Hi! I’m Vanessa, and I’m part of the FREDsTeaching team in my role as KS2 Writing Curriculum Development Lead. I am a book lover, resource creator and all-round English enthusiast!
I’ve been teaching for over 14 years now, and although I started out leading DT in my second year – loved the creativity but not so much the glue gun burns – it wasn’t long before my love of English came shining through.There’s just something about bringing a book to life, watching kids fall into a story, and helping them find their voice in Writing that’s always lit me up!
Reading has always been my thing! I’ve made it my personal mission to turn even the most reluctant readers into bookworms. You know those kids who ‘pretend’ to read and mysteriously change their book every single day?They are my speciality! I love the challenge of finding the book that will hook them in – graphic novels, mysteries, football, stilly stories – whatever it takes. Seeing a child go from fake-reading to begging for five more minutes with their book? That’s the magic! I’ve led English across the whole primary phase – from rhymes in Nursery to Year 6 persuasive speeches.
These days, you’ll find me spending time with my family; normally on a bear hunt through the woods, reading books or running Read, Play, Create – the toddler reading sensory classes inspired by my son Archie and our love of storytelling through play. It’s another way I get to be creative and share the joy of books, especially with little ones who learn best through play and imagination.
I’m so excited to be part of the FREDsTeaching Writing team, helping shape something new that feels purposeful, creative and packed full of brilliant books!I genuinely love planning Writing around texts that inspire, surprise and get kids thinking (and writing) in ways they didn’t know they could.
Three interesting facts about me…
- I love travelling and experiencing the world. I’ve lived in Thailand teaching English and spent my holidays trekking through the jungle in search of orangutans.
- Archie and I can spend hours making up stories, mostly involving waters or dinosaurs (or both)!
- I have a very real addiction to children’s books and sparkly stationery (no regrets).
Favourite books…
Kids – Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell and The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton.
Adult – Red Dragon by Thomas Harris and The Beach by Alex Garland.
