Planning by @TLPMrsF

Name: Rebecca Foster
Twitter:  TLPMrsF
Sector:  Secondary
Subject: English
Position: Lead Practitioner
5 Bits of Advice About: Planning

1. Plan backwards – what do you want students to be able to do, know or show by the end of the lesson? Then work out how to get there (where before how).
2. Think about how you can hook them from the moment they walk into the classroom (a piece of music, an image, a challenging question, you in fancy dress…).
3. Get students to show you what they already know or can do. Pay attention at this point so you know who needs more support or more challenge.
4. Model. This might be through the use of an exemplar or you talking through HOW to approach a question.
5. Let students get on with it and offer a range of support to allow ALL students to achieve.

The Christmas Party by @TLPMrsF

Name:  Rebecca Foster
Twitter: @TLPMrsF
Sector:  Secondary
Subject:  English
Position: Lead Practitioner
5 Bits of Advice About: The Christmas Party

1. Do go to the Christmas party. Even if it’s in school or somewhere naff it’s a good opportunity to socialise and see colleagues in a different context.
2. Treat yourself to a new outfit – you deserve it after what will feel like the longest term of all time.
3. Pace yourself. Don’t be *that* teacher that can’t stand by the end of night and will be throwing up in the morning before registration…
4. The Christmas Party is NOT the time to declare your undying love; tell a member of SLT what you really think; cry…
5. What happens at the Christmas party stays at the Christmas party. Don’t gossip about Gemma from HR snogging that new Science teacher (people still say ‘snogging’, right?).

Building Relationships in Your NQT Year by @TLPMrsF

Name: Rebecca Foster
Twitter: @TLPMrsF
Sector:  Secondary
Subject: English
Position: Lead Practitioner
5 Bits of Advice About:  Building relationships

1. Smile and say hello. This applies to students entering your classroom or colleagues you pass in the corridor.
2. Persevere. That class you’re finding a real handful right now could end up being your favourites before the year is done.
3. Go to a few school shows etc. Don’t forget to tell students that you saw them and thought they were great (watch even the surliest year 11s try to supress a smile of pride).
4. Observe your colleagues. Not only is this invaluable for seeing what’s going on outside of your own four walls but it’s great for developing a professional dialogue.
5. Go to the pub. Go on.