Breaking Barriers in the Classroom: The Unexpected Power of Break the Mould

I came across Break the Mould by Sinéad Burke purely by chance one weekend, while picking up some books from the local library with my daughter in the young readers section. I immediately saw the potential this book could have in the classroom, and couldn’t wait to see how our learners responded to it.

Burke’s message in Break the Mould is all about challenging the norms and stepping outside the boxes we often place ourselves in. Language learning, after all, is about more than just grammar rules and vocabulary—it's about finding confidence in expressing your thoughts, no matter your background or ability.

The results were better than I could have hoped. From group discussions that encouraged students to reflect on their own experiences to activities that pushed them to embrace creative thinking, my learners absolutely loved it. They were not only engaged but also eager to take risks and break free from their own learning barriers. Whilst these types of activities are nothing new, the learners really took to Sinéad’s voice as a little person and gave them new perspectives on their learning.

The idea that we don’t need to “fit” into a mould to learn effectively resonated with them. It’s easy to feel like there’s one ‘right’ way to speak English, but Break the Mould helped me show my students that language is a personal journey. Each of them has a unique voice, and they should embrace it—imperfections and all.

Since using the activities from the book, I’ve noticed a shift in my class. Students are more confident, open to sharing their thoughts, and—most importantly—feeling more comfortable with the idea that learning English doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about communication, connection, and expressing yourself in a way that feels true to you.

If you’re a teacher looking for inspiration, or even just someone interested in exploring different perspectives on learning and teaching, I highly recommend checking out Break the Mould. It’s an easy read, packed with thought-provoking ideas that are perfect for anyone working with language learners.

Sometimes, the best discoveries happen by accident. Break the Mould has been one of those happy accidents that not only inspired me but also sparked a new level of excitement in my students. If you’re looking for ways to bring fresh, inclusive ideas into your lessons, or just want to see language learning from a different angle, this book is a must-read.

Daniel Studholme