Joining a class mid way through the year.

I was lucky enough to get a fixed term position at Wanaka Primary School until the end of 2017. This was my third time starting in a class mid way through the year however I was able to meet with the previous teacher and spend quite a bit of time with him in the classroom. It was so valuable being able to do this as I was able to build up a rapport with the kids and wasn't a brand new face on the first day.

I spent time in the first few days setting up expectations, class rules and getting to know the children.

Our class charter

Individual goals

In my previous classes I have run the Daily 5 programme so I wanted to stay near to the current programme but also add on using my developed knowledge. Students all have google accounts so this has made a big impact on how I run my reading programme. My rotations are: read to self, read to someone, listen to reading (which I have uploaded listening books to google so all kids can access them), and word work. I found a fantastic website called GetEpic which has a huge variety of books and the children love it. I have a shared book at the beginning of each lesson with a different comprehension focus - the last 2 weeks have been main ideas and the next will be identifying detail. During my rotations I am working with small ability based groups.

At our school we use the STEPS spelling programme as well as the Alpha to Omega programme. Having not used either of these before I did a lot of research on how to teach using them. I have found that Alpha to Omega is quite similar to the Yolanda Soryl phonics teaching. I use the Alpha to Omega in my ability based groups and I use STEPS as a follow up linking the words in group teaching to STEPS.

My maths programme is also ability based group rotations. I have been trying hard to ensure that my students are getting a lot of hands on engaging activities and not just book work. Last week we had a great time using MnMs for fractions.

I wasn't happy with my writing programme and felt this was an area I need to develop in order to benefit my students. I have spent time this term observing team leaders and have begun working alongside our assistant principal. More to come on this.

So far I am loving my time at WPS and I have a fantastic class, a very supportive pod and friendly colleagues.