What do I think teachers are actually there for?

First ACTUAL written task.... here we go....

List the key roles of the teacher in a primary classroom. Consider the attributes that effective teachers have, reflect on your strengths in relation to these and note your developmental needs in your journal in preparation for joining the course.

Here are what I think are the key roles of the teacher (I fear I may be leaving something obvious out, but these are my initial thoughts):

1. Safeguarding the children in the classroom. I really think this has to come above everything else. The children cannot possibly learn if they don't feel safe. As a parent, my priority for my children have been that they are safe and happy over and above anything else. And so I would hope that I would take this into the classroom as a teacher as well. I've attended lots of safeguarding training during my time at school already. I've had experiences of disclosures and having to speak to my DSL about safeguarding concerns.

2. Child-centred approach. Making sure that the children are at the centre of the lessons, classroom management, activities will get the best out of the children. This also includes having differentiated lessons, which meeting the different learning styles of the class. In my other work

3. Subject knowledge and understanding. Knowing the subject matter is crucial. The children's curiosity and questioning will trip you up otherwise! This is probably the bit I am most nervous about! I haven't done Science or Geography since my GCSEs! (Many many moons ago!). Thankfully one of my strengths is an actual love of learning (yes - cheesy, I am aware) and so I shall be swotting up on BBC Bitesize....

4. Provide a good learning environment. How the classroom is set up influences how well the children learn. A messy, chaotic classroom is not conducive to learning. If they can magpie off the displays, and choose which resources they need gives them the opportunity to be autonomous learners. Having their work displayed is also motivational - so that children feel proud. This isn't something I've had the chance to do and I guess won't be able to until I get my own class!

5. A team player. In my experience, life at school is soooooo much better when you take an interest in your colleagues and put yourself out there to help. It's nice to be part of a team!

Areas to develop: subject knowledge in science and the foundation subjects.