"Relief Insight" ...The Next Workshop

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

1. 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?

2. How to get started? What to get organised?

3. 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: 9:15am for a 9:30am sharp start until 1:30 pm
Professional Hours: 3 ½ hours ( QCT Certificate of Participation supplied)
Date: Saturday 23th July, 2011
Cost: $50 pp (includes comprehensive resource handbook)

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 20th July.

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

Fabulous Workshop March 26th

I am always so impressed by the integrity and capabilities of the people who attend my workshops. It is always a pleasure to sharing and giving back to the profession I love. Meeting up with so many lovely colleagues all at different stages and points in their journey is both refreshing and humbling.

We are all life long learners and in Relief Insight workshops this fact is so apparent! While we have lots of fun and learning "unpacking" my workbook I am acutely aware that little time is left for sharing and questioning.

Time is both our enemy and our friend. Using it wisely in a professional world like teaching is one of the most challenging skills! However from the feedback that I have received both from this workshop and many previously it is time to extend the opportunity into MORE RELIEF INSIGHT!

At the moment I am thinking this will be run on a Saturday morning in the same way as the Relief Insight one is currently. However if the participant has already been through the first workshop we have a perfect opportunity to .....

1. Review how the strategies from the original workshop

have been working in the classroom,

2. Reflect: Reflect on shared strategies from the group that are willingly added to the pool of ideas. Develop a more strategies from the workbook on a "I see, I do, I understand" level.

3. Respond: By allowing much more time for Q&As and the sharing of experiences and your collected wisdom.

A workshop of this nature would also be run by the Professional Standards QCT and therefore additional PD hours for your registration needs. Last workshop I extended the hours by 30 minutes. It would appear that most people need to finishing by 12:30 with 1pm being the latest so 3 hours PD would be gained. Unfortunately evening hours are difficult as are full Saturday workshops draining on family and other working commitments. If you have any other suggestions please write and let me know. The Chermside rooms may be available on a Sunday?

What are your thoughts? I would LOVE to hear them.

Meanwhile,

Live,laugh and learn....

Carmel

Starting the Day Right!

We all appreciate that knowing what comes before us is both reassuring and work efficient ; not only for us as the educator but also for the students. I am sure that there are some anxious students who breathe a sigh of relief when they see an agenda for the day....."She does know what she is doing! "

I also know that depending on the circumstances you may not know what is happening for the whole day due to a whole lot of reasons that are beyond your control. When this happens I just plan the time through to the next break with the children. This way we both have control over the pacing as well as the content that will be covered. It also gives you time to get organized after the next break!

Older children enjoy a vertical display of the sequence of the day on the whiteboard with or without times. I often plan this with the class, letting them know that this is the work expectation and asking if there is any other finishing work they would like time to work on or any other activity I have not included. This is their learning space and I am working with them to make it the best it can be for the day. This atmosphere of collaboration usually brings out leadership skills in the older children as you show them respect and in return you would like to be shown respect. This is also when I use the magnetic clock face. I often place a tick in the box as you finish that activity as a visual display of the day’s achievements too. It helps to keep everyone on task. I am sure they enjoy knowing what is coming up next as well as seeing what has been achieved for the day.

For younger children I record the day in simple pictures or words. A child colours the star beside the item as we work through the day . This can also act as a reward for a hard working child at the end of that activity to colour the star on the whiteboard. Little ones like the visual structure too.

So whether you do a vertical or a horizontal agenda it is easy to add any reminder notes into the visual representation of the time. I make constant use of a magnetic clock face I always carry too. I display the time that rotation or activity will finish. Children are able to cross compare the clock face on their classroom clock to the static clock face to know how much time is left. I also use the static clock face as a visual reminder to a child who may be anxious about an appointment time eg dental appointment is at 2:30pm. By putting the time on the clock face the child feels calmer and I am reminded of the appointment as well!

Sometimes all these little things add up to be big things that make your day run smoother and the children feel that atmosphere too. If you liked this tip please leave a comment or if you have some others to share please feel free to leave a comment also. Our profession is a sharing profession.

So live,laugh and learn,

Happy days.

Carmel

Upcoming Workshop 26th March 2011

“Relief Insight”

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?

• 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 fun and learning.

Addresses QCT Standards :

1.	2.	3.	4.	5.	6.	7.	8.	9.	10
P	P	P	-	-	-	P	-	P	P

VENUE: Chermside Public Library, 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside.

TIME: 8:45am for a 9:00am sharp start until 1pm

PROFESSIONAL HOURS: Four (QCT Approved)

DATE: Saturday 26^th March, 2011

COST: $40 pp (includes comprehensive resource handbook)

RSVP: Essential ASAP. Please leave your name & contact details via email. Accurate numbers essential for booking the venue. This is not a business but rather a service! Certain numbers are required to cover the associated costs.

I will confirm the workshop numbers and viability with a reply email on Wednesday before.

Mobile: 0409 034 189 (Carmel)

Blog: http://relief-insight.blogspot.com

Email: carmelkuhr@internode.on.net

This invitation is open to all teaching professionals.

Welcome to the new year of 2011.

What a beginning to the new year we have had. Here is Brisbane we thought we had seen the worst of the weather and the best in human nature. Poor Christchurch saw Mother nature's fury on a whole other level. How our souls cry for their loss. Our actions speak louder than words in times like this!

So please forgive me, dear readers, as I have been otherwise occupied along with these major world events. No, my family was not directly impacted by the Brissie floods but extended family and support has been exhausting and time consuming. All the wheels of life had to still grind back into to gear and yes the new school year still sprang back into life. It is amazing what we can achieve in what is really is very little time when we all work together and share. I guess this is why I put my "Relief Insight" knowledge out there for you to share too...so you can go and be more for the good of the next generation.

As for me 2011 is looking full of the usual challenges of life and life balances. I am really thrilled to doing a part time teacher librarian role as well as part time year 2 contract. This still allows me to run the Relief Insight workshops and speak at the universities as invited. The wonderful school that I call home this year also needs me to do relief work so I am never too far for the "front line. "

In closing, here is a bit of annual spring clean I do each start of the new school year...a bit late I know but better late than never!

My top ten tips......

• Re-sort all my resources into class appropriate sections.
• Cull any resources you really know you may never use!
• File resources and add to my log of usefull ideas I have gathered throughout the year.
• Set up an digitial file of interesting resources for each year level. (Good way to clear the paper clutter and always have a permanent record. I keep one USB for each year level to take to school with me for the just in case moments.)
• Update my knowledge re current kids movies, music etc by reading latest D-Mag or the like. ( I only have to sneak a look at my youngest son's collection!!)
• Up -date and refine great websites that you find really useful.
• Re-fill the paper copies of the daily agenda and notes sheets you use to document your day's work for the class teacher.
• Critically review my resources eg certificates etc and evaluate their worth.
• Take time to reflect on the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY of your previous year. What did I learn? What will I do differently in the future? Seek answers to your questions otherwise you will be bound to repeat the past.
• Set my professional goals, time frame and work towards achieving them. Seek out professional development that suits these end goals.

All the best for 2011.

Live,laugh and learn,

Carmel

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