A funny question to start with… how tired were you at the end of that first term?

Let’s just say that if exhaustion was an Olympic sport, I’d have a medal… I reached a point where I genuinely questioned how early was too early for bed! I remember driving back to my family in Dorset (4 hours) ready for Christmas with my partner, then finally sitting on the sofa and thinking ‘I might never get up again’!

But the good news is, I got up again… everyone feels like that (even experienced teachers).

It is not a sign that you are failing, it is a sign that you are teaching and giving your all for your job.

I really missed being in a school at Christmas time, as I think it is one of the best times for being a teacher. What were your experience of Christmas as a class teacher for the first time? Was anything particularly special?

Magical chaos. That is the only way to describe it!

There was glitter and sequins in places that they should never be! I heard ‘Camel-ama-ding-dong’ (a song from our nativity) so many times that I was literally humming and singing it in my sleep (sorry to my parents for that!). There were also those moments that made me even more grateful to do my job, knowing that those who did not get to make a Christmas card for a loved family member at home, had that opportunity for free in our classroom!

The most special bit for me was the nativity. Watching the children who normally shrink into themselves suddenly beam with pride on stage! I must admit, it was stressful and we doubted the success of the performance along the way BUT it all paid of and they were brilliant.

Is there anything you would recommend or have learnt from about Christmas in school for next time?

Start anything that involved clay, glue, glitter or paint earlier than I think. If I think I need 2 days, I need 5.

Have a Christmas drawer of emergency activities because December activities have the structural integrity of wet tissue (not a green paper towel, they are solid…).

Get part, costume requirements and lines out before October half term!

Last time, you said you were starting to gain respect and affirmations about what you could ‘bring to the table’ as an ECT. Have there been any other moments in the second term where you felt your contributions were really valued?

I suggested a slight change to the writing sequence that was aimed to support learning with SEND,and now other staff use this across the school because it is logical and successful!

Another key moment was a Grandparent taking the time to email our head about their grandchild who previously did not enjoy school, was not making progress and working significantly below expectations now being enthusiastic about learning, wanting to read at home, engaging in tasks and generally having developed a love for learning!

This reminded me again, why I love my job.

Are you enjoying teaching the full range of subjects or is there a particular favourite subject that you look forward to teaching more than others? If so, do you think this subject would be one you might like to take a lead in, in the future?

I love teaching maths- I enjoy making these lessons practical as these supports my learners with grasping tricky concepts. I love when I get to see the lightbulb moment where it clicks! I also really enjoy English, building from ‘I can’t think of anything’ to producing a sentence with support from colour semantics to them writing a whole paragraph. A firm favourite this half term has been science, I have really enjoyed getting outside or engaging in practical activities as I feel this is more memorable and securing of knowledge for my learners!

Have you had the pleasure of taking your class on a school trip yet?

If so, tell us how that went. If not, are you planning any in this next year?

We haven’t gone yet but we are playing to walk to our local Care home in February for some Valentines love songs! The school are encouraging of a local trip per half term and a further afield trip once per year so I will definitely be carrying more out as the year progresses!

I am genuinely really excited for this, I know my mentor will really support me in planning and coordinating the trip which will be beneficial!

I am assuming you have experienced your first parents evening by now if so, what advice would you give a new teacher before they have this experience?

Have a clear structure: ask the parent/caregiver if there is any particular area they would like to discuss, strengths, improvement and next steps, something positive to end on.

Keep notes: my brain turned to mush by appointment 15… I was still present and engaged of course but no longer able to retain little details or mini to-dos!

Drink water: you will forget otherwise and regret it

Smile: even if you’re exhausted and ready for dinner/bed… smile!

The biggest surprise was how nice the conversations were, most parents genuinely appreciate your work and hearing about the little things their children do.

What behaviour management strategies have you found most useful and why?

Consistency: even when I am time. Especially when I am tired…

Positive redirection: ‘I can see that X is ready, she is showing me that by having her voice off, legs on the floor and nothing in her hands’

Clear routines: children love to know what is happening next!

A calm voice: This is something other staff members praise me for, my patience and calm tone has been really successful (especially with SEND).

Humour… potentially controversial but when used carefully it can diffuse so many situations and re-engage learners.

Restorative practice- look into this if your school don’t do it or you haven’t heard of it! SO effective when used correctly.

What excites you most about going back to school in the new year?

The fresh start feeling. The chance to reset routines after out chaotic Christmas week, trying new ideas and seeing the children again! There is something lovely about the first morning back, their excitement to see me and be back in our classroom, the buzz and chatter and of course all their stories!

Secretly, I am excited to get back into the rhythm. Teaching is exhausting, but it is also rewarding and energising in a way nothing else is.

Term 3 coming after February!

Blog written by Jo Gotheridge and Tiegan (ECT) 14/1/26