This Is Your Own Time You’re Wasting: The SUNDAY TIMES bestseller from the hilarious teacher duo and podcast hosts, the Two Mr Ps

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Having seen and loved Lee and Adam Parkinson when I saw them on This Morning, and having experience of volunteering in Early Years education and teacher training, I was expecting to love this book - but unfortunately, I found it disappointing. Yes, there are some *fabulously* funny stories, and there are some *fantastic* observations on what's wrong with the funding, administration and observations of teaching; there's no doubting the dedication and love of teaching the personable Parkinson brothers have: and most teachers will be nodding in agreement with their recommendations. On a personal level, I liked the separation of each brother's contributions by the use of different fonts, although I soon forgot which brother was which. But one issue I had was the book's general style; if, like their first book this was generated via their podcast, it's a shame that it reads like a transcription of said podcast. The opening of the book reads like the script of an over-enthusiastic 80s/90s Saturday morning children's TV show, and the overuse of exclamation marks really irritated me. Affect an accent that is posher than the pupils' (Not difficult). This will worry them because you are obviously ‘Not From Round Here.’ As most will never venture more than half a mile from the Cherry Tree Estate (once a fortnight to sign on, plus Court appearances or burglary outings) they find this quite disturbing." One could be so simple as trying out a new coffee shop, or finishing that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand for months.

After 30 years of trying (I stress the trying) to run the UK education system like a private company, our idiot politicians have a produced a system that consistently fails those at the lower end of the social demographic. And the worst part is, it fails them by meaning to help them. Mr. Chalk is talking about social malaise and the deadly combination of New Liberalism and PC politics. I need to admit that I haven’t read “ Put a wet paper towel on it.” I can feel the judging already 😂😂 but I am on my way to get the first book…. Honest. So much so that you start declining invitations because you feel like you’ll be judged, or you want to focus on things that might help get you somewhere at home (although you just end up wallowing in bed).

For books with (genuinely) funny stories of school life you should consider reading Gervase Phinn which are much better and are actually very funny!!

As someone who has recently finished teacher training and is about to be unleashed into the English comprehensive system, this is a book I felt I had to read. And it was one I could heavily relate to - although I've had no experiences in schools quite like St. Jude's, it's amazing how many times I smiled or nodded knowingly, having either experienced something very similar or heard a story from someone else who had. He didn’t even live in a world saturated with editing and airbrushing and photoshop, where hustle culture forces the rise-and-grind, retire-by-24 mentality down your throat and scoffs if you try and take a day off. You can combine the above points and incorporate seeing your loved ones with trying a new experience and take a friend paragliding (if they’re up for it). Your turn! A few minor points on SPAG though because, as a teacher, you have to be entirely bulletproof on this or you get your audience twitching in horror or delight. I enjoyed it, though. It's well-written, amusing, and the writer's personality bursts through. Here is a teacher that I can learn a lot from. And he skydives! We're a rare breed, us skydiving teachers.The anecdotes are numerous and entirely relatable, I could definitely add many of my own and it gave a real sense of comradeship. I also related to a lot of the points as a parent and a homeschool survivor. A few afternoon hours spent gazing at portraits or examining old artefacts is truly good for the soul. Mr Chalk is saying: "Give these kids a chance, teach them what they need to know for life. Teach them to be on time. To be polite. Basic numeracy and literacy. Let them learn skilled professions and be proud of their work - don't teach them French when they are not fully literate in their native language. Don't hope they will go to University and study XYZ Studies to leave it with 60, 000 pounds worth of debt and no career options."

Occasionally the author comes out with very negative sweeping statements, but then, I suspect that is a narrative ploy to express the levels of sheer frustration teachers at the lower end may feel. No, Mr. Chalk, not all modern teaching methods are rubbish - they will merely not work in every context.In my view, Mr Chalk was a teacher who taught to make a difference, and the whole point of his narrative tone is to make readers realise what "the system" will eventually do to any teacher who tries to make a difference. This book by Frank Chalk is at one and the same time both excruciating and hilarious. Anyone who has ever taught in a "challenging" secondary school will recognize immediately the stereotypical students, teachers and senior management portrayed here. Further, I could not make sense who this book was pitched at; it is written as if it is for kids, though risqué anecdotes suggest that this is not true. I couldn’t enjoy the very chatty style, which seems more like a podcast transcript than a book.

Physical activity not only improves mood and wellbeing, but also boosts brain power – so incorporating 20 mins a day will actually help improve your cognitive ability and likelihood of finding a path to achieve what you want. 8) Shun freestyling life… This was a super fun book based on teaching primary school kids from the perspective of teachers! I adored the first book and when I saw there was a release for the second, I couldn’t wait! If you’re looking for a guaranteed hilarious and funny read, this is your book. We’re unfortunately taught to see a lot of the world in these extreme categorizations, and retraining your mind to instead consider things objectively and think for itself is not an easy task. Whether you’re actually wasting your life and need a little nudge in the right direction, or the pressure of comparing your own journey to everyone who seems to be doing a hell of a lot better is getting to you, there’s always things you could do to improve.Where possible, try to aim for a diet that is wildly colorful and involves everything in moderation as this will often boost your mood, immune system, and your cognitive processing power. 10) Quit compulsive busyness…