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A Response to David Didau’s Response to my TES Piece April 2025Â
Thank you for responding to my TES piece in an open and thoughtful way. I'm glad you agree with so much of what I say. It is a bit of a...

barbarableiman
Apr 205 min read
317 views
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My take on the knowledge debate on X (early Nov 2024)
Here are a few thoughts on the knowledge debates on X this week, sparked by Heather Fearn’s comments that ten years ago ‘knowledge was an...

barbarableiman
Nov 11, 20246 min read
376 views
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barbarableiman
Feb 12, 20240 min read
93 views
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'I went up to a hollyhock' - a poem for children
I've been really enjoying writing poems for my grandson. My husband has done some illustrations to go with this one. If you have a 2-5...

barbarableiman
Oct 28, 20231 min read
308 views
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My notes on Shaun Tan's 'The Arrival' for my book group
These notes were made for my presentation on this wonderful graphic novel for my adult book group. Though in note form, I hope they give...

barbarableiman
Jul 20, 20226 min read
1,750 views
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The Sitting – a short story from 'Kremlinology of Kisses
The Contessa Isabella Flavia Luisa di Lampedusa adjusted the clasp of the diamond that hung from her left ear like a droplet of tears....

barbarableiman
Sep 5, 20218 min read
230 views
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A response to critiques of Kate Clanchy & 'Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me'
I am a great admirer of Kate Clanchy’s work with students on poetry. There are stunning examples of writing by her students available...

barbarableiman
Aug 6, 20213 min read
9,724 views
1 comment


The Cabinet, Not the House – What's Special about Short Stories
This article first appeared in emagplus, the online part of emagazine, the journal I co-edit for A Level English. I hope it might be of...

barbarableiman
Jul 4, 202111 min read
718 views
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A Fable for Our Times
Once upon a time, there was a land where the young people went to school to learn. They studied for many years and received an education....

barbarableiman
Jan 8, 20214 min read
795 views
1 comment


Covid, Exams and Education – Thinking Differently
As I write this piece, there has been another education U-turn, with Gavin Williamson announcing that primary schools in London will not...

barbarableiman
Jan 3, 202112 min read
615 views
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Texts That Talk to Each Other – Some Thoughts
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about texts in conversation with each other. People who know me through my education work will be aware...

barbarableiman
Nov 8, 20207 min read
1,906 views
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Come to the launch of my new book
On Monday 7th December at 8pm we’re holding an online launch for my new collection of short stories,Kremlinology of Kisses, published by...

barbarableiman
Oct 10, 20201 min read
60 views
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