Geoff and Margaret @RetirementTales Twitter profile

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Fuzzy-Felt, anyone?

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

I am looking forward to tomorrow so very much! I've polished my Hush Puppies, packed my lunch and double checked the shuttle bus timetable. I've been told that, depending on who else makes it in, I'll either be teaching all of Year Four or manning the school office. Or both.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

4 months

Today, we remember Ruth and we send our love to all who knew and loved her. It's time for change. #forRuth

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

I spoke to Margaret last night. She said she would have answered The Call to be the new Education Secretary. She realises she wouldn't have met the criteria of the person spec though, what with liking children, loving teaching and knowing an awful lot about the education system.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

3 months

Every now and then, we like to remind everyone of the beautiful thing that was fuzzy-felt.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret wonders if anybody else remembers Richard Scarry's books? This one was in her classroom reading corner - enjoyed by a great many children, over the years!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Four weeks ago today, I set up this little Twitter account. I thought it might be fun to share a few stories and reflections. A different perspective. Retirement Tales has grown into something very special. It's a community. It's unique. And it's a blessing. Thank you! G&M

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Today I felt compelled to write a letter to the newest Secretary of State for Education. I've tried to encapsulate my experiences and observations - six months answering 'The Call' and a lifetime in education. It's more serious than my usual words but these are serious matters.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Six months ago today, I set up this little Twitter account. I didn't really have a plan, other than to try to spread a bit of joy and hope. Thank you so much for following us and for creating this wonderful, unique community! It's a blessing to still be here, in every sense.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Well what a week it has been for me and Margaret! We answered The Call! We returned to teaching! (In our 70s!) I used many exclamation marks! We had adventures (and minor mishaps) and shared them in our retirement tales. We made many new friends and I hope we made a difference.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

"But Geoff, what is a Banda?", our younger followers have been asking. This is a Banda! It was how we copied worksheets and letters in another millennium. It was manual. You needed a carbon master copy and some ink that caused much excitement!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

An utterly heartbreaking news story. A life lost. School leaders work and live under inordinate levels of pressure and expectation. Everybody wants schools to be as good as possible but the inspection process and culture don't need to be like this.

Primary headteacher took her own life after Ofsted downgraded school to ‘inadequate’

Ruth Perry was told on the first day of inspection at Caversham school in Reading that grade would drop from highest to lowest

www.telegraph.co.uk

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

3 months

Do you remember when it was quite normal for children to go home from school for their lunch? (Some teachers would go home too!) A short walk or bike ride, lunch with a parent or two and maybe even a bit of TV before the afternoon session. I think the respite was very healthy.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

The Education Secretary has suggested an army of supply teachers will keep schools open in the event of strikes. Margaret & I (Veteran Special Supply Forces) are always happy to be parachuted in but, in the event of industrial action, our loyalty will be to our colleagues.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

I told Margaret that some followers have been asking our thoughts on staff well-being. "There has always been 'well-being', Geoff! It's just that it used to go by other names." Two synonyms spring straight to Margaret's mind: "Friday pub lunch" & "the firefighters' visit".

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret has just been offered two weeks of teaching in a nursery class. The agency lady asked if she knew about 'in the moment planning'. This shouldn't be a problem. Margaret taught for 38 years and she never spent more than a moment planning anything.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Who are Geoff and Margaret? What are they doing? If you have started following us recently, you might have missed some of our early Tweets and some of our story. To put you in the picture, I've created a simple summary! Ladies & Gentlemen, I present your subjects on a page...

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Margaret and I would like to offer our condolences to anybody who ever worked or studied in a mobile classroom. "It'll just be for one year" the head said....

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Reflection #5 Primary school assessments are going ahead 'as normal' this summer. A 6 or 7 year old in Yr 2 is yet to experience a 'normal' year in school. A child in Yr 6 last had an undisrupted year in Yr 3. These aren't normal circumstances. We should invest more & test less.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

9 months

Calm and consistent Modest and humble Creative and ambitious Reflective and positive Instilling self-belief A team-builder A people person Passionate Whatever the outcome of the World Cup final, Sarina Wiegman has once again shown us all what great leadership looks like.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

10 months

The way Ofsted has conducted itself - in relation to Ruth Perry's tragic passing - has been utterly devoid of compassion, humanity and understanding. This is not school improvement. This is not accountability. This is a dangerous system. It doesn't have to be this way.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

The Deputy Head told Margaret about the Year 1 Phonics test today. Margaret was the wrong person to talk to: "What nonsense!" she said. "Testing children by asking them to read words that aren't words!! Learning to read is hard enough!" Margaret was aghast, with a silent 'h'.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

11 months

As another school week draws to a close, Margaret and I would like to give a special mention to the nation's teaching assistants. Versatile, hard-working and underpaid - this workforce plays a vital role in children's education, every single day. Thank you, teaching assistants!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

One of Margaret's favourite lessons was asking children to draw the hands on clock faces! She would prepare the worksheet at home, using her own clock stamper & ink pad. Margaret has prepared a new sheet for today & will ask the office to run a set through the big Banda for Yr 2.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Out with the old, in with the Hugh. Margaret lives in hope, actually.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret finished off the week by telling her class the fable of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. To bring the story up to date, she renamed the boy Prince Novak of Johnsonland. Margaret can do traditional and contemporary at the very same time.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret's first day! (Part 1) The school wanted to print a visitor label for her but the machine in the entrance had 17 attempts at taking her photo! She's only 4'10". In the end, they used a picture of a similar looking lady from the parish magazine and just buzzed Margaret in.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Remember when there was a stencil for everything?

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Stop the press! We're back! Please help us to spread the word! @lbmconsultancy @Headteacherchat @MoreMorrow @HalilMrT4Real @popsyclothing @fidsta77 @ottleyoconnor @MrEFinch @DanEdwards_77 @PaulGarvey4 @DynamicDeps @secretHT1 @JasonManford #geoffandmargaretfreed

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret and I would like to say a great big "Thank you!" to everyone who follows us, likes our Tweets and engages with our threads. In a world which can feel dark and difficult, Retirement Tales aims to provide: A nod to the past Hope for the future And well-being for today.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

10 months

Margaret would like to remind the DfE and Ofsted that young children do not need all books to be phonetically decodeable. Margaret has seen reading schemes come and go. She's seen initiatives come and go. The secret of learning to read? "It starts with a good book, Geoff!"

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

10 months

Do you remember being the milk monitor? What a responsibility!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Sunday Praise! This week, Margaret & I would like to say an enormous 'Thank You' to Teaching Assistants everywhere. TAs, HLTAs, Nursery Nurses, Learning Assistants, 1 to 1 SEND staff... The work you do to support children, teachers & schools is vital & simply immeasurable!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

I've been somewhere new and special today. In the entrance hall, it said this: 'When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.' Susan would have loved this. She nurtured and tended to all her children like a devoted gardener.🌱

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Tomorrow, Margaret & I will stand in solidarity with all our colleagues who are taking part in industrial action. We will always be stronger together. The strike isn't simply about pay. It's about building a better profession, to give children & young people a better education.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

"Welcome to secondary school! Your first piece of homework is to cover your new exercise books in wallpaper..."

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

8 months

Margaret has been in a Reception class for half a day today. She's having a lie down in a dark room and should be ready for another half day in a few weeks' time. Hats off to Early Years teachers everywhere!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret wonders if anyone else remembers dressing paper/card dolls? They were often on the back of comics, like Bunty. These two are "Magic Wand" dressing dolls, from Spear's Games. Hours of fun!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

It's our first Sunday back together! Let's celebrate with some classic tunes! Here's the Fisher Price Music Box Record Player - streaming in homes everywhere since 1971.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

You might be hard-working. You might be brilliant at your job. You might make a huge difference. You might be well-loved... But the truth is, if you were to leave your job tomorrow, your school would simply replace you and move on. So this new term, please look after yourself!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

It's been a tough & poignant week for the childcare & education profession. I conclude this: If Ofsted were to be inspected by Ofsted right now, it would surely be graded as follows: Leadership and Management: Inadequate Safeguarding: Inadequate Overall grading; Inadequate

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

8 months

On World Teachers' Day 2023, Margaret and I would like to say a great big "THANK YOU!" to teachers everywhere, past and present. What a difference you make!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

8 months

Margaret is exhausted after covering for appraisal meetings today. She spent the morning in Yr 1 & the afternoon in Yr 2. "Children are struggling, Geoff!" Margaret thinks it's time to thin out the curriculum and have a big push on personal skills, social skills & creativity.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

4 months

Here's a popular resource for teaching and learning French in the late 80s. Supplementary materials were available in the form of Joe le Taxi and Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Margaret is exasperated. It took half the lesson just to find the keys to the ipad trolley and the other half for everybody to log on. Margaret remembers when ICT was one computer, two children at a time, a weekly tick list and the choice of Paint or Granny's Garden.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Sad to hear of the passing of Raymond Briggs. Exquisite illustrator and story-teller. A staple of childhood and Christmas tradition. Bringer of much joy. What a legacy! Rest in peace.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

This week's old school hymn is "When I Needed a Neighbour". Please turn to song 65 in your Come & Praise books and please do not smirk or giggle at the third verse. This song has a serious message and the lyrics have never been more important. ❤

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

In the old days, we were well prepared for days like this!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

"Children have already suffered more disruption to their education than any generation that's gone before..." says Gillian Keegan, the tenth Education Secretary in nine years.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

The Fisher Price garage: Bringing joy to young drivers since 1970!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

One day strike action will "damage children's education" says the DfE, which has been damaging children's education for at least 12 years.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Today we send our support and solidarity to @FloraSCooper , her team of staff and the whole community at John Rankin School, Newbury. We are always stronger together. ❤

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Well it sounds like Margaret the infant teacher is quite the Yr3 convert! The children got in & out of their own coats! Nobody asked 'is this literacy or numeracy?' Best of all: "Some children were so capable that they wrote the long date & still had time to do their work!"

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Margaret thinks we should abolish Ofsted and redirect the £130 million annual budget into children's mental health services. "Two birds/one stone, Geoff.."

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

10 months

This week's old school hymn is "When a Knight Won his Spurs". It was first published in 1931 and was sung regularly in assemblies for many years. It also featured in "Headmaster's Hymn" by Allan Ahlberg, a poem about the hymn being sung in assembly...

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

It's ok to say "enough is enough". It's ok to stand up for fair pay and conditions. It's ok to fight for your profession. It's ok to want to repair those things which are broken. It's ok to want to build a better society, for us and for future generations.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

9 months

Now that the football is over, Margaret has turned her attention to sartorial matters. She's thinking about the autumn term and she's seen the perfect coat for playground duty...

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret decided against the Nursery work offer. She's very small, the children are small; she thought it might be confusing for everyone. She's taken a Year 2 job instead, for the morning only. If her carer can collect her in time, she'll be back at the home for Pointless.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

The teacher retention problem? Experienced teachers should be an asset. But somewhere along the way, the semantics changed. Experienced teachers instead became commonly referred to as "UPS" teachers. The focus shifted from the value of experience to the cost of experience.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Having returned to the classroom this year, I'm in need of a good holiday! My holdall is packed. My alarm is set. Adventures await. There will be photos...

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

"Be the change you want to see in the world!" Executive Headteacher Flora has had the call today but told Ofsted they can't come in. Bold and courageous leadership! Integrity and passion! Please read the thread ⬇️⬇️⬇️ and Retweet. #ForRuth

Flora

@FloraSCooper

1 year

Can I please get everyone here tomorrow? Would you show up? John Rankin School, Newbury Who would support? I'm doing this! Help! I don't know what this will look like! Please? For #RuthPerry #StrongerTogether #ShineOn

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Today, Margaret and I once again stand united with all teachers who are taking industrial action. Education needs investment. Our children need investment. Schools should be appropriately funded. Teachers should be appropriately remunerated. It's not too much to ask for.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

It's funny how two people can see the same thing so differently! "Margaret, we've gained almost 24,000 followers in our first two weeks!" I enthused last night. Silence. Then: "Geoff, there are almost 70 million people in this land," she replied. "We've a long way to go!"

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

The Old School Assembly Margaret & I are thrilled to reveal the song selection & running order for tomorrow's assembly! We've tried to pick hymns from different eras and to include a range of styles. Margaret has another day of practice ahead. She's the epitome of dedication!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

The agency has called... ...our work resumes on Tuesday. I've polished the Hush Puppies again. 🙂

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Reflection #4 What schools really need is a period of grace from those forces which add pressure but which don't bring benefits. Schools need the freedom & space to meet their pupils' immediate needs. A suspension of planned Ofsted inspections would give schools room to breathe.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Well what a privilege today has been! I have been immersed in love and life and learning. And kindness and courage. I've met the most astonishing people. A Special school indeed!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Reflection #2 The education profession has rallied through a two year pandemic! But disruption has a cost. Covering staff absence has a cost. Long term crisis management has a cost. The fatigue in schools is palpable. We must care for our schools as they care for our children.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Happy holidays! If you work in childcare and education, congratulations on reaching the end of a challenging and turbulent year! I will be taking a break from Twitter but posting the odd Tweet now and again. Margaret and I wish you a relaxing and joyful summer. Stay safe! ❤

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

I'm feeling a little tired today! (You probably are too.) I've decided I'll take my weekend walk tomorrow & I'll simply spend Saturday at home. Sometimes 'home' is just what you need. I have at least 8 hours of life-affirming music lined up & an unopened tin of Xmas biscuits! 🍪

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

The BBC's Look and Read was the longest running programme for schools in the UK (1967-2004). It featured the character Wordy & stories including cult classics: The Boy from Space (1971/80) Dark Towers (1981) Badger Girl (1984) Geordie Racer (1988) Through the Dragon's Eye (1989)

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 months

"They cut me down And I leapt up high; I am the life That'll never, never die..." There could be only one old school assembly hymn for today! Happy Easter!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

I've been back in my regular primary school today. The lovely Head was delighted to see me and he was thrilled to hear of our nostalgic assembly plans! He's offered us an overhead projector and a broken ring binder of acetates, with hymns which used to be in alphabetical order.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

4 months

#NationalStorytellingWeek Here's one of Margaret's favourite books for young children. First published in 1978, Each Peach Pear Plum brought together characters from nursery rhymes and fairytales, and it engaged children in a game of "I Spy". A gem from Janet & Allan Ahlberg!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret's been in Yr 1 today. She was delighted to see a piano in the hall & even more delighted to find some classic books in the cupboard. Margaret couldn't make much sense of the maths or the phonics plan but the music needed no planning at all. "A day of highs & lows!"

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Margaret has spent the day in a Reception class. It was a bit of a last minute arrangement. She couldn't quite get her head around the EYFS planning but it was ok because she'd taken in her vintage copy of Rosie's Walk. "I'm pretty sure I covered most of the curriculum, Geoff!"

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

7 months

If there's going to be a big push* on maths in primary education, Margaret thinks it might be time for another teacher to come out of retirement...

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret says that the Education Secretary doesn't have enough sensible ideas to write a Haiku, never mind a White Paper. I've reminded Margaret that we are supposed to be apolitical. "Plain white paper would be more beneficial to the profession right now, Geoff!" she added.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

How We Used To Live: The Staff Room In the old days, there was time each day for a nice cup of tea and a sit down. At morning break, teachers would enjoy a Kit Kat or maybe even a cigarette.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

10 months

Here's the TreeTots Family Treehouse, made by Kenner from 1975 until 1980. It was the original Grand Design!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret wasn't keen on today's offer: a morning in Yr 3. "I'm an infant teacher, Geoff!" "Margaret, it's The Call!" Margaret needn't have worried; she was in safe hands. Her TA was a familiar face & name. She'd only been taught by Margaret! First year infants, class of '87.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

My Susan taught hundreds of young children to read and write. Over the years, approaches came and went. Schemes came and went. Yet the alphabet never changed and neither did Susan. She always knew what she was doing and she did it very well. Wisdom never goes out of date.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

7 months

Today, Margaret and I would like to say a great big "Thank You!" to everybody who works to support the homeless in the UK. Thank you to the good people at Crisis, Shelter, Centrepoint, Depaul UK, Nightstop UK, The Big Issue Foundation & many other charities. Choose compassion.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Goodnight, Bernard Cribbins. Rest in Peace.❤ "Do your best and be grateful for every single job."

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret has taught a full week in Reception. She thinks she might need a lie down in a dark room or perhaps to hibernate until the spring.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Margaret has been offered two days of work in Yr 1. She's very excited about being in school again for Shrove Tuesday! No, she hasn't done a risk assessment. No, she isn't a first aider. No, she doesn't know if the oven has been PAT tested. But yes, she will be making pancakes.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret taught Year 2 this afternoon. History was on the timetable. "Are you ok teaching about The Great Fire of London?" the deputy asked. Margaret has been ok teaching about The Great Fire of London since the National Curriculum was invented in 1988. 🔥

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

In you grew up in the 80s, you probably have a certain fondness for Grange Hill. If you were a parent or teacher in that era, you were possibly less of a fan! Here, I give you: Mrs McClusky Mr Bronson Peter "Tucker" Jenkins Mr "Bullet" Baxter and Samuel "Zammo" Maguire.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret was in Year 1 today. It was number bonds in maths but Margaret really wasn't impressed by the children's number formation. "It wasn't pretty at all, Geoff!" she said. Of course, she knew exactly who could make things better. Answering The Call since 1993: El Nombre!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

In the old days, if you bought enough tubes of Smarties, you could eventually spell your own name using the letters on the lids.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

There will be no Virtual Pub Lunch tomorrow. Instead, perhaps you would like to join us in raising a toast to Queen Elizabeth ll? And another toast - to Humility, Service and Hope!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

When Margaret arrived in Reception today, long-serving nursery nurse, Doris, was already there. Doris told Margaret "This is my half the room. That's your half." "I don't go outside & I don't do messy!" she added. Margaret joked "There's no 'i' in team but there is in Doris".

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

1 year

Here's a 1970s blackboard rubber/projectile missile. These could rub out at a speed of five words per second and travel from the front to the back of the classroom in 2 seconds flat.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Here's a very special collection! The songs you sang. The songs you hummed. The songs you played on the recorder. The songs you read from the over-head projector. The songs you loved and the songs you loathed. The songs that brought you together. 🎶

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Well, what a day that was!! I need to sit down. This morning, the Head greeted me so warmly, even though he was still crying. "We have 14 staff off, there are 119 answer phone messages from parents & the internet is down!" he gasped. "I will do my very best to help, sir!" 1/2

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret was back in Yr 1 today. Both the teacher & TA were absent so things were "a bit tricky". By the time the parent helper had explained the groupings, the rooms, the resources & the lesson structure, there were literally seven minutes left to deliver the Phonics lesson.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret was back in Yr 1 today. As she'd learned the ropes yesterday, she managed time well; the 12 minute phonics lesson was "more than enough"! She followed this with a traffic survey in maths and, by lunch, the children were proficient with digraphs, trigraphs & bar graphs!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret has decided that she won't wear her waterfall cardigan if she's in Nursery again. There's salt dough in the cable knit & the smart belt buckle is strangely sticky. She's still in good spirits though. She's been listening to Cliff on shuffle & now she's wired for sound.

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

11 months

The headlines today will be about pay. But this industrial action is about much more than pay. It's about an education system which is undervalued by Government and which is buckling under too much strain. Invest in our educators! Invest in our schools! Invest in our children!

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Geoff and Margaret

@RetirementTales

2 years

Margaret and I answered The Call just last week. We joined Twitter on Friday and now have 10,000 followers! Thank you all for caring.☀️ It won't go to our heads though. As my Susan used to say, it's not about how popular you are, it's about how you affect the people you meet.

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