Could a teacher help me with my interview please?

[redcherrie]

I have two primary PGCE with QTS interviews next week.

For one of them, I need to prepare a 20-minute reading-based activity for a group of eight Year 3 children. I’ve chosen The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark because it’s a book I’ve read many times with my own children. My plan is to discuss the dark with the children, explore their senses, and talk about times they might have been scared of the dark—what helped them, and how they felt. Does this sound like a good approach?

For the other interview, I need to give a 5-minute presentation on an educational topic, but I can’t use IT (so no PowerPoint). However, they’ve said I can use other resources if I want to. I’m most nervous about this part, especially since I’ll be penalised if I read from a script, though I can use prompt cards.

I’m thinking of discussing school readiness in reception-aged children—focusing on issues like children starting school while not yet toilet trained and how this impacts teaching. Would it be beneficial to use any resources, like handouts?
Any tips would be great! Thank you.

Hi good luck with both. I’d choose a picture book. There are plenty with more complex themes.
It may be harder to hold their attention with a chapter book. Your ideas are good but I’d say the name “ Plop” may cause some hilarity, sorry.
Focus on any key vocabulary/ meanings and have a short multisensory activity if you can. Focus on questioning too. I know this is difficult when you don’t know the children.

For the second one 5 minutes isn’t long. Whilst toilet training is a big issue in EYFS ( Guardian featured an article and upcoming research recently)
It isn’t really an educational topic.
I’d focus on something you are interested in/ passionate about. Something with resources or visual aids would be good.
Metacognition in the Primary Classroom
Individual strategies to support positive behaviour management
Managing adults and positive relationships in the classroom
Promoting social skills
Positive relationships with parents
Using timetables and visuals to benefit all
Dyslexia Friendly classroom
Use your experiences so far
If you can print and laminate resources or demonstrate their successful impact that would be good.

Just realised you aren’t actually delivering the group to children just planning. Your ideas would work. Sorry, was thinking teaching job interviews.
I’m usually careful to read the OP.

@redcherrie That book as far as I can remember (it was my favorite as a child) does have some pictures in it, not on every page, but illustrations maybe every 2-3?

I think it's an excellent choice.

There is a picture book version of TOWWAOTD as well-I think it's just the first chapter of the actual book. I agree though, that some y3s will find the word Plop hard to get over ;)

Yes, maybe TOWWAOTD might not be a great choice! I did think about 'Plop'!

For the presentation I have changed it to behaviour in the classrooms, why it may happen, strategies etc? I come from a SEN background so might be better for me.

The reading activity is in fact with the children! I have twenty minutes with them. I then speak to the interview panel about why I did what I did, and the learning outcomes etc!

I actually have this version too, for my 3 year old!

I’ve been on Literacy courses about using picture books with older children. Some have deep meanings or themes that can be discussed.
I feel better now I’ve not completely got hold of the wrong end of the stick.
I’d stick to strategies and steer clear of “why” for behaviour. Too much for 5 mins. If SEN is your background talk about what you know works well with individuals.

just a little thing - and I am sensitive to this because of my work - you are stating an assumption in how the children would be afraid of the dark, almost framing it as though they should be afraid of the dark

I don't know if that is a reflection of your views or wider cultural norm but (again IMO) the interactions could be more interesting if you explore their feelings about the dark, without assuming 'scared' was one of them

you're over reaching. Look at the OP again, far wider scope:

"My plan is to discuss the dark with the children, explore their senses, and talk about times they might have been scared of the dark—what helped them, and how they felt. "

Yes; I was thinking of just discussing about overcoming fears etc

I think you'd be wise to avoid the topic of reception age DC coming to school not toilet trained.

So many other topics you could choose.

Choose a book with some good illustrations. You can ask DC what they think will happen next, before you turn over the page. Once a DC suggests something ask them if there are any clues in the illustrations. Ask how many others agree with the suggestion or if anyone has a different suggestion. Try to keep them engaged and focused. If you get a DC who seems distracted, ask them a question to draw them back.

Thanks everyone;

I have prepared a talk on emotional regulation in the classroom and added some evidence based research which has helped.

5 minutes isn't long at all but I'm going to do the coke bottle analogy (want to make it engaging!) and then the pros and cons of self regulation and co regulation in young children, strategies and conclusion.

Thank you.

I think I was still going to choose the illustrated version of TOWWAOTD.

I was going to ask the children if they have ever been afraid of something before but overcome it? I was going to use an example of me being frightened of a rollercoaster!

Introduce Plop. Show them an image and ask what they already know about owls.

Read a short extract from the beginning.

Asking some guided questions; why do you think he's afraid, how do plops parent help,
What advice does the boy give him... etc

Then I might create a word bank and use words to describe how Plop is feeling.

Maybe at the end ask what advice they might give him and what we have learnt from the story? Is that too much.

It sounds fin but it depend on how well they react and if you can keep their attention.

Have you had the interview? how did it go?

Yes I have! I got accepted! Thank you.

Congratulations. Well done.