Y1 teachers - I need help!

[MyDingaling]

Hello
I have been teaching for 15 years, 12 years in Y6 and 3 years in Year 5.
I am now moving down into Y1 from September as part of a job share (I am part time0.6)
I am looking forward to it but absolutely terrified.
Any tips?!!

[kennythekangaroo]

I made a similar move last year. I was panicking slightly to start but it's been fine. Are you the only year 1 class - I'm 1 of 3 which makes it easier for planning as a team. Do you have any cross over time with your job share?

I spent a bit of time (not enough) in reception to see how they organise the free flow eyfs that we were meant to carry on in the autumn term. A bit more time in R would have been useful. This year we're going to make sure the R children come for story in my class a couple of afternoons just so they (and the parents) are more familiar with us and we with them.

I'm doing a second year in y1 next year, there's a lot less pressure in some ways than in KS2 but bloody hard work in others!

[isittooearlyforgin]

year 1 is fab. second kenny's advice re finding working out transistion form eyfs. You'll find the satisfaction about the amount they can learn and move on in one year so amazing, but the fact you can't just telll them to play a numeracy game with some dice and a piece of string and expect them to get on with it quite dispiriting! (went to yr 3 after year 1 - was sooo relaxing!)

[muffinflop]

DS has had a year 1 teacher this year who came from year 4 and she's admitted herself it's been a culture shock. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if they don't move her back up next year because she really hasn't coped very well at all.

You need to remember that year 1's have just come from reception and are only 5. They need reminding to do things that you might not think of after teaching 10/11 year olds! They take longer to get their stuff together at the end of the day (ours were coming out 10 minutes late for the first couple of weeks while his new teacher sussed this one out), they need reminding to collect things which might need to go home from their drawers. And be prepared for being tapped constantly. DS' teacher said this drove her up the wall when she first started in his class. There would be children tapping her arm or tugging on her jumper saying 'miss, miss, miss, miss' until they got her attention! Oh and apparently they fidget...a lot which years 5 and 6 don't usually do.

You need to come down to their level which might be hard after teaching older children but it'll be fun right?!

I'm sure you'll be fine

[MyDingaling]

Thanks for advice! I think it will be a culture shock.
My DD1 is in Year 1 at the moment so I will have to keep her in mind!
I am looking forward to it though!

[curtaincall]

I'm not a Y1 teacher but am glad you have experience of a Y1 DD yourself. Can I offer that there seems to be big discrepancy between social needs of boys v. girls? My DS (Y1) came home yesterday with a bag full of wet clothes. He hadn't got to the toilet in time so was provided with dry set of clothes. He was also quite upset and embarrassed about it and I think his teacher was kind to him. Wiping his nose on his sleeve is not one of his most attractive habits either. Can now get changed for PE in well under 20 mins Probably not something you're used to with Y5 and Y6 ! They are extremely sweet though

[dragonmother]

And can I add that I'd rather you didn't stereotype too much about boys v. girls.

I'm sorry to hear that your ds had an accident and yes, presumably the OP doesn't get so much of that in yr5. I don't quite see the link to the sweeping statement about boys v girls though.

[MyDingaling]

My job share teacher has lots of years experience in Y1 so that does help. Our headteacher has also sorted out PPA so we can have it together.
I do expect to find it hard at first but I also expect to have fun! I think it will be a refreshing change.
Thank you for responses, it is nice to hear from parents too.

[Jan010]

I would recommend the forums at TES. I haven't made such a dramatic move myself (sort of oscillated between 3 and 4) but if you ask in the forums there, you're sure to find people of similar situations.