Why Being a Primary School Teacher and Publishing My First Children's Book Matters to Me

Teaching Primary is more than a job; it’s a passion and a commitment to fostering young minds, hearts, and futures. As an educator, I get the incredible opportunity to shape not only what children know but also how they see the world, and ultimately, how they see themselves. This role has profoundly influenced my journey as a writer, especially as I prepare to release my first children’s book, Only Child, Not a Child Alone. Both teaching and writing have become ways for me to connect with children on a deeper level, offering lessons of empathy, self-confidence, and acceptance that I believe can have a lasting impact.

In my day-to-day work with young students, I am constantly reminded of how important it is to feel seen, valued, and understood. Children bring their own backgrounds, challenges, and unique perspectives to school, and it’s my job to meet them where they are. Every lesson, is an opportunity to affirm each child’s worth and unique place in the world.

Growing up as an only child, I often felt a bit different. I would have loved to have had a story that celebrated the experience of being an only child and helped me see it as something special, rather than something that set me apart. This is why I wrote this book: to help other children who might feel alone, reminding them that their experiences are valuable and that being “an only” comes with its own joys, strengths, and a unique kind of companionship.

Only Child, Not a Child Alone isn’t just a book—it’s my way of reaching out to children in the same way I strive to as a teacher. Teaching has shown me the importance of sharing meaningful stories, especially those that reflect the diverse experiences children bring with them each day. Through this story, I hope to show children that they don’t need siblings to find love, connection, or companionship. They have those things in their relationships with friends, family, and even within themselves.

Being a primary school teacher has given me insight into how powerful children’s stories can be. Every day, I witness how a well-chosen book can change a child’s perspective, spark new ideas, or even inspire newfound confidence. I wanted to write something that might help kids find their own “aha” moment, where they see themselves represented on the page and feel that instant connection. With this book, I hope to reach children in a way that complements my work in the classroom: by providing them with a gentle reminder that they’re never truly alone.