S.Y. Palmer's Blog
June 18, 2025
Exploring Space and Oceans – Primary Classroom Conversations (Post 2)
There is something about being human that makes us curious. We want to know where, when, what and why things are as they are. Nowhere is this more apparent, than in our desire to explore, discover […]
May 25, 2025
From Space to the Shores
In this summer’s in-person events at Oxfordshire Libraries, I’ll be taking you from space to the oceans. I’ll be sharing my May’s Moon stories and some of the super cool things I’ve learned about astronauts and life […]
March 4, 2025
Rock Pool Secrets 3 – Survival Strategies
Living in a rock pool is a tough job, particularly for creatures with soft bodies. There are many dangers, including varying temperatures, levels of oxygen, food and predators. Also, how far up the beach a species […]
February 1, 2025
Rock Pool Secrets 2 – Wonders of the Flat Periwinkle
Flat periwinkles are my absolute favourite rock pool creatures. Why? Because to me, the orange and yellow ones have the most beautiful shells that stand out as dots of treasure on the beach and I love […]
Secrets of the Shore 2 – Cornish Rock Pools
Wonders of the Flat Periwinkle Flat periwinkles are my absolute favourite rock pool creatures. Why? Because to me, the orange and yellow ones have the most beautiful shells that stand out as dots of treasure on […]
January 16, 2025
Secrets of the Shore 1 – Cornish Rock Pools
Four Fantastic Finds If you’ve ever ventured down to Cornwall’s coastline, you’ll know that its rock pools are magical. These miniature, tidal ecosystems offer a peek into a hidden world brimming with life. Left behind by […]
February 1, 2022
More Adventure in Children’s Books
Why Adventure Stories are vital for our Children I’ve recently read Katherine Rundell’s ‘Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though you Are So Old and Wise’ and there are so many passages I could quote […]
January 31, 2022
2024 Mission to the Moon and Greek Mythology – Primary Classroom Conversations (Post 1)
2 Greek Gods and the Moon The ancient Greek mystical world was ruled by 12 great gods and goddesses who lived on Mount Olympus (when they weren’t off travelling). They were called the Twelve Olympians. Zeus […]
September 15, 2021
More than a Story – What good Fiction does for Children
I’ve just finished reading an action-packed children’s story about time travel, history, mystery and friendship (Vesuvius by J. D. Fennell) and, after I’d added it to my shelf of ‘enjoyed’ children’s books, I permitted myself a […]
July 27, 2021
Bury your Head in a Book this Summer…
If you’re used to reading action-packed thrillers, why not give a fantasy story a go? If you’re into detective stories, what about an adventure story for a change? Challenge yourself to read something new and you […]
