To ask: Teachers! What are you doing...

[SmileEachDay]

....to support your pupils when they return - or if you have returned, what are your school already doing?

This blog is interesting and has some good ideas parentsandteachers.org.uk/new-beginnings-getting-schools-fully-open-in-the-new-normal/

My kids’ primary has talked about building up maths and English time rather than going straight into full hour lessons as they reckon their attention span and resilience will be shot. They said that kids were really tired when they opened in June - I think getting up early will be a shock as it always is, but also being around people socially will be very tiring.

I’m an introvert, I’m a bit worried about how exhausted I’ll be after 6 months of very little socialising.

We are an infants school, so its the same recovery curriculum for both year 1 and year 2, though the 'subject' areas will reflect different year groups, but taking into account where we got up to in March. the aim is to gradually assess the children as to where they are all up to. We know who did and didn't engage with the home learning but that dense give us a full picture, especially when it comes to independent work.

Reception will be a totally different thing obviously, as they've never been to school before.

I believe the nearby Junior school, where most of our children move to, is having a similar type of curriculum initially too.

DH is a teacher, he is very aware that a lot of teens may not be in a great place mental health wise, and the school are trying to keep it light and normal , not pile on the pressure

Am worried for my DS going into y11 and bloody well hope they are not going to start off making them feel the pressure, he’s looking forward to going back but also anxious

it made sense in my head but utter gibberish came out of my mouth

That happens to me sometimes anyway...

I’m a bit worried about how exhausted I’ll be after 6 months

I haven't been in a classroom for 6 months. I didn't work in our bubbles as I am clinically vulnerable so wasn't allowed in. I did work FT from home, and did longer hours than before. But its just not the same energy wise compared to being in school with the hundreds of little interactions every day. I have warned Dh I will be shattered every evening!

And that's as an adult. The kids are going to notice it even more!

I know this all does probably seem obvious to experienced teachers but like Smile says, the entire new NQT cohort didn’t even do our third placement.
So many of my peers deferred the end of the course and didn’t graduate because they didn’t feel they had enough experience. Loads of them didn’t get jobs. A lot of NQTs who are starting next week have had a few weeks’ experience in schools before their PGCE, did about 5.5 months of placement and then haven’t been in since March.
It’s actually a terrifying thought - I wouldn’t feel confident if I hadn’t had several years experience in schools and hadn’t taught over lockdown.

Please remember that actually this year’s NQTs haven’t had the training that all of you had and things like this can actually be helpful!

@SmileEachDay this thread is helpful, I know a couple of teachers at the primary but its quite strict in normal times, not the most joyful place, fingers crossed he will be OK. secondary is much more positive. I will reassure them all and await the guidance on the final details (lunch, loos etc) due next week from the primary.

I think lots of us teachers are on the defensive @SmileEachDay (based on the gazillion threads that attack us 😂) but I think this is an interesting thread!

I am rather worried about not having ‘my’ space (we are moving, kids stay put). I am still unclear about seating plans at the moment- naturally I’d like my own, but not sure if I’m permitted to shift them from ‘their’ seat?

Love the seat TikTok, but I’m too old for it 😂

I think positivity will go far, and hopefully instil a confidence in the kids that we’re all fine and going to get back on track.

Would LOVE to hear from teachers that have already gone back- any tips gratefully received. I don’t see it as patronising- more like team spirit.

the entire new NQT cohort didn’t even do our third placement.

It was the maths department who pointed this out @noblegiraffe.

@SmileEachDay

it made sense in my head but utter gibberish came out of my mouth

That happens to me sometimes anyway...

Yes, but the parent on the phone doesn't have to know that...

She was very good about it, though.

Oh - and posture - everybody's been slumping on sofas, using laptops or phones and lost core strength. Trying to get them to sit and not slump, letting them stretch and wiggle about, keeping an eye out for kids who haven't had their eyes tested and can't read the board -

and BLISTERS!

New shoes, probably haven't worn shoes other than trainers for six months. I had to get used to wearing a bra again and they're annoying as hell, ties, constricting clothes...and face masks. Losing them, forgetting them, wondering whether they should wear them in the corridors or not (ours are allowed, as it might make some more delicate/anxious ones or their parents feel better if they do).

@MitziK God yes the shoes! and the fact mine lie in till 9 or 10, just getting them out of the door is going to be horrend!

The Red Cross have produced a back to school pack - looks quite good?

And this from Young Minds

[quote stovetopespresso]@MitziK God yes the shoes! and the fact mine lie in till 9 or 10, just getting them out of the door is going to be horrend![/quote]
Kit them out with two sets of the large, rectangular plasters every day. Medical won't be be open to kids wanting plasters this term, unless they are literally squelching in their shoes.

thanks to all you teachers who are dealing with this. I have some trust issues with the primary school but will do my bit by making sure he's fed and rested and reassured by us and leave the rest up to the school. they didn't contact anyone during lockdown and only released extra work for the last few weeks

Seated Tik Tok? Sounds right up my new boss’s street! It’s all about singing etc and given that we’re not really supposed to sing, a seated Tik Tok might be just the thing!

@MitziK good point, and a period pack for my dd who is 12

So we have an infant school running a recovery curriculum- anything similar in junior or secondary settings?

We have the recovery curriculum.

First few days we are treating as transition because it didn't happen.

We are special school.

So lots of pictures of staff, classmates, the rules (simple class ones we always do).

Art activities based on collages of what they enjoy etc.

Most of our children have been in FT or part time, some were on a week in and week out rota.

We are aware due to their understanding it'll take a lot of careful work to get them to understand it's everyday and every week.

Especially if we start getting shut downs again.

Poor kids are gonna be confused.

itsgetting

Sounds like your school are really aware of the struggles for your kids.

Yes - the possibility of further closures is a stress.

This thread about autistic students returning to school is full of fantastic advice:

twitter.com/commaficionado/status/1300352538064097281?s=21

In particular “Autistic kids very frequently hide out in little visited areas of school. This may no longer be possible. Even libraries etc may be repurposed and therefore unavailable. Make sure your #autistic child knows this in advance.”

That’s a great thread noble