Taking whole school assemblies-help!

[Holidayshopping]

I’ve been teaching for yonks but have never (ever!) had to take a whole school primary assembly! My new school expects class teachers to go on a rota and I’m terrified!!

It’s stupid, I don’t mind teaching a class of 30, but talking to the whole school (plus teachers!) fills me with dread.

Does anyone have any tips for me?!

[Pastaallday]

I often get the kids to read out things etc so I don't have to!

[Holidayshopping]

Ooh, that’s a good idea-thank you @Pastaallday

[Bubblysqueak]

Offer to do the singing assembly, it's the easiest!

[Holidayshopping]

That’s not an option, sadly! I don’t think I’d mind that one so much

[Apple23]

It's just a lesson with a big class. The teachers won't be listening.

If what you have to present is not set, choose a story with a meaning or based on the time of year, either a traditional Assembly story or something related to yourself.

Keep it simple.
Make it visual.
Don't over-run.
Arrange for Y6s to run the technicals (computer, music) for you.
Tell Reception how nicely they are sitting.

Don't forget the reflection.

[annie987]

Stories!!! All children love a good story so no matter what the topic, I find a story or make one up.
I put a well known song from the charts on with lyrics so they all sing as they come in - no worries about them chatting as they come in then and as the song finishes they are naturally quiet for you to start.
Same on the way out - as soon as I finish talking I bang the song back on.
I have big cards to hold up with class names on to dismiss and do this while they are singing the song. By the time it finishes, they have all gone!
Keep it short.
Keep child participation to a minimum - a simple question can set off 300 children chatting and it can be tricky to pull them back together.

[BringOnTheScience]

Find whatever the "International Day/week/month of ..." is for when you're on the rota. Or anything remotely seasonal.
www.un.org/en/sections/observances/international-days/

[Holidayshopping]

Thank you-those are really good tips! It’s not a long time in there, I know-I’m just dreading doing them!

[PurpleDaisies]

Twinkl is great for emergency presentations relevant to special events/people.

It’s hobestly not that bad.

[shishnfips]

Yes we have to do this too, but we're a tiny pre-prep so it's only to Rec-year 2, about 65kids but still, I get so nervous. Yes to a story and getting the kids up!

[Corneliawildthing]

Thank goodness that kind of thing isn't expected at our school. There would be a mutiny if there was!!

[ellesbellesxxx]

I used to say to the other adults they didn’t need to be there.. just kept my TA in with me! That took pressure Off