Richard O'Neill
@therroneill
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Storyteller, Author, Social entrepreneur, Co-Founder Diverse Book Week, Creative Lead in Residence @ Seven Stories Newcastle Founder National Men's Health Week
Lancashire/North East
Joined April 2012
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A school this week.
Child: Are you coming back next week?
Me: It costs a lot of money so maybe the teachers will ask me back another time perhaps next year.
Child: How much does it cost because I've got nearly £300 saved up I can give you that.
Oh my ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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When a school principal apologises for phoning you at 7.00pm then tells you they just had to let you know that the work you did in their school was some of the best they have ever seen in any school.
Blimey!
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Who are the most complimentary year group in your school?
I had lunch with Reception in the dining hall yesterday.
I received two compliments about eating all of my sandwich, two for my clothes and one for my hair!
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Saw this on my urban walk today.
A beautiful reminder that you can fall between the cracks but still find a way to grow and bloom.
#Wellbeing
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Woman riding a horse through a housing estate today.
As it came up to a junction, the horse started to get a bit silly, with a tone of incredulity in her voice, she said.
"Excuse me!"
The horse immediately stopped messing about.
I think she could be a teacher😆
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Dear Chancellor,
You appear to have forgotten self-employed people in your package of support for business.
There are millions of us we fix things, build things, create things and pay lots of taxes and NI contributions.
Come on do the right thing and support us.
#selfemployed
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Unboxing your author copies never gets old.
There were times when I began to doubt we'd ever see a book like this. Yet here it is.
Huge thanks to
@tbradman
and
@scholasticuk
For making it happen.
The cover art work by Aletter Straathof is stunning.
#football
#inclusionmatters
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Following on from a discussion at a social event last night.
I'm happy to pay more income tax if it means our teachers and other public sector people get the pay rise they deserve.
I'm not the only one either.
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I'm sitting in reception waiting to go to class as children are coming into school.
Child!: You're back. I've got all my ideas in a book in my drawer.
Skips off
What a start to my day.
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Lower ability
Lower group
Underachieving
How about using the term underestimated group instead.
Given the right circumstances and opportunities every child can amaze you.
*This isn't a fluffy motivational quote taken from a book this is based on experience.
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So glad schools are making classroom more muted and natural. Something weve been trying to encourage for ten years!
On school visits I often used to think I'd landed inside a Disney cartoon.
#nature
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I'll be talking this week on the loneliness experienced by children who are missing from books. If you have children in your school from a nomadic background then they deserve to see themselves in books. Other children and adults also need to see them positively represented.
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When you come from a marginalised community in the North with no heritage of authors, no one to follow. It takes a certain kind of belief that you can be the first.
We need to let others both young and old in other communities know that belief can be gained and turned into action
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To all my brothers, sisters and allies who, include, lift up and support.
Wishing us all the happiest of days.
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The super supportive
@LiteracyShed
has very generously offered to fund two class sets (15 books) of A different kind of freedom. Supplied by
@ANewChapterBks
All you have to do is retweet this, and I'll get my grandson to pick the two winners over the weekend.
#books
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Huge news and an actual dream come true.
What an amazing and world-class team to be working with.
#storytelling
#animation
#film
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I'm still taking this in.
In the meantime, thank you to everyone at
@sunderlanduni
For the most wonderful day.
Internationally acclaimed performance storyteller, author and playwright,
@therroneill
, has been awarded the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the
@sunderlanduni
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We have a new baby in our neighbourhood the family's custom is to give sweets or chocolates to their close neighbours, ours is to give coins for the new baby. We share some language and customs we have different religions but we are friends and we all love babies!
The end
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This is officially out today.
Huge thanks to everyone who has shared and supported already.
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What's the first book you ever read or the one that made you fall in love with reading as a kid?
This is mine my mam bought it for me because I loved animals.
I loved this book so much I taught myself to read with it before I went to school at 5 years old.
#readingforpleasure
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Every time you put a diverse book into your library or classroom you are changing the world for the better one book at a time.
#Diversebookweek
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In amongst all the online lessons.
Let's not forget to make time for children just to play and also time do nothing but learn to enjoy their own company.
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School closures don't put children's lives on hold, just as weekends don't.
They still learn just in different ways.
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"You're very outspoken"
Is often a phrase people from marginalised and working class backgrounds hear when they are vocal about inequalities.
Whereas others are often cited as 'wonderful advocates for inclusion'
Class and language are still dividing.
#inclusion
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Thank you so much for all of the lovely feedback about the book being on the radio this morning.
1, A huge step for Romani writers
2, This book wouldn't have happened without the previous ones and all the support I have received for a long time from too many people to mention.
❤️
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Discovered a new currency in my neighbourhood and I like it.
Loan a wheelbarrow to someone for a couple of hours and when they return it they give you two delicious slices of homemade bakewell tart.
It's the future of finance as far as I'm concerned.
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This is representative of Stockton on Tees.
Fuming that anyone would have the audacity to call one of our towns such a name.
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Last year rescued an apple tree about to be skipped. Re-potted and nutured produced one apple. This year after more nurturing look how many beautiful apples 🍎
Nature will usually pay humans back for their kindness.
@Woodlandtrust
@SaveSheffTrees
@RobGMacfarlane
@ChrisGPackham
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Good morning.
Just a thought.
I have been working in schools every week across the UK for a very long time.
Including during lockdown.
My considered opinion is:
Teachers actually know what they're doing.
The end
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Another phrase that needs to go
'Low ability'
My ability is low with tech compared to many of my friends and colleagues but they can't write a book or a play.
Low ability when applied to children is really the worst!
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Whatever anyone says about Travellers and schools, I never forget that teacher at that small North East school when I was 5 years old who taught me how to write.
Thank you teacher
I have had a fantastic day
@AlderTreeLeeds
Staff and children were wonderful. I don't know how they do it but the school just keeps getting more fabulous.
Oh and the cherry on top!
#writing
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We can't compel any educator to teach their students about our history, but they can't say they don't have any resources in order to do so. It is then simply - a choice!
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Fascinating conversation today at the library with a picture book loving parent who feels that many rhyming picture books don't work as well when she reads them in her Northern accented voice.
Got me thinking that has!
#NorthernRoar
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Seen some negative tweets about
@MichaelRosenYes
Look if you know Michael you know Michael and anyone trying to change our positive view to a negative one.
You're wasting your time.
Go away and pester someone else.
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If you don't include people from the most excluded groups in your conversations about inclusion, you're simply perpetuating exclusion.
Answers on a postcard as to why people keep doing it.
#DiversityandInclusion
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Play is not just for children.
Repeat play is not just for children.
We have infantilised and devalued the word and the practice.
#play
The power of Play
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I believe it's vitally important to provide an alternative to the 'being rich is everything' narrative, which a lot of young people are being bombarded with by certain social media influencers.
#Entrepreneurship
#community
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Lots of discussion about the early years of children's learning.
This little film gives an idea of where an increasing number of educators and parents believe it ought to be going.
Storytelling and other arts are fundamental to learning and development.
#storytelling
#eyfs
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If you are a child from a marginalised community, you become aware of that pretty quickly.
As you continue your reading journey, you don't need books to confirm it what you need are books that positively represent, challenge, and provide new narratives and possibilities
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For anyone who still thinks the Holocaust is funny.
I'm currently writing a commissioned piece for a museum in Germany and last night I was woken by a horrendous nightmare I couldn't breathe
Imagine what so called funny is doing to survivors and relatives of those who didn't.
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Today the 2nd of August we remember and we live the best lives we can to honour those who were not permitted to.
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Email from a headteacher from one of this week's school visits.
When all children are included, seen, and validated in literature, that's how we get the next generation of writers.
#GRTHM
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Me: This is me looking thoughtful delivering a lecture to university staff and students.
Grandson: You look like the baddie in a super hero movie.
Me: Err OK
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Me: Finger spacing or pen or pencil spacing I don't care what you use just anything that makes a space between the words.
Child: You mean like making the words socially distance?
Me: Yes perfect!
Socially distance them.
Whatever works for the child works for me.
#writing
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I know I sound like a broken record on this, but please be nice to admin people in schools and other organisations, they are doing an amazing job with an ever increasing workload.
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You can put on as many inclusion conferences as you like and create as many resources as you like.
But if you don't include excluded communities, it's all a bit pointless.
Real inclusion has to happen in real life.
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I don't expect every school to have all of my books, be great of course, but a big ask😀
It's not too much to ask though that every school have at least one Romani own voice authentically authored book, is it?
#InternationalChildrensBookDay
#inclusion
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Lots of discussion since the start of the year about storytelling and specifically storytelling skills. Which I've been delivering whenever and wherever I can.
There will in the future be a Northern academy of storytelling, how do I know ?
I'm working on establishing it😄
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Child: Mr. O'Neill, what did Traveller storytellers do before they wrote books?
Me: We etched our words directly onto people's hearts.
Child: (grinning and nodding) Good one Mr O'Neill good one.
#storytelling
#TheNomadicWay
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Yesterday I had another adult tell me how much they enjoyed this book.
To many, it's a pretty good novel that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
It's also a groundbreaking book opening door for other GRT authors.
I'm both proud and thankful.
Cheers
@scholasticuk
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The publishing world can be a tough old game. So when you get a win you really need to celebrate it.
@Michell17299340
and I got one today.
We were invited by major publisher to submit which we did and they want to publish the book.
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In other news
I have finally finished my baby grandson's first cherry wood spoon.
Should be on its way to him later this week.
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Does anyone need five cushions on a hotel bed.
Is it just me? Am I too Northern?
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School playground at lunchtime, two boys stop playing football as I walk through.
Boys: Are you that man that writes the Traveller books?
Me: I am
Boys reel off the titles.
Me: Have you read the football one.
Boys grin, nod and ask if I'll write a book about them.
How lovely.
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Anyone looking for a KS2,KS3 class novel for next year do check this one out.
A cracking read so many important themes and showing inclusion.
If different books don't get read, nothing changes.
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Today is the start of Gypsy Roma Traveller History month.
Lots of fabulous events taking place.
@Michell17299340
and I are also celebrating three years working together.
#GRTHM
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I am delighted to announce my new two-book deal with Childsplay International.
Reasons why I signed with them again.
*An amazing and totally professional team to work with.
* The quality of the finished books.
* Author support and creative freedom.
* They totally get inclusion.
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I am constantly amazed that despite everything that goes on in a child's life, that they remember you and the story you told for 30 minutes a year before
Happened today with a year 1 child who was previously in reception remembered the story and my name!
I ❤ storytelling
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To all the settings from nursery's to schools to libraries, museums, universities, and local authorities who are celebrating
#GRTHM
It's very much appreciated.
#inclusion
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@smithsmm
I don't read or share any of the negative media stuff about teachers.
Because each eyeball or click is exactly what they want.
Let's just keep sharing the real and wonderful things you all do everyday in school.
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Storytelling with children isn't just about telling, far from it.
It's also about creating a space to listen to them.
Creating that space takes skill, but it can be learned.
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Mr O'Neill, why don't you do your own illustrations?
Erm...no reason
* Professional artwork by Marieke Nelissen Illustrator of the Parno Gry
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@MichaelRosenYes
@SkyNews
Oh come on.
Is it so difficult to find out if Michael Rosen is a cartoonist or an author and academic.
It's not like he's well known for his books or anything.
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This little fella sold out again in a bookshop in the North last week.
It's a heritage thing and a cute thing.
And inspired by a real-life experience in county Durham.
What's not to like!
*I do want to turn the book into a musical with a Northern brass band.
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This little fella has sold out again in the North East.
Means more to me than having a world wide best seller.
Thank you to everyone who bought a copy.
#FeroniaParkerThomas
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Delighted to have been commissioned to create a series of videos for Hartlebury museum about traditional Travelling Storytelling, entertainment and toy making.
@worcestermuseum
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@GypsyTravellerM
@NetflixUK
Signed
I cannot understand what would drive someone to say something like this in the guise of comedy.
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Creativity starts with just having a go!
That's why children are amazingly creative - until someone compares their work to a standard set by an adult.
The further we go through the system the more it happens.
#EYFS
#Creative
#Storytelling
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Most beautiful bookshop in the North at the biggest book festival in the North.
With a book about one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the North
Cannot tell you how much this means.
Huge thanks to
@BradfordLitFest
#GRTHM23
@ace_national
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We dont see enough from Traveller artists. This is one of my favourites from my pal Shamus.
Nothing romantic about it, but it sure is beautiful
*Noote to self we must get the spaceship picture book done for next year's GRTHM.
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I'm me and just like anyone else I shouldn't have to justify my existence. So I'm certainly not going to.
#GypsyNotStereotypes
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Just so we're clear, I don't think it's taking sides to call for a cease-fire to stop more innocent children being killed.
#CeasefireNOW
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Grandad, can you show us what playing out was like in the 1970s?
No problem at all😁
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Milk delivered in glass reusable bottles by electric vehicles that deliver potatoes, eggs too, without any plastic packaging.
Dude where is this?
England 50 years ago!
#ecology
#Sustainability
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Today is the start of ADHD awareness month.
Probably one of the most misunderstood conditions as it's so many different things to so many different people.
#ADHDAwarenessMonth
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All the advertising, marketing campaigns, prime/prominent locations, celeb endorsement ain't got nothing on having your book reccomended by people who know what they are talking about and loved by people who buy it.
Thank you to everyone who has shown this book some love!
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I have had a fantastic day
@AlderTreeLeeds
Staff and children were wonderful. I don't know how they do it but the school just keeps getting more fabulous.
Oh and the cherry on top!
#writing
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@neuroteachers
You don't teach resilience.
You learn it in a supportive and caring community.
#thenomadicway
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Further to Christopher Eccleston's comments
Amongst wealthiest members of the TV, film music industries, 38% - attended independent schools with our best selling popstars at 30% and top actors at 44%.
Elitism in Britain, 2019 -
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Mainstream and social media are often full of negativity and downright untruths about schools, staff, and children.
Most schools, including many I visit, aren't even on social media, so the public never sees the care, learning, and community support taking place every day.
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Look, here's the thing.
All these words and phrases about inclusion and belonging are only ever just words on a screen or a poster.
Unless you action them and include the currently excluded, then nothing will change, not even the speakers at conferences.
#Inclusion
#belonging
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Last October in Berlin a new Holocaust memorial to Roma and Sinti was opened.
Followed by a film festival where 9 animated films were shown.
I was honoured to be there and co-write one of the film scripts.
#InternationalRomaDay
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@TeachLeadAAli
This is one of the things I'll be mentioning in my input for the Museums and Heritage show next month.
Quick plug for
@7Stories
in Newcastle upon tyne who made the building free entry last year.
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Quick reminder.
Trendy companies didn't invent recycling. Local communities were doing it way before marketeers called it recycling and upcycling.
The eco-friendly Queens and Kings of it were the rag and bone people.
You're welcome
#RecyclingWeek
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Really interesting question posed by one of the grandparents at yesterday's event.
"Why do you think all the most famous teddy bears are male?"
Had to confess I had no idea.
Anyone?
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Anyone ever get told off in school as a kid for daydreaming and now gets paid for it as a creative?
#Creative
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But Richard why do we need more diversity in our books and resources?
Erm.....
#Diversebookweek
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Having lunch with children, asking if any of them had been to other schools, a few had.
I asked what the main difference was.
One child said straight away "bigger chips"
You will be judged on your chip size!
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Doing a lot of work around heritage and inclusion and how to get more people into places and spaces. I've spoken about that recently at the museums conf.
This evening I'm thinking and writing about museums becoming important community hubs for learning about the future.
#museums
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I've been blessed with huge support from all Travelling communities on my writing journey and so many educators and readers too.
I campaign for more representation and more authentically authored books for children and the next generation of marginalised creatives, not me.
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Twitter pals
When you're not being included in the things that you should be, please don't get too downhearted as it says more about the gatekeepers than it does about you.
Also they often aren't that bright so you just have to find a side door they dont know about!
#inclusion
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Luke Littler Interview
How many hours a day do you practice?
30 to 45 minutes
You're quicker than a calculator at working out the numbers you need. Were you good at maths at school?
No
*Everyone is different
Everyone can shine in their own way if we allow them to.
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I love working with teachers in schools all over the country, and I see the many challenges that everyone faces on a daily basis.
Sometimes, I am able to help with those challenges. Sometimes, I just bring some fun through storytelling.
Every time I have a great time.
Thank you.
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Absolute honour to see our book Lost Homework in the
#ReadforEmpathy
2021 primary collection from
@EmpathyLabUK
.
Thanks everyone!
Download the 2021
#ReadForEmpathy
Guides
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