For our mid-week message this week, we thought we’d hand over to some of the teachers.
Miss Wilson currently teaches Reading skills to Y5,6 home learners across our three schools. She writes…
A big hello to everyone! I hope you’re doing well and I’m sending a virtual (socially distanced) high five for making it so far!
Thank you for the kind messages we’ve received about our home learning videos. As you can imagine, it was quite alien to begin with and although it still is somewhat strange, it’s really spurred me on knowing there’s been lots of engagement, a growth in confidence, and some brilliant learning happening. I miss having a full, noisy classroom with my lovely, energetic class. though.
I’m really enjoying my daily Zooms. Whether it’s with me our another teacher, thank you if you’ve logged on, even just once, shared your learning, asked a question or joined in with our games and reflections. Seeing and chatting to my class has really kept me going, along with having that consistent time of day to keep me in my routine. Keeping a bit of structure has helped me keep sane!
Something I’m missing dearly is playing hockey: my teammates, the game day feeling, the competition… What’s really helped me during lockdown is having my colleagues become my ‘teammates’ and having them support me (from “Help! How on Earth do I edit this video?” to “Help! I’ve finished The Serpent – what next?”) and getting the chance to work with people I don’t normally collaborate with. As a social creature, it’s been a great opportunity.
Not only has a routine kept me sane, but exercise has, too. It’s good to get my legs moving and heart pumping – plus it’s great for a brain declutter. I’ve been running (admittedly not very far or very quickly but that doesn’t matter one bit) whilst listening to the Hamilton soundtrack!
One of Mr Lindsay‘s many jobs is to collect up all the Key Stage 2 sessions and make sure they’re posted to the websites on time. You’ll also find him teaching a Living and Learning session each week to Y5,6 children in the Science and Topic strand…
Wow, what a start to 2021! We’re either snowed in or snowed under, juggling work and home schooling. Hopefully, Sphere Federation’s attempt to make the learning more accessible through recorded lessons and daily Zoom sessions has eased some of the unexpected stress of the last year.
At first, the thought of recording lessons seemed like a daunting challenge. How could you recreate the magic of a classroom in a 15 minute video? However, digging deep and unearthing my inner stand up comic / Blue Peter presenter has been more fun than you would imagine. The feedback from parents and children has been lovely to hear. Thank you.
With the cold weather, the current restrictions have felt even harder than those in the Summer. I’ve certainly missed celebrating Christmas and a few birthdays with loved ones. There is light at the end of the tunnel though, so I’m still optimistic for the future and for a better end to what has started off as a challenging year.
Our third teacher is Mr Parker, who’s been teaching Phonics to Y1 and Y2 children…
First of all, I’d like to thank those children who are regularly turning up to the Zoom sessions with your teachers. It’s really great to see your faces as we miss seeing them on a daily basis in school. Not having the normality of school every day is very tough for children, parents and staff.
I think normality is what I miss the most: being able to see my family when I want; being able to go out for a meal with friends; and being able to do the job I love in the way that I’m used to. If you’re missing the normality of school, it’s a good idea to keep in contact with your teachers via the Zoom sessions. Also, email your teachers with learning and they’ll be able to give you feedback just like they would in school.
My wife and I are expecting our first born baby in a matter of weeks. This is a very exciting time but it’s going to be very strange bringing our little boy into a world that isn’t ‘normal’ at the moment. Luckily, I know that I have close family, friends and a school community who are at the end of a phone to help.
Stay safe and have a well-deserved half-term break.
After half-term, we’ll invite two more teachers to contribute.
