Primary Teacher Resource Centre - Forum

yesmylady · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 370

Have started to have restless sleep with hours of worrying about what I should be getting done. I dread to think what I will be like in September.

Knightrider · Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 3:58 pm Post subject:

When I asked my NQT mentor what I should be doing over the summer before I started, she looked at me as if I was strange and said "sleeping"!

And that was the best advice she could have given me. All I did over the summer before I started work was to think carefully about the display boards in the room and have a plan for what topic was going on each one. I got the display lettering ready so when my lovely TA had backed them, I could get titles on so the room looked like I meant business when the children walked in.

So try not to think about school at all for the next 4 weeks - put it right at the back of your mind and take up archery or toffee making or something equally random. See lots of old friends and sleep lots - you'll not have as much time for that after September, so do as much as possible of both activities now Smile

yesmylady · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 370

Thanks for that. Will try and think of your words at 2.30 tomorrow morning!

magpie nic · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 7483 Location: Tyneside

Or promise yourself one week for school stuff- write a list and tick off as you go, spend a day in school organising the classroom and anything else you cannot do at home, and once that week is up forget about school and enjoy the rest of your holidays so you are refreshed ready to start.

And in answer to your question, it is normal to be nervous and excited already- it's a big step x

yesmylady · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 370

Thanks magpie nic. Everyone is so supportive here - feel I can say/ask what I wouldn't in a new school.

I will start writing lists. This is what I have been doing in my head when I can't sleep, but it will be good to tick things off.

littlebigfish · Joined: 21 Jun 2009 Posts: 462

I find writing lists really helps me too - especially when I can't sleep for fretting!

I'm an NQT this year too and I've organised myself to do one day of school stuff a week this is either in school on my classroom or at home preparing. It's worked so far - but I might be panicing by then end of August!

I'm also saving some jobs for my TA to do in the first couple of weeks - it's going to be quite slow paced with settling in/getting to know you and assessment so I want to make sure she has jobs to be doing when the children are busy. I don't want to seem like a soft touch from the off! Laughing

queenie80 · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 1072 Location: Lancashire

Hiya, I have just finished my NQT year. This time last year was feeling the same. However, I was still working in old non teaching job so only had 2 weeks off! Did take mind off it.

However, I spent time going into school on days off, trying to plan etc.

My advice is same as everyone else - make lists of things to do otherwise you will make yourself go bonkers keep thinking the same things!

Also don't plan as you dont know the kids - i did this last year - did 2 weeks of maths and after first day realised there was no way they could do it and had to go down a year group (bottom set).

Just rest and enjoy not doing much!! xx

Rainbow_Bright · Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 6:07 pm Post subject:

Have a good rest, try and get on holiday if you can. Do some planning - but just for the first week or so - if you have access to the children's tracking files, you'll have a reasonable idea of what they can and can't do.

Getting things ready for display is a great idea - these take AGES and you really don't want empty boards for long!!!
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Waheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.... house!

sal 26 · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 975

Agree with all the good advice here! Perhaps have a holiday first & then leave the last two weeks for thinking about school things - that way you won't spend the whole holiday on school stuff. If you need anything, just ask - everyone here is always happy to help. And good luck - it's an exciting time!

x

yesmylady · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 370

Thank you everyone, for taking the time to reply. Sal, you are right, it is an exciting time. I've been working hard towards this moment for such a long time, the fact that I will now have my own class and be a 'proper, real life teacher' is very thrilling.
Just wish I could feel a little more confident and self assured. Will have to work on my acting skills for September. Wink

jog_on · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 12:38 pm Post subject:

Have you started sleeping properly now?

xxx
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Back to wondering if I can continue with this...

yesmylady · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 370

Thanks for asking Jog on, yes I'm sleeping a little better. The list suggestion was very helpful.

smallholder · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 7359

yes my lady - we all act - everyone feels nervous when the new school year starts!

twinkle298 · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 2:21 pm Post subject:

Yes - this is my fifth time round and I am feeling nervous/excited already. I would say definitely get displays sorted out and make sure you are very clear on what your routines and expectations are going to be so you can train from the beginning. Apart from that don't waste time doing too much, definitely only the first week's planning and possibly the first half term's medium term plan if you need to do that. But do make the most of the time you have in the first few weeks to make sure you are on top of everything from the start - after that you start getting more and more things you have been meaning to do, homework from staff meetings etc.

yesmylady · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 370

Thanks for all your advice. It is very reassuring to hear that others feel the same.

Twinkle, I have started all 3 displays and looked at medium term plans. Have also spoken to NQT mentor, who was very helpful.

Now looking forward to Sept, but still feeling 'scaredypants'!

Rainbow_Bright · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 11:43 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you're doing alright, yesmylady. I've only got one display sorted for Sept (and that's just because we did a project just before the end of the year and they produced some fab foil collages) and haven't thought about the other 4 boards to fill yet... eek.

yesmylady · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 370

Thanks Rainbow bright.

I hope everyone has had a restful holiday and good luck to all of us for the next school year!