I am a vocational teacher for an FE course. This book inspires to work smarter and stretch students' minds to use their full capability.

The Lazy Teacher’s Handbook provides practical ideas to help teachers establish a student-led approach in the classroom, which has proven to empower students to actively learn. It will be very useful for those at the beginning of their teaching career, and will also enable established teachers to enliven some of their current teaching practices. The book also contains some practical ideas to support differentiation, assessment and feedback. Not all the strategies provided will be suitable for all educational establishments, but there is something for everyone to choose from within the book.

I first discovered Jim's writing as a trainee teacher and have been hooked ever since. As a past student of Jim myself I was intrigued to see how the excellent teaching I had received from him would translate into providing guidance for teachers and more importantly whether I could emulate the -˜Really Lazy Teacher' philosophy myself.

Needless to say upon reading the book I was not disappointed.  Jim takes an at times testing and difficult profession, strips away all the unnecessary complexities and takes his advice back to leave teachers with tools to approach what really matters, really excellent teaching (in a really lazy way!). He does this by doing the unheard of in most educational literature, encouraging us to do less teaching!

Amongst other teaching literature on the market the book stands out as a refreshing alternative that looks beyond subject areas and provides all teachers with original, creative, fun and easy to implement ideas to use in the classroom. The activities and strategies provided are transferable no matter what subject or year group you teach and are easily implementable for anyone from a trainee teacher to the head teacher.

Most importantly it guides teachers to put the responsibility of learning back where it should be, with the students.

The Lazy Teacher's Handbook has had a huge impact on my own and colleagues practice providing readers with a toolkit to reduce lesson planning and marking time in order to maximise the time they have with students. Readers can easily dip into the many activity suggestions and apply them to their own subject areas with minimal preparation and maximum impact. Perhaps the most comforting outcome of reading the book is that it is ok to let the students take the lead in their learning. Whilst the practically of always having a handful of short activities up your sleeve when the lesson plan runs short or you are running out of ideas for that tricky class is very welcome. The idea of handing back the learning to students can seem like a farfetched concept in the current educational climate but the impact I have seen it have on learning and the empowerment it has given the young people I work with is immeasurable.

As a teacher it is very easy to get carried away preparing what seem like exciting activities for students which involved hours of preparation from staff (many a late night I have spent tirelessly cutting up card sorts for two minutes of lesson impact). This book reminds teachers that it's the students who should be doing the hard work, not us! And how engaging or how much  impact a lesson has on students does not need to be reflected in the number of teacher hours spent planning it or indeed marking and assessing it. 

The Lazy Teacher's Handbook really is a philosophy for education and really encourages staff to reflect on their practice and question; what impact will this task have? School leaders who have read the book also are able to guide staff to begin dipping their toe into the wonders of handing learning back to the students and to even go further and structure the curriculum to allow more time for this to happen. 

Using the philosophy from this book I have seen students confidence flourish, their academic progress continue to increase and their independence sky rocket. Not to mention it has made being a teacher an awful lot more manageable for me. A small investment in this book is a huge investment in your students learning and the wellbeing of your staff.

The Lazy Teacher's Handbook is innovative in that it reflects the lesson planning executing and feedback as making the student more engaged and focussed on the learning rather than being wholly dependent on their teacher

The development of high quality independent learning therefore is the focus.

The structure of the book makes ideas really accessible and enables it to transfer quickly from the page into the classroom.

The credibility of Jim Smith is that he utilises this approach in his own teaching and across his own school.

The impact across school lies in the fact that the materials not only -˜speak' to those new to the profession but to those of us who have been teaching for a considerable amount of time. It makes teachers reflect and re-think their classroom practice.

The book is accessible and reading directed chapters does not become an additional -˜chore' for teachers.  It is a rich demonstration of how to tackle key classroom themes e.g. assessment for learning, feedback and differentiation.



I thoroughly recommend the book to schools to support, develop and enhance the teaching and learning in their school.

The idea of being a -˜lazy' teacher may already be held by many people outside of the education sector but this book may actually help you to work less and the students work more. It is full of ideas that remind you just what good teaching actually is: allowing the teacher time to pause and the pupils  time to learn. It is an update to the previous edition of the book (published in 2010), combining the feedback and hints from many other practitioners rather than just the author himself, and therefore this edition is packed with even more useful strategies than before.

As a teacher with a number of years' experience I have read a large number of books about -˜new' pedagogical theories concerning good practice and then, after a short period of use, they have been forgotten owing to a lack of pupil engagement and I have reverted to how I was taught. However, this book encourages the reader to use what works and implement a few changes to ensure maximum learning is achieved. I read it cover to cover in just under a day. It is easy to read, quick to pick up and whether you read a section or all of it, you are likely to find something useful.

The book is broken down into chapters, from how to structure a lesson, marking and feedback, the use of IT, to differentiation and the use of teaching assistants. It has a bit of everything for any reader to gain hints and tips on. Sometimes these are a little bit simple and other times they are a little improbable (inviting the local mayor as a guest marker), but always there is a seed of an idea that could be developed given the time and inclination. In fact, much of this book thrives on the idea that sensible planning will lead to more work from the students and consequently more learning happening, with less effort from the -˜lazy' teacher.

I enjoyed this book and it was significantly more accessible than other books on pedagogy. I found it more tailored for the lower age groups (possibly key stages 2 and 3) but the amusing dialogue and the witty one-liners did make it a book I would dip into time and time again for reassurance, a simple smile or a quick idea. It is not a book for hard and fast detailed strategies; however, if you want a quick refresh or some simple inspiration then this is the book for you.

The innovative nature of the resource.

This innovative book offers practical, easy-to-use ideas which invigorate and inspire. Jim Smith's no-nonsense approach is explained simply and realistically without educational jargon, and his amusing bluntness and refreshing candour gives readers encouragement. He describes possible problems without superiority and then offers excellent solutions. This exemplifies his extensive experience and practicality.



The impact on learning and the work of the teacher in the classroom, to what extent and in which areas.

Split into manageable chapters, and addressing all aspects of teaching, the book enables readers to quickly realise how uncomplicated Jim's -˜lazy approach' is. The refreshingly easy and usable ideas encourage the reader to implement them in their own practice. The ways of working suggested are explained thoroughly and simply, and then the reasons for working this way are expertly explained. His methods of ensuring pupils are involved and participating in their own learning changes the focus in the classroom and makes the teaching and learning more exciting and targeted. It also means that the system is adaptive to individual needs and is extremely easy to use. Most importantly, the emphasis is not on making more work for stressed teachers, but rather on making their methods more efficient and more effective. A system which advocates less preparation and paperwork is sure to appeal to all teachers.



How the title supports or enhances the everyday life or work of teachers, pupils or schools.

Although the title aptly describes Jim Smith's approach, it could be misinterpreted. Teachers are very aware of negative public opinions of their profession and too often they are accused of -˜only working 9am-3pm' and of always being on holiday. Teachers do not want to be labelled -˜lazy'; they will, however, be keen to grab the chance to become more effective practitioners and to improve their methods. The present mass exodus from the teaching profession, coupled with the reduced numbers of students going into teaching, surely exemplifies the urgent need to address teachers' work-life balance.



Cost-effectiveness in terms of educational aims and results - not just price

In order to improve current conditions, hone present practice and make teaching more manageable and effective, present methods have to change. If teachers' work-life balance is not improved, and planning/teaching methods not refined, teaching will reach crisis point. Jim's approach is the way forward. His advice and approach is refreshing, realistic and can be implemented quickly and easily. Most importantly, it is not costly - in fact, this approach will save money (especially on photocopying!). The Lazy Teacher's Handbook is a must-read for all teachers, and copies of it should be handed out in all staffrooms.

The innovative nature of the resource:

This innovative book offers practical easy to use ideas, which invigorate and inspire. Jim Smith's no nonsense approach is explained simply and realistically without educational jargon. His amusing bluntness and refreshing candour gives readers encouragement. He describes possible problems without superiority and then offers excellent solutions, this exemplifies his wide experience and practicality. This book is a -˜must read' for all teachers!



The impact on learning and the work of the teacher in the classroom, to what extent and in which areas:

By addressing all aspects of teaching, split into manageable chapters, the reader realises quickly how uncomplicated this approach is. The refreshingly easy and usable ideas encourage the reader to implement ideas. The ways of working suggested are explained thoroughly and simply and then reasons for working this way are expertly explained. His methods of ensuring pupils are involved and participating in their learning changes the focus in the classroom, and makes the learning exciting and targeted. This makes the system extremely easy to use and adapt to individual needs. Most importantly, the emphasis is on not making more work for stressed teachers, but to make their methods more effective and quicker. A system, which advocates less preparation and paperwork, is sure to appeal to all teachers.



How the title supports or enhances the everyday life or work of teachers, pupils or schools:

Although the title aptly describes Jim Smith's approach, it could be misinterpreted. Teachers are very aware of negative public opinions of their profession and too often they are accused of only working 9-3 and always being on holiday. Teachers do not want to be labelled -˜lazy', however the chance to be more effective practitioners and to improve methods they all are keen to do. Surely, the present mass exodus from the teaching profession coupled with the reduced numbers of students going into teaching exemplifies the urgent need to address all teachers' work/life balance. So perhaps another title with reference to this, rather than a negative implication of laziness, would be preferable.



Cost-effectiveness in terms of educational aims and results - not just price:



Jim Smith's books should be given to all teachers and displayed in all staffrooms! His approach is the way forward. In order to improve current conditions, hone present practise and make teaching more manageable and effective present methods have to change. If work/life balance is not improved and planning/teaching methods not reduced and refined, teaching will reach crisis point. His advice and approach is refreshing, realistic and can be implemented quickly and easily. Most importantly it is not costly, in fact this approach will save money (especially on photocopying!). Could he produce a Primary based book now!

The amount of effort and energy used up in the role of teaching can demand an excruciating amount of mental and physical function, resulting in exhaustion along with always counting down to the next holiday break when sleep will be the order of the vacation. Yet, within any educational establishment, there are colleagues who appear to function with minimal effort whilst still managing to keep students engaged, on-task, and producing positive results of which we all look upon in envy. In fact, they appear to be lazy as well as outstanding - it's just not fair!

In the new edition of “The Really Lazy Teacher's Handbook”, Jim Smith shares some of the tricks, strategies and experience of working with all sorts of learners (and teachers) to set classroom expectations that teachers work less and the students work a whole lot more. One important distinction made is when referring to being a lazy teacher, we are not confusing with being -˜idle' - the passion of being a teacher is fundamentally necessary to bring out the best in students. Jim Smith is advocating an approach that will help individual teachers claim back their weekends, along with giving students responsibility for their own learning, providing them with motivation and the drive to successfully progress.

Dispersed over 13 chapters, The Really Lazy Teacher's Handbook offers a multitude of guiding principles, celebrating traditional and progressive pedagogies, fundamentally asking what's the least amount of time your lesson can be all about you and the most amount of time it can be all about the students? Dragging away from dictatorial schemes of work, along with unchaining yourself from the photocopier, Jim Smith calls for teachers to use classroom strategies that demand less from the teacher, and more from the pupils.

Exploring lesson outcomes (including a really handy -˜outcome words' word bank), structures and lazy lesson (prepare, action and review) phase, the book also says RIP to marking, assessment and feedback, which might sound drastic, but in relation to freeing up your life at the weekend, builds upon some key pillars so that you are refreshed and ready for work on a Monday morning!
Furthermore, Jim strongly advocates for teachers to use IT, as the potential to help work smarter utilising freely available applications to support the teaching and learning process, and making everything applicable and relevant to learners. Essentially though, mastering lazy language will have a positive impact on students' self-esteem, motivation and behaviour. The book offers an essential collection of questions and language to use in the classroom to help students stretch their thinking and learning, along with offering choices and supporting self-correcting behaviour.



The book is rounded off with attention given to differentiation, getting the best from teaching assistants, and being a lazy tutor, but I return back to the central point of this book - it's not about being lazy, in an idle sense - it's about working smart, reclaiming your life, and giving students the permissions and tools they need to become self-reliant, reflective and independent learners excelling in your classroom.

Click here to read review comments of -˜The Really Lazy Teacher's Handbook (New Edition)' on UKEdChat.

Following on from the excellent first edition, Jim Smith has extended the reader's insight into strategies to stretch and challenge learners to gain the skills and confidence to become active, collaborative, independent and successful in their pursuits.

Readers will find the sections on -˜Action and Review' phases very informative. I particularly enjoyed the section on marking and assessment, which is becoming increasingly important as a focus for management reviews. All teachers should read this section to -˜regain their weekends' and a balanced workload. Thanks, Jim, for another great read.

Lazy teacher, aka smart teacher. A refreshing look at some of the things we habitually do, so that we extract better value for learning out of them. The -˜Photocopier Challenge', for one, should be a regular agenda item.

Another fantastic teaching and learning development book. Jim's learning and experience as a teacher and head teacher echo strongly throughout the book, giving realistic perspectives on the challenges facing teachers and also practical and empowering solutions. The book could be read as a whole but also dipped in and out of as part of self-reflection and CPD. The book creates a -˜can do' approach to issues such as pupil engagement, progress, managing workload and effective feedback. Once again, Jim Smith has written a book that supports, excites and encourages thoughtful reflection - EWAP!

When the original Lazy Teacher's Handbook first catapulted onto our shelves in 2010, the ideas quickly took hold and the concept of -˜lazy teaching' entered teachers' vernacular, becoming shorthand for an effective, learning-centred approach to classroom practice. At the heart of the book's success lies Jim Smith's ability to demystify the complexity of the teaching and learning process, supported by usable approaches that actually work for today's generation of learners. In this fully updated edition, key ideas have been expanded and new teaching and learning approaches added, while aspects such as the use of IT in the classroom have been brought up to date. The Lazy Teacher's Handbook is essential reading for all trainee teachers and NQTs, and is a welcome tonic for experienced teachers looking for fresh approaches.

Just when you thought you couldn't get any lazier as a teacher Jim returns with even more ideas to help us teachers become more effective in our classrooms.

This book is jammed full with tried-and-tested suggestions for us to dip in to! Well worth a read, a copy should be on hand in every classroom.

If you want tangible strategies and creative ideas that actually work, this book will provide you with plenty: it is accessible, honest, practical and entertaining. The Lazy Teacher's Handbook will help you to help students become more effective, reflective and independent learners whilst helping you to retain the joy that comes from this privileged profession.

In more than thirty years as a teacher and school leader, I've rarely met a lazy teacher. And that's why we need this book so much.

Jim Smith's approach isn't based on gimmicks and quick fixes. It's all about real learning, and the way we need to detox ourselves as a profession from the idea that teaching more leads inevitably to students learning more. Often - as the author so vividly demonstrates - the reverse is true.



The book has a great title, but in truth The Lazy Teacher's Handbook isn't for the lazy amongst us. It's for those most committed to immersing students in the messy business of actual learning, guided by a teacher with the confidence to know when to step back and watch that learning happen.

Jim Smith, in his amusing and straightforward style, encourages teachers to make their lives sustainable and their teaching, and crucially their pupils' learning, effective. Full of ideas and know-how for the classroom teacher.