English

Grammar knowledge enhancement

Oak Academy

Simple and clear teaching and learning resource with specific grammar lessons and information. Organised by year group to enable focus during different placements.

Copy of Grammar Subject Knowledge

Grammar Subject Knowledge

A collection of grammatical terms explained with video guides to explore. Please do contact me (mtobin@brookes.ac.uk) if there are missing terms you would like defined or added to the slideshow.

Articulation of pure sounds knowledge enhancement

Pure Sounds Video

As a Primary School teacher, I watched this video consistently and so should you. Knowing how to articulate all phonemes correctly is imperative. It's vital that you're producing those initial sounds accurately to all children.

Children's literature knowledge enhancement & Supporting EAL

Copy of Children’s Literature Resources

The Home of Children's Books

I put this slide-deck together so you have a one-stop shop for all children's books. You can use this slideshow to:

Build up your knowledge of children's books
Supporting children and parents in finding the right book for the right child
Look to children's book awards and recommendations

I have attached a little video on the first slide to guide you through

BONUS: A final slide shows you how you can support EAL learners in the classroom too.

Evidence base - novice stage

Understanding & Teaching Primary English

Co-authored by James Clements and Mat Tobin, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of teaching English in primary settings, with particular attention given to Early Years foundations. Each section is designed to move from theory (the 'why') to practice (the 'how'), providing accessible insights into pedagogical approaches. The book includes a wealth of classroom models and examples, supporting practitioners to apply research-informed strategies in meaningful ways. A fully revised second edition is due for release in March 2026.

We have a 25% discount code (SAGEAUTH25), plus free UK delivery, via the Sage website sagepub.com and for ebook versions via ebooks.com – that should all currently work with the first edition

Clements, J. and Tobin, M. (2021) Understanding & teaching primary English : theory into practice. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.

Tell Me & The Reading Environment

A seminal text in the field of children's literature and reading for pleasure, Aidan Chambers’ Tell Me explores the vital role of talk in children’s reading development. Through practical guidance and a clearly structured framework, Chambers demonstrates how teachers can create a ‘reading environment’ that fosters dialogue, reflection, and engagement with texts. The book is foundational to building a culture of reading in the classroom and continues to inform best practice in primary English pedagogy.

Chambers, A. (2011) Tell me : children, reading and talk : with the reading environment. Stroud, Glos.: Thimble Press.

The_reading_framework.pdf

The Reading Framework

This updated guidance document from the Department for Education sets out best practice for teaching reading in primary schools, with a particular emphasis on early reading, phonics, language development, and the reading curriculum. It outlines the research underpinning effective reading instruction and offers practical advice for school leaders and teachers. Its inclusion reflects the importance of aligning practice with national expectations while also encouraging reflective, evidence-based approaches.

Department for Education (DfE) (2023) The Reading Framework: Teaching the Foundations of Literacy. London: Department for Education.

Evidence base - advanced beginner stage

Teaching Primary English

This comprehensive and research-informed text explores the interconnected strands of English, with particular strength in its treatment of writing as both a creative and communicative act. Bearne and Reedy foreground the role of talk, purpose, audience, and authentic contexts in developing children’s writing, offering examples of classroom practice that balance structure with freedom. It supports teachers in deepening their subject knowledge while advocating for inclusive, child-centred approaches.

Bearne, E. and Reedy, D. (2024) Teaching primary English : subject knowledge and classroom practice. Second edition. London ; New York, NY: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. Available at: https://www.vlebooks.com/vleweb/product/openreader?id=none&isbn=9781000887396

On the Write Track

Written by an experienced teacher and advisor, this highly practical guide breaks down the process of teaching writing into manageable steps, aligned with the real demands of the classroom. James provides a clear framework for progression, supported by examples of writing, genre-specific guidance, and an emphasis on building writing stamina and independence. The book is ideal for helping teachers develop purposeful, high-quality writing opportunities across the curriculum.

Clements, J. (2023) On the write track : a practical guide to teaching writing in primary schools. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003142461.

CLPE WRITING SCALE REBRAND.pdf

The CLPE Writing Scales

The CLPE Writing Scale is a developmental framework that supports teachers in recognising, assessing, and nurturing children’s progress as writers. Rooted in authentic classroom practice, it emphasises creativity, voice, and purpose, moving beyond reductive levels or checklists. The scale encourages a holistic, child-centred view of writing development and provides clear indicators for planning next steps in teaching and learning.

Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (2016). The Writing Scale. [online] Available at: https://clpe.org.uk/system/files/2021-09/CLPE%20WRITING%20SCALE%20REBRAND.pdf

Evidence base - effective stage

Reading Teachers: Nurturing Reading for Pleasure

This inspiring book explores how teachers can develop as readers themselves to help foster a genuine love of reading in the children they teach. Full of practical ideas, real classroom examples, and research-based insights, it encourages student teachers to think about their own reading habits and how these can shape the classroom environment. A great resource for understanding the importance of building strong reading communities in school.

Cremin, T. et al. (eds.) (2023) Reading teachers : nurturing reading for pleasure. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003215615.

Guiding Readers - Layers of Meaning

This practical guide focuses on how to teach reading comprehension in Key Stage 2, helping children move beyond surface-level understanding to explore deeper layers of meaning in texts. It introduces a range of strategies for supporting inference, interpretation, and critical thinking, and includes examples of classroom practice to bring ideas to life. A useful resource for developing confident and thoughtful young readers.

ennent, W. et al. (2016) Guiding readers - layers of meaning : a handbook for teaching reading comprehension to 7-11-year-olds. London: UCL IOE Press. Available at: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1642884 (Accessed: August 20, 2025).

CLPE Reflecting Reality 2024 v6 WEB.pdf

The CLPE's Reflecting Realities Annual Report

This important annual report from the CLPE examines how children’s books published in the UK represent racially minoritised characters and communities. It helps educators reflect on the diversity of the texts they share with pupils and highlights ongoing gaps in representation. Essential reading for teachers who want to build inclusive classroom libraries and ensure every child feels seen and valued in the stories they read.

Serroukh, F. (2024). REFLECTING REALITIES Survey of Ethnic Representation within UK Children’s Literature 2023. [online] Available at: https://clpe.org.uk/system/files/2024-12/CLPE%20Reflecting%20Reality%202024%20v6%20WEB.pdf.

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