Find out more about the person behind ThinkLit.
Helen
Teacher, writer, mummy, pgce tutor
My education and qualifications
Welcome to ThinkLit, a resource to support teachers of English. I qualified as a teacher of English and English Literature in 2007, and have been teaching post-primary school students for 17 years.
I have an MA in English and Biblical Studies from the University of St Andrews and a PGCE with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) in English for Secondary Education. I love teaching English, especially poetry.
This website is specifically to support teachers and students in Northern Ireland studying CCEA’s English and English Literature specifications, but of course everyone is welcome! I believe that as a teacher, you shouldn’t have to pay for teaching resources from your own pocket, so I aim to keep everything on here free. If you would like to support the site’s running costs, please do click the ‘Support me’ button to buy me a virtual coffee.
My experience in the classroom
Over the last 17 years, I have had the opportunity to work with students at Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. I have taught students of all abilities in both selective and non-selective schools, and in both single and mixed gender schools. My experience has taught me that every student learns differently, and I strive to create engaging and effective lesson plans that meet the needs of each individual.
PGCE tutor
In addition to my classroom experience, I have also had the privilege of serving as a PGCE tutor for student English teachers. This role has allowed me to share my knowledge and expertise with the next generation of educators and to help shape their teaching practice. Through my work as a tutor, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing new teachers. I am committed to providing resources and support to help them succeed.
The purpose of ThinkLit
Through this blog, I aim to share my expertise and provide valuable resources to fellow teachers of English and English Literature. From study guides to free teaching materials, my goal is to make your job easier and more enjoyable, while also enhancing the learning experience for your students.
Thank you for visiting my blog, and I hope you find the resources here useful. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback. Let’s work together to inspire a love of language and literature in the next generation of learners!
5 facts about me:
- I am a very happy wife and a very very proud mummy to a little boy and a little girl.
- During lockdown 2020, when my son was 4, I spend hours at the kitchen table with him. We started (blindly) singing along to the Jolly Phonics songs on YouTube. From there, we started linking sounds together. And from there, this middle aged secondary school English teacher taught her 4 year old to read. It will always be a very proud moment: proud of myself for persevering when I felt completely clueless. But more-so, proud of that little boy for being the smartest 4 year old in town! Check out the Jolly Phonics if you are also sitting at the kitchen table with a 4 year old! Here’s the link!
- I am pretty scared of birds. I weave all over the footpath in an effort to avoid them, and can’t look at one, so often end up walking into something because my eyes are closed in fear!
- I love skincare and makeup. My most recent splurge was at Beauty Pie … read about the brand here if you are interested in high quality products at affordable prices. Not sponsored … I’m just a fan!
- I make an excellent cupcake. My secret is … following a good recipe! Check out my favourites: Hummingbird Bakery red velvet and Hummingbird Bakery carrot cake. You really can’t go wrong by following a good recipe.
