Sunday April 4th
Easter Sunday and we did not manage an Easter Egg hunt or a visit to church. Instead I went for a run and watched Match of the Day. We did a monster roast lunch and then Shaggy headed off back home.
A chance to catch my breath and reflect a little on the journey I have been on. Two weeks from now and I will have completed the year and finished this blog. I have no idea how many words I have written but I've enjoyed it. It hasn't been as "live" as I would like. I am currently two weeks behind and so I lose a little of the spontaneity.
When I read the whole thing through again, it will probably read more as a diary of what has happened, rather than the original intention, vague as it was, to provide a living metamorphosis from marketer to teacher. I suppose the change isn't as profound as I thought it might be, given it was a change in what I do, not who I am.
Day 352 - Shaggy Stays
Saturday April 3rd
Once again we have overbooked on the visitors. It's a nice change from New York when they were few and far between. All change as Shaggy arrives and we head down to the pub to watch the football and then have a walk around the city. He's coaching at Northampton Town and is trying to set up on his own. I hope he is successful. He deserves to be. He sat with the kids for ages, playing board games. They won't do that for us!
I have become a regular at Sweet Treat, old-fashioned purveyor of Sherbet Lemons and Pear Drops. They rot the teeth but taste so good. The owner is a young entrepreneur and we have a good chat about his business and marketing. He will go far. www.thesweettreatcompany.co.uk
Once again we have overbooked on the visitors. It's a nice change from New York when they were few and far between. All change as Shaggy arrives and we head down to the pub to watch the football and then have a walk around the city. He's coaching at Northampton Town and is trying to set up on his own. I hope he is successful. He deserves to be. He sat with the kids for ages, playing board games. They won't do that for us!
I have become a regular at Sweet Treat, old-fashioned purveyor of Sherbet Lemons and Pear Drops. They rot the teeth but taste so good. The owner is a young entrepreneur and we have a good chat about his business and marketing. He will go far. www.thesweettreatcompany.co.uk
Day 351 - Term 2. Tick
Friday April 2nd
Good Friday and I have made it through another term with snow, CRB issues, 2nd placement and 200 odd lessons done. Now I need to relax for a few days and then get my paperwork in order, write a bunch of lesson plans and write a 4,000 word assignment on a pedagogical issue by April 19th. I can't even pronounce it right.
The Thrumbles come down for a stay so we head out for one of many guided tours of the city. I really do appreciate how lucky we have been to find Winchester whenever we show our visitors around. Walk in, walk around, walk home.....it's all here.
Good Friday and I have made it through another term with snow, CRB issues, 2nd placement and 200 odd lessons done. Now I need to relax for a few days and then get my paperwork in order, write a bunch of lesson plans and write a 4,000 word assignment on a pedagogical issue by April 19th. I can't even pronounce it right.
The Thrumbles come down for a stay so we head out for one of many guided tours of the city. I really do appreciate how lucky we have been to find Winchester whenever we show our visitors around. Walk in, walk around, walk home.....it's all here.
Day 350 - Reserved For Runners
Thursday April 1st
INSET day which means teachers and no children. I spent most of the day in meetings or cajoling my very very lazy Year 11 mentee to finish his coursework. I have been sporadically mentoring him since October and obviously haven't done a very good job because he is now down to 3 predicted A*- C grades in his GCSEs, which means he won't be going to College.
He's a boarder from Hong Kong and struggles with his written English, which means he is going to find his exams very hard. Unfortunately, he seems to have left everything too late and is now in a state of denial, believing he is going to get 5 Cs when he clearly isn't, unless he does something extraordinary between now and June. I have tried to talk to him about it but he is very reluctant to take responsibility.
Excellent club night tonight - tough threshold runs around the cathedral followed by dinner and a couple of pints with everyone at the pub. I was the first to arrive and in front of me was a large sign on a table saying "Reserved for Runners". That's me!
INSET day which means teachers and no children. I spent most of the day in meetings or cajoling my very very lazy Year 11 mentee to finish his coursework. I have been sporadically mentoring him since October and obviously haven't done a very good job because he is now down to 3 predicted A*- C grades in his GCSEs, which means he won't be going to College.
He's a boarder from Hong Kong and struggles with his written English, which means he is going to find his exams very hard. Unfortunately, he seems to have left everything too late and is now in a state of denial, believing he is going to get 5 Cs when he clearly isn't, unless he does something extraordinary between now and June. I have tried to talk to him about it but he is very reluctant to take responsibility.
Excellent club night tonight - tough threshold runs around the cathedral followed by dinner and a couple of pints with everyone at the pub. I was the first to arrive and in front of me was a large sign on a table saying "Reserved for Runners". That's me!
Day 349 - Maths Games
Wednesday March 31st
Last day of school and everyone is in a good mood. it feels good to be back and everyone in the staff room treats me like an old hand, which I like.
Teaching was very relaxed. I made an effort to plan a Who Wants To Be A Millionaire style quiz last night and it worked really well with 8.1.3. With 8.2.4, I was a little concerned about keeping them occupied but ended up spending the whole lesson on Maths Bingo. It was meant to be a starter but they really enjoyed it so stretched it out for 65 minutes.
Parent briefing for the Ardeche trip tonight. I signed up to chaperone a Year 10 trip next term which looks like it could be a blast. The only downsides are the 17 hour coach ride to get there and the small fact that Mrs N is now working and there will be no-one to look after the children over half-term. Whoops.
Last day of school and everyone is in a good mood. it feels good to be back and everyone in the staff room treats me like an old hand, which I like.
Teaching was very relaxed. I made an effort to plan a Who Wants To Be A Millionaire style quiz last night and it worked really well with 8.1.3. With 8.2.4, I was a little concerned about keeping them occupied but ended up spending the whole lesson on Maths Bingo. It was meant to be a starter but they really enjoyed it so stretched it out for 65 minutes.
Parent briefing for the Ardeche trip tonight. I signed up to chaperone a Year 10 trip next term which looks like it could be a blast. The only downsides are the 17 hour coach ride to get there and the small fact that Mrs N is now working and there will be no-one to look after the children over half-term. Whoops.
Day 348 - Room To Swing A Cat
Tuesday March 30th
I spent this morning at Alice's school, St Faith's Primary. I sat in with their Year 6 class to get a feel for how Maths is taught in Key Stage 2 - the year before they come to Kings'.
It's such a tiny school with no more than 20 in the class with loads of room to work with. That's one of my big issues with Kings', the size of the classrooms. It really feels like you are hemmed in between the teacher's desk, the whiteboard and all the computer wires. I am very prone to trip over something at least once.
The teacher did some very good differentiation for the class. Given the whole of Year 6 are together, there must be a wide range of ability and therefore differentiated work is more critical. It was a good learning for me, an area I am not brilliant at.
I spent this morning at Alice's school, St Faith's Primary. I sat in with their Year 6 class to get a feel for how Maths is taught in Key Stage 2 - the year before they come to Kings'.
It's such a tiny school with no more than 20 in the class with loads of room to work with. That's one of my big issues with Kings', the size of the classrooms. It really feels like you are hemmed in between the teacher's desk, the whiteboard and all the computer wires. I am very prone to trip over something at least once.
The teacher did some very good differentiation for the class. Given the whole of Year 6 are together, there must be a wide range of ability and therefore differentiated work is more critical. It was a good learning for me, an area I am not brilliant at.
Day 347 - Welcome Back
Monday March 29th
Back to Kings' today and what a very nice welcome it was to. It seems that a few people have missed me and that put a spring in my step. No lessons today so I spent the day observing BCS (Business and Communication Studies) and meeting with Frances to hand over my classes.
I kept out of her way as much as I could but I was itching to see everyone, especially my tutor group. They were running the Hot Chocolate Cafe in Andrea's room which was nice to see.
I was a little concerned that my teaching was a little pedestrian before I left but, judging by the response I have had since I got back, I shouldn't have worried. Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Back to Kings' today and what a very nice welcome it was to. It seems that a few people have missed me and that put a spring in my step. No lessons today so I spent the day observing BCS (Business and Communication Studies) and meeting with Frances to hand over my classes.
I kept out of her way as much as I could but I was itching to see everyone, especially my tutor group. They were running the Hot Chocolate Cafe in Andrea's room which was nice to see.
I was a little concerned that my teaching was a little pedestrian before I left but, judging by the response I have had since I got back, I shouldn't have worried. Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Day 346 - Two Working Parents
Sunday March 28th
A rare day of rest and recuperation with nothing very much on. Mrs N is still recovering from her run and I have no lessons to plan for tomorrow as Frances is doing one more day.
Mrs N has started work to try and supplement my meagre wages. Everything changes again as we have to plan for her working four days a week. I am not particularly looking forward to it as it means being more planned out so someone is here for Alice when she gets home. Mrs N is nervous as it's the first time she's headed out to an office job for over 10 years.
It was always part of the plan but it will be interesting to see what the net impact will be on our income as we will undoubtedly give up some of the tax credits we have. The unquantifiable cost is quality of life to all of us with two working parents.
A rare day of rest and recuperation with nothing very much on. Mrs N is still recovering from her run and I have no lessons to plan for tomorrow as Frances is doing one more day.
Mrs N has started work to try and supplement my meagre wages. Everything changes again as we have to plan for her working four days a week. I am not particularly looking forward to it as it means being more planned out so someone is here for Alice when she gets home. Mrs N is nervous as it's the first time she's headed out to an office job for over 10 years.
It was always part of the plan but it will be interesting to see what the net impact will be on our income as we will undoubtedly give up some of the tax credits we have. The unquantifiable cost is quality of life to all of us with two working parents.
Day 345 - Super Sub
Saturday March 27th
Busy day today as Mrs N goes off and runs a very muddy and hilly 10k while Ted and I go up to Basingstoke and his team wins the U13 Hampshire Cup Final. The only down side to the whole thing is that he only gets on for 5 minutes at the end. A medal is a medal.
Mum and Dad are home from South Africa so we go out for a splendid meal at Brasserie Blanc to celebrate my birthday. There is much to catch up on.
Busy day today as Mrs N goes off and runs a very muddy and hilly 10k while Ted and I go up to Basingstoke and his team wins the U13 Hampshire Cup Final. The only down side to the whole thing is that he only gets on for 5 minutes at the end. A medal is a medal.
Mum and Dad are home from South Africa so we go out for a splendid meal at Brasserie Blanc to celebrate my birthday. There is much to catch up on.
Day 344 - Well'ard
Friday March 26th
Really enjoyed University day. We did lots of algebra and graphs. We are an eclectic bunch and have got on well with each other since we started, albeit limited to the days we are together. I'm not sure anyone has enough time for socialising outside of organised days.
Tonight was St Faith's Quiz Night and the mighty Jordan's Eyelashes swept the board. We had a very strong team but my personal triumph was naming Robbie's dog from Eastenders. No idea where it came from but it made up for my mistake on the World Cup question.
Really enjoyed University day. We did lots of algebra and graphs. We are an eclectic bunch and have got on well with each other since we started, albeit limited to the days we are together. I'm not sure anyone has enough time for socialising outside of organised days.
Tonight was St Faith's Quiz Night and the mighty Jordan's Eyelashes swept the board. We had a very strong team but my personal triumph was naming Robbie's dog from Eastenders. No idea where it came from but it made up for my mistake on the World Cup question.
Day 343 - Educational Gambling
Thursday March 25th
My last day at More House and I am very sad. Very little in the way of teaching today. My Year 8s are very content to potter around the class room, drawing, reading and chatting. I teach my Year 9s to play Blackjack, using my Johnnie Walker poker chips and then my Year 7s play Uno and watch their friends playing in a rugby tournament.
Highlight of the day must be my Year 9s, all of whom dislike each other, sitting around me at a desk, playing cards and not wanting to go to lunch as they want to keep playing. Priceless
In the blink of an eye, my placement is over and after a farewell pint with my mentor and Head of Maths, I head home and reflect on a fantastic experience.
My last day at More House and I am very sad. Very little in the way of teaching today. My Year 8s are very content to potter around the class room, drawing, reading and chatting. I teach my Year 9s to play Blackjack, using my Johnnie Walker poker chips and then my Year 7s play Uno and watch their friends playing in a rugby tournament.
Highlight of the day must be my Year 9s, all of whom dislike each other, sitting around me at a desk, playing cards and not wanting to go to lunch as they want to keep playing. Priceless
In the blink of an eye, my placement is over and after a farewell pint with my mentor and Head of Maths, I head home and reflect on a fantastic experience.
Day 342 - Killer Smarties
Wednesday March 24th
Final observation today and then it's all downhill. The boys are getting end of term fever so I decide to do a functional maths activity with my Year 8 class. This involves doing loads of different Maths around a tube of Smarties. They then get to eat the Smarties. It's bribery of the most heinous kind.
Everything is going brilliantly until the observing teacher asks whether I have checked with the nurse on allergies. I have not and on checking it turns out that 3 of them cannot handle or eat Smarties.
"So, Richard, how did your final observation at More House go?"
"Well....I was really pleased with the plan as it focused on building functional maths skills and included some excellent visual and kinaesthetic activity."
"Sounds great. How did the class enjoy it? Did they demonstrate any progress?"
"Well.....they really enjoyed it until three of them went into anaphylactic shock. Fortunately two of them had Epipens but we lost the other on the way to hospital"
"So you'll be resuming a career in Marketing then....."
All of them regularly ate Smarties at home so were utterly confused but we had to adjust the activity. Point taken on needing to check on this kind of thing but it's a little "world gone mad". Didn't seem to affect the observation as I got a Very Good!
Final observation today and then it's all downhill. The boys are getting end of term fever so I decide to do a functional maths activity with my Year 8 class. This involves doing loads of different Maths around a tube of Smarties. They then get to eat the Smarties. It's bribery of the most heinous kind.
Everything is going brilliantly until the observing teacher asks whether I have checked with the nurse on allergies. I have not and on checking it turns out that 3 of them cannot handle or eat Smarties.
"So, Richard, how did your final observation at More House go?"
"Well....I was really pleased with the plan as it focused on building functional maths skills and included some excellent visual and kinaesthetic activity."
"Sounds great. How did the class enjoy it? Did they demonstrate any progress?"
"Well.....they really enjoyed it until three of them went into anaphylactic shock. Fortunately two of them had Epipens but we lost the other on the way to hospital"
"So you'll be resuming a career in Marketing then....."
All of them regularly ate Smarties at home so were utterly confused but we had to adjust the activity. Point taken on needing to check on this kind of thing but it's a little "world gone mad". Didn't seem to affect the observation as I got a Very Good!
Day 341 - Mud Glorious Mud
Tuesday March 23rd
Observation number 4 with the Head of Maths. It turns out that he played hockey with Jon Potter, my old boss at Diageo. This is now the 3rd connection I have with Jon through people I have met on my return to the UK. It shouldn't be Kevin Bacon, it should be Jon Potter...or maybe it should be me!
Observation goes really well (Tarsia genius again!) although the lesson is curtailed by a late assembly. Once again I get kudos for dealing with disruption and adapting on the fly without panicking. Little does anyone know that I was paid thousands to do exactly that in my old life. I made a career of it. the only difference now is that I don't get paid thousands for it.
The afternoon is spent face down in glutinous mud in borrowed clothes as I join Year 9 and the Royal Marines on their Rewards afternoon. They organise this every term for those boys that accrue enough credits. I'm not sure how much of a reward this was as everyone got very very muddy but they all joined in and seemed to enjoy themselves. I will miss this lot.
My brother's pristine BMW gets caked in mud on the way home. Oops
Observation number 4 with the Head of Maths. It turns out that he played hockey with Jon Potter, my old boss at Diageo. This is now the 3rd connection I have with Jon through people I have met on my return to the UK. It shouldn't be Kevin Bacon, it should be Jon Potter...or maybe it should be me!
Observation goes really well (Tarsia genius again!) although the lesson is curtailed by a late assembly. Once again I get kudos for dealing with disruption and adapting on the fly without panicking. Little does anyone know that I was paid thousands to do exactly that in my old life. I made a career of it. the only difference now is that I don't get paid thousands for it.
The afternoon is spent face down in glutinous mud in borrowed clothes as I join Year 9 and the Royal Marines on their Rewards afternoon. They organise this every term for those boys that accrue enough credits. I'm not sure how much of a reward this was as everyone got very very muddy but they all joined in and seemed to enjoy themselves. I will miss this lot.
My brother's pristine BMW gets caked in mud on the way home. Oops
Day 340 - Low Maintenance Trainee
Monday March 22nd
More House are interviewing for Maths teachers today so two of my classes were requisitioned for them to teach. This meant I went from 4 to two lessons and a very relaxed Monday indeed. In addition, they have changed the Year 10 sets so I have one lesson with a new set and then that's it. Everyone is apologising for disrupting my placement and not being available to support me. The lazy me is smiling inwardly as that's two lessons I don't have to teach, the dedicated me is taking the bonus time to plan the best lessons possible for my final two observations this week.
Being low maintenance has its distinct advantages...I wonder how much they would pay me to stay on?
I attempt a very different lesson with Year 8 today as we have finished a topic. I read a chapter about prime numbers from The Number Devil and then ask them to find all the primes up to 100 and complete a puzzle. They are intrigued for about 10 minutes as I have removed the desks and just have a circle of chairs. They soon lose interest. Note to self!
More House are interviewing for Maths teachers today so two of my classes were requisitioned for them to teach. This meant I went from 4 to two lessons and a very relaxed Monday indeed. In addition, they have changed the Year 10 sets so I have one lesson with a new set and then that's it. Everyone is apologising for disrupting my placement and not being available to support me. The lazy me is smiling inwardly as that's two lessons I don't have to teach, the dedicated me is taking the bonus time to plan the best lessons possible for my final two observations this week.
Being low maintenance has its distinct advantages...I wonder how much they would pay me to stay on?
I attempt a very different lesson with Year 8 today as we have finished a topic. I read a chapter about prime numbers from The Number Devil and then ask them to find all the primes up to 100 and complete a puzzle. They are intrigued for about 10 minutes as I have removed the desks and just have a circle of chairs. They soon lose interest. Note to self!
Day 339 - Benign Pace
Sunday March 21st
Very relaxed day as Ellen was off on her D of E walk all day. Went for a run and then gathered myself for my final week at More House. I will be sad to go and would have no problem staying on there for a few weeks.
The pace seems to be more benign there. Maybe it's because I'm only there for a short time. Maybe it's because I don't have the A Level classes and tutor group. On reflection, I think it's the size of the school - the sheer numbers at Kings' mean that you are constantly on the go, there's a frenetic energy to the place that picks you up and spins you around from 8.30 to 3.30 every day. The boys at More House may have more need for individual attention but it's manageable because you can take the time and space to plan and reflect.
Very relaxed day as Ellen was off on her D of E walk all day. Went for a run and then gathered myself for my final week at More House. I will be sad to go and would have no problem staying on there for a few weeks.
The pace seems to be more benign there. Maybe it's because I'm only there for a short time. Maybe it's because I don't have the A Level classes and tutor group. On reflection, I think it's the size of the school - the sheer numbers at Kings' mean that you are constantly on the go, there's a frenetic energy to the place that picks you up and spins you around from 8.30 to 3.30 every day. The boys at More House may have more need for individual attention but it's manageable because you can take the time and space to plan and reflect.
Day 338 - Welsh Castles
Saturday March 20th
I have entered the Welsh Castles Relay and am currently reserve number 2 for a 22 man team. It looks like a fitting sequel to Ragnar with 22 legs from Caernavon to Cardiff over a June weekend. All the legs are about half marathon distance but you only run one leg each. We will be camping over on Saturday night, the day of the England v USA World Cup game.
I have also signed up to run a 10k at Epsom College on April 25th. This will be the first time I've been back in a long while but seems like an appropriate occasion to go. Looks like it will be a family occasion as Charles and Dad are coming along
I have entered the Welsh Castles Relay and am currently reserve number 2 for a 22 man team. It looks like a fitting sequel to Ragnar with 22 legs from Caernavon to Cardiff over a June weekend. All the legs are about half marathon distance but you only run one leg each. We will be camping over on Saturday night, the day of the England v USA World Cup game.
I have also signed up to run a 10k at Epsom College on April 25th. This will be the first time I've been back in a long while but seems like an appropriate occasion to go. Looks like it will be a family occasion as Charles and Dad are coming along
Day 337 - Non-Contact
Friday March 19th
Flexi Friday so probably my second favourite day of the week. The Maths dept. were not involved so I had the whole day to mark, plan, reflect and day dream.
Other teachers describe this as a 'non-contact' day. An interesting phrase that makes me think of prisons or highly contagious diseases. I did actually see some children during the day but made sure not to come into contact with them in any way.
Flexi Friday so probably my second favourite day of the week. The Maths dept. were not involved so I had the whole day to mark, plan, reflect and day dream.
Other teachers describe this as a 'non-contact' day. An interesting phrase that makes me think of prisons or highly contagious diseases. I did actually see some children during the day but made sure not to come into contact with them in any way.
Day 336 - Mr Nichols 1, Year 9 1
Thursday March 18th
And so it came to pass that I tamed the mighty Year 9. I took them out of the class room and down on to the rugby pitches. We were learning about time distance graphs so I got them to record their very own journey of walking, running, standing still etc. and then back to record it all on a graph.
The naughtiest boy of all decided he wanted to partner me and he was good as gold the whole lesson. Everyone else followed his lead and the time flew by. They actually learnt something. It felt a little chaotic and out of control at times but as all the theory states - we are all more likely to remember things if we are learning by doing as opposed to reading or listening. We are definitely more likely to remember if we are enjoying ourselves. I know I was.
Did I mention this was one of my formal observations? Thought so.
And so it came to pass that I tamed the mighty Year 9. I took them out of the class room and down on to the rugby pitches. We were learning about time distance graphs so I got them to record their very own journey of walking, running, standing still etc. and then back to record it all on a graph.
The naughtiest boy of all decided he wanted to partner me and he was good as gold the whole lesson. Everyone else followed his lead and the time flew by. They actually learnt something. It felt a little chaotic and out of control at times but as all the theory states - we are all more likely to remember things if we are learning by doing as opposed to reading or listening. We are definitely more likely to remember if we are enjoying ourselves. I know I was.
Did I mention this was one of my formal observations? Thought so.
Day 335 - Tarsia Genius
Wednesday March 17th
This time last year I was on a spectacular St Patrick's Day bender, I mean quality audit, in Manhattan with the out going DGUSA Exec team. This year I didn't even manage a pint.
Terrific observation today with Year 8. I am being observed by the same teacher across the same lesson each week so the trick here is to show progress by addressing the targets she set me last week. Today we did a Tarsia puzzle that is in the form of dominoes - they have to match the unsimplified algebraic expression to the simplified one. They did it brilliantly and make me look like a genius.
These Tarsia puzzles are brilliant. You download some software that loads up a range of templates for matching anything. You input the content and the software mixes it all up and churns out a printable output that the kids cut up, match and then make posters to put up on the wall. These can last a whole lesson or just 10 mins at the beginning or end.
This time last year I was on a spectacular St Patrick's Day bender, I mean quality audit, in Manhattan with the out going DGUSA Exec team. This year I didn't even manage a pint.
Terrific observation today with Year 8. I am being observed by the same teacher across the same lesson each week so the trick here is to show progress by addressing the targets she set me last week. Today we did a Tarsia puzzle that is in the form of dominoes - they have to match the unsimplified algebraic expression to the simplified one. They did it brilliantly and make me look like a genius.
These Tarsia puzzles are brilliant. You download some software that loads up a range of templates for matching anything. You input the content and the software mixes it all up and churns out a printable output that the kids cut up, match and then make posters to put up on the wall. These can last a whole lesson or just 10 mins at the beginning or end.
Day 334 - Mr Nichols 0, Year 9 1
Tuesday March 16th
Tuesday is my favourite day here as I teach one class at 9am and then have nothing until 2pm. This makes for a relaxed Monday night at home as I can reel off on lesson plan and then leave the other two until I get to school.
This morning Year 7 had a quick topic test and they all got 70% or more. This tells me that either I am a brilliant teacher or that the work is too easy for them......
I think I am losing Year 9 as I can't think of anything to get them whooping with excitement about graphs. Maybe I am attempting the impossible but all I have is a whiteboard, some books and a desk top PC. I got them to simulate a "live" set of axes and then use string to "draw" some straight line graphs, thereby attempting to use a more visual and kinaesthetic approach to my teaching. This failed spectacularly as I couldn't get any of them to focus on the task.
If you are dyslexic then the last thing you want to do is draw axes and straight lines and that's precisely what I asked them to do. Hooray for tried and tested methods of teaching
Tuesday is my favourite day here as I teach one class at 9am and then have nothing until 2pm. This makes for a relaxed Monday night at home as I can reel off on lesson plan and then leave the other two until I get to school.
This morning Year 7 had a quick topic test and they all got 70% or more. This tells me that either I am a brilliant teacher or that the work is too easy for them......
I think I am losing Year 9 as I can't think of anything to get them whooping with excitement about graphs. Maybe I am attempting the impossible but all I have is a whiteboard, some books and a desk top PC. I got them to simulate a "live" set of axes and then use string to "draw" some straight line graphs, thereby attempting to use a more visual and kinaesthetic approach to my teaching. This failed spectacularly as I couldn't get any of them to focus on the task.
If you are dyslexic then the last thing you want to do is draw axes and straight lines and that's precisely what I asked them to do. Hooray for tried and tested methods of teaching
Day 333 - Whimpers And Vexation
Monday March 15th
Week 2 of my second placement and I felt ready for it. I enjoyed my little morning drive up there and as I get to know more of the children and staff, it feels like a welcoming place to come to every day.
Used football with Year 7 today. They did paired activity, calculating goal difference for the last 6 seasons, finishing with a calculation to add extra points for superior goal difference. The intention was to show changes in each of the tables when the new points were added up. Unfortunately it didn't make any difference and so the lesson ended with a whimper, not a bang.
Year 9 continue to vex me. They are badly behaved but it's not that. I have tried a few different things to get them engaged but nothing is working (so far). Today, I tried mobile phone plans and reading straight line graphs to judge the best plans. Nothing.
Week 2 of my second placement and I felt ready for it. I enjoyed my little morning drive up there and as I get to know more of the children and staff, it feels like a welcoming place to come to every day.
Used football with Year 7 today. They did paired activity, calculating goal difference for the last 6 seasons, finishing with a calculation to add extra points for superior goal difference. The intention was to show changes in each of the tables when the new points were added up. Unfortunately it didn't make any difference and so the lesson ended with a whimper, not a bang.
Year 9 continue to vex me. They are badly behaved but it's not that. I have tried a few different things to get them engaged but nothing is working (so far). Today, I tried mobile phone plans and reading straight line graphs to judge the best plans. Nothing.
Day 332 - Am I Lazy?
Sunday March 14th
I think I probably am.
I do actively seek out avoidance strategies where possible.
I do leave things to the last minute and then cut corners to get things done on time.
I do cheer inside if a meeting gets cancelled or, nowadays, if a lesson observation gets cancelled.
I do sink into an indolent trance over the weekend unless someone (usually Mrs N) kicks me and gives me a list of things for me to do.
I'm saying all this because I have a sneaky suspicion I could be doing more to be a better teacher - more research, more questioning of other teachers, more preparation.
On the other hand, I could just have very high expectations of myself and never quite meet them. Yes, that's it. I'm not lazy, I'm deluded.
I think I probably am.
I do actively seek out avoidance strategies where possible.
I do leave things to the last minute and then cut corners to get things done on time.
I do cheer inside if a meeting gets cancelled or, nowadays, if a lesson observation gets cancelled.
I do sink into an indolent trance over the weekend unless someone (usually Mrs N) kicks me and gives me a list of things for me to do.
I'm saying all this because I have a sneaky suspicion I could be doing more to be a better teacher - more research, more questioning of other teachers, more preparation.
On the other hand, I could just have very high expectations of myself and never quite meet them. Yes, that's it. I'm not lazy, I'm deluded.
Day 331 - Flair
Saturday March 13th
Having negotiated my first week at More House, I was determined to add a little flair to my lessons next week. Not quite in the same league as flair bar tending but it still requires some effort to go beyond 'chalk and talk'. What makes it more difficult at More House is that my classroom does not have an Interactive Whiteboard or even a projector so I have to rely on other physical or visual props. I have a few things lined up for next week.
Took Ted to see Southampton v Leeds today on the bus. He is now a Junior Saint and, while this will never replace Liverpool for him, it means we can go and see a few games a season without costing a fortune. 1-0 victory in a great little stadium. Last time I saw Leeds was at Elland Road in about 95, playing Newcastle in the Premier League. How they have fallen.
Having negotiated my first week at More House, I was determined to add a little flair to my lessons next week. Not quite in the same league as flair bar tending but it still requires some effort to go beyond 'chalk and talk'. What makes it more difficult at More House is that my classroom does not have an Interactive Whiteboard or even a projector so I have to rely on other physical or visual props. I have a few things lined up for next week.
Took Ted to see Southampton v Leeds today on the bus. He is now a Junior Saint and, while this will never replace Liverpool for him, it means we can go and see a few games a season without costing a fortune. 1-0 victory in a great little stadium. Last time I saw Leeds was at Elland Road in about 95, playing Newcastle in the Premier League. How they have fallen.
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