It all started way back in January 2012. It feels like it was a lot longer ago, but it really was less than 6 months ago when I was asked. It was between BETT and LWF to give you a timescale. Would I like to write a book about ICT for Rising Stars? I thought that it would be a great opportunity so I jumped at the chance for a few reasons. One, Andrea Carr (@andreacarr1) is amazing and has helped support Teachmeets and other sorts of events for ages. This is through sponsorship, promotion and just coming along to them as well. She has also always been very kind to both myself and my partner Charlie and we like her a lot. The second reason was that it sounded like a fun project to be involved in and one that fitted in well with my ICT Planning site that I was also working on. Originally I thought I was being asked to write a small part of the book but after a few emails it became apparent that this was going to be my book. Gulp.
The book is aimed at trainee teachers, newly qualified teachers and well, anyone that needs a boost or refreshment in their skill-set. It is part of a set of books that at launch, will include Phonics, SEN and ICT and will eventually include other titles too.
So we met, we planned and we came up with a strategy. 120 pages packed full of ideas and tips for the primary classroom teacher. Easy huh? Luckily I had some expert help from people on Twitter such as Julian Wood (@ideas_factory) and David Rogers (@daviderogers) who have both contributed to certain sections along with people like Miles Berry (@milesberry) who helped write a bit about Scratch. There are loads of others who helped in some way or other and the full list is in the book. Many thanks go to Claire Lotriet (@ohlottie) for helping to bounce ideas and who proof-read bits too.
And now it is nearly here. The book is being launched next week and to see a sneak preview, click here. Also, in the coming few days, check the #RSEssentials tag on Twitter for snippets from the book.
Thanks again to everyone that has helped and I hope that you all enjoy the book and find it useful.
How exciting Ian! Can’t wait to read it! Congratulations!
Miss I
Thank you for this Ian. You have done an amazing job, and in a short time . You should be really proud of what you have made – writing a book is far from easy – and I can’t wait to see the finished article next week.
A big thanks from me to the many who have helped Ian too (you are name checked and free copies reserved for you). I hope you like what you see!