Festive thinking
for those quiet moments.
Thoughts and musings
Wow. Well, my first thought and musing today is that I can’t quite believe that this is my second festive ‘glimmer’.1 Where does the time go? My next is processing how rapidly the autumn term seemed to fly by. Although, perhaps not these last few weeks for many. As the mornings grew darker, the weather turned bleaker and illness certainly has been rife in our schools, I am sure this glimmer is landing with many of you who are more than ready for this well-deserved break.
In keeping with my school holiday themes, I would like to provide you with a few recommendations for any quiet, curious moments which you may find yourself with. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the ‘glimmers’ community for providing me with the motivation and audience for sharing my weekly thoughts, musings, ideas and practical suggestions. As shared recently, the purpose of writing ‘Glimmers in Education’2 is my hope that I am able to provide a few sparks of light, or a reignition of an idea, which brings that sparkle back into your teaching days. Educators are amazing. You make such a difference. What you do is so appreciated.
Wishing all those who celebrate a wonderful Christmas. My next Glimmer will be be with you in 2026. I can’t wait for another year of shedding light. Weekly.
Ideas and practical suggestions
So, what are my suggestions for exploration when you finally sit down with that cup of tea/glass of mulled wine/tipple of Baileys, or as you venture out with your headphones on for a walk during that cold, crisp morning? Below you will find a range of recommended reads, listens and follows which I hope may provide a little inspiration, an interesting perspective or an affirming message to carry into 2026.
To read
I am currently in the middle of reading Martin Illingworth’s ‘Forget School’, a thought-provoking collection of interviews about the school experiences of young, self-employed adults. So many powerful messages.3
Continually thinking about opportunities for our young people to read and write for pleasure, I am looking forward to reading the findings and recommendations of Teresa Cremin and colleagues in ‘Reading and Writing for Pleasure - an evidence informed framework for practice’.4
Last year I recommended, Kezia Featherstone’s ‘Punk Leadership’ (what a book!) as my festive read. This year, I saw Kezia share Patrick Cozier’s ‘Calm Leadership’, so it was swiftly added to my “basket”.5
Listen
The Arch - Northern Arch Learning Partnership, standing at 9 episodes with guests including Mary Myatt, Rachel Johnson (PiXL) and Hywel Roberts, I think this will be a podcast to follow!6
Teacher Development Trust’s Didagody podcast. I am looking forward to the episode which explores the evaluation of teacher CPD. Very ‘glimmer’-coded.7
Literacy and SEND specialist, Dr Sarah Moseley and SEND and relationship specialist Ginny Bootman talk all things classrooms in this authentic and topical podcast series.8
Feel-good follows
Substack truly is such a wonderful place to read posts from a range of writers from so many different walks of life. My full list of recommended reads can be found on my glimmers page, but if you are looking for some wellbeing-related reads you may be interested in:
https://substack.com/@teachwelltoolkit
https://substack.com/@questionsandconnections
https://substack.com/@ruth0poulsen
Have really enjoyed following your glimmers on Substack this year! Lovely recommendations for a restful Christmas break👌🏻
Thank you for recommending my substack! ☺️ I appreciate your glimmers a lot!