Episode 7: 'A tenacious idea isn't always a good idea!'

23 January 2026

Kindergarten kids having fun drawing and creating on a wooden table in nature

In this episode Simon Lewis, a nursery teacher and head of Early Years at a primary school in south London, talks to Fran Watson about how educational research has transformed his practice – from questioning the value of learning journals to revolutionising his approach to teaching mathematics in the Early Years.

Download transcript

Resources mentioned by Simon in this episode

The descriptions and hyperlinks below provide optional follow-up information for listeners. Their inclusion here does not imply any endorsement of these resources by Cambridge Mathematics or by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, nor are Cambridge Mathematics and Cambridge University Press & Assessment responsible for any content within them.

Denmark Forest Kindergartens video

Explore Denmark's approach to early childhood education, where kindergartens are located in forests and children learn essential life skills like navigating challenging terrain and using tools. This documentary examines the pedagogical approach and parental perspectives on this unconventional learning environment.

View resource

Text from the AI-generated video summary provided on YouTube.

Booking cover showing the words Visibile Learning: The Sequel. A Synthesis of Over 2,100 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement

Visible Learning: The Sequel book

This book updates and expands John Hattie's landmark meta-analysis of educational research, examining over 2,100 studies to identify which teaching approaches have the greatest impact on student learning and achievement.

View resource

Image © Taylor & Francis Informa UK Ltd - Books, 2023. Used with permission of Taylor & Francis Informa UK Ltd - Books, from Visible Learning: The Sequel by John Hattie, 2023; permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.

Book cover showing the words Doug Lemov - Teach like a champion

Teach Like a Champion 3.0 book

This book presents Doug Lemov's updated collection of 63 concrete, classroom-tested techniques that help teachers maximise student engagement, build a positive learning culture, and improve academic achievement across all subjects and year groups.

View resource

Image © Jossey-Bass, 2021. Cover page of Teach Like a Champion 3.0: 63 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College by Doug Lemov. Used with permission.