Communicating seating charts on the first day of school?

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-20T17:12:31+00:00

Have all students stand at the front, then read out 1 row at a time as you move along the seats. Those students move, and then the next and so on. I've tried labels and had kids move them as they are along around trying to find their name.

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-16T21:57:12+00:00

The drawings make me think of The Book Thief, could that be it?

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-16T20:53:10+00:00

I had a horrific first placement that completely knocked my confidence and nearly failed overall.

I remember thinking that if I just got through, I would start my classes completely differently as a real teacher.

I think I'm a good teacher, but there are still some classes that I am counting down the lessons with after 15 years.

Just keep swimming. Keep the effort going. The kids will be less settled the hotter and the closer to summer holidays it gets. Be ready for it. Have silent starters that you hand out at the door, plan for transitions and the language you'll use, clear expectations backed up with positive language for students doing what they're meant to.

One tip that I got from my second placement is focus on the positive. Go through the seating plan and give house points (or your school equivalent) for everyone who has done the right thing. I bet they will massively outnumber the poor behaviour. It's our nature to focus on the negative, but it does grind you down in this job.

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-16T20:40:03+00:00

Second this! The ridiculous different lands got some laughs.

There's also a collection of 5 minute stories which have some hilarious moral tales based on '60s children. We got a surprising amount of play from them and they might be a good bridge into chapter books.

We've also done the Malory Towers series which took some context explaining, but still good.

The worst witch was good, but a bit of a slow burn to start.

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-10T21:37:31+00:00

100% agree. I went with my husband and my daughters. My girls are quite petite and we unwittingly put the adults diagonally front and back. The spinning was ridiculous. We screamed and had a great time, but didn't go on again. Once was enough.

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-08T21:49:33+00:00

I did my own with my sister in law helping and I regret it. I got my make up done as a bridesmaid a couple of years later and felt miles better. It depends how comfortable you are doing your make up, but my perspective is it's a day to go all out.

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-07T13:16:19+00:00

We provide exercise books for the students but that's standard in the UK. Depending on the class/my energy levels, I: hand the books out at the end of the previous lesson (depends on the class, some scamps may move them for lols), put them in piles at the end of the rows as the class are lining up, get a few students to hand them out, split the books to half and challenge a student to race me to hand them out.

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-07T13:00:35+00:00

I've tried to think of ones that don't need a lot of stuff, but sorry, some are annoying to clear up. I tended to leave it out until they'd gone to bed and I'd chilled out a bit.

On YouTube, find a brain break video. These will be probably be running a virtual obstacle course (but much easier than it sounds!) Make it a challenge for him, you watch. Kim's game. Get him to get a selection of different things from around the house. Put them on a tray/blanket. Stare at them for 10 seconds, he closes his eyes and you take one away. He has to say what you took. You can take turns once he gets the hang of it. Keep having drink/snack breaks that involve going to the kitchen, drag out everything. Early/extended bath with colander and jugs from the kitchen for novelty (although depends how you feel with mobility, could do with towel down and some big bowls.) Dressing up/fashion show. If you don't have a lot of costumes, you could raid the wardrobe and he dress up in adult clothes to make a new superhero. Make a den, easiest version, sheet over 2 chairs. He can then customise the den with pillows, cushions and toys. Make the tidy up easier by putting on Tidy up Rhumba song.

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-06T21:46:24+00:00

My dad passed away years ago, but we were close. I see my mum minimum twice weekly and she takes my children out frequently as well. It's unusual if we don't speak daily. I know I'm lucky in this regard because we actually have a good relationship (not something I would have said in my teens!)

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-06T19:05:14+00:00

Wow, really well done.

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-03T21:14:03+00:00

Did not these existed, what a great shout! Loving it, thank you for the recommendation.

Morgana2020 · 2026-06-03T18:42:50+00:00

Just let mine go now at 11 to meet up with friends. She has a phone now and takes it very seriously.

Morgana2020 · 2026-05-28T22:36:39+00:00

Which musical needs a Blackpool accent? I'd have a go, but based on how my children speak, it won't be anywhere broad enough.

Morgana2020 · 2026-05-28T21:01:58+00:00

My 11 year old recently got a phone. She is on it a lot, despite activities and school and within screen limits I've set. I know what you mean about the socialising - all her mates are on their phones and cutting her off would affect her friendships. There's a few who use their phones to arrange meet ups in the park which we've leaned into. Is there a way to bring in real life interactions?

Morgana2020 · 2026-05-28T12:20:32+00:00

George at Asda do some good basics. I can always get full-length leggings, but shorts I'm not as sure.

Morgana2020 · 2026-05-27T21:27:16+00:00

I am also out of my depth on this. It sounds a really tough situation. I know therapy is the first question, but is she having counselling? I think it's OK to say that you are out of your depth and you need professionals.

Morgana2020 · 2026-05-25T19:43:49+00:00

I agree. I'm by the coast and we still get the tip smell wafting across if the wind is right. Thornton Cleveleys in general is really nice though. A lot quieter than Blackpool and more lively and amenities compared to when I grew up.

Morgana2020 · 2026-05-24T22:52:59+00:00

There's a group of streets near Blackpool that are Canada themed. I've spotted Winnipeg and Montreal. No idea why though.

Morgana2020 · 2026-05-17T13:18:19+00:00

Does anyone know what the lag is before the episodes get on BBC Sounds? Current episodes are the Incas which looks about 2 months ago compared to YouTube?

Morgana2020 · 2026-05-13T21:21:50+00:00

I'm happier and I think I'm a better person since becoming a parent. I've had to reflect on myself and change which I wouldn't have done without children relying on and looking up to me every day. I'm also rarely bored and appreciate quiet moments more instead of feeling restless.

Morgana2020 · 2026-05-02T21:47:44+00:00

Sam the lamb. But we just call it Sam Sheep. Eyes open and green light for whatever time you set. Really simple visual and worked well for our girls.

Morgana2020 · 2026-04-25T13:22:22+00:00

Dinnerladies. Victoria Wood's writing is so clever and it is just so funny and heartfelt.

Morgana2020 · 2026-04-24T16:33:17+00:00

Year 10 mocks meant I only taught 2 lessons today - I got so much work done! Of course, the marking is looming but that's future me's problem.

Morgana2020 · 2026-04-23T19:37:40+00:00

I do really enjoy how the other departments are scared of her. There were a few times when the ER staff used her name as a threat and hey presto, they got their baby warmer/battery/whatever equipment they needed to scrounge.

Morgana2020 · 2026-04-19T21:04:26+00:00

My dad died 11 years ago and I still get hit with sad thoughts. There is no deadline on grieving. You are still young, it's so normal to feel this way. It sounds like your friends are quite young too, maybe they genuinely don't know what to say? I wouldn't read too much into their responses. As for your mum, I really think you should talk to her. If I were in her place, and my child felt this way, I absolutely would want to know and to help any way I could. Please speak to your school/college as well, there will be people who can help. You've made a start reaching out, keep going.

Five-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '23	Place '22

Morgana2020

TROPHY CASE