So what have I learnt from week 1
- Infants make a lot of noise. At times they couldn't hear me telling them to be quiet. Next week there will be some changes when I take over the class. I am going to introduce a noise-o-meter. This will be a visual reminder to the children about what the noise level is supposed to be in the class when they are working.
- PE with infants is interesting. The teacher has asked me to do Orienteering with the class as PE. I thought I would be able to set up when they were doing the warm - I was so wrong. Next week I will be setting up the hall for PE before school. This will be possible as PE is 1st class on a Friday. Just means being in school 10 minutes earlier to get this done. Also no matter how many times you tell the children what to do there will always be someone who does not listen. Next week at least 5 different children will be asked to repeat the instructions before we begin the activity.
- Children and water do not mix. The class tried a floating and sinking experiment in science. They taught it was brilliant. Because I could not watch all 4 groups at once 2 groups ended up with water on their tables. I have no idea how to overcome this. Water continues as my theme next week and it will be capacity for Maths - NIGHTMARE. I will be praying that I don't get an inspection for it because I don't think I would be able to face letting them handle water and an inspector in the room. Might try mixing the groups up more and hope for the best. It should be interesting.
- Have some plans done in advance. This week we had 3 lessons a day to teach. Next week is all day teaching. This weekend I hope to prepare all my non core subjects and Aistear which will just leave me with English, Gaeilge and Maths to do each evening. Hopefully making me look like a super prepared and sane teacher to the class teacher and the rest of the staff. (This could be wishful thinking but we'll see on Monday)
- Finally Art with infants in mayhem but the finished product can be fantastic!