Me & School
I have visited 2 lovely schools this week. Both about 15-20 mins away (in different directions) and both have a very similar ethos to my last school and so I'm feeling very excited at the possibility of going somewhere new and finishing (dare I suggest it!) my NQT year. I can't believe that after 2 years of teaching I am still an NQT, however I am in a good situation as an NQT as I have lots of experience of supply teaching; I have experience of having my own class and of taking over a class mid-year from another teacher and am still entitiled to my extra 1/2 day non-contact time. In addition to all that, I didn't get to go on my induction training last year as my paperwork went astray, so I have all of that to do still which will be really good for development and has already been paid for so should not be a worry for any school taking me on.
As far as supply work is concerned, there has been nothing so far. I have phoned and registered with the agency again (thought it would be handy to have a back up and as they pay weekly it would give me a bit if cash while I am waiting for the council to pay up) and have registered directly with several schools as well as being on the supply list at my last school, so it is just a case of waiting at the moment. Anyway, in one way it is nice to have the time to get on with my job applications.
Big J & school
Big J doesn't start school for another 10 days. We had a home visit yesterday from his new teacher and teaching assistant and that went very well. He told them about himself and did me proud by not talking about poo or willies despite those being his favourite topics of conversation at the moment. I think he is looking forward to it, but I think he is a bit apprehensive too. He knows the school quite well as Little Z went there and now goes to the junior school on the same site. He has also been to visit for snack time and story time etc. as part of the school's induction program for reception children. I am surprised at how nervous I am of him starting school. It's not like I don't know what to expect, but I still worry about him getting into trouble when it's not his fault or not knowing what to do if they give him something too difficult to do. I guess it is because he is still so young. He won't be 5 until next May so is really little to be going to school already. He will only go in part time to start with and then in December he will start going all day. I am looking forward to my childcare bill going down!
Little Z & School
Little Z has settled much better this term. The end of last term was really difficult as we (my friend & I) identified that she has Dyspraxia. As everyone knows children can be cruel and none more than two girls in her year who have made it their job to tease and be mean to her (and many other children) since she started school. Unfortunately she has made a good target for bullies as she doesn't always know how to react in social situations and tends to give them the reaction they want. So, having given her a couple of strategies to deal with these girls and a few others who have joined in, she seems much happier and more confident. She even stood up for her friend yesterday who was being picked on by a boy who usually picks on Little Z. I was so proud of her, although as there is something of the 'policewoman' about her, I have told her not to go fighting everyone's battles for them and to focus on her own for now. She has a few friends who are strong enough to stand up to the bully girls (who have told others not to play with little Z because she is wierd or have threatened not to be their friend if they play with Little Z) and she is now also a bit more conscious of her own behaviour, understanding that some behaviour is best kept for home (eg. pretending to be a rabbit!) so that it does not encourage others to tease her.
We still have a long way to go before I feel she is getting the right amount of support in school, but the teachers have been very good and have listened well although I could do with knowing what is going on a bit more often. In some ways being a teacher has helped me get it sorted out, but in other ways I am very conscious of not becoming one of those over protective parents who are always coming in to raise issues with the teachers. It's hard to switch off from being a teacher and be just a parent.
Larry & School
Larry went to school once. He picks up the kids and watches the playground characters (parents, not children) with amusement!
