Classroom Connect

27. Phonological Safety Nets - How can we support children if they are struggling with phonics?

In this third Phonics special episode Sophie discusses ways we can support children who may struggle with phonics. She shares ideas for interventions, acceleration and remediation with Ian and Andrew, looking at how these can be supported by digital tools and resources.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

26. A Solid Foundation - Are Phase One Phonics essential?

In our second Phonics special episode Sophie discusses with Ian and Andrew the importance of Phase One phonics, how they impact on children's ability to make secure progress with phonics. Sophie highlights ways we can support progress and how we can provide a solid foundation for children's future success.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

25 -Bringing Phonics to Life - How can 'Time for Phonics' support children to succeed with phonics?

In this first special episode dedicated to Phonics Ian and Andrew meet Sophie Pickles, Early Years expert, instructional designer and part of the team behind the Time for Phonics DfE-validated SSP programme.
Sophie begins by outlining 'the why' behind Time for Phonics and gives us the lowdown on how it was created. 
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

24. Level Playing Fields - How can digital resources support and promote inclusivity?

Inclusive learning and creating equitable access to learning are essential considerations for all teachers to ensure all their pupils can succeed. In this episode Ian and Andrew explore some of the ways digital tools and resources can support with inclusion and equity. Flexibility, adaptability and access to authentic relatable experiences are just some of the ideas covered. They explore ways to support children to be consistently working in their zones of proximal development, which in turn promotes increased engagement and progress.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

23. Up North - Regional special with Jonny Thelwell - Discovery Education consultant and teacher.

At Discovery Education our advisory team work across the country in regions, developing a deep understanding of the schools we work with. In this special episode Ian and Andrew spend some time with Jonny Thelwell a school advisor for the North region and former teacher. Jonny shares with us some of the ideas, opportunities and activities being provided by Discovery Education.
Our team support schools right across the country and are available to support you and your colleagues with ideas, guidance and resources, through video calls, webinars, face to face events and via email. 
If you subscribe to any Discovery Education products you will have a member of the team assigned to support you personally - please do share their details with colleagues. You can also reach out to the team using this link. 
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

22. Walled Gardens - How we can create safe spaces for digital exploration in order to develop critical thinking?

Online safety is of course a major concern for parents, carers and educators as we try to ensure our children can participate fully in the digital world and benefit from the huge learning opportunities it affords. This week, Ian and Andrew share their thoughts, ideas and experiences concerning online safety.
In particular they explore ways to give children appropriate levels of independence to develop the critical thinking skills needed to recognise the voracity of information and content they are experiencing.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

21. Devices in Hand - How can we ensure greater equity with access to digital devices?

Access to digital devices can have a huge impact on the ways children can learn using the power of digital. In this episode Ian and Andrew discuss some options for ways to increase availability and access to devices, in order to ensure greater equity.
Andrew also shares some of his experiences working with vulnerable refugee communities in the Middle East and discusses some possible lessons we can learn from these challenging situations.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com 

20. Time for Phonics - Why are digital resources effective in supporting children's phonological development?

Phonics are the foundation for literacy and learning. A secure understanding of phonics is essential and requires a range of effective resources to teach, reinforce, embed and, where needed, remediate this crucial aspect of learning. 
In this episode Ian and Andrew discuss some of the ways digital resources can support here, including whole class, group or independent work, how they can support interventions, work at home and also their potential for older children with additional needs or who are new to English.
Please email us with questions, ideas or suggestions at classroomconnect@discoveryed.com