Any tips for teaching Year 6?

[Nocalmwaters]

Help! I’ve just returned to teaching after a slightly extended MAT leave (took 18 months off). I’m more of a KS1 teacher, but this is the job I could get, at a new school. I’ve taught Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 5 before (in that order funnily, multiple years in some year groups but only 1 year in 5), but never 6.

Any tips? Behaviour management, rewards, things to fill ten mins at the end of the day, YouTube videos to help them learn (I’ve got some great counting in 5s videos or months of the year ones.. but nothing for 6), what to put on when we need to watch something (my year 5s loved horrible histories so going to try that first). Literally anything at all. 😂
Thank you!

Read to them! Have a brilliant class book on the go. Don't try to be their friend at the beginning. Year 6s generally don't think teachers are cool any more. Be firm but fair. Talk to them in a grown up way and give them responsibilities. I like Grammarsaurus videos and MC Grammar for SPAG. I've recently been given a 'bomb' timer that goes off after a minute, so we are playing games where they have to pass the bomb on after they have named an adjective for example, and not get caught holding the bomb. Stretch them. They are more capable than you think. Good luck!

Mine liked countdown...