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!