Siân Davidson
@English_MrsD
Followers
4,307
Following
3,531
Media
279
Statuses
6,168
Head of English | Literacy Lead | MEd | Founder of @NIEngTeachers | Girl-Mum x2 | All views my own.
Northern Ireland
Joined January 2018
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Georgia
• 330715 Tweets
Michigan
• 308284 Tweets
Texas
• 213585 Tweets
Tennessee
• 127217 Tweets
Francis
• 90849 Tweets
Usher
• 67710 Tweets
Arnold Palmer
• 56991 Tweets
#precure
• 50995 Tweets
Inter Miami
• 49791 Tweets
Romero
• 49672 Tweets
O Vasco
• 41736 Tweets
#仮面ライダーガヴ
• 40038 Tweets
Gago
• 37920 Tweets
Hulk
• 33418 Tweets
Bama
• 33273 Tweets
Arch
• 26171 Tweets
Tigre
• 23304 Tweets
Milroe
• 19432 Tweets
#ブンブンジャー
• 19106 Tweets
Saban
• 15941 Tweets
Riquelme
• 15456 Tweets
Vegetti
• 14404 Tweets
Medina
• 11074 Tweets
Why are some teachers spending every night of the week planning?
Where are the centralised plans, schemes & resources?
This is not how teaching should be.
86
54
965
Non-parent me: I hate it when kids dress up as characters from movies instead of books for WBD.
Now parent of a 4 & 2 yr old: OK, what do we already have in the dressing up box? Belle? Elsa? Perfect. That'll do rightly.
Note to pre-parent me: wise up & don't judge 🤣
39
9
568
One thing I did this week that dramatically improved all feelings of drowning: rather than hold full live lessons, I held 'drop ins'. Classes were set work to complete independently while I sat in Google Meet to answer any questions. I got on top of marking & lesson planning.
19
38
466
I'm concerned to see schools paying for 'recovery curricula'. Of course our pupils may need a little extra pastoral support, but the best 'recovery curriculum' we can offer them is a return to high standards of teaching & learning.
19
33
421
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I hate not being able to walk round my room to mark work & initiate one-to-one discussions with pupils. I hate it. I absolutely hate it.
28
18
399
Yesterday, I experienced the JOY of my best friend's wedding.
A beautiful bride, a beautiful couple and a beautiful photo of 3 people who have been best friends for over 30 years ❤️
6
1
373
Why am I already having to challenge my 5 year old in her assumption that 'boys don't wear dresses' & 'boys can't have long hair' & 'boys can't like pink'? She lives in a house where none of these things are ever said.
65
4
349
I continue to be baffled that there are teachers in the UK that teach in July. I've dissolved into a pile of exhaustion this weekend & some of you have like 3 more weeks to go.
Teachers in NI salute you!
20
7
302
This is the first term in my new role where I have booklets in place for all units and honestly, it is beyond freeing. I know some say booklets can be restrictive but I only feel the opposite. All resources ready to go & no need to plan the minutiae of every lesson...freedom.
26
9
302
I have had my visualiser for a week now & I have no idea how I survived without it. For those of you wondering if you should get one, DO IT.
35
8
246
It's our wedding anniversary today! 5 whole years and two babies later ❤️
21
1
248
Can someone please offer advice on how to not respond to teacher-basher trolls? It's been a real struggle for me lately.
117
5
171
This is where you will find us for the rest of the summer 🌞
10
0
166
Probably like most teachers across NI this morning, I am beyond angry that £44 has been taken from all our salaries for the GTCNI. Surely this needs remedied as a matter of urgency? Where is this money going? Is someone going to account for it?
8
14
146
Our Yr 8s have a discrete 'Literacy' period per week & I am currently revamping the scheme. It's slow going but I'm finally getting somewhere with it. It's one of those jobs I'd given myself all year to complete, yet here we are in June & only getting to it now 🙈
37
10
148
@CassHT
We are married nearly 7 years and I still yearn for this dress! Very easily danced in 🤣
11
1
148
English teachers: random Hump Day question. When reading aloud to a class, do you put on accents/voices?
158
6
145
Embarrassing confession: I am an English teacher and I cannot remember the last time I properly read a book (outside of the classroom). I used to devour books but I struggle to find time now with 2 littles. Weekends? Downtime is non-existent. Before bed? I keep nodding off! 1/2
41
1
105
Our Yr 9 Nature Poetry Booklets are photocopied & ready to go. A while back, I asked you lovely lot what poems you'd choose for a Nature Poetry unit & you did not disappoint! Looking forward to teaching this unit for the first time.
31
12
101
It's finally starting to feel like Christmas around here 🎄✨
3
0
100
My husband and I are going out for lunch today. No kids and an actual restaurant!
8
0
96
All hail this gorgeous thing I received from a Year 8 pupil this week - a costume design for an adaptation of Macbeth. Seriously impressed with that artwork! 😍
3
3
94
I have now sent a copy of this across to anyone who requested it. Please let me know if you didn't receive one - there were quite a few requests!
Our Yr 8s have a discrete 'Literacy' period per week & I am currently revamping the scheme. It's slow going but I'm finally getting somewhere with it. It's one of those jobs I'd given myself all year to complete, yet here we are in June & only getting to it now 🙈
37
10
148
116
4
89
Meant to do a workout this evening.
Instead, I'm already in bed with a Terry's Chocolate Orange and zero regrets.
4
0
83
Yesterday, my colleagues & I finished for the summer holidays. What a term. What a year.
We made it.
6
1
87
@mr_englishteach
It's a simple one but I always follow an instruction with a 'thank you' rather than a 'please'. Also, sometimes no words at all are needed - a look in their direction, or walking round to stand behind them as you continue the lesson, can also be really powerful.
8
1
84
News just in: Millionaire Karren thinks teachers should live off 'doing it for the kids' & not expect a fair salary - so much so they should be in the classroom to teach the 140k kids not in the classroom 🤷🏻♀️
Because parents have zero accountability here...
1
9
82
Baffled that some are arguing against nurses strike.Nurses are degree-educated professionals & should be paid as such.
Nursing,like teaching,
is not a vocation. It's a job. Pay nurses what they deserve & stop expecting them to put up with low salaries & poor working conditions.
1
4
78
I finished the third series of The Split last night & I just loved it. Nothing high-octane - just well-written storylines & interesting characters. And Hannah's house & wardrobe 👌🏻
17
0
77
Teacher: OK, everyone has had lots of thinking time. Jot down your answer on your whiteboard then flip it over to let me see.
Arlene: Wipes her answer out with her sleeve when she sees Boris's answer is different from hers.
🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
7
7
75
Still one more week to go before half term here in NI. It's been a long one, hasn't it? 🥴
13
0
75
Year Heads who won't now see their year groups for a while: what is your planned approach for supporting your group pastorally from afar?
I'll be recording assemblies again and making phonecalls home along with my form tutors.
I'll miss them!
28
12
71
Using Jamboard in the English classroom - a thread.
*Disclaimer* I'm still a relative newbie to using it & still have lots to learn but here are some really simple, yet effective, ways I've used it during the last week or so 👇🏻
9
13
66
Teachers in NI - we made it! Happy end-of-term to you all!
1
1
65
Tweets telling teachers not to read certain books by certain authors to their class for enjoyment during a pandemic are not OK. This is not the time to criticise the quality of chosen books. Read for fun! Read what you know they enjoy! We all need a bit of light relief!
8
1
64
Tomorrow is my final day in the school I have loved for the last 11 years.
Today there were a lot of tears.
Hit me with your positive stories of moving & settling in somewhere new. The goodbyes are the hard bit. It'll all be ok, won't it?!
14
0
62
One of the things I miss the most about my 'normal' classroom environment is circulating the room, marking classwork over their shoulders. Those one-to-one engagements are missed. Getting them to post a photo of their work to Google Classroom just isn't the same!
10
1
62
Did last half term burn you out? Some handy hints to prevent remote teaching fatigue 👇🏻
1) Keep live lessons/recorded videos as short as possible. Win win for us & pupils. A normal 1 hour lesson should last 35/40 mins remotely.
2
13
60
I'm not sure there is anything more joyous to hear as a teacher than:
Me: John I know you've been off the last few days so maybe a friend could let you borrow their notes to copy up.
John: I've already got copied up, Miss. I texted my friend last night to see what I missed.
2
0
60
I can't believe how early many teachers get up! My alarm goes off at 6.45am (if girls haven't got me up before!) and that feels like the middle of the night. But 4.30am? 😱
What’s your average go to bed and get up time on school days/nights?
421
5
64
55
1
58
I've seen a lot of tweets this evening about this not being the NYE people had planned and how different it is this year.
This is the exact NYE I've had for the last 5 years and I'm not complaining in the slightest.
5
2
59
Today I left school on the bell, came home & put my feet up with a cuppa. My girls will stay in daycare for another hour. Self-care is vital - even more so as we near the end of a manic term. Simple things make a big difference to wellbeing!
@maternityCPD
2
0
56
@AmandaFBelfast
@easyJet
@AerLingus
easyJet have a legal responsibility to get you home on the day you had booked. If there are no easyJet flights, they have a legal responsibility to get you home via another carrier. So said
@SimonCalder
on BBC Breakfast yesterday!
2
0
53
Don't mind me - I'm still drooling over Year 10 homework collected today. How gorgeous are these staging sketches of R&J Act 2 Scene 2?! 😍
4
1
54
Every time I see the stark figures of the pay disparity between teachers in NI & the rest of the UK my blood boils a little bit more.
This isn't teachers versus schools. This is teachers in NI wanting equal pay. 24k starting salary? It's laughable.
1
9
55
Becoming a little obsessed with ‘Analysis Mats’. These really help pupils plan and structure their work before a major assessment task.
#EnglishTeacher
#EnglishResources
#AssessmentForLearning
@Team_English1
@LitdriveUK
4
13
54
@MineEYMind
Imaginary scenario: older pupils ask out of class to use toilet to avoid work/to vape/to *insert other behavioural issue here*. Younger pupil genuinely needs toilet but toilets are full of said older pupils.
How do you respond to younger pupil's parents? What is your solution?
5
3
55
Wow,
#LastNightOfTheProms
- what a stark, symbolic reminder of the current decimation of the arts. I'm delighted it has gone ahead but it is an emotional watch.
#SaveTheArts
1
8
55
Present Me is grateful to Past Me for putting the graft into these booklets ahead of starting my new job. All activities planned out, all resources included. Lots of ideas taken from the fine folk of EduTwitter.
Such a time saver.
Happy to share. DM if you think they'd help!
13
1
55
So many people have kindly shared resources with me over the last few weeks & I want to give back.
I have just completed 3 KS3 Poetry booklets: Diverse Poetry, Nature Poetry & Conflict Poetry. If you'd like any copies, DM your email address!
7
3
52
My first week is done in my new role and new school.
I'm utterly exhausted - but what a week! The transition has been made so easy by lovely colleagues and fantastic students.
That said, I'm delighted it's the weekend 🤣
2
0
49
@AmandaFBelfast
I think the majority of the DUP demographic is an aging one. Most young unionists don't align with their values. In fact, as someone who would've traditionally voted unionist (but never DUP) I am now much more in the Alliance camp. Major reform is needed all round.
5
3
48
It's a strange, bittersweet feeling seeing your own job advertised. Whilst I'm excited about my next chapter, I'm already jealous of the person who gets to work in the best school with the best colleagues.
7
1
50
Why does the BBC refuse to report that the majority of this pay offer in England is UNFUNDED? I.e the government expects schools to pay for this pay rise out of their own budgets?!
More strikes planned as teachers in England reject pay offer
57
26
104
1
14
49
@MissRegardless
My duty is first and foremost to my own children.
If I was young free and single I'd waltz back in with a heart and a half. But to work I'd probably have to send my kids back to childcare. Which makes me uncomfortable.
Duty is great. But it isn't black and white.
4
0
47
Lots of chat about booklets at the moment. If you want to support high quality T&L in your dept, not to mention spend less time planning & at the photocopier, they really are a must.
I blogged on this very topic a while ago...
4
8
47
One week into WFH, the mum-guilt has reared its ugly head again. Even when it's 'their' time, I feel I'm constantly checking emails or GC. It's so hard to separate work from home when you're WFH. Anyone else?
5
0
44
Saturday morning book delivery.
Confession - 11 years teaching & I've never taught Macbeth. Time to brush up on subject knowledge.
@SPryke2
@teachals
@tombennett71
@mr_englishteach
& Matt Pinkett.
14
1
46
I've already said it this year but I'll say it again.
Teaching 'Animal Farm' in 2022 is weird.
0
3
44
Inside Out has to be the most emotional movie for parents. I ball every single time!
What movie does it for you?
31
1
44
@Helen29Aug
Our half term has been extended here in NI...the Education Minister has been very clear that it's NOT a week of remote learning. Hopefully it's the same for you!
1
1
46
I've been inspired by the gorgeous curriculum roadmaps I've seen on Twitter & in other depts in school (
@amandasalt
😉) Today, I started working on ours for KS3. What did we ever do without Canva?!
6
3
45
YEAR HEADS, lend me your ears. I'm relatively new to the role and really loving it. However, it can be tough to juggle teaching with the demands of the role - finding I'm using a lot of 'free' time chasing up issues & marking/teaching suffers. Tips?
#Edutwitter
#YearHeads
42
4
44
English HoDs - I'd love to hear your top tips for starting in the role. What would your priorities be?
Just over a week before I start & I'm very excited.
36
7
45
Morning everyone! Talk to me about Cornell notes. I've seen some amazing examples of teachers using them for CPD but do you get students to use them? If so, how? Interested to hear your ideas!
#EduTwitter
#EduTwitterNI
@Team_English1
28
9
46
Wow! I was not expecting my last post to go as mad as it has 🤣 So many DMs and requests for the Literacy booklet. I am more than happy to share but as of 12pm today school is officially out for summer & I'm heading abroad this weekend. Promise I'll share when I can!
9
0
45
Whilst our strike today isn't just about teacher salaries, these figures never fail to shock. Why is my labour worth less than other teachers elsewhere in the UK? Children in NI deserve more.
A teacher in Northern Ireland is worth just as much as one in Scotland. Take strike action on Wednesday.
6
53
116
1
8
45
The most stressful thing about being a parent of young children in 2020 is when they start coughing in public.
3
1
44
'Mrs Davidson' written in Bengali, courtesy of one of my Year 8s.
Said Year 8 arrived in NI in March 2020 & subsequently spent his first 5 months here locked down with not a word of English. He now spends lunchtime performing magic tricks for his year group.
My mind = blown.
6
1
45
Another set of GCSE essays marked in my free time DURING the school day means I don’t have anything to take home tonight. WCF for the win 🙌🏻
#WholeClassFeedback
#GCSEEnglishLanguage
#EnglishResources
@Team_English1
@LitdriveUK
1
9
45
THREAD - Since when did it become okay to discourage children to read? I've read some pretty disheartening things on here today. As an English teacher and literacy advocate I spend most of my time telling kids and parents that it's okay to read anything...
10
1
43
Sunny Saturday deliveries, Round 1.
@KateJones_teach
@FunkyPedagogy
@mr_englishteach
@greeborunner
@EnserMark
@MrARobbins
Thank you!
6
4
43
I am so excited to be speaking at the next
@WomenEdNI
conference about all things middle leadership.
A face-to-face conference, no less! I can't wait to finally meet colleagues who have inspired me over the last 2 years.
We are thrilled to welcome back
@CeliaOHagan1
@SlemishVP
@JacquiMagennis
@English_MrsD
and
@KatrinaCrilly
from
@Oakgroveinfo
who kindly hosted our
#IWD2020
event 💜
1
6
15
3
5
44
I have spent a small fortune on summer-holiday activities so far for this pair.
Turns out all they wanted to do was spend an hour in mummy's classroom drawing on the board & playing schools!
0
0
42
I happen to be reading through some notes I made several years ago about engaging boys in prep for a teaching interview.
Competition. War poetry. Lord of the Flies. And...
Kinesthetic learners.
I hate my several-years-ago self.
12
0
41
It's been 2 years since I last taught Animal Farm.
There is a certain eeriness teaching it in 2022.
4
1
42
What's been your biggest parenting fail?
4 year ago this week, we travelled over an hour in the car to realise we didn't bring the pram so we hired a wheelchair to wheel my daughter round in her car seat. I don't think I've ever wanted to laugh & cry so much at the same time.
8
0
42
I'd really appreciate someone explaining to me how summer school 'catch up' works. Who are they 'catching up' with? What is the 'golden' standard that all children need to have achieved? Who sets these parameters?
In all honesty, they just need a good catch up with their mates.
3
3
41
@Fifijane83
@maternityCPD
I read on here once how, as teacher mums, we actually have the best of both worlds. 3 ish months a year we get to be SAHMs whilst holding down our full time careers. Yes nursery days are long during term time but we've got hols to look forward to!
3
0
40
Anyone feel like this period between Feb half term and Easter is the longest slog? Mock marking, reports, Speaking & Listening moderation...So. Much. To. Do.
6
0
41
Its been awfully nice to see folk up and down the country join in with my birthday celebrations this year. Some of the street parties are a bit OTT but nice all the same 🤣
In all seriousness, I'm 34 today & thankful ✨
10
0
40
I have been thinking for some time about offering English Language as a GCSE to adults in my local community. I'm hoping to offer my own tuition for free, with students only paying exam/venue hire costs. Has anyone ever done this? Please get in touch if so. I'm in NI.
8
1
39
Our baby is 2 today. On the one hand, it seems like a lifetime ago that she was this tiny. On the other, it's passed in a blink.
I'll be in a corner crying buckets if anyone needs me.
5
1
40
It's always a great day hosting the English PGCE students from
@QUBSSESW
. This morning, they worked with our Yr13&14 students. This afternoon, I delivered a talk on all-things A Level. Lovely to be back in my alma mater! Isn't it beaut 🤩
1
1
39
Perhaps not a big deal for some but because post-primary are returning later than other children, I've had the opportunity to drop off & pick up my 4 year old from nursery school for the last 2 weeks. As a full-time teacher, these are moments I thoroughly appreciate.
4
0
38
This makes me livid.
Don't want to pay? Scroll on by. I really value Kaley's work (and others on here who, rightly, charge for their time and expertise). Twitter needs to get over itself at the minute.
Upcoming sessions for
#HoDandHeart
have been cancelled until further notice. The cost of the backlash that comes from providing CPD, for a small charge, isn't worth it for the impact on my mental health and I've felt ike target practice today.
Have a good one. ❤️
94
3
103
3
2
39
Twitter Hive: if one was focusing on the theme of ambition in Macbeth, what would be your must-have mentions?
23
3
39
12 months ago I started a new job in a new school. I very nearly didn't apply because my colleagues in my old school had become my best friends. I worried that by leaving, those friendships would end.
Not so. This was us last night - no longer my colleagues but always my buds ❤️
3
0
38
@mrdennis27
Noone is asking anyone to teach in the same way. I'd hate that too! But centralised planning means the resources are there should you be tight of time /have other life commitments.
2
0
37
@FunkyPedagogy
PS said husband doesn't get asked how he 'works full time and has 2 young kids', mind, but that's a whole other thread 🤣
1
0
34
I don't think we are shouting loudly enough about the fact that
@duponline
MLAs are taking a wage from a job they encouraged people to vote them into, despite never having any intention of doing said job. All while good hard-WORKING folk can't afford to put food on the table.
1
1
37
I am officially a fan of Wandavision. I'll admit, I spent the first 2 episodes debating whether or not to abandon ship. But. It. Is. Fabulous. 👏🏻👏🏻
12
1
36
Next year, I'm teaching King Lear at A Level for the first time in ages. I could do a happy dance.
Have you taught it? What makes you love it?
12
1
35
By now, most of us have seen THAT SLT TES advert.
Ads like these are the reason teachers are becoming increasingly undermined & undervalued. I'm still ambivalent about whether I'll ever make the move to SLT but I will never be willing to sacrifice my life for the role.
2
0
36
Chat GPT is an amazing teaching tool that could save us all bags of time. Have you used it to make resources? If so, I'd love to hear your ideas!
I love ChatGTP or other platforms. Previously this could have taken me hours to find relevant descriptions. Typed in and 2 seconds later, I have exactly what I need. Brilliant timesaver.
9
9
101
12
6
36
We still use PEA (shock horror, I know, to some of you!) but I am starting to feel like WHW might be a better approach. Do you find it produces better analysis from students? Would love to hear general thoughts.
12
10
36
Literacy Leaders et al, can I pick your brains about form-time reading?
How did you get started? How did you fund novels? How did you encourage buy-in? Sorry, lots of questions! I'm keen to get up and running!
21
9
35