Y6

[namechangedyetagain]

Well my first placement starts tomorrow. I'm slightly worried Y6 will smell my utter fear and will run rings round me. Have no experience with UKS2 and not really sure what to expect, despite having a y6 child myself maybe that is what's worrying me

Any other tips for placement? Already stressing that ill forget a vital bit of paperwork. I'm trying to be organised but at the same time I'm very nervous of being a complete pain to my mentor, messing everything up and failing

Don't focus on it being a Year Six placement, just think about it being your first placement. The key thing is just to really hear whatever your mentor is telling you.

You are there to learn. You'll make mistakes and doubt yourself - that's normal and not an issue as long as you listen to what your mentor says and make the changes they suggest.

As far as the kids are concerned, Year Six is no different to Reception: clear boundries and expectations are at the core of any good behaviour management strategy.

Year 6 is a lovely year as they have a little more maturity while still being young children. You can do this!

I have just seen that this was posted 2 days ago, I hope it is going well!

I am loving it! The class are gorgeous. I haven't actually taught yet or been observed but the first week was just to settle in and then it will build gradually.

Still completely in awe of teachers. You make it look so effortless!

My first placement was y6. Loved it! Good luck!

It might smell though and that’s because the boys especially haven’t started using deodorant yet. 😉

I hope you're still enjoying being in Y6. My main tip would be to remember that they're still children. Yes, they're often more smelly/taller/less cute than those in reception but lots of them will still go home to play with Lego/Playmobil, bounce on a trampoline or do other things that younger ones do. Some will also still believe in Santa and/or the tooth fairy. It's sometimes tempting to treat Y6 as though they're already teenagers, especially if they're a group that give the impression all they care about is Instagram, TikTok, Fortnite and the latest iPhone but if you can see past the posturing and make your classroom/lessons a place where they feel safe enough to drop some of their bravado, you'll likely have a lot of fun getting to know them.

I've yet to meet a Y6 class that doesn't love heads down, thumbs up or some other pointless game and most will enjoy having a story read to them (just for fun, without needing to be asked questions to check understanding).