A teacher has responded to recent sleep advice by noting that calling teachers at 10.30am is not advisable. Colin Mann, a teacher of 34 years, wrote a letter published in response to an article by Dr Jemma King on 24 July titled “13 surprising reasons you’re always dog tired – and what to do about it”. The article suggested making a to-do list before bed, with one example being “Call Sammy’s teachers at 10.30am”.
Teacher’s perspective on timing
Mann wrote that he will create his own list based on Dr King’s advice. Item 1 on his list: “ignore Sammy’s parent’s phone call at 10.30am as I will be too busy teaching. If it’s important, they will leave a message. I feel better already.” The letter was signed from Barrhead, East Renfrewshire.
Other reader letters
Emeritus professor Glyn Turton from Baildon, West Yorkshire, commented on wildfires in France and Spain, referencing Robert Frost’s poem “Fire and Ice”. He wrote: “Some say the world will end in fire, / Some say in ice. Well, that’s that argument settled, anyway.” This followed an article on 24 July about more than 200,000 people fleeing or locking down due to wildfires.
Hannah Kaitlin-Boyer’s assertion that “everyone knows what she means by supper” drew a response from Mike Jones of Exeter. He said she would be welcome for supper at his house, but noted: “supper” is a substantial meal taken just before bedtime. Sometimes the chipper is fired up, so it’s worth waiting.”
Nigel Steel from Uxbridge, London, offered a humorous take on meal times: “Look, it’s perfectly simple. Breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, high tea, dinner, supper and a little something just before bed to ward off night starvation.”
Joan Lewis from Saint-Étienne-de-Gourgas, France, commented on travel attire, specifically a jumpsuit: “For travelling? I can’t get the image of trying to negotiate a train loo out of my mind.” This was in response to an article titled “School’s out for summer: what to wear when travelling” on 24 July.
