- Monday 19 August 2019
If, like me, you prefer to be prepared for the new term, there are a few things you can do to make life a little easier:
1. Learning environment
I know the 6 weeks are well earned, and you deserve a holiday, but the more you do in your classroom, the easier life will be. Remember, displays should be bright, colourful and engaging. Sometimes a resource for the children to use, and sometimes a celebration of their work. The more you can do 3D, the better (or so I am told).
2. Labels
This includes book labels, tray labels, locker labels, peg labels… the list goes on. Make sure the children’s names are spelt correctly too! The class will feel welcomed and at ease, if they can see they are already part of their new classroom.
3. De-clutter
I know what it’s like. You don’t want to throw anything away because you know it might be useful in the future. However, doing this year after year will result in cupboards full of resources you will probably never use again (and moving rooms turns into a moving house situation. Even more challenging if you are moving schools). Take this opportunity to ask yourself ‘do I really need it?’. If not, it needs to go!
4. Timetable
If you are lucky enough to design your own timetable, think about when would be best for your lessons; when will the children respond the best to what they are learning, and how long will each lesson need to be. Perhaps map out what will be taught in each lesson, so you know what you need to get ready each week. Be prepared for this to change though, once you get to know your children and their specific needs!
5. Table plans
Children need to know where to sit and for which lessons, otherwise, they really will be all over the place (and obviously choose to sit next to their best friends which may not be the best choice). Ideally, children should have a morning seat – which could double up as a foundation lesson seat, maths seats, English seats and guided reading seats. Having these on display ready will allow for a seamless transition between lessons.
6. Levels and data
Looking at the levels the children have come to you is essential for the pitch, differentiation and flow of all of your lessons. Talk to their previous teacher, if it is possible, and begin to understand their strengths and areas for development.
7. Planning, planning and more planning
I hate the feeling of being stressed, and having a ‘to-do’ list that never seems to end, so I always try and plan as much as I can during the holidays. Some weeks, I may complete both planning and resources, whereas others, I may just map out what will be taught. These will change as the weeks go on, and need tweaking continuously, but I prefer to do this than to spend hours on a weekend in front of a computer.
8. Rules and routines
Ensuring you know what your expectations of the children are before the term starts is so important. Children will test you, and want to see if they can push the boundaries. They need to see that you are in control, and have high expectations of them. Honestly, get this right, and the year will be a dream. Perhaps work with the children on the first day back to establish what they expect from you, as well as what you expect from them. Come up with a class charter or rules, which they can sign as they have helped to create them. It also gives you something to refer to if things are not going the way you planned.
9. The first day back
Be prepared to spend much of the day establishing your expectations, routines and timetable. You will also spend time getting to know your class and vice versa. Children will want to know that you are interested in them as individuals, value their opinions, want to create a ‘safe’ learning environment where they are not afraid to have a go, and give them the confidence that they can and will succeed. Build those strong relationships early, and you will have a class of eager and resilient children.
10. Smile
Everything should now be set up and ready for you to hit the ground running. So smile, and enjoy your first term with your class!
Gemma Edwards is a Writing Lead and Year 6 teacher.
