Product reviews for Changing Perceptions

In Changing Perceptions Graham Chatterley set out to write the book he wished he’d had as an NQT when he struggled with pupil behaviour. What he has produced – the fruit of many years spent thinking, researching, observing, learning from experts and, above all, working with children in classrooms in mainstream and specialist settings – is a book I wish I’d had at any stage of my career.

Changing Perceptions is strong on the theory of behaviour, why and how it can go wrong and what caring professionals can do to help children acquire the self-control which allows them to learn from their mistakes. Behavioural mistakes, Chatterley repeatedly insists, quoting Dr Rob Long, are learning opportunities for pupils and for the adults working with them. The author estimates that this round-up of theory takes up the first three quarters of the book. Incisive and insightful, these pages are full of ‘lightbulb moments’, when an experienced teacher recognises the truth of what’s written and suddenly understands some of the behaviours and interactions they have witnessed or participated in during their career.

Perhaps even more valuable are the practical examples – the recounting of incidents and conversations with pupils which Graham uses to illustrate and explain his approach, especially the very powerful, personal story of how much the experience of having an autistic child himself taught him. The struggles he describes are ones many parents of children with special needs will recognise and his willingness to be open about how tough it can be is one of the real strengths of this book. 

There’s an authenticity and an unflinching honesty here which makes his theoretical learning even more valuable. Graham freely admits that he has often got things wrong, and he isn’t interested in judging schools, teachers or parents; he wants to help them in their mission to help children. Because in the end, as he constantly reiterates, this whole educational enterprise – schools, teaching, learning – must have children and young pupil at its centre.

This is an important book. All teachers can learn from it. For my part I will be buying copies for my daughter and my son, respectively head and deputy in different primary schools.