A Handbook for Excellence.

 Elevating Teaching and Learning…

A tweet that I posted recently with a snapshot of our Teaching and Learning handbook sparked messages regarding how to write a handbook and what to include. Below are some of my thoughts in this area.

In every successful school, there’s a guiding compass that aligns staff efforts and student outcomes. For us, that compass is the Teaching and Learning Handbook. More than just a document, it’s a dynamic tool designed to inspire, guide, and unify our teaching practices.

Why a Handbook?

Teaching is a delicate balance of art, science, and craft. The handbook bridges these dimensions, providing a shared framework informed by evidence-based strategies, while offering the flexibility to adapt to the unique needs of each classroom. It’s our way of codifying best practices to ensure consistency and excellence in teaching and learning.

Rather than leaving great teaching to chance, the handbook creates a common language around key instructional practices, making expectations transparent and achievable for everyone.

What’s Inside

1. Approach to Lessons
   Central to the handbook is the I Do, We Do, You Do framework. This simple yet powerful model ensures every lesson begins with clear teacher-led instruction (I Do), transitions into guided practice (We Do), and culminates in independent application (You Do). This structure aligns with cognitive science principles, such as Rosenshine’s work on effective instruction, and helps students build confidence as they progress from dependence to independence.

2. Classroom Routines and Strategies
   From the moment students enter the classroom, every action is purposeful. The handbook emphasises practices such as Do Now activities to kickstart engagement and Threshold greetings to set the tone for learning. Routines like these aren’t just about efficiency, they create an atmosphere of calm focus, where students know what to expect and how to succeed.

3. Techniques for Mastery
   Practical strategies from Doug Lemov’s Teach Like a Champion are embedded throughout the handbook. Techniques like Cold Call, Positive Framing, and Precise Praise (to name a few) empower teachers to manage classrooms effectively, check for understanding, and build positive relationships with students. These strategies are not just theoretical, they’re the daily tools that make great teaching happen.

4. Expert Modelling and High Expectations
   The handbook champions expert modelling as a cornerstone of effective teaching. By making thinking visible whether through worked examples. Teachers provide students with the clarity they need to achieve excellence. This approach, paired with high expectations, ensures that every child is equipped to tackle challenges and master their learning.

A Living Document

One of the handbook’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. Education is ever evolving, and our handbook reflects this dynamism. It grows alongside our practice, incorporating insights from professional development, classroom experiences, and the latest research.

Moving Forward

As educators, our work is never done. The Teaching and Learning Handbook is a testament to our belief in continuous improvement and collaboration. It reminds us that teaching is both a privilege and a responsibility and that by working together, we can ensure every child receives the education they deserve.

For those looking to enhance their teaching and learning culture, creating or refining a handbook is a powerful step. It’s not just about documentation; it’s about shaping a shared vision and empowering every member of the school community to bring it to life.