Advice for a primary school teacher

[Lolabirdy]

Hi all. I’m starting my school centred initial teacher training in September. I have a degree in primary education and will be working alongside my mentor teacher and teaching a year 6 class for a year to gain my QTS. My degree didn’t require me to teach on placement, but it did have me working as a TA full time alongside. I have school experience but not experience actually leading the class.

I understand my mentor teacher will give me the information I need but I’d like to feel a bit more prepared before September.

I would LOVE to hear any tips and tricks from primary school teachers please. All things from planning to classroom management, what works for you?

Get to know the children really well. Take time out to understand what they do out of school, what they like, what they've been up to. Let them know you've always got their backs. Read Paul Dix 'When the adults change everything changes' and see how you can use his ideas within the bounds of the school's behaviour policy. Build relationships with adults in the school, get to know their names and a bit about them. Build a two-way relationship with your mentor. They will give you so much support but make sure you ask them if there's anything you can do for them - it might just be some photocopying or getting some resources out but it will make a huge difference and build a sense of being a team. Be passionate and proactive. Primary teaching is the most rewarding job in the world but my goodness your ITT year is demanding! Be kind to yourself. Good luck.

You might be better asking on the staffroom board. It’s for teachers.