What would your dream teacher be like for your 7-9 year olds?

[HollyDayDream]

Niece is starting her probationary/NQT year in a primary 4/5 composite class in August. I teach older children in a learning base environment so expectations of me and my pupils are different from hers.

Im stuck on what advice I can give other than all the teachery stuff about getting a head start on planning and class novels etc for the term.

Anything from a parent’s view of children this age that I could pass on?

She will have 25 pupils in her class and no support/learning assistant. What makes your child’s teacher special?

I might pick up improvement tips here too for my own practice!

I’m an ex secondary teacher and a parent of a primary school aged children. I don’t feel qualified to offer that kind of advice. If she looking for advice she should look towards her mentor

Speaking as a teacher of nearly twenty years' experience it's completely backwards to try and fit other people's ideas of the ideal teacher. She will set herself up to fail if she tries. Some teachers do create a persona in the classroom but it has to be rooted in their personality and character. She needs to be herself, to consider her values and to know why she was drawn to teaching as a career. You would be better listening to her talking about these things and helping her to explore them rather than offering advice.

As a parent i think communication is so important. Key dates for trips/shows sent out well in advance and reminders on end of day blackboard (a friend's school has a board by the door at pick up with important notices and reminders which i think is helpful).

Speak to parents if any issues are identified with behaviour/learning and don't leave it to parents' evenings to communicate problems.

If you're going to use star of the week or behaving rewards then ensure all children receive them! Quiet children who just get on with things or are 'middling' are often missed and it can cause great upset with conscientious children.

Just some of my thoughts and experiences of three children in primary school!
Good luck to her!

reminders on end of day blackboard (a friend's school has a board by the door at pick up with important notices and reminders which i think is helpful).

Which is totally unhelpful for parents who rely on wraparound care, and which just goes to show that trying to be all things to all people is impossible!

I'm sure your DD has been well-prepared by her PGDE and will be well-supported in school by her mentor, OP.

I have had 3 children through primary recently and all their teachers have had different qualities, and have added so much to their lovely experience of school.
personally at primary level my favourites were the ones who obviously liked dealing with the parents as well as with the children, as I felt like we then had a good working relationship.