Sign in

Melissa Colothan

@mrscreadsalot.bsky.social
283 followers 309 following 206 posts

Mother, Primary Wirral Y5 teacher, KS2 English lead & bookworm, UKLA25&27 book prize judge, runner, coffee-drinker, music-lover. Currently reading: John of John

PostsRepliesMedia
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
So excited to begin this journey with my class 😃
020
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The #uklabookawards2027 Longlist is here! Our 89 teacher judges now have until March to deliberate with their classes which titles they think should make the Shortlists. See the full list here: buff.ly/sHLtEsm #uklabookawards #bookawards #teachers #education
077
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Great and fair article. I'm still finding multiple copies of the last book all children received from above (the one about the previous queen) that children 'accidentally' didn't take home. Choice is key. Choice would be an easy adjustment to make to this initiative.
0105
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
BBC News - Jodrell Bank's Lovell telescope faces axe in science cuts, BBC understands - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Terrible news. I've taken many a class to visit Jodrell Bank and it is so inspiring. National self-sabotage indeed. Why is science being so undervalued in the UK lately?
bbc.co.uk
Jodrell Bank's Lovell telescope faces axe in science cuts, BBC understands
Astronomers warn it would tear the heart out of UK science, and leave a generation untrained.
020
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
UKLA @uklitassociation.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
GIVEAWAY TIME! Excuse earlier's preview of next month's Lucky 13th. This month's is... The Shipwreck Atlas: an immersive, expert, accessible guide through 50+ shipwrecks lost to the treacherous seven seas. UKLA Members, repost to be in with a chance of winning a copy!
0711
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Tom Cox @dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
THREAD. A collection of photographs of excellent trees I have met on walks. You will find the all-important captions to each photo in the alt text.
A threatening and creepy tree I don't like at all, which speaks out of its bellybutton and is advancing towards me in tiny tree steps which it thinks I haven't noticed, and repeatedly asking me why I will not "Come inside where it is warm, for a nice treat."
39802187
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
I adore Jessie Buckley so I'm desperate to watch the film adaptation of Hamnet. But I also love Maggie O'Farrell as an author & don't know how Hamnet escaped me. However, I read it eventually, spurred on by the film. It's a stunning, emotional book. I fell for Agnes so much. Much recommended.
100
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Bookshop.org UK @bookshop-org-uk.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
📣 READ IT FORWARD! 📣 10% of ALL children’s book sales through Bookshop.org UK go to reading charities @booktrust.org.uk and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social in February 2026, and EVERY sale supports independent bookshops 📚https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/read-it-forward-with-bookshop-org
Read it forward poster by Bookshop.org, books flying on a purple background.
03127
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Sharna Jackson @sharnajackson.com · 06/02/2026
Morning all! I’m supporting #ReadItForward! Pre-order my book, the Street Art Mystery, (out next week, eeek) and @bookshop.org will donate 10% to @booktrust.org.uk and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social - uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-... << thank you xx
uk.bookshop.org
The Street Art Mystery
Check out The Street Art Mystery - <p>Margot, Wesley and Josephine have got an awesome weekend mapped out for the end of the holidays before they start high school – and they don’t want anything to st...
173
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
A lack of diversity, primary specialists (esp KS1 and EYs), SEND and a lack of experience working in the north of England. This was the chance for fresh eyes. But, instead we have the same people who have worked on all of this before. A missed opportunity. bsky.app/profile/scho...
173
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
**UPDATED POST** Sunday morning spent reading Tree Thing. What a well spent morning too. Such a beautifully illustrated book. Kiran Millwood Hargreave says on the front 'an exquisite fable' and there is no better description. Can't wait to take this into class.
030
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
Thorough, excellent guidance for all English Subject Leaders. And it works! Thanks Megan 👏
011
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
Just read Dream Count. The writing itself is beautiful but I found it a struggle at times. I wanted more of the story of the four characters than their romantic relationships. These women are so much more. The middle section with Kadiatou is however gut-wrenching and a story endlessly repeated irl.
010
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Olga Nesterova @onestpress.onestnetwork.com · 23/01/2026
Sky News: Danish PM Mette Freideriksen’s note in the visitors book when she visited UK today
Visit of the
Prime Minister of Denmark
22nd Jawary 2026
We'll get by with a little help from our friends
12592981775
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
This is excellent 👌
011
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Looks very useful across the curriculum, particularly for new subject leaders.
110
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Book delivery! Looking forward to reading Tree Thing, new from Piers Torday. It looks superbly illustrated. #readingforpleasure
000
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
This is not far enough. BBC News - Elon Musk's Grok AI image editing limited to paid users after deepfakes www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Elon Musk's Grok AI image editing limited to paid users after deepfakes
It comes after government urged Ofcom to use all its powers – up to and including an effective ban – against X.
100
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Voice 21 @voice21oracy.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
🎉📢Voice 21 hopes that all UK teachers are settling into the new term! 😅Still struggling to find your classroom voice in the new year? Then check out these five top tips for new oracy leads and practitioners👇 voice21.org/five-top-tip...
voice21.org
Five top tips for new oracy leads and practitioners - Voice 21
It’s a new school year, and this year, we have just short of 500 new Voice 21 Oracy Schools joining our network of dedicated schools. Knowing where to begin can be tricky, as every school’s context an...
023
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Adore this! First day back Tuesday sorted. I have a number of not publishable personal resolutions in the manner of these 🫣😉. I want some fun in the classroom to usher in 2026 so this is a great help & prompt from Brian.
110
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
I am writing. Part 1. The tragedy of hidden schools, in hidden communities meganjanedixon.co.uk/2026/01/03/p...
meganjanedixon.co.uk
Part 1.
My writing, I have decided, will include reflections, thoughts and ideas about education. But, I cannot ignore the situation I am in (see previous writing) and so, I will also be adding bits and pi…
52410
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
A colleague recommended this on a recent course where the impact of technology on young minds was discussed. This is worth reading from a social media viewpoint. Many UK schools have already adopted phone in pouches etc but parents need to feel able to do more (I do!) supported by big tech & gov.
000
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
I am writing - here is my first blog of 2026. This year will be the year where I write all those things I promised myself I would write, when I had the time. Now I have the time. meganjanedixon.co.uk/2026/01/02/p...
meganjanedixon.co.uk
Pivoting
In November 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A nasty, sneaky, fast growing type of breast cancer: stage 3, grade 3, locally invasive triple negative breast cancer for those who know about …
9178
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Very much looking forward to the National Year of Reading in 2026! I mean, every year is a year of reading for me but anything that gives me the platform to bang on about the importance of reading in schools is always welcome. #nationalyearofreading share.google/Z1zERzIfZiFm...
share.google
GO ALL IN | National Year of Reading 2026
The National Year of Reading 2026 invites the UK to rediscover the joy of reading. Whatever you’re into – music, films, food or anything – reading can take your passions further. Join the movement and...
000
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Michael Tidd @michaelt1979.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
This from @markgoodrich.bsky.social, is one of the only reasons I've found where I wish I were still on twitter - so I could share it to encourage others to leave open.substack.com/pub/markgood...
open.substack.com
A New Year's Resolution for Teachers: Quit X
The best time to do so was when Musk started poisoning it; the second-best time is now
31910
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Holidays have allowed me time to really get into this novel. It's a weighty tome and being able to be lost in it has been well worth it. The scope and complexity is mesmerising. It is an absolute standout read of the year.
110
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
Our Boxing Day Book Swap tradition continues thanks to the book elf (me 😆). For Dad: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan For Mum: Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Eldest daughter: Girl (in real life) by Tamsin Winter Youngest daughter: Hotel Flamingo by Alex Milway. I'm sure I'll read them all!
000
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Loving sharing this with my little one 💕 #advent #littlepeoplebigdreams #readerteacher #readingforpleasure
010
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Tes magazine @tesmagazine.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
‘Schools can contribute, but they cannot carry this alone’: Luke Ramsden of the Schools Consent Project warns about the expectations placed on schools under the government’s new strategy to tackle violence against women and girls
tes.com
Schools can’t stop violence against girls on their own
Misogyny takes hold beyond the school gates – so it’s essential that the new government strategy does not expect education to solve this social issue alone, writes the Schools Consent Project’s Luke Ramsden
121
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
This profit comes from schools. Ofsted and the DFE insist that schools pay vast sums for these products. Yet- schools budgets are decimated. The DFE has the moral and ethical responsibility to produce a product for schools that they do not have to pay for. bsky.app/profile/warw...
394
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
I've been reading Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors and I really enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for a front cover and I love the portrait on the front! The book is captivating as it says underneath though, a story of sisters, addiction, grief and difficult family relationships.
100
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Afternoon reading as recommend by Ruth Swailes on her Wirral Early Years sessions #eyfs #readerteacher
010
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Tes magazine @tesmagazine.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
The curriculum and assessment review marks a shift in how we understand the term ‘knowledge-rich’ that could have big implications for schools, writes @damsoned.bsky.social
tes.com
Why the curriculum review’s take on knowledge may change how you teach
The curriculum and assessment review marks a subtle shift in how we understand the term ‘knowledge-rich’ that could have big implications for schools, writes Megan Dixon
022
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
I recently finished Jakub's Otter. Just gorgeous. Lovely story of a young carer learning to carry just a little less on his young shoulders. Wonderful book for building empathy. #readingforpleasure
010
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
I've been reading A Mind of My Own by Kathy Burke. It's great when you read a book and hear it in your head in the writer's voice. This book was a like a memory trip round my old stomping ground, Angel. Despite living literally round the corner I never seemed to make it to the Old Red, shame.
Front cover of Kathy Burke's autobiography
000
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Jon Biddle @jonnybid.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
A great way to celebrate poetry in schools! The Young Poet Laureate Programme kicks off with the first Young Poets Week during the week of 24th Nov. Free online sessions for KS2/KS3 pupils plus free resources. Thank you @literacy-trust.bsky.social. Info here: literacytrust.org.uk/programmes/y...
literacytrust.org.uk
Young Poet Laureate | National Literacy Trust
The Young Poet Laureate Programme programme aims to inspire a new generation of young poets, championing young poetic voices and developing children and young people’s literacy, creativity and confide...
0104
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Orbital has been sat in my TBR for a while. I bought it for my husband and it just didn't click for him so I didn't rush to read it. But for me, it clicked. I thought it was heavenly, ethereal and intensely calming.
110
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
These would make such a brilliant writing stimulus for a story setting. Detailed images of the insides of musical instruments. #writingforpleasure www.instagram.com/p/DQT-IMGiE9...
000
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Centre for Young Lives @cfyounglives.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
The last four weeks have been a shocking and often infuriating insight into how Government failed so many children during a national time of crisis. www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
001
Reposted by Melissa Colothan
Alex Quigley @alexjquigley.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
🚨 NEW POST 🚨 ‘What do we mean by high expectations?’ “If we don't break down high expectations into things we think and do (often as a relentless habit), then it becomes an empty platitude.” alexquigley.co.uk/what-do-we-m...
alexquigley.co.uk
What do we mean by high expectations?
"They can because they think they can." ('Possunt quia posse videntur') Virgil's 'Aeneid' High expectations can be a mysterious thing. Something ineffable. You can understand them when you experien...
2124
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
One of my TAs is enjoying reading the books I have in my room. In return she loaned me The Lotterys Plus One. I enjoyed it so much & loved this diverse family. Families aren't perfect but we can learn a lot about each other's differences from The Lotterys. I'd like to live in their house please!
010
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
The two most amazing people have joined my class on supply working as TAs.They painted this brilliant bookshelf for the bottom of our new reading display. I can't begin to describe how transformative they've been with their 1:1 children. Some people are golden. I hope we can keep them in school 🙏
021
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
This is fairly simple & easy to grasp. Children develop at different rates. They also go through physical, cognitive & emotional developmental stages at particular ages.Not all children in a school year group are at the same stage at the same time. Why does the DfE & government not understand this?
010
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
I've been enjoying Anzu and the Realm of Darkness. It has gone straight to the top spot of most in-demand books in class! #readingforpleasure
Front cover of Anzu and the Realm of Darkness
000
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
I've been dying to get my hands on a copy of How Was That Built? Trying to have a push on reading across the curriculum and this week we are looking at pulleys so the perfect opportunity to delve into this. Can't wait to read more and see what else this book has to offer #readingacrossthecurriculum
052
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Thought-provoking and fascinating. Early years teachers are utterly inspiring. Taking so much from today back to the KS2 bubble I currently reside in. We can learn a lot from our colleagues. Thanks @ruthswailes.bsky.social!
031
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Piers visited my daughter's school today! Currently trying to figure out how I can manage to wait until she has finished reading before I can get my mitts on her copy Midnight Treasure! She has informed me the visit was REALLY interesting 😊
010
Melissa Colothan @mrscreadsalot.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
This week, I've been reading Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery. I might have been ever so slightly late to work finishing it as I couldn't put it down and my class were desperate to get their hands on it! I loved it. #readingforpleasure
021