Position: Creator of Little Lamb Phonics and current Disney Winnie the Pooh Laureate for the North West
Why did you decide to leave your job in primary and early years teaching to develop a phonics app?
I always wrote for children in my care but I became disillusioned with the job and my old headteacher suggested I write phonic poems to help children learn to read instead. Phonics are trendy at the moment but resources aren't always stimulating. My app features a character who children can really respond to.
You also work as a freelance storyteller. Why do you think storytelling is so important?
From my experience in the early years I think there's been a real drop in communication skills, and they're so important. If you can communicate with people and read then you can do anything, and storytelling is key to this.
How does your new life compare to your old job in teaching?
I'm so glad I've been able to keep in contact with young children. You never know what they're going to do or say, and that's very inspiring. I get the best of both worlds now by getting all the joy and excitement that comes from children, but with none of the paperwork!
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