For mums of those starting school...
I’m a relatively experienced teacher but this year will be teaching a foundation/reception class for the first time. I want to hear from mums what made the transition easier for their kids in the first year of school.
What did the teacher/school do that stuck with you? What were the little extras you noticed that were memorable? What did you like/dislike about the first year of school? What was important to you?
Hit me with tips and tricks that will make this special time fun for everyone involved!
11 Replies
When my middle son started prep all the mums received a little care pack from the teacher which was lovely.
I love receiving photos and updates of my child throughout the day. Our school uses an app callee seesaw. Lots of open communication between the parent teacher is great. I love hearing positive things about my child. We went a whole year where I approached my eldest childs teacher only to ever received negative feedback. A bit of positive feedback would have been appreciated. Especially since he is an amazing kid at home and we'd never experienced and negative behavior in previous grades.
Good luck.
Positive feedback is so important! Thank you I appreciate your response.
You will mostly have a group of children who come into school with various abilities and they will all be at different places in there learning ability. You will also have a bunch of parents who think there child is gifted and advanced. Don’t assume the kids that can already read fluently have been coached. Some will have, others won’t have.
Honestly I couldn’t care less ubout updates etc, that stuff takes the teacher away from the class. Same as welcome parent presents. If you take your time to get to know my child and teach my child, that’s what makes the difference. Fluff and hand holding parents takes away from the children, which is what school is about.
I am the mother of a child starting school this year that fluently reads. And I am so stressed that I am going to be pigeon holed as a pushy mum. But he has literally put it together himself.
I don’t need pics or presents etc through the day but I’d certainly like a teacher who likes my son even when he is cheeky and hypo and not just class him as naughty.
Exactly, like my child, and that will make all the difference!
Yes every child is special in their own way! And it’s my job to find out their uniqueness... I’m sure you’re not a pushy mum, it’s important you share what you see is best for your son as well. You know him better than anyone!
I love your last line and will keep it in mind! You’re right in the need to bring it back to the kids! Thank you!
I can honestly say the most noteworthy qualities my kids most exceptional teachers have had are kindness, compassion and understanding, they're approachable and willingly communicate with me if there's an issue, they enthusiastically engage with the children, they treat each student like the individuals they are. Most importantly you can really tell they they genuinely care about their students and are really passionate about their job.
Teaching methods and welcome gifts mean very little to me.
Love this 👆
Me too ❤️
Thank you for your reply! Am certainly getting the point about bringing it back to the kids... yes you parents are important but you will see how much l love what I do by being child centred and approachable rather than getting caught up in the other extras! Thanks!