13.09.2017

A hard day. I felt quite tired at school today. I think I've forgotten to look after myself. It'll be important that I get some sleep over the next few days. The two children who were difficult continue to be difficult. I feel that I have developed a more positive rapport with them though - and they seem to enjoy coming into school more which is good. I enjoyed watching the one show earlier. The important thing for me to remember is that I'm going into school to make a difference. For the children to learn I need to keep my lessons simple; easy and fun.

Week Beginning 04.09.17

A challenging first week. A lot of paperwork and routines to introduce. Using the book: 'Teaching like a champion' it is important to practise routines. I could almost do them like a competition using a stop watch to time them.

The behaviour of two particular children is very challenging in the classroom. It will be good experience dealing with this. Having read many behaviour strategies in my recent book I will reflect on these for my classroom practice.

Not letting bad behaviour going unpunished
Scanning whilst providing directions
Straight directions which focus on visual details: pencils down eyes on me
Taking 100% of the class with me

As the book recommends, I think it is important not to let challenging behaviour go unpunished. This must occur whilst also not allowing other children's behaviour to go interrupted. Ways of addressing behaviour I noted includes:

• Using non-verbal behaviour - moving closer to the child
• Telling the whole class a reminder
• Quickly calling out the student's name and providing them with a few words of correction
• Correction without naming the child - I need two more eyes on me
• A private conversation with the child

Indeed, many children seek negative attention which can only make the situation worse. It also states the importance of remaining polite, calm and not waiting to correct behaviour. Currently, I think it is really important that I establish the routines and rules that I wish to set for year. This is a little tricky however considering that I have only just started re teaching some of the new schemes of work introduced by the school. I need to continue to pursue a simple, fun and strict classroom environment. 

Actions:
Practise routines - time them until they are perfect. It will save time in the long term.

Thoughts linked to teaching Reception

Recently, I decided that I need to go further with my understanding for teaching Reception. I read an interesting book and here are some of my summary notes and thoughts:

• Think carefully about the development of exciting and fun displays. Ensure that display are the correct height - no body walks around looking up at the sky. 
• Continuous provision - providing children with an opportunity to move between different areas of learning as part of free play.
• The importance and need for gap analysis reports - helping to identify children's weakness and plan for future lessons
• Planning to children's interests - to encourage engagements and interest in lessons. 

Next steps:

It would be fun and interesting to observe a Reception lesson

It would be useful to spend time talking to Reception teachers about how they plan and how the curriculum is different to other parts of the school.