Learn more about our expert teacher advisors!
Bradley Dardis & Laura Smith
Part of the LGfL Curriculum Consultant team
We are a mix of experienced primary and secondary school teachers that help teachers across London and beyond make the most of the latest online technology. We love helping schools make the most of the fantastic Busy Things resource which has been part of the core LGfL service offer since 2010.
Within the team there are 7 Grade 8 instrumentalists….. a BETT Award Judge, a modern artist, a synthwave composer and a long distance runner.
The physics engine that powers the Pretty Things Busy Blocks and undercooking chicken in the Busy Oven to make the monster sick…..
Samantha Beddington
Primary school teacher
B.Ed. (Hons) degree. Maths and Design Technology
During the past 20 years I have taught in FS2, KS1 and KS2, I have also been the subject leader for Maths, ICT, DT and PE. I have worked in inner-city multicultural schools and a school with a sight impaired teaching facility. These schools have provided me with many opportunities to learn new skills enabling me to teach and support EAL, SEN and VI children.
I have been white water rafting where Jurassic Park was filmed. I can also ski and line dance but not at the same time!
Busy Things provides quirky educational games and activities which make learning fun for the children and the teachers! It is such a fantastic interactive resource which I have used effectively with a whole class and small groups.
I have enjoyed incorporating Busy Things into many lessons, including maths alongside the new Shanghai approach.
Jonathan Fyne
Assistant head, EYFS Leader
Delph Side Primary School, Skelmersdale
I am currently an Assistant Head, with responsibility for Early Years and Key Stage 1. I am also English subject leader taking the lead on phonics and reading and also Computing co-ordinator. I have led the introduction of mobile technologies in school in the form of iPads. For the past 18 years I have taught across Key Stage 1 and in Reception and I feel I am a specialist in Early Years, having taught for over 10 years in Reception.
I have presented at the BETT Show to showcase how Busy Things can be used in the classroom.
I am an Everton season ticket holder and enjoy following them around the country, although the last time we won a trophy was before I qualified as a teacher!
Busy Things is a must for any Early Years classroom as it is so fun, engaging and motivating with so many different activities and games that the children love to use on both the Interactive whiteboard, class computers or iPads. It is great that they are able to also log in at home.
There are many different activities to support all areas of the curriculum. Busy Paint and Busy Publisher are two of my particular favourites as the simple tools allow children to learn how to use a paint program and create simple presentations. Busy Projects are brilliant and it is impressive that the Busy Things team will create projects based on your recommendations - check out the Patchwork Animals Project and the Sea creatures project that I suggested!
I can't be without the phonics activities which form a key part of my phonics planning. I love that you are able to change the settings to tailor it to the different groups you are teaching. And not forgetting the phonics resource maker to make games to use in class and provide parents with worksheets to support learning at home.
Fiona Greening
EYFS, Year 1 and 2 Teacher
Newbold C of E Primary, Leicestershire
I have worked as a teacher 24 years in Early years and KS1 and am a subject leader in Religious Education, PSHE, Music. I have taught reception, year 1 and year 2 as a mixed age class for the last 8 years.
I enjoy music especially playing the flute.
It’s great that Busy Things can be used to enhance teacher-led sessions and the children look forward to being able to practise their skills using the games. Being able to print out helps a lot in recording too.
Jess Hughes
Year 5/6 teacher
Hardwick Primary, Derby
I am a KS2 Maths and English intervention teacher and French teacher at Hardwick Primary School, Derby - a large inner-city school with a high percentage of children who have English as an additional language.
I love playing the saxophone!
I once had 3 pet pigs!
I love the funny characters in Busy Things! I can't believe the Brown Monkey might like chocolate milkshake even more than I do!
Michelle Bates
KS1 teacher
Heath Primary, Chesterfield
I have been a primary school teacher for 8 years and have a masters degree in Education which had a strong focus on mathematics.
I tutored 2 boys in Outback Australia on a cattle station where they had lessons via webcam because they were so remote and their work had to be flown out by helicopter!
What I like best about Busy Things are the fun animations/characters and how easy it all is to use.
Would you be interested in joining our trusted team of teacher consultants?
Do you think your teaching expertise could help us to make our amazing resources even better? Get in touch; we'd love to hear from you!
Not forgetting our most important experts...
As parents of young children ourselves, we always check that Busy Things passes the fun and laughter test with our little ones! They love to learn with our games and apps, and we’re confident that your pupils will feel the same way.
Want to see they will react before you subscribe? You can, thanks to our FREE trial! This will let you get access to a selection of our amazing Early Years, KS1 and KS2 resources for 28 days, completely for free.
