Getting going in class.

Nearly three weeks in and we're doing ok. My class is beginning to learn the rules and routines and most of the kids are keen to learn. I'm doing a lot of one on one teaching while the others are playing which is working well as I'm not having to redirect kids so much. Whole class mat times are a bit of struggle with a few kids who find it really hard to sit quietly and listen unless I am speaking directly to them but they are progressing well. I am not spending enough time playing alongside the children and I already find myself worrying that we are not doing enough "learning", however I feel like I am getting to know the kids pretty well. From the work and discussions I have had, I know which ones are ready for a bit more, and which ones still need a lot more of the basics. Most have picked up the sight words really quickly but I think I will need to do some more revision now that they have 4 words that they have learnt. They are easily forgetting earlier ones. I also think we need more work on the sounds and I want to start putting them together soon to make short cvc words.

I am using Seesaw and loving it. The kids are getting it pretty quickly but I am still supporting them to make their journal entries for now. I am sure it won't be long before most of them can do it independently. Currently the content isn't too important as they learn how to use the app but soon I hope to use it to display handwriting practise, retelling stories (for reading and writing) and to show maths thinking. I have also found making myself a "student" login allows me to easily post to our blog some of the work we have been doing. I can then also model how to do all the steps of a post. Today we sent home the login sheets for parents so hopefully we can connect with them and see lots of positive sharing of learning.