Reconnecting Primary and Secondary Reading With Christopher Such, Mind the Gap, Ep. 38  (S2E13)

For this episode, Tom and Emma chat with Christopher Such, an author and primary teacher from Peterborough. In the first part of their conversation, the group discusses Christopher’s focus on literacy and teaching reading in primary school. Christopher’s book on teaching reading (The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading) has recently been buzzing through the UK education world. The book’s strength comes from Christopher’s experience teaching primary reading, particularly his ability to connect with the learner and the dynamics of what makes a great reader. Rather than provide a step-by-step approach to teaching reading, Christopher’s book offers a framework for education that contextualizes teaching reading in their own experience and lesson plans.

In the second part of the discussion, Tom, Emma, and Christopher discuss the science of teaching reading. Christopher’s scientific approach is revolutionary and combines concepts from other researchers in education in a workable and well-thought-out model. Christopher has a background in science, having received a bachelor’s and master’s in chemistry, and his book came from a want for more scientific exploration of reading. He expertly combines the experimental with the practical applications of reading theory.

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About the participants:
Christopher Such is a key stage one primary teacher and curriculum leader from Peterborough. He has worked in education for thirteen years, including spells in every key stage from foundation to A-Level, teaching primarily in upper key stage 2. He is also the author of The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading and articles on various topics in education. Follow Christopher on Twitter @Suchmo83

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education.

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75