Term 2 - Week 1

Wow! Lots to reflect on this week!

In the holidays Helen and I got together and went  over our reading planning. We talked about how we had so many reading groups and that we were struggling to get through  them all. So we decided to do an interchange. We completed running records for our whole classes. Then we collated these all together and identified each child's next step in learning. We also identified our priority learners (those children that are below the standard). We managed to bring the groups down to 10 groups-5 each. I adapted my programme so that it is similar to Helen's and created a visual for the children to refer to.
There are 3 rotations. The first rotation is always browse box reading which is time manageable with Phonics just before Reading. During this time I take my priority learning group every day. This is helpful for them as the classroom is silent for their reading.
I have decided to focus on this routine with the children and making sure that they know this Reading routine thoroughly. This will make Reading time much more time efficient, allowing more time for focused Reading sessions.
I am much more excited to teach Reading. This is more manageable and it is more clear to me when to give out focused Reading activities.
As there are less children on each activity, their volume is much quieter, meaning my group can hear me and focus much better.

I have also reflected on behaviour management. I have created a visual chart for the entire class. Most of their behaviour is fine but there is still a lot of calling out on the mat and some children are not stopping and listening straight away. This chart will target those children without them realising that it is to help their behaviour. So far this chart is working very well. It requires self management-I tell the children when they can move their own name.

So far I am excited about the Term. My goals are to focus on my Reading programme and to have this running to my standard by the end of the term.
I am also focusing on the behaviour management and having the children stop straight away and limit the calling out during mat time.