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Put A Wet Paper Towel on It: The Weird and Wonderful World of Primary Schools
A heart-warming and hilarious look at life in the classroom from the teachers who host the most popular UK education podcast, Two Mr Ps in a Pod(Cast).
Have you ever wondered what really happens during the day when your precious little angels are at school?
In this book, The Two Mr Ps will take you on a side-splittingly funny journey through the weird and wonderful world of primary schools. It will also explore the pressures of modern-day teaching, revealing exactly what it takes to wrangle a chaotic classroom (or seven) on a weekly basis. From the absolute characters found in the staffroom to school-trip mishaps and everything else inbetween, Put A Wet Paper Towel on It is a must-read for teachers and parents alike.
So sit up straight, four legs on your chair, fingers on lips and get ready to take a trip down memory lane. And remember – when in doubt, just put a wet paper towel on it.
Have you ever wondered what really happens during the day when your precious little angels are at school?
In this book, The Two Mr Ps will take you on a side-splittingly funny journey through the weird and wonderful world of primary schools. It will also explore the pressures of modern-day teaching, revealing exactly what it takes to wrangle a chaotic classroom (or seven) on a weekly basis. From the absolute characters found in the staffroom to school-trip mishaps and everything else inbetween, Put A Wet Paper Towel on It is a must-read for teachers and parents alike.
So sit up straight, four legs on your chair, fingers on lips and get ready to take a trip down memory lane. And remember – when in doubt, just put a wet paper towel on it.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2022
294 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
September 9, 2021
I started this book with alacrity, having seen some of the videos on Facebook etc however the whole style of the book didn't work for me. I thought it was going to be like the hilarious 'This is going to hurt' by Adam Kay, but with school anecdotes rather than hospital ones - which I would love as I have worked in a Primary School for 18 years. This is very muddled with the two brothers 'voices' in different fonts, it was still hard to see who was who, and they seemed to be always interrupting eachother. I think the style is more suited to the Podcasts they keep mentioning, or an audio book, but not to written prose. There was also a lot of negative references to Ofsted, Government, SLT etc which whilst I don't disagree with some of it, I don't really want to read about in a novel in my free time. I think it could be brilliant if it was better edited, and concentrated on the amusing anecdotes we could all relate to.
September 5, 2021
Firstly, that title! As a former primary schoool teacher, and someone who also attended a primary school, I LOVE the title. The magical quality of wet paper towels should be screamed from the rooftops!
This should be said too- this book doesn't need to be read just by people working in schools now, it can be read by anyone who fancies a trip down memory lane. Oh, the nostalgia of the wooden benches in assemblies, being chosen as the monitor to turn over the slides on the overhead projector... The list goes on and I laughed out loud A LOT.
Having said that, at some points, I did feel the humour of the book felt a little forced and did slightly irritate me, because it felt unnecessary to me. The little anecdotes and little stories about the varying characters in the staffroom, and things the children say, are HILARIOUS amd propel the book into pure enjoyment!
Some readers may struggle with the educational rant at the government chapter, but from my experience, this needs to be said! The pressures on teachers is astronomical and stops them from doing what they are good at and trained for- teaching!
Such an enjoyable book!
This should be said too- this book doesn't need to be read just by people working in schools now, it can be read by anyone who fancies a trip down memory lane. Oh, the nostalgia of the wooden benches in assemblies, being chosen as the monitor to turn over the slides on the overhead projector... The list goes on and I laughed out loud A LOT.
Having said that, at some points, I did feel the humour of the book felt a little forced and did slightly irritate me, because it felt unnecessary to me. The little anecdotes and little stories about the varying characters in the staffroom, and things the children say, are HILARIOUS amd propel the book into pure enjoyment!
Some readers may struggle with the educational rant at the government chapter, but from my experience, this needs to be said! The pressures on teachers is astronomical and stops them from doing what they are good at and trained for- teaching!
Such an enjoyable book!
February 7, 2022
3.5 ⭐ Quite Good.
There are a few witty experiences that were shared but I would have liked more. At times I felt it was a little 'Me, me, me'. I agree with much of what was written though.
There are a few witty experiences that were shared but I would have liked more. At times I felt it was a little 'Me, me, me'. I agree with much of what was written though.
August 30, 2023
This is a light-hearted description of primary teaching from a double point of view: teacher and teacher learning assistant. It relates the madness that is teaching with honesty and humour. One chapter has bite, "Everything wrong with education". The rest is a matter of sound bites. Essentially, this is the content of a podcast turned into a book. That is both its strength and its weakness. The writing is lively, works on the ear, but it wants the style, the pictures, and the characterisations that please the eye. Put a Wet paper Towel on It trades in stereotypes -- stereotypes that are worryingly accurate -- set characters that do exist! But there is a danger here, a fact exemplified in characterising the "Mother Hen" as a portly Black Mama figure with round glasses, handbag, pearls, and cardigan.
There are a lot of acronyms in the book. But then, that is largely what teaching has become, a pedagogy of abbreviations that stand for truncated and superficial thinking. Lee and Adam Parkinson are successful in revealing the mess that education has become. Having said that, without the irony and pillorying found in great satirists such as Peacock, Swift and Pope, the tone of the book becomes a lot of back-slapping and ha ha jokes.
Put a Wet Paper Towel on It is true to life -- if there is any life left in primary education after decades of interference by politicians from the Left and the Right.
There are a lot of acronyms in the book. But then, that is largely what teaching has become, a pedagogy of abbreviations that stand for truncated and superficial thinking. Lee and Adam Parkinson are successful in revealing the mess that education has become. Having said that, without the irony and pillorying found in great satirists such as Peacock, Swift and Pope, the tone of the book becomes a lot of back-slapping and ha ha jokes.
Put a Wet Paper Towel on It is true to life -- if there is any life left in primary education after decades of interference by politicians from the Left and the Right.
September 22, 2021
thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in review for an open and honest review
This is an interesting and humours book looking at primary school teaching and some funny stories involved
This is an interesting and humours book looking at primary school teaching and some funny stories involved
January 3, 2022
Big fan of the Facebook page and was expecting much of the same.... wrong. Comes across as a nob, lots of bragging, format of q&a with the brother doesn’t work and the majority is very boring. Seems like a rush job. Massive shame.
December 1, 2021
I had hoped for more stories but unfortunately it was more information than entertainment.
August 24, 2021
I must admit I was disappointed by this book. I expected lots of anecdotes regarding things that have happened in the class and what they say however this was not the case. It followed the career and some of the private life of the authors.
Unfortunately I was put off by the writing style that in places was more like the podcast that seemed to get constantly promoted throughout the book.
Anyone who writes early on that they have the largest following on social media of any Primary School teacher somewhat puts me off as it sounds like a Secondary School student boasting about their likes and followers.
I will admit I gave up on this book as it was not like I thought it would be and could have done with some severe editing or decisions on what it actually wanted to be.
Unfortunately I was put off by the writing style that in places was more like the podcast that seemed to get constantly promoted throughout the book.
Anyone who writes early on that they have the largest following on social media of any Primary School teacher somewhat puts me off as it sounds like a Secondary School student boasting about their likes and followers.
I will admit I gave up on this book as it was not like I thought it would be and could have done with some severe editing or decisions on what it actually wanted to be.
August 20, 2022
Loved the title and aspects of this book were quite funny. However, not one for me...
January 4, 2023
I did a placement in a junior school last year as part of my TA training.....so I definitely recognised a few of the characters and school based anecdotes - and - as a parent to two children who have left primary school I recognise some of the stories about the parents and children too haha!
I really enjoyed the more personal experiences of school life itself, the anecdotes and opinions on actual experiences, the funny stories from the school day, the honesty about the difficulties that teachers face - and especially what teachers really mean when they describe your child a certain way.
There were parts that I don't think were really needed, just personal preference but I found some of it a little indulgent, and I needed less 'bants' between to two narrators -I really wanted it to be a little more like Adam Kay's 'This is Going To Hurt' which it wasn't quite.
All told a great little book, I got a bit fatigued reading it all in one chunk so think it would be better to dip in and out of inbetween reading something else.
Thank you Netgalley for the gifted copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the more personal experiences of school life itself, the anecdotes and opinions on actual experiences, the funny stories from the school day, the honesty about the difficulties that teachers face - and especially what teachers really mean when they describe your child a certain way.
There were parts that I don't think were really needed, just personal preference but I found some of it a little indulgent, and I needed less 'bants' between to two narrators -I really wanted it to be a little more like Adam Kay's 'This is Going To Hurt' which it wasn't quite.
All told a great little book, I got a bit fatigued reading it all in one chunk so think it would be better to dip in and out of inbetween reading something else.
Thank you Netgalley for the gifted copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2021
I work as a TA in KS1 and I love this book. I could relate to so much of what was written in my daily work life. It had me alternatively laughing out loud or nodding my head in agreement and I think my husband got fed up with me reading bits out saying 'see this is what I mean'.
If you work in a school you will love it. If you are a parent of a school age child or have a partner who works in education read it and find out what really goes on.
If you work in a school you will love it. If you are a parent of a school age child or have a partner who works in education read it and find out what really goes on.
May 8, 2022
"Star, star and a bastard wish"
March 6, 2023
An enjoyable read for anyone who has ever worked in education.
Could have done without the brotherly banter bits though. Save it for the podcast 🙂
Could have done without the brotherly banter bits though. Save it for the podcast 🙂
August 29, 2021
I was on the look-out for another non-fiction book to read, and after reading some pretty hard-hitting serious stuff, I wanted something a little lighter and perhaps humorous to read.
The first thing that catches your eye with this book is the bright colour! I think the colour is great as it’s one of the main bright colours seen a lot in primary schools. I really like the doodle like illustrations on the cover, and the ones used throughout the book too! I think the fact the title is in a “speech balloon” makes it stand out even more. Just on the cover alone I would pick this one up in a bookstore to learn more about it, so I guess you can say the cover does its job very well.
The book is written by two brothers, Lee, & Adam Parkinson, one a teacher and the other a teaching assistant. I had thought the whole book would be about just their day-to-day school life as teachers, but they also reminisce about their own school days too. The different chapters cover everything from school plays, to the different types of teachers and how they react differently to the job and all it entails. Such as a Newly Qualified Teacher Vs a More Experienced Teacher.
NQT: These staff meetings are so valuable, informative and inspiring. I am learning so much!
ET: Here we go, here’s another hour of my life I’m never getting back.
The names of the different teachers are NQT,(newly qualified teacher) Longest-Serving Member of Staff (been there for years, started as dinner lady etc etc) Banter King, The Entertainer, Geordie PE Teacher, The Mother Hen, Eco Warrior, The Mood Hoover, The 'Miss Honey'
Apparently the “Banter King” loves Aprils Fools Day as he gets to send pupils for things like Tartan paint and left handed scissors, rulers, pens or glue sticks! However the brothers all-time favourite was when the Banter King sent one of his boys to Year 6 to ask for a ‘long stand’. The teacher was in on the joke and just said, ‘A long stand? Yes, of course! Just wait there for a moment.’ Ten minutes passed – and it could have definitely been longer – but the headteacher, who was doing their daily rounds, noticed the boy stood doing nothing and upon closer inspection realised that this was a Year 5 boy in a Year 6 classroom. After questioning, the boy proudly exclaimed that he had been asked to do a special job and he was waiting for a long stand! It was at this point that all April Fool’s Day jokes, including those amongst the children, were strictly prohibited. But the memories remain.
I really enjoyed reading about the different types of teachers, their positives, their quirks and everything in between. It was amusing to read the descriptions and then think of your own experiences with school teachers, as a pupil and then later as a parent. I definitely recognised the odd character here and there.
I actually laughed out loud at the section about the phrases teachers use and what they really thinking, and really meaning! I thought the section on the pupils telling the teachers lies, or I guess “tall tales” sounds nicer were really funny although you could see how things could have gone really quite badly for one young lad and his lies! I also found the different classifications of parents, especially on Sports Day.
I enjoyed all the sections where the authors reminisced back to their own school days when they were being “bad lads” at school. It was amusing that they could guess what some of their pupils were up to because of their own escapades at school. Although both author brothers insist the other one was the worst culprit!
I loved the “alternative” school plays! I bet the pupils loved taking part! It’s a shame other schools don’t adopt this type of play/concert. I don’t know which one I would have most loved to see! I can see how using something modern and more relatable to the pupils will have them enjoying themselves that much they won’t realise they are learning and using certain “school skills”.
I didn’t really think or realise how much a Teaching Assistant did and how valuable they are to a teacher. The way it is put over in the book really spells it out and in a funny way too. A passionate, hard-working TA is: 50% teacher 20% first aider 15% superhero 15% behaviour guru 100% underpaid!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading the book were that I had really enjoyed it. Definitely made me chuckle quite a lot!
Summing up I think this book is a humorous, at times laugh out loud account of a teachers and teaching assistant’s life, as well as them looking back at their own school days too.
The first thing that catches your eye with this book is the bright colour! I think the colour is great as it’s one of the main bright colours seen a lot in primary schools. I really like the doodle like illustrations on the cover, and the ones used throughout the book too! I think the fact the title is in a “speech balloon” makes it stand out even more. Just on the cover alone I would pick this one up in a bookstore to learn more about it, so I guess you can say the cover does its job very well.
The book is written by two brothers, Lee, & Adam Parkinson, one a teacher and the other a teaching assistant. I had thought the whole book would be about just their day-to-day school life as teachers, but they also reminisce about their own school days too. The different chapters cover everything from school plays, to the different types of teachers and how they react differently to the job and all it entails. Such as a Newly Qualified Teacher Vs a More Experienced Teacher.
NQT: These staff meetings are so valuable, informative and inspiring. I am learning so much!
ET: Here we go, here’s another hour of my life I’m never getting back.
The names of the different teachers are NQT,(newly qualified teacher) Longest-Serving Member of Staff (been there for years, started as dinner lady etc etc) Banter King, The Entertainer, Geordie PE Teacher, The Mother Hen, Eco Warrior, The Mood Hoover, The 'Miss Honey'
Apparently the “Banter King” loves Aprils Fools Day as he gets to send pupils for things like Tartan paint and left handed scissors, rulers, pens or glue sticks! However the brothers all-time favourite was when the Banter King sent one of his boys to Year 6 to ask for a ‘long stand’. The teacher was in on the joke and just said, ‘A long stand? Yes, of course! Just wait there for a moment.’ Ten minutes passed – and it could have definitely been longer – but the headteacher, who was doing their daily rounds, noticed the boy stood doing nothing and upon closer inspection realised that this was a Year 5 boy in a Year 6 classroom. After questioning, the boy proudly exclaimed that he had been asked to do a special job and he was waiting for a long stand! It was at this point that all April Fool’s Day jokes, including those amongst the children, were strictly prohibited. But the memories remain.
I really enjoyed reading about the different types of teachers, their positives, their quirks and everything in between. It was amusing to read the descriptions and then think of your own experiences with school teachers, as a pupil and then later as a parent. I definitely recognised the odd character here and there.
I actually laughed out loud at the section about the phrases teachers use and what they really thinking, and really meaning! I thought the section on the pupils telling the teachers lies, or I guess “tall tales” sounds nicer were really funny although you could see how things could have gone really quite badly for one young lad and his lies! I also found the different classifications of parents, especially on Sports Day.
I enjoyed all the sections where the authors reminisced back to their own school days when they were being “bad lads” at school. It was amusing that they could guess what some of their pupils were up to because of their own escapades at school. Although both author brothers insist the other one was the worst culprit!
I loved the “alternative” school plays! I bet the pupils loved taking part! It’s a shame other schools don’t adopt this type of play/concert. I don’t know which one I would have most loved to see! I can see how using something modern and more relatable to the pupils will have them enjoying themselves that much they won’t realise they are learning and using certain “school skills”.
I didn’t really think or realise how much a Teaching Assistant did and how valuable they are to a teacher. The way it is put over in the book really spells it out and in a funny way too. A passionate, hard-working TA is: 50% teacher 20% first aider 15% superhero 15% behaviour guru 100% underpaid!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading the book were that I had really enjoyed it. Definitely made me chuckle quite a lot!
Summing up I think this book is a humorous, at times laugh out loud account of a teachers and teaching assistant’s life, as well as them looking back at their own school days too.
November 6, 2021
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a primary school teacher? I think a number of parents over the past 18 months have had a vague idea but what’s it really like in the classroom? Well the Parkinson brothers are here to give you an insight into their working life!
I got myself a copy of Put A Wet Paper Towel On It after being recommended the podcast by the same blokes. I’m not a podcast listener as I fail to concentrate on it whilst I’m working so I figured the book would be the next best thing. And you know what, I loved it.
The banter between the brothers comes over so well in the written word. It’s like two men having a good chin wag over a pint. Their stories are hilarious in the main but some are slightly more emotional. The bit about Mr Crawford made me full on well up
They really capture primary school life to a T. The chapter about school performances is hilarious! As a parent, I’ve been to the nativity performances and everything said is so true.
But what they share isn’t just relevant to a parent. There are messages for all in this book. The five life rules are something we all need to take heed of:
Life is not fair
You get nothing in life for free
Not everyone will like you
Comparison is the thief of joy
If you have a problem, talk about it
These are wise concepts in my book and the last two are the ones I struggle with, particularly number 5.
Put A Paper Towel On It is a very open and opinionated read from two experienced members of the education system. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the anecdotes the Parkinsons had to share, a number rang true both as a parent and as someone who returned to primary school on work experience. If you want an insight into the primary classroom or a vocation into the education system, give Put A Paper Towel On It a read. You won’t be disappointed! And yes, a paper towel is essential for a classroom 😂
I got myself a copy of Put A Wet Paper Towel On It after being recommended the podcast by the same blokes. I’m not a podcast listener as I fail to concentrate on it whilst I’m working so I figured the book would be the next best thing. And you know what, I loved it.
The banter between the brothers comes over so well in the written word. It’s like two men having a good chin wag over a pint. Their stories are hilarious in the main but some are slightly more emotional. The bit about Mr Crawford made me full on well up
They really capture primary school life to a T. The chapter about school performances is hilarious! As a parent, I’ve been to the nativity performances and everything said is so true.
But what they share isn’t just relevant to a parent. There are messages for all in this book. The five life rules are something we all need to take heed of:
Life is not fair
You get nothing in life for free
Not everyone will like you
Comparison is the thief of joy
If you have a problem, talk about it
These are wise concepts in my book and the last two are the ones I struggle with, particularly number 5.
Put A Paper Towel On It is a very open and opinionated read from two experienced members of the education system. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the anecdotes the Parkinsons had to share, a number rang true both as a parent and as someone who returned to primary school on work experience. If you want an insight into the primary classroom or a vocation into the education system, give Put A Paper Towel On It a read. You won’t be disappointed! And yes, a paper towel is essential for a classroom 😂
did-not-finish
August 24, 2021There have been a number of books released recently in the memoir/diary style in which the author remembers past clients/patients/events etc and retells the stories. Everyone from doctors to solicitors so why not teachers?
Everything about 'Put A Wet Paper Towel On It' suggests that this book is going to follow this structure, a teacher's recounting of some humorous students, colleagues, parents and incidents experienced through their career. The title and the caption both suggest that this is the case. It'll be the stories from their day to day careers which will bring back memories to the readers like wet paper towels. I think in this way it has misrepresented itself to readers.
In fact, it is more like an autobiography of the authors, including details about both their career progression and personal lives. It is quite heavy on abbreviations and acronyms related to education that probably only make sense to fellow teachers. It lectures quite heavily on educational policies and government handling of the education system.
It feels like an accompaniment to their podcast, which I assume is similar, and not what I thought it was going to be.
In retrospect this is probably aimed at other teachers who can laugh along with the day to day criticisms of teaching, or for those who listen to the podcast and want to know more, but as these aren't me, I think I struggled to get into it.
I also felt that the structure of the two authors using different fonts and interrupting each others text was a bit too much like a script for a podcast. It disrupted the flow too much and didn't make me laugh as much as was intended. It's harder to get the banter across in written form than speaking.
Hard to rate because it wasn't for me, but I can see the appeal to others.
Everything about 'Put A Wet Paper Towel On It' suggests that this book is going to follow this structure, a teacher's recounting of some humorous students, colleagues, parents and incidents experienced through their career. The title and the caption both suggest that this is the case. It'll be the stories from their day to day careers which will bring back memories to the readers like wet paper towels. I think in this way it has misrepresented itself to readers.
In fact, it is more like an autobiography of the authors, including details about both their career progression and personal lives. It is quite heavy on abbreviations and acronyms related to education that probably only make sense to fellow teachers. It lectures quite heavily on educational policies and government handling of the education system.
It feels like an accompaniment to their podcast, which I assume is similar, and not what I thought it was going to be.
In retrospect this is probably aimed at other teachers who can laugh along with the day to day criticisms of teaching, or for those who listen to the podcast and want to know more, but as these aren't me, I think I struggled to get into it.
I also felt that the structure of the two authors using different fonts and interrupting each others text was a bit too much like a script for a podcast. It disrupted the flow too much and didn't make me laugh as much as was intended. It's harder to get the banter across in written form than speaking.
Hard to rate because it wasn't for me, but I can see the appeal to others.
September 27, 2022
Due to availability at the library, I actually read the follow-up to this book, This Is Your Own Time You're Wasting, first - and I'll be honest, I wasn't all that struck on it. Because these books are based on the Two Mr Ps In A Pod(cast), I found it hard to penetrate the acronyms and jargon because there are no concessions made towards readers with no connections to modern school life, and it's been a *very* long time since I did voluntary work in schools and the placements I had when I did my PGCE. However, Wet Paper Towel not only has fewer acronyms, but this time it *explains* them!
In fact, I found this a much better book all round, and *certainly* much better structured. There are fewer annoying exclamation marks; and the banter between the two Mr Ps, differentiated by font, feels far less forced and slightly irritating than in their second book: perhaps their publishers should have allowed them more time before requesting one.
Beginning with an account of the different routes Adam and Lee took to enter the world of education, Wet Paper Towel covers the gamut of school life. It contains descriptions of the different types of teacher in a school and their individual styles, and reveals the dark secrets of The Staffroom. The book also takes in school assemblies, school trips, and classroom crazes: in fact, all of teaching life is here in all its guises.
Yes, this book is funny, and will bring back memories of your own schooldays, no matter how long ago they were. However, it's also full of anger and frustration. Lee and Adam make it abundantly clear that they adore their jobs and their work with the children in their care; but Lee in particular feels strongly that he and other teachers would enjoy it even more if they were simply allowed to concentrate on teaching, and not have to be constantly monitored by civil servants and others who have never taught in their lives, but who have plenty of ideas about how it *should* be done. To rework an old saying: "Those who can, teach: those who can't, tell them how it ought to be done."
The overwhelming impression of the book, aside from all the hilarious tales of competitive parents at school sports days and fidget spinners, is of just how much hard graft is involved in teaching, and how much of it is unnecessary paperwork instead of lesson planning. The myth of short working days and long holidays is exactly that, a myth. The book's final chapter, Everything That's Wrong With Education (In The UK), is a long and impassioned polemic about the pressures placed on teachers which hamstring them in their attempt to do their job to the best of their ability. He also sets out a manifesto to ensure that their pupils get the highest quality education possible.
A funny book - but with a serious message.
In fact, I found this a much better book all round, and *certainly* much better structured. There are fewer annoying exclamation marks; and the banter between the two Mr Ps, differentiated by font, feels far less forced and slightly irritating than in their second book: perhaps their publishers should have allowed them more time before requesting one.
Beginning with an account of the different routes Adam and Lee took to enter the world of education, Wet Paper Towel covers the gamut of school life. It contains descriptions of the different types of teacher in a school and their individual styles, and reveals the dark secrets of The Staffroom. The book also takes in school assemblies, school trips, and classroom crazes: in fact, all of teaching life is here in all its guises.
Yes, this book is funny, and will bring back memories of your own schooldays, no matter how long ago they were. However, it's also full of anger and frustration. Lee and Adam make it abundantly clear that they adore their jobs and their work with the children in their care; but Lee in particular feels strongly that he and other teachers would enjoy it even more if they were simply allowed to concentrate on teaching, and not have to be constantly monitored by civil servants and others who have never taught in their lives, but who have plenty of ideas about how it *should* be done. To rework an old saying: "Those who can, teach: those who can't, tell them how it ought to be done."
The overwhelming impression of the book, aside from all the hilarious tales of competitive parents at school sports days and fidget spinners, is of just how much hard graft is involved in teaching, and how much of it is unnecessary paperwork instead of lesson planning. The myth of short working days and long holidays is exactly that, a myth. The book's final chapter, Everything That's Wrong With Education (In The UK), is a long and impassioned polemic about the pressures placed on teachers which hamstring them in their attempt to do their job to the best of their ability. He also sets out a manifesto to ensure that their pupils get the highest quality education possible.
A funny book - but with a serious message.
September 10, 2021
Cards on the table - this is my first 'semi-professional review' of a book, so please be kind with any comments 🙈
Having read quite a few in-depth knowledge, I was looking for a bit of 'light relief', I'm a huge fan of the 'behind the scenes' stories, be it from a A Prison Doctor, someone who works on a Cruise ship or a police officer so thought why not read what the education system is like from the view of 'Sir' or 'Miss'?
The nostalgic trip down memory lane is something that anyone regardless of whether they were a good or bad child can take a huge amount of enjoyment from. It contains several laugh out loud moments, and (if COVID-19 didn’t already make you do this) appreciate the huge amount of work they put in, when the odds are stacked against them.
A highly recommended read!
I had debated quite a while whether or not this would be worthy of a full five-stars. Sadly as my other reviews will attest to, I'm quite a harsh marker.
The main area for improvement would be that the two brothers 'voices' really didn’t work for me. I appreciate they have a hugely successful podcast, however they shouldn’t have copied someone else's homework in this instance - writing it as if it were spoken often left me confused as to who was saying what (compounded as they are both called Mr P!)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having read quite a few in-depth knowledge, I was looking for a bit of 'light relief', I'm a huge fan of the 'behind the scenes' stories, be it from a A Prison Doctor, someone who works on a Cruise ship or a police officer so thought why not read what the education system is like from the view of 'Sir' or 'Miss'?
The nostalgic trip down memory lane is something that anyone regardless of whether they were a good or bad child can take a huge amount of enjoyment from. It contains several laugh out loud moments, and (if COVID-19 didn’t already make you do this) appreciate the huge amount of work they put in, when the odds are stacked against them.
A highly recommended read!
I had debated quite a while whether or not this would be worthy of a full five-stars. Sadly as my other reviews will attest to, I'm quite a harsh marker.
The main area for improvement would be that the two brothers 'voices' really didn’t work for me. I appreciate they have a hugely successful podcast, however they shouldn’t have copied someone else's homework in this instance - writing it as if it were spoken often left me confused as to who was saying what (compounded as they are both called Mr P!)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2022
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
I’ve heard the Two Mr P’s in a Pod(Cast) before and really enjoyed the bantery style of chat that the brother’s bring to their anecdotes of teaching life. Unfortunately, this book is written in that same podcast style, and it just doesn’t work as well when written down.
Anecdotes that would be really funny when told aloud, fall flat when there isn’t the comedic tone and pacing to deliver them and the witty banter feels a bit cringey when memorialised in print.
There is quite a bit of repetition in the material and more than once a subject is introduced then immediately dismissed – “more on that later!” – which would work orally but made me wonder when reading why they would bother to bring it up HERE if they’re only talking about it THERE!
Between the humorous anecdotes is a detailed ‘behind the scenes’ look at every aspect of a teacher or TA’s life, which was really interesting from a parent’s perspective (although I was a bit disconcerted at how many colleagues, parents and children were dismissed as dull or ‘not my kind’ because they lacked ‘the bants’!)
My overall impression was that all of this material would work fantastically in the podcast/radio dialogue format but just doesn’t translate well to the written word.
They’re definitely right about the paper towels though!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
I’ve heard the Two Mr P’s in a Pod(Cast) before and really enjoyed the bantery style of chat that the brother’s bring to their anecdotes of teaching life. Unfortunately, this book is written in that same podcast style, and it just doesn’t work as well when written down.
Anecdotes that would be really funny when told aloud, fall flat when there isn’t the comedic tone and pacing to deliver them and the witty banter feels a bit cringey when memorialised in print.
There is quite a bit of repetition in the material and more than once a subject is introduced then immediately dismissed – “more on that later!” – which would work orally but made me wonder when reading why they would bother to bring it up HERE if they’re only talking about it THERE!
Between the humorous anecdotes is a detailed ‘behind the scenes’ look at every aspect of a teacher or TA’s life, which was really interesting from a parent’s perspective (although I was a bit disconcerted at how many colleagues, parents and children were dismissed as dull or ‘not my kind’ because they lacked ‘the bants’!)
My overall impression was that all of this material would work fantastically in the podcast/radio dialogue format but just doesn’t translate well to the written word.
They’re definitely right about the paper towels though!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
September 9, 2021
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A relatively humorous account on the lives of sibling teachers, including their own school days. My main issue with this is the format; apparently they have the biggest teacher podcast in the UK (as they tell us many times throughout the book) and as co-authors they've stuck with the podcast style. Two different fonts to differentiate who is "talking".
Near the end of the book they go over some of the annoying habits of teachers, and annoying things they have to deal with; you'd think they'd heed their own advice. Acronyms are used throughout, maybe on the thinking that the book is aimed at teachers (I'm a parent, and someone who helps in the school when possible, and also a Beaver and Cub Scout leader) but for the layman it could be a tad confusing.
At the end of the day it's a good, fun insight into what Teachers and Teaching Assistants have to go through, calling out the school crazes, the teaching weirdos, and the obnoxious parents. It's worth a read, although not as laugh out loud as one might expect.
A relatively humorous account on the lives of sibling teachers, including their own school days. My main issue with this is the format; apparently they have the biggest teacher podcast in the UK (as they tell us many times throughout the book) and as co-authors they've stuck with the podcast style. Two different fonts to differentiate who is "talking".
Near the end of the book they go over some of the annoying habits of teachers, and annoying things they have to deal with; you'd think they'd heed their own advice. Acronyms are used throughout, maybe on the thinking that the book is aimed at teachers (I'm a parent, and someone who helps in the school when possible, and also a Beaver and Cub Scout leader) but for the layman it could be a tad confusing.
At the end of the day it's a good, fun insight into what Teachers and Teaching Assistants have to go through, calling out the school crazes, the teaching weirdos, and the obnoxious parents. It's worth a read, although not as laugh out loud as one might expect.
December 20, 2021
This is quite an entertaining book about working in a Primary School in the UK. The title immediately caught my eye as I can remember wet paper towels being used for nose bleeds, cut fingers, grazed knees and many other things.
The authors are brothers, both working in primary Education, one a teacher the other a teaching assistant. The authors provide a background that tells their journey into the classroom, and also rather humorously some of the events that have occurred over the years.
They listy various types of personalities that you can find amongst teachers, students and also parents. There are various observations from both about the way the education system keeps evolving and how there seems to be more paperwork than ever before.
Both of the authors have a similar attitude but they also have a very strong ethos when it comes down to teaching and helping those in their care.
While this is a humorous book there are also some very important things discussed and it does highlight the plight of education, schools, politicians and the ever-changing goalposts. This is a nicely balanced book and one that I did enjoy reading. It is one I would happily recommend.
The authors are brothers, both working in primary Education, one a teacher the other a teaching assistant. The authors provide a background that tells their journey into the classroom, and also rather humorously some of the events that have occurred over the years.
They listy various types of personalities that you can find amongst teachers, students and also parents. There are various observations from both about the way the education system keeps evolving and how there seems to be more paperwork than ever before.
Both of the authors have a similar attitude but they also have a very strong ethos when it comes down to teaching and helping those in their care.
While this is a humorous book there are also some very important things discussed and it does highlight the plight of education, schools, politicians and the ever-changing goalposts. This is a nicely balanced book and one that I did enjoy reading. It is one I would happily recommend.
September 24, 2021
As a teacher I've always found Mr P's social media stuff really funny and relatable. I was hoping for lots of funny stories about things children/staff/parents have said or done. What I found was some funny stuff but nothing particularly new and a whole load of moaning about the teaching profession and what's wrong with it. Whilst I don't disagree with what is written it's not what I was expecting.
January 3, 2022
I'm rather torn with how to review Put A Wet Paper Towel on It so I'll start with the disclaimer that I very much like the Parkinson brothers and agree with most of what they say. My hang ups with the book are mostly influenced by the necessary context of the book's cultural position and its target audience, as well as the way the book is marketed to attract the biggest possible readership. Not at all a bad thing. People need to know about the failings of their education system and the Parkinson brothers are an excellent vehicle for communicating the state of affairs with empathy, humour and well placed moments of indignant rage. I found some of the mainstream, culturally tied references and jokes often tiresome and unfunny, restricting this book to a purely British audience who knows who Ant and Dec are and what the Generation Game was. This is, of course, a book about British primary schools. It doesn't need to be just that. As a primary school teacher outside the UK, I know the authors have plenty to say about education in general and about how primary education should be structured and implemented. The weird and wonderful world of primary schools is something so universal and the book might have approached it better that way.
There are two aspects to Put A Wet Towel on It. First of all, it is a nostalgic journey into the world of primary school experience. It's a world that every reader will have shared and Parkinson (particularly the elder) reminisces with charming and crafty prose. Adam has to play the part of slightly kooky sidekick. It was my major gripe with the book, a gimmick that is supposed to create the atmosphere of their podcasts but comes across as forced and, at times, fake. Adam is the kid in the class who caused trouble who now, as a teacher, has barely read a book for pleasure. The intention is to distance to book entirely from any hint of academic pretension, give Lee and Adam an everyman feel. The truth is they are experts at what they do and they have enough jokes and hilarious anecdotes to sell the book (and their opinions) without the cheap double-act and without playing the fool. From hymn singing to wet play, from P.E. class to school trips, there is something that everyone will relate to and its very comfortable, entertaining reading. However, it is scattered with too many stereotypes that, while inevitably bringing a chuckle to most primary school teachers chops (particularly the typecasts of staff members and problem parents) remain what they are, unconstructive stereotypes.
The strength of the book is in (particularly) Lee's opinions. He is very good at pinpointing the problems of the British education system and how those problems affect the lives of teachers and children. The most important complaint is against the constant, stressful observation and assessment of teachers. I was shocked (although I had an inkling) at the extent of this system of surveillance and standardization, then felt very grateful to be working in a primary school system that allows teachers the two things Parkinson advocates - trust and time. He concisely expresses his points and - from my admittedly similar point of view - makes some fairly strong arguments. His discussions of teacher well-being could extend easily to many other professions, although in this case I think it's important that Parkinson remains local. Teaching is very different from other professions in terms of time, tasks, pressures and also the way it is viewed by others. Parkinson is hyper-aware of the problems facing teachers and - by relation - children. They both draw clear lines between those issues and the wider cultural and social conditions that shape childhood today - language acquisition, social media, popular culture, electronic entertainment. It is, unfortunately, a rather bleak picture.
However, the Parkinson brothers remain upbeat and the main reason I liked this book was the positive portrayal of their profession. They obviously have a deep respect for the children they teach, for their differences, their weirdness, their needs and their talents. My focus, as a teacher, lay on different aspects of learning - there is a distinct lack of emphasis on narratives and on literature in general, whereas they both believe in proper and innovative use of technology in the classroom. Teaching in a system where you can't even find a normal whiteboard, never mind an interactive one, I could appreciate their focus and learn from it. They show very clearly that primary school teachers can not, should not be perfect. They humanize one of the most human of professions and do so with reflection and humility. It makes them intensely likeable characters. They capture the world of primary education through an intelligent portrait of its problems and difficulties but, importantly, through very, very funny stories about the wonderful characters that grace their daily work - stories about a sibling photograph and about an angry teacher's encounter with a cow had me giggling intermittently for days, not to mention the horrors that make up their Show and Tell list! I might be critical of aspects of the book's presentation, but who am I to criticise? I should simply be grateful that a pair of teacher had the motivation, the character and the sense of adventure to make their voices heard. Without people like the Parkinson brothers, education doesn't have a chance of change.
There are two aspects to Put A Wet Towel on It. First of all, it is a nostalgic journey into the world of primary school experience. It's a world that every reader will have shared and Parkinson (particularly the elder) reminisces with charming and crafty prose. Adam has to play the part of slightly kooky sidekick. It was my major gripe with the book, a gimmick that is supposed to create the atmosphere of their podcasts but comes across as forced and, at times, fake. Adam is the kid in the class who caused trouble who now, as a teacher, has barely read a book for pleasure. The intention is to distance to book entirely from any hint of academic pretension, give Lee and Adam an everyman feel. The truth is they are experts at what they do and they have enough jokes and hilarious anecdotes to sell the book (and their opinions) without the cheap double-act and without playing the fool. From hymn singing to wet play, from P.E. class to school trips, there is something that everyone will relate to and its very comfortable, entertaining reading. However, it is scattered with too many stereotypes that, while inevitably bringing a chuckle to most primary school teachers chops (particularly the typecasts of staff members and problem parents) remain what they are, unconstructive stereotypes.
The strength of the book is in (particularly) Lee's opinions. He is very good at pinpointing the problems of the British education system and how those problems affect the lives of teachers and children. The most important complaint is against the constant, stressful observation and assessment of teachers. I was shocked (although I had an inkling) at the extent of this system of surveillance and standardization, then felt very grateful to be working in a primary school system that allows teachers the two things Parkinson advocates - trust and time. He concisely expresses his points and - from my admittedly similar point of view - makes some fairly strong arguments. His discussions of teacher well-being could extend easily to many other professions, although in this case I think it's important that Parkinson remains local. Teaching is very different from other professions in terms of time, tasks, pressures and also the way it is viewed by others. Parkinson is hyper-aware of the problems facing teachers and - by relation - children. They both draw clear lines between those issues and the wider cultural and social conditions that shape childhood today - language acquisition, social media, popular culture, electronic entertainment. It is, unfortunately, a rather bleak picture.
However, the Parkinson brothers remain upbeat and the main reason I liked this book was the positive portrayal of their profession. They obviously have a deep respect for the children they teach, for their differences, their weirdness, their needs and their talents. My focus, as a teacher, lay on different aspects of learning - there is a distinct lack of emphasis on narratives and on literature in general, whereas they both believe in proper and innovative use of technology in the classroom. Teaching in a system where you can't even find a normal whiteboard, never mind an interactive one, I could appreciate their focus and learn from it. They show very clearly that primary school teachers can not, should not be perfect. They humanize one of the most human of professions and do so with reflection and humility. It makes them intensely likeable characters. They capture the world of primary education through an intelligent portrait of its problems and difficulties but, importantly, through very, very funny stories about the wonderful characters that grace their daily work - stories about a sibling photograph and about an angry teacher's encounter with a cow had me giggling intermittently for days, not to mention the horrors that make up their Show and Tell list! I might be critical of aspects of the book's presentation, but who am I to criticise? I should simply be grateful that a pair of teacher had the motivation, the character and the sense of adventure to make their voices heard. Without people like the Parkinson brothers, education doesn't have a chance of change.
January 30, 2022
Every teacher should read this book, especially the last chapter. Parts of this book really resonated with me…loom bands 😃( I hate them too.); not letting TAs do a display because I needed it to be perfect; playground duties…. As a retired teacher , I could have written a book very much like this. I just hope that teaching changes very quickly and goes back to what works .
March 6, 2022
I did find bits of this book interesting, however I was definitely expecting to read about funny antics from within the classroom. I didn’t enjoy the writing format with one author interrupting the other, it read like a written version of the podcast that was constantly mentioned.
June 5, 2022
A right laugh out loud book. Wrote by brothers, a teacher and teaching assistant. They write about life in a primary school, it’s so funny as they talk about people whom they have worked with. They are just like people I work with in my primary school. Brilliant light hearted easy read.
October 24, 2022
An easy read, and having worked with children all my working life, very relatable too. I did get slightly confused as to which brother was writing but it didn't detract from the overall passion the brothers obviously have for their chosen profession.
August 29, 2021
In summary: Heart-warming, hilarious and true to life.
'Put A Wet Paper Towel on it' is the first book from brothers Lee Parkinson and Adam Parkinson, and the focus is on their time and experiences as educators with the UK education system. The pair have a popular podcast and the book mirrors the content and ideas from this show.
The provided stories are retold in an engaging manner and there is much fun to be had while reading the themed chapters which focus on topics such as staff, PE, school trips and the (always delightful!) school dinners. However, as both brothers have written the book in a conversational style - with plenty of banter, interruptions and jokes - this does disruptive the narrative on a regular basis. I enjoyed their style but I can see how this approach could prove difficult for other readers to enjoy and I think that the audiobook may prove more accessible for that reason.
'Put A Wet Paper Towel on it' is the first book from brothers Lee Parkinson and Adam Parkinson, and the focus is on their time and experiences as educators with the UK education system. The pair have a popular podcast and the book mirrors the content and ideas from this show.
The provided stories are retold in an engaging manner and there is much fun to be had while reading the themed chapters which focus on topics such as staff, PE, school trips and the (always delightful!) school dinners. However, as both brothers have written the book in a conversational style - with plenty of banter, interruptions and jokes - this does disruptive the narrative on a regular basis. I enjoyed their style but I can see how this approach could prove difficult for other readers to enjoy and I think that the audiobook may prove more accessible for that reason.
October 31, 2021
Great book for anyone who has worked in a school!
April 6, 2024
Hilarious. If you're a teacher, you must read this!
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