small class = more learning

[cansu]

Whoever would have thought that having a very small class, all seated at separate tables would result in more learning? It shouldn't be shocking but I am actually really enjoying teaching the kids as there are no behaviour management issues in my class and they are all focused on their work. I can see who needs help and who doesn't. Everyone participates and shares answers. Has anyone else found that the children in their bubbles are doing well?

Are you teaching just one subject and in your normal class, do you have students with behaviour management issues? I'm wondering as from what I have seen, our supported students are in normally so come into the keyworker bubbles rather than their year group bubble.

Small class more learning, but also small class hard to dilute the big personalities. Those children probably aren't back in school yet, so it's just easier.

Basically, if there were no behaviour issues, a big class would be fine.

Depends on the kids. Y10 top set 34 kids loads done. Bottom set with six kids little done as their behaviour is appalling

Yep. I have 8 in my bubble - Reception.

Yesterday they all wrote a paragraph, and I could tell you exactly what all of them had written, which sounds they used effectively, which letter formations they need to practice etc etc.

I had heard them all read.

I’d worked with each 1:1 on reading tricky words.

They’d done maths and I could tell you exactly where each of them were & next steps - and been able to address next steps 1:1.

Plus I had meaningful chats / interactions / play with each child.

It is completely different from the usual 30 children crowd control.

It’s also a bit boring 🤣

Depends on the children. You need some sparky ones to move discussion and teaching on, not just a concentration of those wanting spoon-feeding.

On the other hand, I guess NOT having the sparky children might make some of the others feel they have to be a bit more proactive?

It’s also a bit boring

Yep. I had a year of 14 children with one massive personality. He took over everything, it was boring for all of us.

Hibbetyhob though - I sent my child back because I thought it would be an amazing opportunity for her! 8 in the group, lovely.

My school has got bubbles with only 4 in them - supposed to be open to more, loads have said they'll be coming back, but then haven't turned up. Nice educational opportunity for them.

It's brilliant for Y1. They love having their own table and resources.

I’m in the key worker bubble so it’s manic trying to get four levels of maths and English done each morning is stressful to say the least.

However, behaviour has been phenomenal, even with tricky ones in my bubble, and they’ve worked really productively at their own desks.

I’m loving it but I have some VERY big personalities in my little group! In a class of 30 they are diluted a bit, but at the moment the noisy ones completely outnumber the quieter ones. It’s manageable but I’m having to think about behaviour almost constantly.

I have 15 first and second graders and it's working ok. I've spread them out over two rooms.
I've also got nine 3rd and fourth graders and the personality bit that was an issue previously still is. Three weeks to go until the summer holidays here. In the final two weeks, all of then will be back in full time. I miss my normally relaxed final weeks, though. We used to go outside lots, do games and have the time exploring the woods and streams around the school. I'm hoping we can go back to a little bit of that in the last two weeks. I find the way I'm "teaching" at the moment really boring.

I'm moving schools in the summer and will have 18 first graders and a TA. I'm looking forward to a class consisting of only a single year group.