Reimagining the Diary: Reflective practice as a positive tool for educator wellbeing

Dr Lucy Kelly is an Associate Professor in Education at the University of Bristol, primarily working with PGCE English trainee teachers. She advocates that trainee teachers see themselves as their own biggest resource in the classroom, and that they prioritise their wellbeing from the outset. Her main research interest is reflective practice as a positive tool for educator wellbeing, and she is Principal Investigator for the 'Reimagining the Diary' project, which uses a multimodal Diary Toolkit and ongoing wellbeing CPD to support educators across the country. The team have now launched a student Diary Toolkit, which is currently being tested by 250 year 12 pupils. Lucy has written numerous previous articles on educator wellbeing and reflective practice and presented her work on podcasts, at conferences and on the radio.

I loved this book. I am a committed diary keeper, but very much hope that Lucy's powerful message reaches all those whose preconceptions about what diary keeping involves might deter them from considering the practice. In her impressively referenced, research-informed, balanced and realistic consideration of how the diary can be 're-imagined', Lucy explores a wide range of strategies for using a dairy/journal/record which is bespoke and personal, aligned with our own choices and context. She offers a wealth of practical suggestions, tips and actionable guidance as to how the reader can make a diary work for them, and why it is a worthwhile use of our time and energy. Lucy explains in an entertaining, accessible and compelling way how such a record can support our reflection, help us to process our experiences and our response to them, and serve as an invaluable 'safety-valve' and source of relaxation and ease. Lucy exhorts us to prioritise ourselves and create the space for intentional reflective practice, which she believes is key to helping educational professionals find a manageable and sustainable balance in their lives. She asserts, "I want this book to help you fall in love with diary-keeping - whether that's for the first time, a second time, or a third time)." It certainly worked for me, and I am confident it will work for others. -- Jill Berry, Leadership development consultant, educational commentator and writer