple effects, alternative realities & sliding doors moments.
September 13, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Summer is already seeming like a distant memory, but these were my grown-up reads over the holidays.
1. The Names. I was absorbed in this incredible debut that was heart-wrenching in its depiction of domestic abuse, the generational ripple effects, alternative realities & sliding doors moments.
1. The Names. I was absorbed in this incredible debut that was heart-wrenching in its depiction of domestic abuse, the generational ripple effects, alternative realities & sliding doors moments.
Last big run before the big run! 11 miles today. Gorgeous to run along the Mersey to the Irish Sea from Seacombe to Leasowe and back again. The next coast we'll be finishing at will be by the North Sea at the end of the Great North Run, eek!
August 27, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Last big run before the big run! 11 miles today. Gorgeous to run along the Mersey to the Irish Sea from Seacombe to Leasowe and back again. The next coast we'll be finishing at will be by the North Sea at the end of the Great North Run, eek!
Gosh, I find it hard to leave a class at the end of every year, but especially after two years. Said goodbye to my gorgeous class today. It's true what they say, you become a little family with your own in-jokes and memories that make no sense to anyone but you...
July 22, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Gosh, I find it hard to leave a class at the end of every year, but especially after two years. Said goodbye to my gorgeous class today. It's true what they say, you become a little family with your own in-jokes and memories that make no sense to anyone but you...
Getting writing instruction right – The Writing For Pleasure Centre share.google/TsW6fQurOgcD...
Getting writing instruction right
Have you heard of SRSD instruction? SRSD stands for self-regulation strategy development. Sounds quite posh and complicated doesn’t it? It’s actually incredibly grounded and easy to understand. SRS…
share.google
July 17, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Getting writing instruction right – The Writing For Pleasure Centre share.google/TsW6fQurOgcD...