Contents include: 1. Pass Notes 2. Old Fashioned Teaching with a Lazy Twist 3. The Lazy Approach to Lesson Outcomes 4. Structuring the Lazy Lesson 5. The Prepare Phase Great Lazy Lesson Ideas 6. The Action Phase Great Lazy Lesson Ideas 7. The Review Phase Great Lazy Lesson Ideas 8. Marking, Assessment and Feedback RIP! 9. IT the Lazy Teacher's Friend 10. Lazy Language that Changes Everything 11. Differentiation Done the Lazy Way 12. Getting the Best from Teaching Assistants the Lazy Way 13. The Lazy Tutor
Jim Smith, the laziest (yet still professional) teacher in town, is a head of school, education consultant, Independent Thinking Associate, speaker and bestselling author. Since establishing Independent Thinking 25 years ago, Ian Gilbert has made a name for himself across the world as a highly original writer, editor, speaker, practitioner and thinker and is someone who the IB World magazine has referred to as one of the world's leading educational visionaries.The author of several books, and the editor of many more, Ian is known by thousands of teachers and young people across the world for his award-winning Thunks books. Thunks grew out of Ian's work with Philosophy for Children (P4C), and are beguiling yet deceptively powerful little philosophical questions that he has created to make children's - as well as their teachers' - brains hurt.Ian's growing collection of bestselling books has a more serious side too, without ever losing sight of his trademark wit and straight-talking style. The Little Book of Bereavement for Schools, born from personal family experience, is finding a home in schools across the world, and The Working Class - a massive collaborative effort he instigated and edited - is making a genuine difference to the lives of young people from some of the poorest backgrounds.A unique writer and editor, there is no other voice like Ian Gilbert's in education today.
The innovative nature of the resource. This innovative book offers
practical, easy-to-use ideas which invigorate and inspire. Jim
Smith's no-nonsense approach is explained simply and realistically
without educational jargon, and his amusing bluntness and
refreshing candour gives readers encouragement. He describes
possible problems without superiority and then offers excellent
solutions. This exemplifies his extensive experience and
practicality. The impact on learning and the work of the teacher in
the classroom, to what extent and in which areas. Split into
manageable chapters, and addressing all aspects of teaching, the
book enables readers to quickly realise how uncomplicated Jim's
alazy approach' is. The refreshingly easy and usable ideas
encourage the reader to implement them in their own practice. The
ways of working suggested are explained thoroughly and simply, and
then the reasons for working this way are expertly explained. His
methods of ensuring pupils are involved and participating in their
own learning changes the focus in the classroom and makes the
teaching and learning more exciting and targeted. It also means
that the system is adaptive to individual needs and is extremely
easy to use. Most importantly, the emphasis is not on making more
work for stressed teachers, but rather on making their methods more
efficient and more effective. A system which advocates less
preparation and paperwork is sure to appeal to all teachers. How
the title supports or enhances the everyday life or work of
teachers, pupils or schools. Although the title aptly describes Jim
Smith's approach, it could be misinterpreted. Teachers are very
aware of negative public opinions of their profession and too often
they are accused of aonly working 9ama3pm' and of always being on
holiday. Teachers do not want to be labelled alazy'; they will,
however, be keen to grab the chance to become more effective
practitioners and to improve their methods. The present mass exodus
from the teaching profession, coupled with the reduced numbers of
students going into teaching, surely exemplifies the urgent need to
address teachers' workalife balance. Cost-effectiveness in terms of
educational aims and results - not just price In order to improve
current conditions, hone present practice and make teaching more
manageable and effective, present methods have to change. If
teachers' workalife balance is not improved, and planning/teaching
methods not refined, teaching will reach crisis point. Jim's
approach is the way forward. His advice and approach is refreshing,
realistic and can be implemented quickly and easily. Most
importantly, it is not costly a in fact, this approach will save
money (especially on photocopying!). The Lazy Teacher's Handbook is
a must-read for all teachers, and copies of it should be handed out
in all staffrooms.Duncan Millard, Director of School Improvement,
Faringdon Academy
The innovative nature of the resource: This innovative book offers
practical easy to use ideas, which invigorate and inspire. Jim
Smith's no nonsense approach is explained simply and realistically
without educational jargon. His amusing bluntness and refreshing
candour gives readers encouragement. He describes possible problems
without superiority and then offers excellent solutions, this
exemplifies his wide experience and practicality. This book is a
amust read' for all teachers! The impact on learning and the work
of the teacher in the classroom, to what extent and in which areas:
By addressing all aspects of teaching, split into manageable
chapters, the reader realises quickly how uncomplicated this
approach is. The refreshingly easy and usable ideas encourage the
reader to implement ideas. The ways of working suggested are
explained thoroughly and simply and then reasons for working this
way are expertly explained. His methods of ensuring pupils are
involved and participating in their learning changes the focus in
the classroom, and makes the learning exciting and targeted. This
makes the system extremely easy to use and adapt to individual
needs. Most importantly, the emphasis is on not making more work
for stressed teachers, but to make their methods more effective and
quicker. A system, which advocates less preparation and paperwork,
is sure to appeal to all teachers. How the title supports or
enhances the everyday life or work of teachers, pupils or schools:
Although the title aptly describes Jim Smith's approach, it could
be misinterpreted. Teachers are very aware of negative public
opinions of their profession and too often they are accused of only
working 9-3 and always being on holiday. Teachers do not want to be
labelled alazy', however the chance to be more effective
practitioners and to improve methods they all are keen to do.
Surely, the present mass exodus from the teaching profession
coupled with the reduced numbers of students going into teaching
exemplifies the urgent need to address all teachers' work/life
balance. So perhaps another title with reference to this, rather
than a negative implication of laziness, would be preferable.
Cost-effectiveness in terms of educational aims and results - not
just price: Jim Smith's books should be given to all teachers and
displayed in all staffrooms! His approach is the way forward. In
order to improve current conditions, hone present practise and make
teaching more manageable and effective present methods have to
change. If work/life balance is not improved and planning/teaching
methods not reduced and refined, teaching will reach crisis point.
His advice and approach is refreshing, realistic and can be
implemented quickly and easily. Most importantly it is not costly,
in fact this approach will save money (especially on
photocopying!). Could he produce a Primary based book now!Duncan
Millard, Director of Academy Improvement, Faringdon Community
College
The Lazy Teacher's Handbook is innovative in that it reflects the
lesson planning executing and feedback as making the student more
engaged and focussed on the learning rather than being wholly
dependent on their teacher The development of high quality
independent learning therefore is the focus. The structure of the
book makes ideas really accessible and enables it to transfer
quickly from the page into the classroom. The credibility of Jim
Smith is that he utilises this approach in his own teaching and
across his own school. The impact across school lies in the fact
that the materials not only aspeak' to those new to the profession
but to those of us who have been teaching for a considerable amount
of time. It makes teachers reflect and re-think their classroom
practice. The book is accessible and reading directed chapters does
not become an additional achore' for teachers. It is a rich
demonstration of how to tackle key classroom themes e.g. assessment
for learning, feedback and differentiation. I thoroughly recommend
the book to schools to support, develop and enhance the teaching
and learning in their school.Clare Cantle, Headteacher, All Saints
Catholic School
Another fantastic teaching and learning development book. Jim's
learning and experience as a teacher and head teacher echo strongly
throughout the book, giving realistic perspectives on the
challenges facing teachers and also practical and empowering
solutions. The book could be read as a whole but also dipped in and
out of as part of self-reflection and CPD. The book creates a acan
do' approach to issues such as pupil engagement, progress, managing
workload and effective feedback. Once again, Jim Smith has written
a book that supports, excites and encourages thoughtful reflection
a EWAP!Clare Cantle, Head Teacher, All Saints Catholic School
Following on from the excellent first edition, Jim Smith has
extended the reader's insight into strategies to stretch and
challenge learners to gain the skills and confidence to become
active, collaborative, independent and successful in their
pursuits. Readers will find the sections on aAction and Review'
phases very informative. I particularly enjoyed the section on
marking and assessment, which is becoming increasingly important as
a focus for management reviews. All teachers should read this
section to aregain their weekends' and a balanced workload. Thanks,
Jim, for another great read.John Morris, Director, JTM Educational
Consultants
I first discovered Jim's writing as a trainee teacher and have been
hooked ever since. As a past student of Jim myself I was intrigued
to see how the excellent teaching I had received from him would
translate into providing guidance for teachers and more importantly
whether I could emulate the aReally Lazy Teacher' philosophy
myself. Needless to say upon reading the book I was not
disappointed. Jim takes an at times testing and difficult
profession, strips away all the unnecessary complexities and takes
his advice back to leave teachers with tools to approach what
really matters, really excellent teaching (in a really lazy way!).
He does this by doing the unheard of in most educational
literature, encouraging us to do less teaching! Amongst other
teaching literature on the market the book stands out as a
refreshing alternative that looks beyond subject areas and provides
all teachers with original, creative, fun and easy to implement
ideas to use in the classroom. The activities and strategies
provided are transferable no matter what subject or year group you
teach and are easily implementable for anyone from a trainee
teacher to the head teacher. Most importantly it guides teachers to
put the responsibility of learning back where it should be, with
the students. The Lazy Teacher's Handbook has had a huge impact on
my own and colleagues practice providing readers with a toolkit to
reduce lesson planning and marking time in order to maximise the
time they have with students. Readers can easily dip into the many
activity suggestions and apply them to their own subject areas with
minimal preparation and maximum impact. Perhaps the most comforting
outcome of reading the book is that it is ok to let the students
take the lead in their learning. Whilst the practically of always
having a handful of short activities up your sleeve when the lesson
plan runs short or you are running out of ideas for that tricky
class is very welcome. The idea of handing back the learning to
students can seem like a farfetched concept in the current
educational climate but the impact I have seen it have on learning
and the empowerment it has given the young people I work with is
immeasurable. As a teacher it is very easy to get carried away
preparing what seem like exciting activities for students which
involved hours of preparation from staff (many a late night I have
spent tirelessly cutting up card sorts for two minutes of lesson
impact). This book reminds teachers that it's the students who
should be doing the hard work, not us! And how engaging or how much
impact a lesson has on students does not need to be reflected in
the number of teacher hours spent planning it or indeed marking and
assessing it. The Lazy Teacher's Handbook really is a philosophy
for education and really encourages staff to reflect on their
practice and question; what impact will this task have? School
leaders who have read the book also are able to guide staff to
begin dipping their toe into the wonders of handing learning back
to the students and to even go further and structure the curriculum
to allow more time for this to happen. Using the philosophy from
this book I have seen students confidence flourish, their academic
progress continue to increase and their independence sky rocket.
Not to mention it has made being a teacher an awful lot more
manageable for me. A small investment in this book is a huge
investment in your students learning and the wellbeing of your
staff.Laura Lewis, Associate Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion),
Furze Platt Senior School
If you want tangible strategies and creative ideas that actually
work, this book will provide you with plenty: it is accessible,
honest, practical and entertaining. The Lazy Teacher's Handbook
will help you to help students become more effective, reflective
and independent learners whilst helping you to retain the joy that
comes from this privileged profession.Brian Platts, Head of the
Secondary School, The British School in Tokyo
In more than thirty years as a teacher and school leader, I've
rarely met a lazy teacher. And that's why we need this book so
much. Jim Smith's approach isn't based on gimmicks and quick fixes.
It's all about real learning, and the way we need to detox
ourselves as a profession from the idea that teaching more leads
inevitably to students learning more. Often a as the author so
vividly demonstrates a the reverse is true. The book has a great
title, but in truth The Lazy Teacher's Handbook isn't for the lazy
amongst us. It's for those most committed to immersing students in
the messy business of actual learning, guided by a teacher with the
confidence to know when to step back and watch that learning
happen.Geoff Barton, General Secretary, ASCL
Jim Smith, in his amusing and straightforward style, encourages
teachers to make their lives sustainable and their teaching, and
crucially their pupils' learning, effective. Full of ideas and
know-how for the classroom teacher.Stephen Tierney, author of
Liminal Leadership
Just when you thought you couldn't get any lazier as a teacher Jim
returns with even more ideas to help us teachers become more
effective in our classrooms. This book is jammed full with
tried-and-tested suggestions for us to dip in to! Well worth a
read, a copy should be on hand in every classroom.Amjad Ali,
Assistant Head Teacher, @ASTSupportAali
Lazy teacher, aka smart teacher. A refreshing look at some of the
things we habitually do, so that we extract better value for
learning out of them. The aPhotocopier Challenge', for one, should
be a regular agenda item.Mary Myatt, education adviser, speaker and
author of aHopeful Schoolsa
The amount of effort and energy used up in the role of teaching can
demand an excruciating amount of mental and physical function,
resulting in exhaustion along with always counting down to the next
holiday break when sleep will be the order of the vacation. Yet,
within any educational establishment, there are colleagues who
appear to function with minimal effort whilst still managing to
keep students engaged, on-task, and producing positive results of
which we all look upon in envy. In fact, they appear to be lazy as
well as outstanding a it's just not fair! In the new edition of
aThe Really Lazy Teacher's Handbooka, Jim Smith shares some of the
tricks, strategies and experience of working with all sorts of
learners (and teachers) to set classroom expectations that teachers
work less and the students work a whole lot more. One important
distinction made is when referring to being a lazy teacher, we are
not confusing with being aidle' a the passion of being a teacher is
fundamentally necessary to bring out the best in students. Jim
Smith is advocating an approach that will help individual teachers
claim back their weekends, along with giving students
responsibility for their own learning, providing them with
motivation and the drive to successfully progress. Dispersed over
13 chapters, The Really Lazy Teacher's Handbook offers a multitude
of guiding principles, celebrating traditional and progressive
pedagogies, fundamentally asking what's the least amount of time
your lesson can be all about you and the most amount of time it can
be all about the students? Dragging away from dictatorial schemes
of work, along with unchaining yourself from the photocopier, Jim
Smith calls for teachers to use classroom strategies that demand
less from the teacher, and more from the pupils. Exploring lesson
outcomes (including a really handy aoutcome words' word bank),
structures and lazy lesson (prepare, action and review) phase, the
book also says RIP to marking, assessment and feedback, which might
sound drastic, but in relation to freeing up your life at the
weekend, builds upon some key pillars so that you are refreshed and
ready for work on a Monday morning! Furthermore, Jim strongly
advocates for teachers to use IT, as the potential to help work
smarter utilising freely available applications to support the
teaching and learning process, and making everything applicable and
relevant to learners. Essentially though, mastering lazy language
will have a positive impact on students' self-esteem, motivation
and behaviour. The book offers an essential collection of questions
and language to use in the classroom to help students stretch their
thinking and learning, along with offering choices and supporting
self-correcting behaviour. The book is rounded off with attention
given to differentiation, getting the best from teaching
assistants, and being a lazy tutor, but I return back to the
central point of this book a it's not about being lazy, in an idle
sense a it's about working smart, reclaiming your life, and giving
students the permissions and tools they need to become
self-reliant, reflective and independent learners excelling in your
classroom. Click here to read review comments of aThe Really Lazy
Teacher's Handbook (New Edition)' on UKEdChat.UKEdChat
The idea of being a alazy' teacher may already be held by many
people outside of the education sector but this book may actually
help you to work less and the students work more. It is full of
ideas that remind you just what good teaching actually is: allowing
the teacher time to pause and the pupils time to learn. It is an
update to the previous edition of the book (published in 2010),
combining the feedback and hints from many other practitioners
rather than just the author himself, and therefore this edition is
packed with even more useful strategies than before. As a teacher
with a number of years' experience I have read a large number of
books about anew' pedagogical theories concerning good practice and
then, after a short period of use, they have been forgotten owing
to a lack of pupil engagement and I have reverted to how I was
taught. However, this book encourages the reader to use what works
and implement a few changes to ensure maximum learning is achieved.
I read it cover to cover in just under a day. It is easy to read,
quick to pick up and whether you read a section or all of it, you
are likely to find something useful. The book is broken down into
chapters, from how to structure a lesson, marking and feedback, the
use of IT, to differentiation and the use of teaching assistants.
It has a bit of everything for any reader to gain hints and tips
on. Sometimes these are a little bit simple and other times they
are a little improbable (inviting the local mayor as a guest
marker), but always there is a seed of an idea that could be
developed given the time and inclination. In fact, much of this
book thrives on the idea that sensible planning will lead to more
work from the students and consequently more learning happening,
with less effort from the alazy' teacher. I enjoyed this book and
it was significantly more accessible than other books on pedagogy.
I found it more tailored for the lower age groups (possibly key
stages 2 and 3) but the amusing dialogue and the witty one-liners
did make it a book I would dip into time and time again for
reassurance, a simple smile or a quick idea. It is not a book for
hard and fast detailed strategies; however, if you want a quick
refresh or some simple inspiration then this is the book for
you.Kate Cree, School Science, September 2017
When the original Lazy Teacher's Handbook first catapulted onto our
shelves in 2010, the ideas quickly took hold and the concept of
alazy teaching' entered teachers' vernacular, becoming shorthand
for an effective, learning-centred approach to classroom practice.
At the heart of the book's success lies Jim Smith's ability to
demystify the complexity of the teaching and learning process,
supported by usable approaches that actually work for today's
generation of learners. In this fully updated edition, key ideas
have been expanded and new teaching and learning approaches added,
while aspects such as the use of IT in the classroom have been
brought up to date. The Lazy Teacher's Handbook is essential
reading for all trainee teachers and NQTs, and is a welcome tonic
for experienced teachers looking for fresh approaches.Jayne Prior,
Senior Teaching Fellow and PGCE Programme Director, University of
Bristol
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