SURVIVING YOUR FIRST TEN DAYS

A PRESENTATION FOR NEW TEACHERSBY ANGELA SNEDDONACTING DEPUTE HEADTEACHER, MILTON PRIMARY, LESMAHAGOW

*Organisation and presentation of your

classroom

*Decision making with your class

*Getting to know each other

*Things you might not have thought

about

ORGANISATION AND PRESENTATION

School ‘housekeeping’ – dinners and formal arrangements such as timetables and buses

Labels and information to support learners’ independence and smooth running of your classroom

Consider best location for key resources, such as core schemes of work and pupils’ jotters / folders

Best use of space – where should furniture go to support effective learning and teaching

Bright and inviting – visuals that create a talking point and/or support chn’s learning

Be prompt in getting children’s work on wall – give them ownership of the classroom and make them feel at home

DECISION MAKING

Expectations – what do they look for in a ‘good’ teacher and what do you look for in your pupils

Reward systems – consult school policy, discuss and decide with your learners

Display responsibilities – photos and names

Setting targets – start as you mean to go on

GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER Take an interest in your learners’

experiences and hobbies, likes and dislikes – and share your own!

Actively observe learners early responses – try to get a balance of oral / written and practical activities built in to your first ten days, ensure you build in games

Be aware of first ten days as a bit of a honeymoon!

Take immediate steps to familiarise yourself with learners’ abilities and gradually build in school schemes of work over first ten days

Make full use of hand over notes – try to get these before the summer if possible and ensure you find out about specific needs as early as possible

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS The things learners notice.............

First impressions

Nerves and experience

Being yourself and letting them in

Ask lots of questions

The joy of the staffroom

FINALLY..........AND THIS IS IMPORTANT!

Try to relax and enjoy it – your learners will pick up on your vibe!