Sophie Laffey

1 Year Teaching on Lessonface
Writing, Storytelling, Poetry, Creative Writing, Meditation, Students with Special Learning Needs, English
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$16.00 / 30 Minutes
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About

Hi! I’m Sophie Laffey, a UK-qualified educator with over 10 years of experience working with children aged 5 to 10 across both mainstream and alternative learning environments. I hold a BA (Hons) in Learning and Teaching from the University of Northampton (2016–2017), and a Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching (2014–2016). I’ve also completed a 120-hour TEFL course with a special focus on teaching young learners, and received training in Read Write Inc., Numicon, and the Relax Kids mindfulness program, I'm also passionate about social and emotional learning.

Currently, I’m based in Bali where I serve as Head of Younger Years and Lower Primary at Marigold Community Learning. In this role, I lead a team of educators, design thematic curricula, and guide both student and teacher growth through a focus on creativity, emotional literacy, and inquiry-based learning. Prior to that, I taught at Taman Rama Intercultural School as a Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher and at English First as a language teacher for young learners and adults. Back in the UK, I worked for five years as a Teaching Assistant and Cover Supervisor at Delapre Primary School in Northampton.

I bring a compassionate, joyful, and creative approach to teaching, with a special interest in student voice, inclusive education, and project-based learning that sparks children’s natural curiosity.

Teaching Style

My teaching is play-based, imaginative, and co-created with children. I specialise in designing themed learning journeys around children’s interests — whether that’s dinosaurs, outer space, sea creatures, or something completely unexpected!

We can integrate storytelling, movement, games, mindfulness, and creative expression to support literacy, critical thinking, and emotional development. I’m trained in phonics (Read Write Inc., Jolly Phonics), and skilled in adapting learning for children with SEN, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

As a teacher, I prioritise connection, respect, and creating a safe space where children feel seen, heard, and excited to learn. My goal is to nurture curious, confident learners who love asking questions and exploring the world around them.

Curriculum

My teaching is child-centered, project-based, and built around the interests and developmental needs of each learner. I believe young children learn best through curiosity, creativity, and connection. I use a thematic approach, often co-creating topics with students to spark engagement and ownership. Lessons are rich in storytelling, movement, drawing, and play-based exploration, while also gently integrating key academic skills such as phonics, early reading, and foundational maths.

For literacy, I draw on elements from:

  • Read Write Inc. and Jolly Phonics for early reading and phonics instruction

  • Oxford Reading Tree for leveled readers (where appropriate)

  • Picture books and story-based learning, often selected based on the child’s interests and cultural background

I also integrate mindfulness and social-emotional learning practices into my classes, supporting students to build confidence, focus, and emotional literacy.