Abigail Kennedy

Author, writer, educator

Hi! Welcome to my author page, where I talk about my picture book ‘Ladders’, and explore ideas related to life, education and new ventures.

A bit of background – I am a qualified teacher, working in East London primary schools for over a decade. I am constantly learning and inspired by the children and grown-ups I come across. While I will be the first to admit I’ve made many mistakes along the way, I hope I can also communicate what I’ve learned in a way that helps others along their journeys. I would love to hear about your experiences too!

I worked out how many children I’ve taught over the years once. It was in the hundreds, and I would love to say I remember all of them. Being only human though, there are definitely some children who stand out in my memory more than others. These children shaped my practice, my approach to life and helped to define my personal values.

In an ideal world, children are supported and celebrated fully from birth. The reality however, is that many people struggle with the demands of parenthood. When these struggles meet big personal issues such as poor health, addiction, poverty or illiteracy (to name but a few) then it is only to be expected that there is some sort of shortfall. I have come across so many parents trying their best for their kids, while trying to fight dragons. I’m still asking what the answer is.

Rita Pierson’s TED Talk goes a long way to explain what many teachers (including me) have found out over their careers. It’s a mentality that cannot be faked or forced – the belief that every child can achieve, and is worth taking the time for. The demand on society and education now however, makes this more difficult than ever.