I think that everyone has seen the real me.

I know I start by saying how quick my weeks go but this definitely has flown by and what a crazy week it has been.

So I'm very proactive (well I like to think I am) and we've had assessments this week. Maths, Reading and Spelling tests. I decided to get on with them straight away, so I did not have to worry about them in the last week of term. The results have been interesting to look at, with lots of children making great progress and some, well I really worry about. No matter what I have done, the impact has not been great enough yet. I'm worried that they are just not going to catch up. Tyler and Madders MP (2019), suggest that we must close the gap between the disadvantaged children. Although sometimes I think the children just do not get 'it'. I know I've complained about not having a teaching assistant, however I believe they make the biggest impact in my classroom and we work so well together. I'm hoping she is back with me soon. There is only so much I can do. Some children just aren't catching up. What else am I supposed to do?

Away from the tests, as its Mothering Sunday this weekend (Happy Mothers Day to my mum and all mums), we've had a very mumsy week. Our special assembly on Friday consisted of the whole school performing a piece. Everyone apart from me performed a song and my class wrote their own poem. I was there thinking, I wish we'd performed a song, however in the end I was really proud because they all remembered their lines. It was actually very personal and I shouldn't have worried.

Then we had a 'Mums in school' morning. So my brain went into overdrive and I had lots of ideas. I finally decided to have a magic show (Mark's Magic Mayhem) and this definitely made the morning for the children, the mothers and me. Without this I don't think it would have been as enjoyable and memorable. I also set up some mindfulness colouring, reading with your child, sketching, painting and then I even sang them a song. So I rarely ever sing anymore and was a bit worried, especially as I'd lost my voice a couple of weeks ago. However mind over matter I sang for my class and adults. They all saw a different side to this NQT and I had lots of positive feedback. I have no clue what I'll do for Fathers day!

Its weeks like this I really enjoy and although some days are tough, there is always something positive to come out of things. Next week we have a dance to perform which again will be scary for some of my children, although I know they can do it. Then Friday will soon be upon us and a well earned two weeks off and the next chapter to look forward to.

I want to be a teacher who is 'real', to keep things 'fresh' and inevitably just be 'me'. No matter what happens, I think that everyone has seen the real me.

Until next time.

Steve Maull. An NQT

References: Mark's Magic Mayhem Online at: https://www.facebook.com/markxmagic/

Tyler and Madders MP, The House Magazine, (2019), Online at https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/education/schools/house/house-magazine/102316/close-regional-attainment-gap-–-and-kick-start