Ahhh HELP!!

picknmixqueen · #1 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 07:41 PM

I haven't taught for 4 months after a very unpleasant experience in a permanent job and have just agreed to do 3 (yes 3) days supply at a school I have never heard of. Next week is the post SATs blaze of glory for Year 6 and I'm in teaching Year 6!
I can't remember my name let alone any teching strategies and have already had one sleepless night worrying about next week.
PLEASE may I have some tips on staying calm and getting off on the right foot with a class of exam weary, top of the school, probably completely unruly, horn and fork tail wielding 10 and 11 year olds?!
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audrey · #2 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 08:45 PM

Hi Picknmix
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and welcome to the site. I really feel for you and can relate to how you are feeling. I also had a similar experience last year and it has taken time to get my confidence back. What I will say is that as soon as you do start back working back in the classroom your confidence will return and you will push those thoughts to the back of your head as you will be so busy. Never lose sight of the fact that you passed your training and deserve to teach
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Is the planning going to be there for you? As for year 6's I have taught quite a few classes and they vary in attitudes. You will find them quite full of themselves, or at least the majority will be, they always are at this stage because they are moving on and are top of the school. Don't accept any unruly behaviour, stamp on the attitude as soon as it begins and find out what backup support is available should you need it. To be honest because you will be there for 3 days of the week it will put you in a good position to build relationships with the chn. I would advise them of your rules (the way that you work and expect them to behave) as in putting their hands up if they want to speak rather than shouting out etc. before you begin teaching and stick to it.

Good luck, this may be exactly what you need to get back into it.

NuttySupplier · #3 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 09:12 PM

Welcome to the forum picknmix
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!

I teach 3 Y6 classes, and I'm really looking forward to the next few weeks to be honest... I'm lucky in that I know them all already, but honestly, my classes as all nice as pie (give or take 2 boys!) despite being Y6!
There's always the end of school
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/ disco / trip to warn them with if they play up... make sure you know what it is... or what the school sanctions / reward systems are... Y6, whatever they say, still like to get team points etc.

Footiegirl · #4 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 10:55 AM

Hello and welcome Picknmix
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!! I know you will be absolutely fine next week - youve done year 6 for years!! Am still wracking my sleep deprived baby brains for you and will speak tomorrow anyway! Looking forward to catching up! Have some chocolate in the mean time xx

jennyfleur · #5 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 03:28 PM

Hello and welcome

Not really much I can add, because I don't teach KS2 at all...but I guess the strategy is the same for all classes - go in with high expectations, and don't take any nonsense. And forewarned is forearmed. If you're nervous, getting in a little bit before the recommended 8.30 will help loads, as then you can find your bearings a bit, the staff room, and a drink. If you haven't got sat nav (I find it a God send as I get sent to a lot of remote schools as well as inner city ones) try and do a dummy run beforehand. I always assume I'll be on duty too, and take a warm coat with me.

The first day will be the most trying, but it will get easier, and it's good that you have got 3 days together, gives you a head start!

Footiegirl · #6 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 06:48 PM

Bearing in mind the catchment area of the school you are in I think you may find you get a very big range of ability/spoken language skills, so it may be best to have an
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of a project that could be easily differentiated should you need to.

As the others have said, get in earlier, try and speak to other year 6 teacher if there is one or any classroom support you may have to find out about the class and if any planning has been left -
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there will be since you have plenty of notice!

Get familiar with the discipline/reward policy for the school and who to send children to if needed! Write your name on the whiteboard - it helps you as well as the children remember who you are!!! and then maybe something like a happy, a non plussed and a
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face/traffic lights on the board and when they come in you can introduce yourself, briefly your expectations of them and that you would like to be a happy face/green light at play time/lunch time/home time etc.

Explain that you understand theyve just had a heavy SATS week BUT they still need to behave and show you how well they can behave and how good their school is as you have never been to it before and want to go home telling everyone what a lovely class/school they are but you can only do that if they do x/y/z.

As for work, I am sure you will be able to think of loads, but something creative/arty/active (depending how relaxed/brave you are feeling!) would be better than something more formal - perhaps they could create a game for another year group? A short play on .... or if they have a residential coming up could they research where they are staying? There is a great thread on here somewhere with lots of lesson
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s, well worth printing off and having in case you do go blank!

Ok, head hurts now! Thought Id better get it all down cos I will only forget tomorrow! Will try and keep thinking tho! xx

picknmixqueen · #7 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 10:18 PM

I just wanted to say thank you so much to all of you for replying to my stress attack so lovelily (I know its not a word). I got a real warm fuzzy reading them and have taken it all on board. The half bottle of wine I just necked may also be adding to my fuzziness, but realising you guys are all out there is really special.
Thanks Footiegirl - promise I won't be hungover when I see you and yes my unease about forums has been completely smashed with just one visit to this fab site as you said it would be.
I'm now feeling a little more
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than
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so thanks again everyone, will let you know how I get on.
Will bring lots of
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tom. XXX

Footiegirl · #8 (**permalink**) 17-05-2009, 11:12 AM

Bit tipsey are you?!!! Good luck tomorrow - you will be fine. Let us know how you get on xx

audrey · #9 (**permalink**) 17-05-2009, 09:30 PM

Yes good luck Picknmix
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-will be thinking of you
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However I am sure that you will be fine and as mentioned previously because you will be there regulary you will build relationships with them which helps soooo much.

Let us know how it goes x

Just think of me: tomorrow (my birthday) with a yr 4 class (extremely lively and dreadful at folowing instructions and not listening) but I am there quite often so am developing relationships also. I may bribe them with sweets in order to give me a fairly decent day. I have done all of my own planning for tomorrow so have organised an interesting day
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The remainder of the week will be spent with nursery
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My first time with that year so should be interesting
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Good luck

picknmixqueen · #10 (**permalink**) 18-05-2009, 07:46 PM

Thank you Audrey and many happy returns! Hope you had a lovely day with those Yr 4s.
I am totally relieved to say that my day went ok and I will return on Wednesday, this certainly wasn't a definate yesterday!
Apart from them not being very good at listening and the teacher leaving me with PE last thing I think I have escaped fairly unscathed.
Teaching on your birthday certainly deserves lots of chocolate,hope the bribery and corruption worked!
Thanks for the support it is very very appreciated
Picknmix
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