07.11.10
A New Year Already? Making the Most of the New Term
I am already thinking about the new year in September and there are a few activities that we now have in place that seem to be making a significant impact on the well-being, behaviour and attainment of the children. I don’t think any of these activities are revolutionary or particularly original, but I am a great believer in sharing and stealing ideas. So if you have any further good ideas and are happy to share please post your comments.
July
Moving Up Day and Parent Pop In
Reception Class Home Visits and Visits to School
September
Display Board photos and names of our new children
Year 6 Meeting
2 weeks of induction activities including:
- Lots of PSHCE including circle time;
- Moral Code is shared and signed by children and teachers;
- Class Rules are devised and signed by children and teacher;
- Children carry out surveys to decide what kind of learner they are;
- Lots of Art, DT, ABOUT ME displays and group tasks.
The plan is to ensure that the children feel safe and secure in their new learning environment and with their learning partners. It also gives the teacher lots of opportunities to talk to the children about different aspects of their learning and individual targets can be set. Literacy and Numeracy take a back seat whilst basic skills are revisited.
During my assemblies I introduce key standards for the year. These include, “The Golden Rules,” which many of you will be familiar with, and “The Moral Code,” which I will post later this week.
I have posted below one of my favourite Assembly themes. It is a quote by Frank Outlaw and I find that it is a very powerful piece of text. So powerful indeed, that once explained in real terms, my Year 6 children can repeat it back to me after one hearing.
Watch your thoughts;
They become your words.
Watch your words;
They become your actions.
Watch your actions;
They become your habits.
Watch your habits;
They become your character.
Watch your character-
For it will become your destiny.
John Outlaw
Just try sharing this with your class – it’s a fantastic starting point for any set of class beliefs. There are lots more starting activities that go on in schools during September and I would welcome your ideas!
Thank you!
