Next Professional Development Opportunity fro Relief Teachers

No-one would argue that the year has jst flown by yet again!

You know the old saying......

" Time flies when you are having fun! "

I trust you have all had fun in 2010!

The "Relief-Insight" teachers workshop is lots of fun too and the last one for 2010 is coming up soon...... the 27th of November. Most of the feedback kindly says that this is the time that all the ideas contained in the workbook come alive as I demonstrate and get the participants to get activley involved. It is fun and lots of learning all rolled up together in one Saturday.

So if you are able to attend please contact me as soon as possible to secure a position for the 27th.

“Relief Insight”
Relief/ Supply Teacher Workshop for Primary School Teachers
Presented by: Carmel Kuhr (Dip of T, B.Ed)

Want to learn more about what it really means to be a relief teacher
in today’s school environment and reflect on quality teaching practices in this role?
How to get started? What to get organised?
Want to be inspired by behavior management and organisational strategies
that really deliver results?

No matter whether you are an experienced classroom teacher or student teacher, this workshop will give you an insight into establishing classroom strategies that build relationships and make the classroom environment a place of productivity, fun and learning.

Venue: Chermside Public Library, 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside.
Time: 8:45am for a 9:00am sharp start until 12:45pm
Professional Hours: Three ( QCT Certificate of Participation supplied)
Date: Saturday 27th November, 2010
Cost: $40 pp (includes comprehensive resource handbook)
Payment: Please note cash only on the day, or direct deposit prior to the day.

RSVP: Essential ASAP. Please leave your name, current teaching status & contact details via email. Accurate numbers essential for booking the venue. Limited numbers due to available room size. I will confirm the workshop numbers and viability with a reply email on Wed 24th Nov.

Mobile: 0409 034 189 (Carmel)
Blog: http://relief-insight.blogspot.com
Email: carmelkuhr@internode.on.net


This invitation is open to all teaching professionals.

Look forward to meeting you there,

Live, laugh and learn,

Carmel

"Relief -Insight" Feedback

A great group of experienced supply teachers gathered together on the the 18th of October and took some time to share, laugh and reflect on everything from the challenges of the supply teacher to the inspirational strategies that can make the real difference between a good day and a great day! The collective wisdom was so evident as I listen as well as shared our teaching strategies and methods. I was so glad that we had made this learning opportunity happen.



The workshops I run are predominantly attended by graduate teachers who may find themselves working as a supply teacher while on the journey towards a full time position. While it all sounds so simple the practical reality of the supply teachers role can sometimes be " the straw that breaks the camel's back" for the fresh out of uni graduate! I am only too pleased to be able to share some of the "Tricks of the Trade" with my fellow colleagues.



Why the need for "tricks" you may ask? I believe the real difference lies in the lack of relationship you have with the group of children. This lack of relationship can lead to a breakdown in behaviour management, classroom organization and therefore quality teaching and learning opportunities are minimized. A supply teacher day can be very stressful!

It doesn't have to be! This workshop is testimony to that fact. It is amazing to listen and share quality teaching practice that spreads from Prep to Year 7. The diversity of skills and strategies that a proficient supply teacher must keep at their finger tips is startling.



All of us agreed to keep in touch and left feeling enriched by the learning and sharing of new ideas from every one's contributions. My workbook proved to be a good catalysts for other ideas and perhaps in future additions of the book I will be including more places for notes and inclusions. Finding professional learning opportunities that are specifically catering for the needs of the supply teacher can be a challenge. I am so pleased to be able to met this need it a way that is rewarding and practical in nature.

It is my hope to hold more of these opportunities for experienced supply teachers in the future. The next workshop to be held on the 27th of November will be predominantly for newly graduating teachers. This is not to the exclusion of the experienced teacher by any means. I just find the experienced teachers love to share and talk from their experience. I can lead the discussion to a deeper level when teachers are very familiar with the needs of the particular aged child. Therefore grouping the workshops based on teachers experience and needs does make sense. Just letting everyone know about the opportunity is the biggest challenge.

So please pass the word around if you know anyone who would benefit from the blog info or coming to the workshop. Word of mouth is not only the best way but also the most sincerest form of advertising. So a special thank you in advance. This is not a million dollar business just a genuine attempt to make a difference in the world of teaching.

Feedback from Jo on the day....."I am no longer an island where no-one wants to land. Thanks you for making me feel valued. " (Jo)

"Lots of fabulous ideas....allows one to think outside the circle....encourages you to explore and create other ideas. " (Debbie)

"Amazing wealth of ideas and beautifully organised and well presented resources. Loved the interactive presentation as we all had something to offer. " (Gail)

Thanks everyone I had a brilliant day too. This could be the start of something bigger! You are all such amazing teachers.

Live,laugh,learn...
Carmel

Teacher Professional Inservice Opportunity

There are two upcoming "Relief Insight" workshop opportunities coming up in October and November here in Brisbane. The first is on Monday 18th and specifically designed for experienced supply teachers. It is to be held during the day as all other staff will be involved with CTJ professional in service day in their area. It seems like a perfect opportunity to do some of our own collaborative sharing and peer learning.

The second opportunity is for graduates and those intending on trailing this career pathway. It will be held on Saturday the 27th of November at Chermside. I will attach the flier for this workshop next blog.

For now here is the opportunity PD this coming Monday the 18th of October. I am relying on school to inform relief teachers within this next week. It will interesting to see how well they do this as getting the message ou there to supply teachers is tricky as you all well know!

“Relief Insight”presents….
Tricks of the Trade!
Relief/ Supply Teacher Workshop
Facilitated by: Carmel Kuhr (Dip of T, B.Ed)

Looking for professional development specifically designed for the amazing teaching professional called the relief teacher?
Want to add more reliable strategies to your relief teacher’s “Bag of tricks”
How to get better organized?
Want to be inspired by, as well as share your, behaviour management and organisational strategies that really deliver results?

There is little doubt that CTJ day, the 18th October, provides a reflective element to our professionalism as teachers. Relief teachers play an essential role in the smooth functioning of the schools learning environments and as such amass a great deal of skills dealing with a wide variety of children across the school that can sometimes be undervalued. While not directly involved in CTJ Day this year why not use the time to increase your own professional learning by taking part in this interactive and practical workshop? There will be time to share, learn from each other and reflect on the skills and knowledge that form an essential part of the relief teachers’ “toolbox”. Come along prepared to share your best strategies, learn from your colleagues and reflect on quality teaching practice.


VENUE: Our Lady of the Way Parish Centre, 38 Armstrong St, Petrie.
TIME: 8:30 am for 9 am start – 2:00pm finish
DATE: Monday 18th of October
MEAL: BYO lunch (Morning tea & tea/coffee available)

PROFESSIONAL HOURS: Four (Certificate supplied)
COST: $40 pp (includes comprehensive resource handbook)



RSVP: Essential ASAP. Please leave your name & contact details via email. Certain numbers are required to cover the associated costs and numbers will be limited by space. Thank you for your understanding in this regard.
I will confirm the workshop numbers and viability with a reply email on Friday, 15th of October.


Look forward to meeting you all for this opportunity of learning and sharing.
Live, laugh and learn on your journey….

Carmel Kuhr



Blog: http://relief-insight.blogspot.com
Email: carmelkuhr@internode.on.net


PLEASE NOTE:

Payment: Either cash on the day or direct deposit prior to the day. (Please email for specific details )
Parking in parish car park on the top of the hill in Armstrong Street.
Plenty of paper & pens for recording, perhaps a display book too!
Please come along prepared to show and share! (Laugh too!)
Topics will include: Starting and closing the day, organisational strategies, professionalism in the everyday, behaviour management strategies, attention strategies, rewarding students, management of groups when out and about, teaching strategies that cater for all learning styles, multipurpose learning tools.
The day is not so much about what to teach but how to develop quality teaching practice in this challenging but rewarding teaching role.
Please share this information with any other teaching professional who may benefit.
Really appreciate early RSVPs. Thank you so much.

Graduate Teacher's Meeting

Part 2:

1. What is it that the class teacher has that the poor old supply teacher (student teacher too) doesn’t have?

Relationship and knowledge of the learners in this class i.e. learning styles.

Keep thinking about that as I start the school day in year 5. After introducing myself, one of the first housekeeping matters that needs to be attended to, is marking the roll. (Change to online but you should still have a class list)

Good morning year 5 I am Mrs Kuhr and I am happy to be here today to see how well your class functions as a learning community. Use strategy "Excuses Excuses." (See Relief Insight Book page 11 ) Main purpose is to build relationship quickly, gain insight into class dynamics and establish your presence.

You never get a second chance to make a second impression!

2. Relief Insight."

When first commencing Relief teaching I thought about the skills required to do relief teaching ...Venn diagram explained. In 2006 when I was first invited to speak to the 4^th years at ACU the students were so keen to hear more about this “land of relief teaching and the diversity of skills” that I developed a workshop called Relief Insight which does exactly that...gives the participant an insight, not what to teach, but how and why behind the tricks of the trade!

In a nutshell....

Relief Insight is a practical skill based workshop that is designed to empower you with strategies and concepts to work with all year levels in multi sensory and engaging way.

For all teachers....

Show Power Point 2 Quick look at the content. If you like what you see and hear in this short presentation please refer to you flier for more information about my workshops that offer the participant three hours of professional in-service. As you may appreciate I am first and foremost a classroom teacher and the workshops are not a business run venture. Your expression of interest is essential for the correct numbers to cover costs and then I am more than happy to share my professional experience. BLOG SITE TOO.

3. Earlier I challenged you to keep an open mind to this teaching role. Just like a class I can’t assume that you will keep focus in discussion only through auditory modality. So let’s do a PMI chart that could be written but can’t so lets make it all three ! Explain what is expected....

Advantages and Disadvantages: (Vote with your hand gesture as shown whether this is a positive, minus or a negative in your opinion)

· Flexible working days

· My own boss

· No holiday pay (Be aware there are ten weeks school holidays)

· Flexibility to have more than one income stream.

· No-little take home preparation.

· No staff meeting(ask for an invitation)

· No sick pay-leave

· Inside look at a school community and the school environment

· Miss Staff development days (Definitely ask for an invite...INTRANET)

· No curriculum planning (Actively look for a mentor)

· Higher casual rate of pay per hour

· Build up lots of professional contacts.

· Actively teaching all age ranges.

· Exposed to a variety ideas as presented in individual classrooms.

· Familiarization with a broad range of teaching resources/practices in schools.

6. The Five Bees (See earlier blog post)

7. Closing

Relief teaching is a wonderful experience of professional growth. You are in charge of your own learning journey. Every professional should have the chance to do this role. Most would decline...are all teachers control freaks!

Definitely not for wimps but most worthwhile things are like that! I would liken some days to being on the set of THANK GOD YOU ARE HERE!

Thank you and blessings on your teaching journey. It is not a job it is a calling.... all the best.

So this is how I finished the meeting.

It was half an hour in duration but when you are in front of a large audience it just flies. The other funny thing is that everyone is listening to you.....I mean really listening!

In a classroom you have so many distractions and interruptions to the flow of your teaching that I almost get the giggles and ask will someone please wriggle in their seat or call out so I feel more at home! Seriously, I trust I was able to convey the main message......

Life is not over if your don't get a full time job straight away!!!

Supply teaching has so many advantages to your teaching journey that it can't be dismissed. I understand the lack of full time income, however your ability to check out a school community from the inside before you choose to apply for a position to that school can be an advantage for both you and the school. Not every school is going to suit who you are a teaching professional. So follow the old advice and always look at the bright side of life and ...

Live, laugh and learn...

Carmel

Graduate Teachers (Independent Teachers' Union Meeting)

Recently I was invited to address a meeting of graduate teachers . As I looked around at all the eager faces I reflected how I felt at this same stage in my life journey. How I was so eager to hear anything that would support my understanding of what this brave new world of education was going to be like. However, the truth for this group is that not all would walk straight in to full time employment.

Yes, I know it would be a pretty bitter pill to swallow after all that blood ,sweat and tears that had gone into study! Unfortunately this is reality . However, it is not the only way to see the journey and for many reasons I really believe that some things that you thought would be so negative can turn out to be a real positive. This is exactly my message to people in regards to the benefits that relief /supply teaching can be to the young professional starting out on their career journey .The benefits come in a hidden but most interesting way if only you are prepared to work at this role in the same way you would in your first full time position. Today my objective was to "enlighten" the listeners to this possibility.......

Allow me to share the introduction of my lecture at the Independent Teachers' Union .....


PART 1

My pleasure to be here today, to be part of your journey....your career journey.
The metaphor that life is a journey is one that everyone would agree with. However, I like the extended version......

"Life is a journey -not a destination!"

And while it is good to have an end to journey towards;

but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

Today I would like to congratulate you all on having clear goals about where you are journeying to in life. You are indeed a life traveller who has dedicated much time, research, preparation and effort in expectation for this amazing journey into the professional world of education. You have every right to feel pride in your achievements thus far on your chosen career path.
Like every good traveller, you are constantly checking on your travel plans and today’s conference will provide you with more important understandings. Unlike this image .......everyone’s path will be different and the way will not always be as you have planned it to be.

Life is like that! (Only on reflection can all the positives of an unforeseen diversion to the path you planned to take become evident.)

Image a traveller’s shock to be told at the last minute that the country of origin that he had been planning, dreaming and saving to live in was inaccessible at this current time and it is suggested that instead he visits a nearby country. Of course he is dismayed, outraged in fact! This was not part of the plans..... However as he calms and his emotions subside, he is drawn to the facts that the suggested “new” country has exactly the same political, social and cultural environments that he had been researching. (Why the occupants even speak the same language!) It is not that he can’t ever visit he desired country of choice, it is just that he is not able to gain full entry at this present time. There is only one condition he was not really mentally ready for....he will have to visit as a back packer! Not quite what was on his agenda but he prides himself on being a possibility thinker!

What if you were that traveller?

Would you open to the possibilities?

Would you have the personal and professional skills to look at things in a new way if the journey takes directions you were not planning?

I join you today as a backpacker of the teaching world...that’s right....a relief teacher, a supply teacher, a casual teacher or as the American’s say a substitute teacher. Originally, I did initially enter the wonderful world of education on a full time basis, taking on a number of administration roles throughout that time. As my life path twisted and turned I made adjustments that honoured my life’s journey’s priorities. Over the past ten years I have travelled through this land gaining more and more understandings into the complexities and diverse skills that are required to successfully fulfil this essential role in our schools today.

So over the remaining time, allow me to open your mind to the advantages this role may have to offer should your career journey take this path.

If not for yourself, then a better understanding into the respect the role deserves, when you are

in full management of a class and another professional assumes this role for you.

To be continued.....

Live, laugh and learn,

Blessings for the journey.

Carmel

Happy World Teachers' Day!

I think this well know little reflection speaks for itself .

Please.....make a coffee and enjoy the read!

I believe we all need to live in moments. No matter full time or part time teaching we are all star polishers, all playing our part in the universe.

Thought for today: Make a Star Polisher's Journal.

In it you keep all those little notes, drawings, moments , letters from parents, photos and affirmations from the children whose life you have "polished" In the darker moments of when you are wondering why you are doing all this, has it been worth it?....reach for the book, open the book and remember......there is no greater calling than to the profession of teaching.

I love mine and I hope you do too!

The Star Polisher

I have a great job in the universe of occupations. What do I do? I'm a "star polisher."I have a very important job. If you want to know how important, just go out at night and look at the stars twinkling and sparkling.You see, I'm a teacher. The stars are the children in my class. My job is to take them in-- in whatever shape they come-- and shine and buff them and then send them out to take their places as bright little twinkling beacons in the sky.They come into my room in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they're bent, tarnished, dirty, crinkly and broken. Some stars are cuddly, soft and sweet. Some stars are prickly and thorny.As I buff, polish, train and teach my little stars, I tell them that the world cannot do without them. I tell them they can do anything they set their minds to do. I tell them they can be the brightest, shiniest stars in the sky and the world will be a better place because of them. Each night as I look at the sky, I'm reminded of my very important job and awesome responsibility. I go and get my soft buffing cloth and my bottle of polish in preparation for tomorrow and for my class of little stars.
~ Leah Becks ~

Happy World Teachers' Day

Live laugh and learn....

Carmel

Be Professional..Leave a note!

Yesterday, my relief day was what I call, "Round the World." By this I mean that I was asked to relieve teachers in 40minute blocks so they could meet with a specialist teacher regards the term ahead. I literally worked with every teacher and year level in that one day. While the teaching focus was already preplanned by the class teacher, I needed to be able to adjust the the new age group and the learning very quickly so as to hold the attention and momentum of the day. This is what I would call the "Tricks of the Trade" as well a splash of profession experience!

I actually the challenge of the pace of the day! I also enjoy trying out new strategies that may enhance the learning environment especially when you don't know the children's names and learning styles.

However, yesterday the one thing that I received the most positive feedback about was the appreciation of a concise note detailing the work covered and any other information of note e.g students who had to attend another specialist lesson at the same time, parent collecting a child from the room and at what time, work that had been collected and students that require follow up to name a few examples.

This note was not just written on the back of a scrap piece of paper but presented professionally and placed with any other collected work on the desk. The affirmation of this system tells me that this is appreciated but it also sends a message that I respect my role in the smooth functioning of a school day and see my contribution as valuable. Teaching is all about being professional in all that we do and say.

Actions do speak louder than words though don't they!

Live, laugh and learn every day...

Carmel

Substitute, Supply or Relief Teachers.... we are all in this together!

“Unless you try something beyond what you have already

mastered, you will never grow.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

No matter what your teaching experience, if you are reading this blog you are preparing to move into a distinctly unique aspect of the education profession known as substitute ,relief or supply teaching.

Congratulations on being prepared to grow. Growth takes courage and on occasions so does substitute teaching! Every day you face a new set of children, a new grade level, a new set of individual needs, a new classroom environment and a new set of ground rules. Don’t be put off by the challenges, consider the positives. Every day is a fresh beginning with the opportunity to do it better and make a difference. One day, one kind word, one learning experience can stay with a child for a lifetime. I am always humbled when a child (sometimes years later) can remind me of a moment when I touched their life or anchored a specific learning concept firmly in their mind. These tiny moments cannot be undervalued. You must never underestimate the power of the moment and how God may choose to work through you in this important role of relief teaching.

Without the team of dedicated professionals providing this service our schools would not function as efficiently and smoothly as they do. However, you must be aware that you are responsible for your own professional growth and development. In the context of the role, you must be proactive in seeking out in-services that may suit your needs, colleges who form part of your mentoring team and resources that inspire you to journey on in your chosen career path.

If you live in the Brisbane , Australia area, I am conducting another workshop for Supply Teachers on Saturday the 31st of July. (More details in following blog) This workshop goes hand in hand with my workbook and many participants give feedback that the three hours of professional fun and learning really make the ideas come alive! The other benefit of this workshop is that you can add these three hours to your QTC professional development log requirements for 2010. Yeah! You also gain the added advantage of networking with other like minded professionals who are experiencing all the same things. It really does help to know you are not alone!

If you are not local, so to speak, don't worry...this is exactly why I was encouraged to start this blog...so you could find me and access the workbook on line. You are downloading the same book with the added advantage of being able to slide it into a display book for longevity and additional pages for ever-increasing ideas you will gain along the way! Should you choose to do this you will find it on the left at the top of the blog page. Simply click on the picture icon the open the link.

Can't wait to read your feedback. Sharing is a wonderful gift...thank you.

The book was primarily generated to give the reader “insight” into some of the key aspects of the relief teaching day. There are already many fantastic resources for lesson content. These humble ideas are meant to be the glue that can hold your teaching day together; the strategies that teachers develop over a lifetime of constant refinement and re-evaluation. As a fellow traveller, it is my hope that some of the strategies and suggestions contained in these pages (and workshop ) do exactly that…..inspire you to move forward, doing more and being more for the betterment and enrichment of the students in your care.

Live,laugh and learn every day!

Carmel Kuhr

“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of standing still.”

Chinese Proverb

Spice It Up...Brain Challengers

As the term draws to a very rapid conclusion here in Brisbane, I find the children (teachers as well) are also very tired and ready for a well deserved break. This is the very time we Relief Teachers have to be at the top of our game with teaching strategies that engage all learning styles and maximize interest.

The following are four examples of games that are far from fillers. The content you use and the objectives you desire to be obtained can really made interesting with these games as a template.
Most importantly have fun.....on a personal note, I have used Vote with Your Feet as an interesting introduction to a rather dull history lesson. Human Noughts and Crosses as the focus on the non verbal communication skills, Celebrity Heads was a lot of fun at the conclusion of a novel study when the celebrities became characters from the novel, and Hot Seat is a great way to evaluate the retention of a lesson filled with lots of facts or general knowledge like collective nouns or proverbs etc.

Love to read of any other games you find a useful learning tool. I do have lots more in my book but these are just a taste! I am sure you know loads more than I do!

The fun is in the experimentation...


Vote With Your Feet:
This is a strategy for getting all the class involved and
thinking about the discussion at hand. It challenges everyone to have an opinion and
reason why. Application is very broad. Basic concept: All children stand. Explain
that we are going to vote with our feet after I make a general statement. Should you
strongly agree with the statement move to this side of the room, not sure in the centre
of the room and strongly disagree to the opposite side of the room. The wonderful part
comes when you seek the reason why they are of that opinion. Use the Koosh ball and
watch in the interactions heat up. This concept also works well in the lower grades for
the true/false statements. I have also used it to heighten interest in a rather dull
history lesson. Instead of an opinion the class had to vote with their feet on which of
the two outcomes they thought was realistic. They had fun voting with their feet and I
had fun thinking on my feet! Anything that gets children active learners is a winner for
me!
Human Noughts And Crosses:
Only resources necessary are nine chairs in the array of three and the
class divided in two equal groups. If you would like to
highlight the importance of good communication in teamwork then insist that for the
first two games no communication/speaking is allowed at all. The game is played just
like the paper version. The crosses team cross their arms across their chest and play
one person at a time. The noughts must have their hands on their heads to indicate a
circle. Boys verses girls works well too. Three in a row are the winners. For the next
two games talking is allowed. Discuss your observations? What was the difference
and why? The other version is to divide into two teams. The chair arrangement is in
the centre of the room. Issue a mathematical based problem to one team, if they are
correct they may take a seat on the array. Continue taking turns and first in a row of
three are the champions! Fun too!

Celebrity Heads: It is worthwhile giving this game some thought as to how you
can best use its structure. I always have my picture cards in my Bag of Tricks so the
little ones can have a visual link. The older children respond well to links with the
literature they are currently reading or the topic they are studying. No resources are
required if the players sit in front of the board and their character is displayed above
their heads and line of sight. Consider reverse Celebrity Heads where the three
contestants know who or what they are; however, it is the class who has to formulate
the questions.

Hot Seat: This game could be adapted to be used in any application where you are
requiring children to answer quick short answer questions. I mainly use it for
vocabulary and or language based questions, like finish the proverb, names for
collective nouns or antonyms. It is also a great revision tool. Form the class into a
circle. Place a chair “The Hot Seat” at the top of the circle like the throne. The first
‘victim’, I mean, student sits in the seat. I ‘fire off’ a question. The child stays in the hot
seat until they are incorrect or say pass. Be very mindful of how any class game can
place a lot of stress on the learner. I would never say “wrong” when a child attempts
an answer or even chooses pass. I do have a funny buzzer noise I say like “Nar!”
then I add “Thank you for playing.” Personally I think this helps to reinforce that this
is playing and I thank them for choosing to play. I will also make the ultimate winner
thank the class for playing, as without them he/she would not be a winner.

Live, laugh and learn and don't forget to post a comment with you great ideas...we are all learners together!
Carmel

Professionalism Part 2

Much of what is written here is what you may call "common sense" ; however, it is surprising what we sometimes need reminding of in order to stay completely professional.

Professional respect can only be earned by your repetitive display of appropriate behaviour not only to fellow teaching professionals but to the parents and children in our circle of influence.

The following tips are the conclusion of the two part series:


· Record all communication in professional tone and format.

· Display diligent supervision while on playground duty.

· Display initiative in a challenging situation.

· Always follow up on significant incidents either in the playground or in the classroom.

· Be aware of appropriate teacher-pupil interactions at all times.

· Develop a keen interest in on-going personal and professional development.

· Join a professional group, or subscription, as a means to expand current understanding and embrace change!

· Actively seek out an experienced mentor.

· As a life long learner, practice and refine your skills of reflective thinking everyday.


Live,laugh and learn....
Carmel

Professionalism Part 1

We all know the true heart of a teacher is a gift and calling. In order to enhance this natural ability one must strive to be a serious student of life.

“To know the road ahead, ask those who are coming back.”
(Chinese Proverb)

Certain attributes and behaviours will send this clear message to the world of your commitment to this wonderful profession. Here are a few, I would humbly suggest for your reflection…..

· Arrive to work in a timely manner.

· Be impeccable with your words, greeting and speaking to fellow teachers and students respectfully.

· Dress appropriately. Always identifying your role through the use of a badge. (In keeping with the tone of the school.)

· Communicate effectively with parents, mindful of other children’s privacy and rights.

· Show prudent and correct use of the school resources.

· Don’t make assumptions. Clarify and ask questions.

· Record all communication in professional tone and format.

Before I close the workshop on Saturday the 15Th of May in Brisbane, quickly reached capacity.

If you are interested in the June/July workshop please drop me a post and I can add you to the list. The workshops are a lot of fun and everyone who attends bonds together as life long learners beautifully! I am always very chuffed to facilitate the workshop.

Live, laugh and learn!

Carmel

Attention Please, Class!

A quarter of a century ago, the teacher only had to walk into the room, or appear on the veranda, for a hushed silence to fall over the class. I am afraid to say the challenge is a lot greater with today’s children. However, your presence as the authority figure is still just as important.

The calmed hush can still be achieved in today’s classroom. It will be generated on the basis of mutual respect not fear. Respect comes with a growing relationship and this is exactly where the challenge lies.

Each class will be a little different depending on the year level and management style of the class teacher. You cannot possibly effect change in one day. Time to think outside the square! Time to make it fun! Time to make it special just for today!

The following are a few suggestions that you may use your professional discretion as to which strategy is suitable for which year level. More ideas and strategies are found in my handbook.

These strategies come are fully developed in my "Relief Insight"workshops. The next workshop is being held in May on the north side of Brisbane, post my speaking engagement at Australian Catholic University. Feedback indicates that no matter what your teaching experience, participants felt very empowered by the practical nature of the workshop. If you are interested please leave a comment with your email address and I will be in contact.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CLASSROOM:

S.A.L.A.M.I Magic instruction only known to the special class and you. It means STOP AND LOOK AT ME IMMEDIATELY. Only Year 4A know that! This becomes the strategy that takes the old FREEZE technique one step further. If you do use FREEZE, don’t forget to use THAW as the signal to continue as before.

RAIN SHOWER Nothing is as calming as the sound of falling rain. Try this idea on the younger ones when you are waiting calmly for the group to settle. Finger tips wiggling from head height to your waist to imitate the falling rain. Cross hands back and forth to represent the puddle and at the same time making the sound, shh, shh, shh! Continue until the class is settled. It is clever to link this with breathing in as the rain falls and out as you say shh. The extra oxygen in the system will help with added focus for the learner, or teacher, whoever needs it most!



THERE’S AN ECHO IN THE ROOM
This strategy not only gains attention, it consolidates the message as well as focuses the listening. Explain the game. You are looking for the clearest and most accurate echo. I would only call on volunteers to be the echo as it can be stressful for some children not being able to accurately recall the statement. Always call on three echoes. Allow the class to judge. Reward. The end result will be everyone listening to the information in order to participate.



COUNT DOWN TO SILENCE Use hand movements to physically demonstrate the countdown 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…. hush, hush! Repeat the countdown three times getting progressively softer and on the final fourth time only mime the sequence.

By this stage, all the children should be with you and if someone is not, it is usually a good shock technique that the whole classroom is silent and having fun and they are not part of the team. If you become very familiar with one class, this technique can become a secret sign outside the classroom. Today’s child is very visual and usually responds well to signs that convey meaning.

Have some fun with these and know we would all love to share some of your great strategies too.

Live,laugh and learn.....
Carmel

Classroom Transitions

Being mindful of a transitions from one subject area to another, or a group to individual work , or individual to whole group, or moving from one area to another not only maintains the tone in a productive room but also help to build relationships. As the relief teacher you build a much better picture of the personalities you are dealing with as well as the class dynamics. You be the judge of the age appropriateness for the suggestion. Here are a few that work across the ages and are often requested by classes when next I visit!

Well thought out transitions make the day productive and fun for everyone!

SPELLING TO MATHEMATICS

Each letter is worth its positional value i.e. a is 1, b is 2 etc. Transpose the spelling list into a series of addition sums. The word FLOWER becomes 6+12+15+23+5+18+19=x (98) Then have fun rewriting the spelling list through questions like this: Which words are odd numbers that are divisible by 3? Which word is 5 less than 103?

INDIVIDUAL WORK TO GROUP ACTIVITIES

Huddles: This traditional party game that works so well in changing the pace. I refer to it as Huddles. Children stand as a group. Ask them to move to the music or move in an interesting way. Call stop. Announce the number of children that must form a group as quickly as possible. Watch the team work and friendship structures. Boys must work with girls in order to succeed. Younger children I just call a number. Don’t forget 1 for a bit of fun. Older classes love it when you mix it up with a call like “ Half of 10” or “Two thirds of 9” Children who get out are to start the next activity or use it to form the groups you require for the next activity.


FROM GROUP TO INDIVIDUAL

ELEVEN-EES This game is as old as the hills and the children still love it as much as I did as a child. The class is best sitting in a circle. The idea is that we are going to count to 11. Whoever says 11 is out and must recommence their work at their desk. It would be too easy if we just counted by ones. You are allowed to say up to three numbers when it is your turn. In this way the game can be manipulated to deliberately get people out. More fun that way. Therefore here is an example of what the sequence could sound like……1,…..2,3,4…..5,6,……7…..8,9,……10…..ELEVEN (This child is out!) The seventh child in the sequence was out. A new game may go like this 1,2,3,……4,5,6,…..7,8,….9,10…..ELEVEN! (The fifth child in the sequence was out.)

Trust you use these practical ideas and of course think of loads more yourself.

There are more in the book I have complied "Relief Insight" if you would like to download it please see the side section in this blog.

Love to hear your ideas .....
Live, laugh and learn!

Blessings for the journey,
Carmel

Don't Make Assumptions (Part3)

The new school year in Australia is off to a flying start yet again. If you are entering this amazing expereince called relief/supply teaching in our schools, this can be a very tiring and exhausting time as well. There is much to absorb as you move in and out off lots of different learning environments. Take heart....it does get better as you learn and grow as a professional.

This is part 3 in the series "Don't make Assumptions" It could be worthwhile going back over previous blogs and reading the other suggestions as this is the one area that I see teachers get quite stressed over! To avoid the stress....heed the advice and be prepared mentally! Enjoy!

*Don’t assume all children will have the necessary stationary equipment like a pencil and a rubber!

*Don’t assume the specialist teachers and parents will know who you are.

*Don’t assume you will never leave any of your person equipment behind in a classroom. Always put your name and mobile number on everything if you want it returned.

*Don’t assume your bag is safe in the classroom, unless the room is locked.

*Don’t assume that a stranger (with no identification) in the playground is allowed to be there.

*Don’t assume you are in the right duty area. If you not positive, ask!

*Don’t assume that a child will always understand what you meant let alone what you say.


*Don’t assume that every child is sick just because they say so. Check with your partner teacher, or office staff, for a quick personality review then make your decision.

* Don’t always assume that the significant adult picking up the child at home time is the legal guardian. Very difficult area however, careful observation is required at all times.

* Don’t assume you will get around to reading that Relief Teacher’s File for that year level later in the day. Do it ASAP! Important information will be found within its pages!


I do trust this might start your path for the year off on a positive note.
Until next blog, keep smiling!

Live,laugh and learn,
Carmel