PRT and Inquiry

It's been a tough couple of weeks trying to teach children when there has been real fear in the community regarding Coronavirus. It seems like everyone is holding their breath waiting for schools to close, or waiting for someone we know to get the virus, or waiting for whatever is meant to come next. I have been guilty of 'waiting' too. On average, eight children from my class are absent each day. I feel myself 'holding off' on the fun learning so they don't miss out. However, it has given us time to catch up on topic and those things we never get around to finishing. On reflection with my mentor, I will continue as per normal next week. Yes, it will be difficult when the absent children return, but I have provided them with home learning at the moment, so they won't be completely behind. While these are uncertain times, we need to carry routine on as per normal so that children know that this is a safe place to be and their anxieties can be laid to re...

Written on: 2nd March 2020 After spending the first few week so of the year getting my reading programme up to scratch, I've now decided to change it. I'm noticing more and more that writing - especially proof reading and editing - is a real learning need in my class. Looking through the data, my children are where they 'should be' against their age, but their writing skills are lacking in many areas. Also, many times the children will ask to do more writing so I am now basing my programme on 'literacy'. I will set the writing task for the class or groups, and then I will bring the reading groups to me for our guided reading session.

Written on 17th Feb 2020 This new year has started with much excitement and great ease. It's lovely to reconnect with the children after the holidays and to welcome the 'newbies' into the classroom. Today is day 10 and they are no longer 'newbies'. The past two weeks have been a focus on building relationships with the children and whānau. I have had a good response to my welcoming email to parents and will make more of an effort to keep in touch and have open communication this year.