Melissa Colothan

A threatening and creepy tree I don't like at all, which speaks out of its bellybutton and is advancing towards me in tiny tree steps which it thinks I haven't noticed, and repeatedly asking me why I will not "Come inside where it is warm, for a nice treat."

THREAD. A collection of photographs of excellent trees I have met on walks.

You will find the all-important captions to each photo in the alt text.

Side note: I also recommend listening to Jessie Buckley's Mercury Prize shortlisted album For All Your Days with Bernard Butler. Also stunning and beautiful.

I adore Jessie Buckley so I'm desperate to watch the film adaptation of Hamnet. But I also love Maggie O'Farrell as an author & don't know how Hamnet escaped me. However, I read it eventually, spurred on by the film. It's a stunning, emotional book. I fell for Agnes so much. Much recommended.

Read it forward poster by Bookshop.org, books flying on a purple background.

📣 READ IT FORWARD! 📣

10% of ALL children’s book sales through Bookshop.org UK go to reading charities @booktrust.org.uk and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social in February 2026, and EVERY sale supports independent bookshops 📚https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/read-it-forward-with-bookshop-org

The Street Art Mystery Check out The Street Art Mystery - <p>Margot, Wesley and Josephine have got an awesome weekend mapped out for the end of the holidays before they start high school – and they don’t want anything to st...

Morning all! I’m supporting #ReadItForward! Pre-order my book, the Street Art Mystery, (out next week, eeek) and @bookshop.org will donate 10% to @booktrust.org.uk and @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social - uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-... << thank you xx

A lack of diversity, primary specialists (esp KS1 and EYs), SEND and a lack of experience working in the north of England.

This was the chance for fresh eyes. But, instead we have the same people who have worked on all of this before.

A missed opportunity.

bsky.app/profile/scho...

**UPDATED POST** Sunday morning spent reading Tree Thing. What a well spent morning too. Such a beautifully illustrated book. Kiran Millwood Hargreave says on the front 'an exquisite fable' and there is no better description. Can't wait to take this into class.

Thorough, excellent guidance for all English Subject Leaders. And it works! Thanks Megan 👏

Just read Dream Count. The writing itself is beautiful but I found it a struggle at times. I wanted more of the story of the four characters than their romantic relationships. These women are so much more. The middle section with Kadiatou is however gut-wrenching and a story endlessly repeated irl.

Visit of the Prime Minister of Denmark 22nd Jawary 2026 We'll get by with a little help from our friends

Sky News: Danish PM Mette Freideriksen’s note in the visitors book when she visited UK today

This is excellent 👌

Looks very useful across the curriculum, particularly for new subject leaders.

Book delivery! Looking forward to reading Tree Thing, new from Piers Torday. It looks superbly illustrated. #readingforpleasure

It's very neat! Looking great.

Yes, it's a rude awakening perhaps.

I'm not sure if it's too late but any schools with photographs of children on the platform should be deleted as a matter of urgency. Just horrific.

Elon Musk's Grok AI image editing limited to paid users after deepfakes It comes after government urged Ofcom to use all its powers – up to and including an effective ban – against X.

This is not far enough.

BBC News - Elon Musk's Grok AI image editing limited to paid users after deepfakes
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Five top tips for new oracy leads and practitioners - Voice 21 It’s a new school year, and this year, we have just short of 500 new Voice 21 Oracy Schools joining our network of dedicated schools. Knowing where to begin can be tricky, as every school’s context an...

🎉📢Voice 21 hopes that all UK teachers are settling into the new term!

😅Still struggling to find your classroom voice in the new year?

Then check out these five top tips for new oracy leads and practitioners👇

voice21.org/five-top-tip...

Adore this! First day back Tuesday sorted. I have a number of not publishable personal resolutions in the manner of these 🫣😉. I want some fun in the classroom to usher in 2026 so this is a great help & prompt from Brian.

Part 1. My writing, I have decided, will include reflections, thoughts and ideas about education. But, I cannot ignore the situation I am in (see previous writing) and so, I will also be adding bits and pi…

I am writing. Part 1. The tragedy of hidden schools, in hidden communities

meganjanedixon.co.uk/2026/01/03/p...

A colleague recommended this on a recent course where the impact of technology on young minds was discussed. This is worth reading from a social media viewpoint. Many UK schools have already adopted phone in pouches etc but parents need to feel able to do more (I do!) supported by big tech & gov.

Pivoting In November 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A nasty, sneaky, fast growing type of breast cancer: stage 3, grade 3, locally invasive triple negative breast cancer for those who know about …

I am writing - here is my first blog of 2026. This year will be the year where I write all those things I promised myself I would write, when I had the time.

Now I have the time.
meganjanedixon.co.uk/2026/01/02/p...

I will be following and saving every word. No holding back, as ever...love it Megan!

GO ALL IN | National Year of Reading 2026 The National Year of Reading 2026 invites the UK to rediscover the joy of reading. Whatever you’re into – music, films, food or anything – reading can take your passions further. Join the movement and...

Very much looking forward to the National Year of Reading in 2026! I mean, every year is a year of reading for me but anything that gives me the platform to bang on about the importance of reading in schools is always welcome. #nationalyearofreading share.google/Z1zERzIfZiFm...

Congratulations! Great to see the impact of your work valued so highly. Well deserved 👏

A New Year's Resolution for Teachers: Quit X The best time to do so was when Musk started poisoning it; the second-best time is now

This from @markgoodrich.bsky.social, is one of the only reasons I've found where I wish I were still on twitter - so I could share it to encourage others to leave
open.substack.com/pub/markgood...

Character-rich books always win it for me and Caledonian Road is packed full of people who quite frankly, I really didn't like which makes it all the more gripping when their downfall inevitably happens. Staggeringly close to real life and the state of play in society, a gripping read.

Holidays have allowed me time to really get into this novel. It's a weighty tome and being able to be lost in it has been well worth it. The scope and complexity is mesmerising. It is an absolute standout read of the year.

Our Boxing Day Book Swap tradition continues thanks to the book elf (me 😆).

For Dad: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
For Mum: Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Eldest daughter: Girl (in real life) by Tamsin Winter
Youngest daughter: Hotel Flamingo by Alex Milway.

I'm sure I'll read them all!