I'm a primary school teacher...Ask me anything!

[Naughtykitty]

Will do my best to answer. For those wondering I currently teach Reception so thought it might help anyone with children starting in September but I've also taught year 1,2,3 and 4.

Happy to answer if I can! X

Do you/your colleagues actually enjoy the job or is it as bleak as we always hear? If you had your time again would you still go into teaching?

Do you have favourites?

If I said I didn't have a favourite I would be lying but they never ever get preferential treatment. That would be very unprofessional!

I love the actual teaching and being with the children. I don't enjoy the paperwork or constraints the government put on us. I honestly can't imagine doing anything else although I'd love to work more with special needs.

That's refreshing to hear, thank for answering.

Why do kids start school so early here in the Uk, when it's been proven that the rest of Europe attains better results even though kids start school much later? Do you feel the pressure to teach very little kids quite difficult for their age material?

Really idiotic question. Given that English is not a phonetic language, is phonics really the best approach to reading?

And do you prefer when children arrive in reception able to read or needing you to start them off?

DD is 3.5 and is very very interested in books but doesn't read yet and only has a sketchy knowledge of her letters.

I've taught in Finland and the system they have there is so incredibly different but so are the children. I personally don't have an issue with children starting so young but do have an issue with the race to get them to achieve. A school that is data driven is my worst nightmare.

At the moment the EYFS curriculum does not match up with the Key Stage 1 curriculum and is due to be updated very soon! I think there's an awful lot of pressure on Year 2 and Year 6 and way too much content to cover! I think the pressure can be alleviated by good teaching and a good attitude though. Children shouldn't have to feel stressed in school.

@JohnnyMcGrath Phonics works very well in my opinion and there's definitely a place for it! However it's also worth remembering that phonics doesn't work for everyone so another strategy is sometimes needed.

If you're child is interested in reading then a love a books is always going to help. Share stories together and make it a pleasurable experience. We don't expect children to know any letters or be able to read when they start but that is a good place to start. On youtube there is a video called Jolly Phonics sounds or something like that which teaches the actions and correct pronunciation for phonics, So playing I spy with letters or just having fun pointing them out would be great. We start with these letters S A T P I N.

Just in case you’re my child’s teacher just thank you!

What's the worst thing a parent of one of the dc you teach has done?
Do you like parents coming in to help?

@JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff this is the video I was referring to:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=-ksblMiliA8

It's a bit dull but good for a parent to refer to!

My class also love alphablocks on YouTube.

@Grumpbum Who knows 🤷🏼‍♀️ but thanks!

The worst thing a child has ever done? That's a tricky one. I've had various things thrown at me now haha but the worst was probably an older child trashing a classroom in a rage and having to restrain them for their own safety (I'm one of two who is trained to restrain) and it's never fun for anyone involved!

We love having parents in to help! It does depend on the parent though. Some genuinely want to help all of the children and do what they can to support you. Some just want to be nosy (which sometimes is okay! We're all curious creatures) and some just want to spend more time with their own child and aren't interested in helping others so it really does depend on the individual!

@gorgeoushazydaysofsummer I just read your question properly! The worst thing a parent has done? For me if a parent is angry then it's usually just because they are of course passionate about their child! The one that really gets me is when a parent is disengaged and not interested in their child's learning. It really is a partnership between Home and school and when parents aren't interested it can really hinder them and stop them from reaching their potential. I find that I really have no patience with that!

Thanks! Yes DD obsessed with Alphablocks. Will try Jolly Phonics.

@JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff

You're welcome! This is the video with the actions.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=yVyry9jpVjI

Just bear in mind that your child's school might use different actions. It's worth checking with them so you don't confuse your DD x

I have a 4 year old due to start in September. He's suspected autistic and is on the 22 -36 months scale for everything in development. He on wave 3 sen support.
I have failed to get a EHCP for him. There will be a teacher and Ta in his class. I am worried about how they are going to manage. He needs support around everything including nappy changing. It has been suggested to me I may get asked to go and change him which I worry about as it will upset him as he will want to go home. He wants to be with me all the time. If it came round to them phoning me what would be your best advice to agree to go in or say no as it will affect him to much?

Do you sometimes feel like some children will perform better if homeschooled and left to excel at their own pace for those early years ?

@Aspieparent at the moment only you know what is best for your child. Do they have the staffing or the facilities to change him? If not it may be worth trying their strategy however this will be incredibly inconvenient for you as you can't always get to the school at the drop of a hat. We ask parents to give written permission for us to change children if they regularly have accidents or are still in nappies. Clearly telling him what you are there for, saying hello and then telling him you're here to change his nappy and then you're going to go and will see him at the end of the day. Give him a kiss and a cuddle and hand him back to staff no matter what. It may be heartbreaking for you if he becomes upset but in time he should learn. If you feel it's not working, arrange a meeting with the school to explore other strategies. Especially as he is autistic they should be doing their absolute best to accommodate his needs. I understand how anxious you must feel about him starting school. Perhaps arrange a meeting in September to discuss his needs? Don't forget Reception will be very much play based learning so they will support him with finding and engaging with an activity. They should support him in making friends, getting to know the routine. Will he be in a large class?

What do you think of “pushy parents” do you secretly roll your eyes when litttle
Jonny’s homework always has to be the best or do you think it’s nice the parents are so interested?

What do you like or dislike about parents coming in to help?

@Aspieparent a meeting with the school Senco would be great for you too as they can advise you on EHCPs and additional support x

@ILoveHumanity I don't actually know an awful lot about homeschooling but I do feel there are some key skills in school that are so important. Developing relationships with their class and learning routines being two. So I wouldn't like to pass judgement on that without knowing enough to support it.

Don’t you find it difficult to not cuddle those cuties ?

@crayoladreamz It's great when parents want to be involved as long as they keep their child's best interests at heart. Asking for extra advise is always appreciated but can make a lot of extra work for teachers! With the example that you gave about homework...I'd much rather see a child be proud of their homework that they have done themselves even if at first glance it's not "perfect" or pretty to look at!

Love having parents in to read with children. That's always a big help! Also if a parent has a particular skill then it's great to get them involved.

What do teachers actually want for an end of year gift?