Qais Akbar Omar crafts narratives that delve into the intricate tapestry of human experience, often exploring themes that resonate across cultural divides. Drawing from a rich heritage and personal journey, his work offers a unique lens on resilience, identity, and the search for connection. He writes with a precision and empathy that draw readers into his meticulously constructed worlds. His literary voice is distinctive, providing profound reflections on what it means to be human amidst challenges and beauty.
Relationship building is often described as being key to a teacher’s success in and outside the classroom but rarely is its nuanced nature analysed or practical advice ever given on how to get the best from working relationships. This book covers everything you need to know about relationship building with students, support staff, stakeholders and parents.
Teaching for Realists is a funny and honest guide to surviving and thriving as an early career teacher, despite the challenges of the education system. We all know the education system has its flaws, but they shouldn't stand in the way of providing the very best learning experiences for your pupils. This book presents a ground-up approach to help you manage the obstacles you might encounter and implement day-to-day methods to maintain your love for the profession, teach effective lessons and ensure pupil progress. Omar Akbar, author of The (Un)official Teacher's Manual, offers a wealth of hard-won practical advice for avoiding frustration and developing teaching techniques that have a real impact in the classroom. Full of hilarious anecdotes and exploring hot topics such as pupil apathy, enriching the curriculum, Ofsted, data and behaviour, this book is a refreshing and uplifting take on what newly qualified teachers can do to have a happy, healthy and successful career in education - starting now. Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Why teaching is the best job in the world 3. How to make the curriculum work 4. How to overcome pupil apathy 5. How to make paper work 6. How to manage all things data 7. How to survive against the Ofsted odds 8. How to manage behaviour policies 9. How to use rewards effectively 10. How to build positive relationships with your pupils 11. How to get the support you need 12. How to be a happy teacher
In 2005, everything seemed possible in Afghanistan. The Taliban was gone. A new government had been elected. A cultural renaissance was energizing the country. An actress visiting from Paris casually proposed to some Afghan actors in Kabul: Why not put on a play? The challenges were huge. It had been thirty years since men and women had appeared on stage together in Afghanistan. Was the country ready for it? Few Afghan actors had ever done theater. Did they even know how? They had performed only in films and television dramas. Still, a company of actors gathered—among them a housewife, a policewoman, and a street kid turned film star. With no certainty of its outcome, they set out on a journey that would have life-changing consequences for all of them, and along the way lead to A Night in the Emperor’s Garden.
Set against the backdrop of a transforming Kabul, the narrative follows Qais Akbar Omar's childhood memories of flying kites before the onset of civil war. As the Mujahedin seize power, the family faces the harrowing realities of conflict, forcing them to abandon their home for safety in an old fort. The story captures the innocence of youth amidst chaos and the profound impact of war on family and identity, highlighting themes of loss and resilience as they navigate their escape from Afghanistan.