Back into the Classroom

 I'm back in the classroom! It is exciting to be able to implement some of my learning  this year including learning through play, digital curriculum and Tapasa. 

What I am most concerned with  is ensuring I create a good balance of learning through play and the development of oral language skills with the fundamentals of learning and teaching i.e. pre reading reading and writing skills.

I want to ensure that the learners are transitioned to school and not suddenly faced with formal teaching which in many cases will be the exact opposite of what our learners would have experienced in an ECE environment. 

As we are in the last term of school my planning will be around the key competencies and developing this in our Tamariki.  I am currently looking at how I can adequately reflect this in my planning and accomodate this in my classroom. 

For my class site and planning, I have divided the term into 2 week blocks focussing on 1 big book and having all learning through play, Digital activities and games/ pe sessions related to the book.

The morning session will be focus time with some pre - phonics work, key competencies, maths and pre reading and writing skills.

Some ideas:

Pre phonics - guess the sound, tap the rhythm, I spy

Key competencies - Relating to other, Managing self

Maths - colours, shapes, 1 to 5 number knowledge, same but different

Reading - listening and enjoyment, how to hold a book, telling own stories using pictures

Writing - name, fine motor skills, crossing midline

Digital - Finding the class site, how to hold the ipad

My class site is simple but hopefully effective: 

Assessment Protocols

 Back to school for Term 4 this week and a huge emphasis on assessment protocols. This data is used to write our reports as well as to inform groups at the start of the new year. Teaching will continue to happen after testing/ assessment week with emphasis on consolidating knowledge and reinforcing critical thinking and resilience. Having 2 new teachers in the team since the start of the year, special attention is given to why we have the protocols and how to administer the assessments.

It was interesting to hear the views expressed by teachers on assessments and why and how they are administered. The rationale for having these protocols and testing will be addressed at Team meeting and a buddy system encouraged so we can all help and support each other.

It has made me think more about what testing are we doing?

Why are we doing it?

Can it be streamlined and or adapted? - This would be for school purpose testing and not Manaiakalani testing.

I have made a note to talk more about this with Marie Hirst our Maths Facilitator and ask her assistance in unpacking our current Maths assessment schedule.