Teachers

[Creole]

What are your school teachers like?

I found that now my DS is in YR1 the teachers are aloof and unapproachable (although, you can make an appointment with them if you have a query). My experience is not isolated, a lot of other mums have said so as well.

Why are they like this after reception? Reception teachers were so lovely!

My DS is still in reception, but some of the mums of Y1 pupils have said this too. I will have to wait til September to see for myself. I would imagine it's because in reception learnig is still based around play, but in Y1 it moves onto more structured learning, so the manner of teaching changes? But maybe i am wrong!

Massive difference between our lovely warm reception teachers and our miserable, stand-offish unapproachable Yr 1 bunch. Hardly have any contact with them - like you say, have to make an appointment, whereas in reception we were encouraged to go in at drop-off time and air any concerns. However, my DDs adore their teachers so I try not to say anything negative within earshot.

Glad I'm not the only one that has experienced this.

Our Yr1 teachers are as nice and approachable as the reception ones, in fact most of our infant school teachers seem to be nice.

Btw as I don't know the English school system that well, is it normal that the teachers teach the same year over and over again? Do they never or only very rarely change(within the primary school, that is, or even within infants/juniors).

At our school one of the nursery class teachers also taught in reception, and one in nursery had a Yr 1 class in another year, but these are the only two changes I know, so I suppose they normally don't change often?

Was wondering why, it must become very boring (although maybe less preparation time if they know everything by heart).

Not always like this.

Dd1 had a Reception teacher who would have been more at home teaching a class of particularly recalcitrant secondary boys. You could hear her shouting from halfway down the road, and she used to refuse to let them use the loo in lessons, which caused umpteen sets of wet pants and much upset. Dd1's Y1 teacher on the other hand was utterly lovely, very young, kind and cuddly. All the little girls used to spend their weekends writing little notes to the teacher: "Dear Miss X, I love you, you are the best teacher in the world".

Ds had the world's loveliest Reception teacher, who then moved up with them and was the world's loveliest Y1 teacher. He had a massive crush on her, and used to blush when her name was mentioned. She's now teaching Y4, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed he'll have her again next year.

DD1 is in a mixed Reception/Y1 class. Both her teachers have been absolutely adorable.

my dd is 5, really likes her teacher, but I find her dismissive and unfriendlty to everyone I see trying to speak to her

All our teachers are aloof and never make eye contact.

They are either trained at college to be like this ( a bit like a policemans walk) or

they lack self confidence to speak with adults. cant make my mind up.

Oh dear - I am a Y1 teacher and hope I am not viewed in this way.. Not excusing anyone's actions, but will say that sometimes it is very difficult to have a chance to talk to parents as the only time that I see them are at drop off (when I am usually making sure that children are lining up and dealing with any of their worries) and pick up (when I need to make sure 30 5 year olds go home with the right person in the space of 10-15 minutes). Both of these times are in the playground, and are very busy times. It was different when I worked in the Early Years Unit because the parents actually came into the unit to pick up their child and there was more of a chance to chat. Also there were more staff around so it was not necessarily imperative that I be watching an entire class. So often I might seem distracted or harried, but am always open to a parent asking to make an appointment to have a little chat. Maybe it is this way with some of your Y1 teachers.

btw - in our school teachers move year group every year or so. It is not common for teachers to be teaching the same year for more than 3 years in a row.

my 5 and 6 year olds have been in several reception, yr 1 and yr 2 classes in 3 different schools. I think all the teachers have been fantastic really. I don't know how they keep up their enthusiasm.

My experience is the same as frogs. Reception teachers (job share) were complete bitches, but year one teacher was lovely.