18th January 2015

Understanding
What am I focusing on? Why is that important?
Using Google Drive and professional use of the MacBook to support
linking, sharing and accessing files collaboratively as a team.
This was one of my goals. While I cannot say it has been a deliberate
focus (much because catching y tail has been) this is something I have
had to use and get to know in order to be able to efficiently sort my
files. I have improved.
I still am unsure of sharing as others sometimes share items with me
that are not meant for me, and I hope I dont inadvertently do the same,
but all my folders and files are now organised should I need to locate
and share them.

Learning more about addressing the needs of individual and groups of

children in a child directed, play based learning environment, knowing
what is required and next steps as a teacher.
I have taught in early years but working with up to 90 children and
Ducks as well was a challenge. However as I have got to know the
children through observations and parent meetings, the trackers have
been easier to fill thus next steps have become more obvious. This has
grown organically as I have re-remembered the curriculum.

Additional strategies for managing challenging and defiant behaviour.

I am surprised I wrote this but I suppose the early weeks of the year
establishing routines,, setting up positive behaviours ( from me and for
the children) was important. The environment means that behaviours
are not so overt and can be unseen so discussions and dealing with
concerns is vital. The challenging behaviours usually becomes an
incentive for planning which has gone hand in hand with addressing
individual needs of the children above.

Personal study and library development participation.

This is the hardest and almost impossible challenge. Study time or exam
release is not recognised at this school so TIME is a frightening factor. I
have worked in many busy school and centre but the pace here is the
busiest with little down time; straight in and on the go at work at 7.30,
in my break I am usually following some admin up, lunch is just enough
time to eat. Children are not even dismissed when I am meeting with
the next set of parents, and then straight into the next one or even two
meetings. The little preparation time means I am completing emails,
figuring out IT and planning often at home.

Evaluating
What did I like? How did I do well?
I have loved the children- they have
been great and we really seemed to
have all formed a bond despite
working in such a large busy
environment. The environment is
noisy which can be a challenge.
I have liked how EY is starting fresh
so ideas and resources, thinking can
be all begin again.
How did I do well?
Well It is a bit like having a baby
and getting through those sleepless
nights and uncertainties and your
child turns one and you feel- Wow I
made it!
So yes I made a term. I feel I have
finally got systems in place. This is
not important so I can be organised
but so I can waste as little time as
possible on admin and spend more
interacting with children. I want to be
busy for the right reason- the
children.
The children have come so far and
have progressed. Does that
demonstrate my expertise in
teaching and learning or was I merely
there to facilitate the journey. I am
not sure but we have all learnt about
each other on the way!

Analysing
Do I see any patterns in what I do?
Who do I connect with? Why does this
happen?
Patterns? This term 1 was expected to
be as it was.: a new team,
environment, philosophy and
supporting TAs in this as well. However
I did see a pattern of playing catch up:
observing, recording, planning
adapting, meetings, and doing this all
again. I would like more reflection time.
I think so what? why does what I have
done mattered a big question in EY and
school.
Who do I connect with? I am not sure
what this questions means. I obviously
refer questions to Gilly as year leader.
We meet as a team through the week
as a unit. I chat with David H and David
D about IT problems as they are It
champs.
Why does this happen? I would like
more time to connect and get to know
people- in EY and in the school. To
know what they are doing
professionally and get to know people
on a personal level. There is so little
time for that.

Creating
What is something I want to try next?
Being a writer of lists I can refer to mine from the end of term one. These are
some quick notes I wrote but do apply:
To use QR codes to encourage Language and Lit more effectively
I had some problems with uploading childrens work from some apps which
is frustrating
Use Voicethread even better: get parents more involved
Begin to trial Junior Blogger with some children
Play with Aurasma
Plan trips which is going to be difficult
Get an EY Library account
Create a weaving loom inside and outside

Collecting
What feedback did I receive from my peers? How will I use this?
We have not had formal peer sharing sessions. Time is the difficult aspect.
I have videoed myself talking to children. These seem to be appropriate but I
need to not question so much as to interrogate.
I need to remember to smile and relax and be in the moment with the child/
group. For example I was able to see that someone was not back from their
break, looking at the clock to check when I cover my TAs break, or another
child has ran off . Even if this is happening I do need to try and take a deep
breath and smile as your frustration or pondering over something else may be
misconstrued by the children.