Change fro Year 1 to year 2.

[PPaka]

Is it a big change?
Everyone seemed to talk about transition from reception to year 1 was tricky, because they do more work, but to me it seems that way for year 2, ds loved year 1.
Like all of a sudden year 2 is very serious and they are expected to grow up overnight.
I need to see whether this is usual or just our new teacher.
She has a reputation for being a bit more strict and no-nonsense.

Ds really hasn't settled and he was so happy before.

Have to say mine is loving year 2. Comes home with lots of news every day and actually remembers what he did and really likes new teacher. Last year teacher shouted a lot - where as new teacher is much calmer and he likes that! let's hope it continues

She has a reputation for being a bit more strict and no-nonsense

DS1 has just moved into year 2, and his teacher has the same reputation. As does the Year 2 teacher of a couple of friends (different schools) dc.

I've wondered before if this is deliberate rather than random. I have noticed towards the end of Year 1 that ds is getting much more opinionated, likely to talk back, a bit moody at times, as have lots of his friends. So I wonder if maybe the teacher for this age group is purposely one of the stricter ones, to keep the kids in line as they go through this stage?

Yes, definitely noticed that about the boys. But that's one of the things the teacher has pointed out, as if it's only my ds.
Our kids have swapped around groups- the more sensitive have gone with the other teacher, and the ones who supposedly need a firmer hand are with the stricter teacher, but I think they've misread ds, he's really a sensitive soul and needs a bit more encouragement and nurturing.

DD's school certainly doesn't seem to be like this Ppaka. She doesn't seem to have noticed any changes and is very happy. She had already worked with her new teacher though which probably helped her to settle quickly- she had phonics with her in Y1.

It may partly be due to the new teacher setting expectations for the year. With my new class, I am having to spend a lot of time on going through rules and insisting on best behaviour etc- although this shouldn't be done in a way which makes the children feel uncomfortable or unhappy.

If your DS still isn't happy by Tuesday or Wednesday, I'd have a quiet word with the teacher- but try to approach it in a positive way e.g. 'DS doesn't seem settled- how has he been in class? What can I do to help?' If he was in my class, I'd want to know your concerns.

My dd and one of her friends - both compliant bright happy school goers - have been upset with transition to Y1 - specifically they have to work all the time & they can't do any creative work anymore... I think it's the adjustment to harder expectations. (They do seem young for it though!)

DS is just starting yr 2. The curriculum really send to have gotten harder since the government changes. This was stressed alot at our meet the teacher sessions. Or sounded like they needed to quickly achieve new yr 1 targets before starting yr 2 stuff. Lots more rote learning for example.

DH and I were saying the same thing only a few hours ago.

DS has just gone into year 2. He is finding the transition very overwhelming. It sounds like he has been doing much more desk work.

DS has definitely found this transition much harder. I am sure that they will settle down and get used to the new changes soon enough.

It certainly seems harder and more expected - but generally DS so far ok

Dd1 is enjoying Y2 so far - but she likes desk work and for her Y1 was better / easier than YR. I think it depends on the child.

She is getting more than double the Y1 amount of homework, so I'm having to re- think our old pattern of doing it on a Friday and getting it all done before the weekend, as it seems a bit too much for after school on a Friday when she's tired.

DS1 is Year 2 and definitely there is a lot more focused work rather than play based learning like last year. He seems to be enjoying it though, he loves a routine and rules so a set structured timetable is suiting his personality more.

He is tired though!!