The New Entrant classroom

I'm making a move..

After 22 years being an "early childhood teacher" I am making a move and taking on the role of "primary teacher". I'm excited and nervous but mostly excited about being a rookie and ready for the challenge of new learning and new ways of being.

This week I attended professional learning with Jo Williams entitled "Setting up and starting in a NE class".

Before attending the course I was ready for the first day of school! My class was all set up and I was ready to welcome new tamariki into their class. During the course Jo asked us if we had any reflections on the course. My reflection was "I thought I was ready, but maybe Im not". Such a classic teacher reaction though, our work is never done! 

The day was an ongoing splurge of ideas and so many that I want to implement immediately. However, my goal this year is to not hit stress levels, to look after my own well-being and my whānau and make sure that I pace myself. So with all of these great ideas, Ive decided to dwindle the down into a quadrant using Stephen Covey's Time Management Quadrant. Some of these ideas I already have on my list and some of them were inspired by Jo.

Quadrant I:

• Get to know my learners and their families
• Identify whānau aspirations
• Welcome sign in the door
• Name tags

*All related to creating a sense of belonging!

Quadrant II:

• Prepare for School Entry Assessments
• Prepare for first round of Mutukaroa 
• Review 'play' opportunities for students throughout the day - what areas of play am I missing?
• Think about possible 'teacher workshops' throughout the day e.g number bingo, asking questions etc.
• I wonder wall

Quadrant III:

• Create math games for students
• Source loose parts resources for class

Quadrant IV:

• It really is hard to identify things in the 4th Quadrant. So will leave this section blank for now.

Sample of resources

Jo shared a great reading from my friend and colleague Keryn Davis, Jo highlighted the class timetable in this reading and ways that we can make it an easier transition for children and families (and teachers), such as using the first part of the morning for play-based learning.  

I had a go at drafting my Term 1 timetable (will obviously require tweaks) but I think I have a bit of a structure in place. I would love some feedback on my timetable (remember I'm new to this...) and any glaring changes that I should make.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the day however was the link to Nathan Mikaere Wallis' work - Singing! Moving and Laughing! is the best way to get children engaged.