The Spider Strategy

What I like about all of Marcella’s ideas is that you can try them tomorrow. They don’t need vast resourcing and lots of preparation. I have used imagery cards to great effect in my English lessons where they have provided much challenge and debate. * Saira Sawtell, advanced skills teacher (English) & associate principal * The Spider Strategy introduces teachers to practical and refreshing approaches to planning outstanding lessons that actually help students to learn. The great strength of this accessible book is that it is written by an experienced practitioner who both understands and enjoys the challenges involved in engaging young minds. * Dr Ian Thompson, associate professor of English education, University of Oxford * This entertaining, intelligent and pragmatic text reflects every outstanding lesson I have ever observed. It outlines clever and practical strategies and activities that lead to student excitement, engagement and progression through learning. It is full of surprises, do-able activities and is embedded in reflection, evaluation and assessment. I would highly recommend it to every experienced, newly qualified and trainee teacher. * Carmel McNamara * McCarthy's advice is lively, creative, and eminently practical; and she has plenty of original suggestions for ways you could refine your approach... -- Helen Mulley * Teach Secondary magazine *