I'll always remember my first class.

This has been a long week, with so much crammed in.

I didn't write a blog last week due to being away on residential, its takes a lot out of you and I needed the weekend to recover. Although I had a great time! It was interesting to see a different side of the children and I feel they got to see a different side of me. It was strange to go to PGL (Parents Get Lost - as the children call it), because the place it is held I used to go to as a child. I was speaking to my mum telling her that where she used to play football now has a building on it and a lake is now in the middle of the field. Despite these changes, it was a good few days. I even got to go on a few of the challenges, including the zip wire and trapeze. Both quite high, but I made out that I wasn't worried as I leapt off tied on with the rope. I've never been away with younger children before, however they were all very resilient. They had no choice really. Despite some wet weather, it was fun and I'm hoping I get to go on another residential in the future, wherever that may be.

Back in the classroom we have started a new book, Anthony Browne 'Gorrilla' (Anon, 2018). It has really inspired me, so I'm hoping the children are as well. We have been using illustrations from the book and the children have been making links, writing descriptions and predictions, as well as acting in various role plays. CLPE (2019), provides you with plans on certain lessons and has some great ideas. I have had added my own stance on some of the lessons and I plan on adding an extra lesson in next week. This has encouraged the child to really think about the piece and considering we have spent three lessons on the book, there is so much more to discover. I suppose I enjoy this way of teaching, because I get to really express myself and I feel really passionate about what I'm teaching. If I enjoy it, then hopefully the children will as well.

In Mathematics we have started learning about time. I hated learning time at school because I always found it so difficult. Hence why I wear a digital watch. My class have really picked it up quickly, with a few exceptions, so I'm really happy about the progress and understanding that they have already. It feels that learning analogue time isn't as important to them, because they constantly see digital clocks everywhere. Oxford University Press (2019), suggests that there isn't much time to learn 'time' in school and 'so practising at home is important'. I believe that most things should be taught at home. This will then reinforce what is taught in school. There needs to be a partnership between teacher and parents, school and home. However, that isn't always possible.

Childrens ability to communicate and attitude to learning stems from the home. Many parents don't realise how they can help their children at home or just don't want to. I understand how difficult it can be, however should it be a teachers job to teach children 'everything'? Victor Keung Fung (2006), writes that most parents spend their time complaining and although education is not perfect, it should begin at home. Furthermore, children should take ownership of their learning, only they can shape their future.

This week we have also learnt a lot about volcanoes. We have crammed in so many topic lessons. As this is a short term, it has been difficult to fit all the lessons in, however I've almost managed it. I spent a few hours after school planning next term's topic, which is going to be very practical. I just hope I can get the supplies to support the many lessons of making various foods and drinks. If it works out, it should be fun. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

The highlight of my week has been my first class photograph as a teacher. Many schools have a very modern approach to school photos, however the setting I'm in is very "old school" and it took me back to when I was at primary school. I'm hoping I get to keep a copy because despite the ups and downs I'll always remember my first class, some of them I don't think I'll ever forget. Not only the children may I add, but also my teaching assistant.

It's been a long road, however the next few weeks will fly by, so I'll continue to work hard, continue to grow as a person and become the best I can be.

Until next time...

Steve Maull. An NQT

References:

Anon, (2018), Online at: http://www.anthonybrownebooks.com/new-blog/2018/2/4/gorilla

CLPE, (2019), Online at: https://clpe.org.uk/powerofreading

Oxford University Press, (2019), Online at: https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/maths/learning-to-tell-the-time/

Victor Keung Fung, (2006), Online at: https://www.scmp.com/article/561646/lesson-parents-education-begins-home