Pooky’s Weekly Round-Up: Issue 108
Compassionate teaching, inclusive tools, and a little bit of archery
This week, I’ve been thinking about care—not the big, sweeping kind, but the quiet, everyday kind. The kind that shows up in the way we listen, the way we frame feedback, the way we help a student show what they know their way.
There’s a new slide set on creating a culture of care, some flexible alternatives to traditional assessment, and a video about helping children feel safe (without having to be a perfectly calm grown-up 100% of the time).
Oh—and I’m still glowing from a small-but-mighty moment at archery.
As always, take what’s helpful, share what might help someone else, and leave the rest for another day.
PRESENT: Creating a Culture of Care
This slide set explores the small-but-powerful shifts that can transform a school into a place where staff and students feel truly seen, heard, and supported. It’s full of practical ideas around empathy, listening, reframing behaviour, and embedding connection into everyday interactions—without piling more onto your plate.
(And yes, there's a Start–Build–Grow framework, of course.)
(To book me or to find out more about my talks and webinars, email the lovely Ellie - Ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk )
DOWNLOAD: Flexible Ways for Students to Show What They Know
I made this after seeing so many brilliant students struggle—not because they didn’t understand the content, but because the way we asked them to show it just didn’t work for their brains. This resource offers nine inclusive alternatives to traditional assessments, from podcasts to mind maps and comic strips—ideal for neurodivergent learners, anxious students, and anyone whose executive function gets in the way of putting pen to paper.
WATCH: How to Be an Adult Who Makes Children Feel Safe
This video explores the small, intentional things we can do to help children feel safe—especially when their world feels uncertain or overwhelming. It’s about presence, consistency, and trust (not perfection). Whether you’re a parent, teacher or just a caring grown-up, these gentle reminders go a long way.
LISTEN: Tantrum or Meltdown? Why It Matters
In this episode of Pooky Ponders, I unpack the difference between tantrums and meltdowns—something I wish I’d understood much earlier in my own parenting journey. I explore what’s really going on beneath the behaviour, how we can spot the signs, and why our response makes all the difference.
ATTEND: Free SEND Conference in Lichfield – I’d Love to See You There
I’m genuinely excited to be part of this event hosted by Primitas Learning on 2nd June. I’ll be delivering the keynote and a workshop (EBSA & behaviour) —but honestly, I wish I could sit in on all the other workshops too. The team behind this day are doing brilliant work, and it’s a fantastic (and free!) opportunity for CPD and connection. If you’re anywhere near Lichfield (or are happy to travel) please come along.
READ: The Dyspraxic Learner
This is one of the most practical, empowering books I’ve read for supporting learners with dyspraxia. It’s packed with simple, effective strategies that actually work—covering everything from organisation and memory to handwriting, PE, and emotional wellbeing. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or support professional, this is a go-to guide for helping dyspraxic learners thrive.
EXPLAINER: Autistic Inertia: It’s Not Laziness
Ever found yourself totally stuck—unable to start, stop, or switch tasks, no matter how much you want to? That might be autistic inertia. In this thread, I unpack what it is, why it happens, and how we can support ourselves and others through it (with compassion, not pressure).
You can read it on Instagram, twitter (X), threads, BSk or LinkedIn.
SMILE: Bullseyes and Proud Faces
This week’s small joy: a proud moment at archery. Hitting the target felt good—but honestly, so did just showing up. Sometimes it’s less about the score and more about giving it a go (and having the photo to prove it).
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Please do use or share my resources—if they help someone, that’s what matters most.
If you’d like to support my work, you can:
Share it with someone who might find it helpful
Pledge £1 a month on Patreon
Invite me to speak at your next event, online or in person
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Until next time,
Pooky
Pooky Knightsmith PhD
Keynote Speaker
Speaking and webinar enquiries: Ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk