Adam Russell
adamrussell91.bsky.social
Adam Russell
@adamrussell91.bsky.social
18 followers 110 following 24 posts
Highly Accomplished Accredited Psychology/HSIE/English Teacher, MeD in Cognitive Psychology and Educational Practice and MeD Educational Neuroscience.
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Teaching inference? This structured looping technique, shared by MissB (@SecondaryEng), helps students dig deeper into meaning. By repeatedly asking, “If X, then what does it mean?” students move from surface understanding to nuanced insights. Clear, scaffolded, and effective! #EngChat
The magic? These aren't rigid formulas - they're tools in a writer's toolkit! 🛠️
My students now ask "Which structure best fits my purpose?" instead of "Is this what you want?"
That's the power of Write That Essay's approach! ✨📚
The "Robust Conclusion" 🎬

Restate main idea
Show your proof
Add new insight
End powerfully

Because endings should leave readers thinking, not yawning!
The "Scientist" 🔬

State answer
Explain science
Show real example

Perfect for STEM writing! Turns complex concepts into clear explanations that actually make sense.
The "Slam Dunk" 🏀

Hook with question
Build suspense
Drop evidence
Show impact
Five-word punch

Creates those mic-drop moments in essays. My students compete to write the punchiest endings!
The "Better Quote" 📚

Intro the debate
Quote expert 1
Add contrast
Quote expert 2
Show what's better

Students LOVE this for literary analysis - helps them join the academic conversation!
The "Multipurpose Intro" 🎯

Start neutral & broad
Add specific context
State your argument
End with impact

Perfect for essays that grab attention from word one! Students love how it builds confidence from the start.
The "Hammer Impact" ⚡️
Drop 3 powerful facts
Explain their significance
End with a mic drop
My students call this one the "mind-blown paragraph" - it's their go-to for making unforgettable points!
The "Compare/Contrast Weave" 🔄
Start w/key observation
Explore diff perspectives
Show meaningful connections
Explain why it matters
Perfect for analysis & deeper thinking. Students actually enjoy finding patterns & making connections!
The "Lawyer Paragraph" 💼

Make your boldest claim
Show why we should care
Stack your evidence
End with conviction

Students love this for arguments & persuasive writing. It's structured but feels natural!
Tired of TEEL, PEEL & PETAL paragraphs making student writing sound robotic? After Write That Essay PD, I ditched these formulas for something better. Here's my simple toolkit for authentic student writing... 🧵📝
🧠 Research shows students with more prior knowledge learn faster (the "Rich-Get-Richer Effect"). Starting small, teaching in chunks, and fostering curiosity helps ALL students build strong knowledge foundations! #EdChat #TeacherTips
My Y10s LOVED this character analysis hack - had them map key words on A3 paper, explore deeper meanings, draw connections. The visual element helped them spot patterns they'd normally miss. Simple but powerful way to deepen literary analysis! 📚✨ #EnglishTeacher shorturl.at/V36hK
Transform Your Literature Classes with This Game-Changing Character Analysis Strategy! | Notion
Ever struggled to get students to dive deeper into character analysis? I stumbled upon a brilliant approach that has my students actually excited about literary analysis (yes, really!)
mrrussellteaching.notion.site
Fun games boost learning! Hannah Bradley shows how word-association games like "From A to Z" or "Articulate" help students master subject-specific vocabulary. These activities build confidence, foster creativity, and deepen understanding in a fun, low-stakes environment. #EdTech
This study was actually based on current student interviews!
A study by Madden & Townend highlights gaps in gifted student ID at a Sydney school: lack of policy, limited resources, & inconsistent methods. Solutions? Annual testing, 2-step ID process, & teacher training. Let's ensure brilliance isn’t missed! 🌟 #Education #GiftedStudents
Reading Curriculum Compacting got me thinking: Do we help or hold back gifted students by asking them to teach peers? Often, this takes away their learning time and ignores their unique cognitive processes. Let’s rethink, adapt, and focus on creating learning for ALL learners. 🤔 #GiftedEd
Anxiety isn't weakness—it's growth! Learned from expert presenter Karen Young how teens can manage discomfort, not eliminate it. Neuroscience reveals anxiety's purpose. Practical tools like breathing & grounding help. Parents: provide warm boundaries. Brave steps build resilience. #TeenMentalHealth
📚 Want to boost reading comprehension? Research shows pre-teaching relevant vocabulary + building background knowledge are the two most influential factors for success. Combine with reciprocal teaching for maximum impact! #LiteracyStrategy #TeacherTips
Margaret Atwood said, History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes. In education, we see the patterns: challenges evolve, but echoes remain. Teaching isn’t just about facts; it’s empowering students to break cycles and shape a better verse in the poem of humanity. #EducationMatters
🧠 Dual Coding Theory: Combine verbal and visual information to boost learning. Present words alongside relevant visuals, students process information through two complementary brain channels, creating stronger memory connections and deeper understanding. Keep visuals clear and aligned with content!
A reading comprehension tip: Try to Pause and Process. After each paragraph, pause to summarise the main idea, note unfamiliar words, make connections to what you know, and ask questions. Like taking sips instead of drinking from a fire hose, this simple technique prevents cognitive overload.
Getting to that point in the year where motivation is waning in class! Started to watch Hidden Figures in bits to connect to the learning and keep students interested. One of my favourite films of all time.
Thrilled to have had the opportunity to present at the ETANSW Horizons Conference! It was my first time presenting at a conference, I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and inspiring group of colleagues to share the experience with.
Also, UNSW is such a beautiful campus!
#etanswpd #horizons