Top picks: educational resources and websites for teachers

The wealth of research, materials and support available for teachers today is incredible. It can also at times become slightly overwhelming. Here are some recommendations and suggestions that I believe can impact (and even transform) your teaching and your pupils' learning, as well as enhance your own professional development.


5 Educational Must Read Books

There are educational books specialising in teaching and learning, literacy, leadership and more. Here are some of my favourites that have been widely received amongst the educational community.

1. Making Every Lesson Count by Shaun Allison and Andy Tharby: This book became very popular very quickly. Making Every Lesson Count focuses on 'six key principles designed to support great teaching and learning'. This book is based on a wide range of research, evidence and experiences from two teachers still based in the classroom. A recommended read for teachers at any stage in their career.

2. Perfect ICT Every Lesson by Mark Anderson: Don't be fooled by this title — it's not a booked aimed at teachers of ICT or computing. It is in fact a useful and relevant book for all teachers, regardless of their subject or key stage with a strong focus on teaching and learning, supported by technology. Whether you are a novice when it comes to technology or a leading expert within your school there is something for everyone. A book with plentiful practical strategies and resources for your classroom.

3. Making Good Progress by Daisy Christodolou: This book has an interesting, research-informed approach focusing on assessment in schools. Making Good Progress has certainly made an impact and impression in the educational community and was described by Dylan William as essential reading for everyone who works in education.

4. High Challenge, Low Threat: Finding the balance by Mary Myatt: Mary Myatt works with pupils, teachers and leaders across the UK and this book shares her views, wisdom and experiences in regards to senior leaders creating the right conditions, climate and culture for tackling difficult issues and not shying away from the challenges in education.

5. The Confident Teacher by Alex Quigley: The Confident Teacher: Developing Successful Habits of Mind, Body and Pedagogy by Alex Quigley is a superb book. It doesn't intend to be some sort of quick fix self help guide to give teachers a transformation with confidence overnight, but it does focus on a wide range of strategies to develop confidence for both teachers and pupils.



5 TEACHING AND LEARNING WEBSITES

Here are some fantastic and free websites that you can go to for ideas or inspiration for your classroom

1. Classtools.net: Classtools.net is a website filled with creative and innovative online tools that teachers can use to engage and support their pupils. Classic features, including the random name picker to be used with questioning and the adaptable breaking news generator are a great way to start the lesson and promote discussion.

2. Trythisteaching.com: This website includes many innovative teaching and learning ideas, activities and tasks. A perfect website if you are searching for ready-made resources to try in your classroom.

3. Pinterest.com: There is a thriving teacher community on Pinterest with great lesson ideas, high quality images, printable classroom resources and examples of classroom displays — it's all on Pinterest.

4. Twinkl.ae: This Twinkl website has dedicated an entire collection of specific resources to the UAE. Resources are in English and Arabic with activities focusing on National Day, UAE currency, history and culture of the country and much more!

5. Resourceaholic.com: This website is specifically aimed at secondary mathematics teachers with everything covered from algebra, shape, and numbers to data and more! It was also the 2017 UK Education blog award winner.



5 TOOLS FOR YOUR TEACHING TOOLKIT

These are handy objects and items that every teacher should have at their disposal to support their teaching!

1. Clicker: If you are a teacher that uses PowerPoint, Prezi, Keynote or another other form of presentation in your lessons then you need this! A clicker allows you the freedom to move around your classroom and still control your presentation. No longer are you stuck to your desk clicking your way through your slides.

2. Whiteboards, pens and erasers: A classic and popular resource that works so well in the classroom. Whiteboards are great for whole class questioning and AFL. Make the most of this simple yet effective resource in your lessons.

3. Post-it notes: A staple resource in most teachers' toolkits and desks. The post it note can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom such as reflecting, recapping, answering questions and more. The free Post-it Plus app allows you to capture Post-it notes on bulk, organise them, annotate them and easily share with pupils.

4. Highlighters: Highlighters can be used in a range of innovative ways including live marking which involves the teacher checking pupils' written work in the lesson and highlighting a mistake for the pupils to address and self-correct.

5. Dice and counters: From ice breakers, starters, and plenaries to revision games, dice and counters are useful objects to have in your teacher desk drawer.



5 GLOBAL EDUCATORS TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER

If you're not on Twitter or using Twitter for your professional development then you really are missing out on a wealth of benefits, including an international professional learning network of educators, daily inspiration and the opportunity to share best practice from your classroom. Here are some key global educators that are certainly worth following online.

1. @TeacherToolkit: Ross Morrison McGill is the creator and founder of the Teacher Toolkit brand, the most followed teaching Twitter account in the world. Former deputy head, author, blogger and education consultant, he is regularly sharing his wisdom, experiences and opinions.

2. @Alex_Corbitt: Alex Corbitt is an English teacher in the Bronx, New York who has gained a large following through sharing a wide range of useful, interesting and innovative resources for teachers.

3. @ICTEvangelist: Mark Anderson (listed above) can often be found sharing the latest apps, research and guidance about using technology successfully in schools to enhance teaching and learning. A self-confessed ed-tech sceptic, Mark doesn't jump on every technology or brand bandwagon; instead he offers sensible and considered advice to his followers.

4. @JillBerry102: Dr Jill Berry is a former head, specialising in leadership consultancy sharing her knowledge, experience and expertise with her followers.

5. @SylviaDuckworth: Sylvia Duckworth is a French and technology teacher based in Toronto. Sylvia is most well known for her educational sketches.


Author: Kate Jones, Brighton College Al Ain