Good Afternoon all,

Happy Friday! This week has gone by in a flash (partly because of the bank holiday) and even so, I still can’t wait for the weekend. Lots to get on with this weekend around the cottage so I’m gearing myself up for a busy, yet productive couple of days.

Book 📖

Thank you to @rhwilson83 and @ChattoBooks for this advanced copy of Let That Be a Lesson: A Teacher’s Life in the Classroom in return for an honest review. Let That Be a Lesson was published on 19th August 2021 and you can get a copy here.

Description 🔖

Ryan Wilson wanted to be a teacher from the age of eight and his dream came true. This book is the story of his career from brand new trainee English teacher to assistant head. He chronicles hilarious and touching stories and anecdotes about his pupils but also the lessons that he learnt during his time in the education sector.

General Thoughts 🤔

I really enjoy these kinds of books that give us all an insight into the inner workings of particular professions. When I saw this book on the radar it grabbed my attention immediately. I’m so glad that I read it as not only did it make me laugh, it put numerous lumps in my throat. Kids truly do say the funniest things and I imagine that the sprinkling of hilarious comments included in this book are just a few that Ryan Wilson could share.

As well as all of the above, I learnt a lot about our school system in the UK. I’ve always known that schools and teachers are put under an incredible amount of pressure but I don’t think I truly appreciated how poor our government are at policy and decision making. When it was put right in front of my face, it became obvious to me how bizarre it is to have someone in government making decisions on curriculum that has never and does not work in education. My education was by no means perfect but I adored my school years and I’d do anything to do them all over again. I do not envy the pupils and teachers that are battling through the education system now.

Writing Style ✍️

I liked that the book included classroom stories, facts and information about schools and government and also personal background about Ryan Wilson. I would have liked to have read more about the education system and how financial and curriculum decisions have and do impact schools, staff and children. I appreciate that would have made this into more of a reference book but it has piqued my interest now and I need to read more. So I do have this author to thank for that.

Conclusion & Scoring 🎖️

I truly enjoyed and appreciated this book. It taught me a lot and I agreed with a lot of the thoughts that were presented by the author. As a step mom to two children of school age, I can only hope that they both have teachers in their lives like Ryan Wilson.

😍😍😍😍😩