Just wanted to quickly post about the last week I had at school here in England. I still have one more day (tomorrow) at Long Eaton, but I have completed my time at Shardlow primary. I'll post again really soon about my last weekend here. :)
Shardlow Primary School
For the safety of the students and the rules of the school, I'm not allowed to post my pictures online, but I can assure you I will keep them and hopefully have them in my future classroom. It has been so cool to be able to see how school works in another country and meet some really great teachers and staff. Upon going to England, I didn't know I'd have the opportunity to go to a primary school for my experience, I assumed it would all happen at Long Eaton, which is technically a secondary school. Being at the primary school proved to be so helpful for me and really gave me a better experience than I would've had otherwise, so I'm really grateful!
The students of Shardlow are going to grow up to be such sweet people and are learning so much at their school. The teachers there really care about the students, and because of its tiny, TINY size, (only four classrooms) the whole school feels just like a family. Everyone knows everyone and calls them by first name. All the students are polite and friendly to each other, are willing to share, and are truly comfortable. I hope to bring some of that into my own classroom.
I was given the opportunity to teach all afternoon on both Thursday and Friday of this week! Thursday, I taught a book and a play to a class of 28 Year 1 &2 students (Kindergarten and First grade). I had taught the book before, because its one of my absolute favorite children's stories. It's called "One" by Kathryn Otoshi. I wrote the book into a script so that students could perform it to classmates. The book teaches the importance of friendship and including everyone, and the students really loved it.
On Friday afternoon, I taught a lesson about the differences in my home in Kentucky and their homes in Shardlow. This was in the Year 3s and 4s class (2nd and 3rd grade). I gave the students opportunities to ask questions and learn more about school, hobbies, and generally anything they wanted to know. Then, the students wrote letters to "my American friend," asking them questions and telling them how school works in England. Hopefully I'll get to bring these to one of my former Student Teaching placement classes and share them! Loved this lesson and students did too.
Something different about this placement as opposed to the other two I have had back home at Alvaton and Richardsville... When the students say "Will you come and visit?!" ....... 😞
It's a little more difficult!
Some main differences to remember (neither negative nor positive... just differences)
Every once in a while, a few students will be recognized at a school assembly for acquiring a pen license or "exemplifying Shardlow spirit." (Students receive a pen license if their handwriting proves to be at the exemplary level, and the student gets to write in pen instead of pencil!) Parents will come and students are absolutely thrilled when they are recognized. :) The headteacher called a school assembly on Friday afternoon and gave some pen licenses, recognized some students for good work, and gave out some "Shardlow Spirit Awards" for confidence, motivation, independence, and open-mindedness. The last recipient of the award was... me! And I was able to get all four awards! Such a sweet thing of the staff to do. I was too flattered to even know what to say. I've learned so much and will miss all the students and the staff.
The students of Shardlow are going to grow up to be such sweet people and are learning so much at their school. The teachers there really care about the students, and because of its tiny, TINY size, (only four classrooms) the whole school feels just like a family. Everyone knows everyone and calls them by first name. All the students are polite and friendly to each other, are willing to share, and are truly comfortable. I hope to bring some of that into my own classroom.
I was given the opportunity to teach all afternoon on both Thursday and Friday of this week! Thursday, I taught a book and a play to a class of 28 Year 1 &2 students (Kindergarten and First grade). I had taught the book before, because its one of my absolute favorite children's stories. It's called "One" by Kathryn Otoshi. I wrote the book into a script so that students could perform it to classmates. The book teaches the importance of friendship and including everyone, and the students really loved it.
On Friday afternoon, I taught a lesson about the differences in my home in Kentucky and their homes in Shardlow. This was in the Year 3s and 4s class (2nd and 3rd grade). I gave the students opportunities to ask questions and learn more about school, hobbies, and generally anything they wanted to know. Then, the students wrote letters to "my American friend," asking them questions and telling them how school works in England. Hopefully I'll get to bring these to one of my former Student Teaching placement classes and share them! Loved this lesson and students did too.
Something different about this placement as opposed to the other two I have had back home at Alvaton and Richardsville... When the students say "Will you come and visit?!" ....... 😞
It's a little more difficult!
Some main differences to remember (neither negative nor positive... just differences)
- "Registration" and housekeeping terms for things... I could go on for days. When I read the kids' letters, the American students won't have a clue what they're talking about
- Assembly: every day before lunch
- Uniforms of course
- Subjects studied: Literacy, Numeracy, phonics, Religion... lots of differences there
- School theme
- Teachers teach all subjects including Art and P.E. and Music
Every once in a while, a few students will be recognized at a school assembly for acquiring a pen license or "exemplifying Shardlow spirit." (Students receive a pen license if their handwriting proves to be at the exemplary level, and the student gets to write in pen instead of pencil!) Parents will come and students are absolutely thrilled when they are recognized. :) The headteacher called a school assembly on Friday afternoon and gave some pen licenses, recognized some students for good work, and gave out some "Shardlow Spirit Awards" for confidence, motivation, independence, and open-mindedness. The last recipient of the award was... me! And I was able to get all four awards! Such a sweet thing of the staff to do. I was too flattered to even know what to say. I've learned so much and will miss all the students and the staff.
The Long Eaton School
Although I didn't have as much time actually in classes at the Long Eaton School, I have learned so much from the students and the teachers. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. Since I can't drive here and Shardlow is too far away to walk, someone from Long Eaton has taxied me to and from every day. Really great! They've also given me lots of opportunities within the classrooms I've been in, and just generally been lovely to see every day. I've made lots of friends and I will miss them!
Some main differences to remember (neither negative nor positive... just differences)
Special thanks to both schools for giving me a great experience and lots of opportunities! You've helped my teaching career in so many ways.
Alright then! I'll be back for a weekend post soon! :)
--Haley
Some main differences to remember (neither negative nor positive... just differences)
- Extensive and mobile timetables (schedules): This allows students to take more classes per term and have more choice, but possibly less of a relationship with the teachers, just because they don't see the student as much
- LOTS more classes offered: everything from technology and business to food to construction to hair and beauty to drama to music... lots and lots of choices
- GCSEs, A levels, and sixth form... This is hard to explain, but nothing like it at home. Lots of pressure on these students at an early age
- Driving to school: virtually no students
- Uniforms: a definite
- Teachers have free periods sometimes to plan (?!)
- Students are allowed outside for breaks and lunch and social times
Special thanks to both schools for giving me a great experience and lots of opportunities! You've helped my teaching career in so many ways.
Alright then! I'll be back for a weekend post soon! :)
--Haley