Eteach ECT Community 24th April

This fortnight we are looking at how Early Years teaching can be adapted to suit all ages and discovering the benefits of learning outside the classroom, now that sunnier weather should be on the horizon!

Celebrating Early Years

Wednesday 19th April was the first ever National Early Years Teacher Day - a day to appreciate and celebrate those teachers working with our youngest learners. As the children we teach grow older, we can sometimes lose the creativity and interactive aspects that make Early Years teaching so engaging for young children. By applying the key principles of Early Years to lessons with older students, we can revitalise our practice, no matter which year group we are teaching.

A unique child

Obviously we know that every child is unique, but do we always take that into account when teaching? In Early Years, staff are constantly assessing and evaluating each child and using their findings to plan individualised next steps. With so many pupils in the class, we can sometimes lose sight of this personalised approach in favour of setting broad targets for all or most pupils to achieve, regardless of individual ability or needs. Treating each child as unique also encourages us to celebrate their identity and culture and develop respect for each other's differences.

Positive relationships

Ensuring that you are consistent, encouraging and supportive in your teaching will allow pupils to develop a sense of belonging, and feel safe to take risks. This, in turn, will lead to more independent and confident learners.

Enabling environments with teaching and support

Offering a range of stimulating environments and resources will provide pupils with rich and memorable opportunities for learning. Lessons outside the classroom, using interactive games/activities and connecting into pupils' cultures and values will all enable pupils to access the learning in a more meaningful way.

Learning and development

Children are developing all the time and their learning reflects this. Allowing pupils to investigate concepts themselves, make links and develop strategies to overcome difficulties will encourage critical thinking, creativity and resilience.

Learning outside the classroom

Now that summer term is upon us, it is the perfect time to start taking your lessons outside. High-quality learning outside the classroom in natural environments can deliver a wide range of positive health and learning outcomes.

Improved health and wellbeing

Learning outside can boost mood, confidence and self-esteem. Spending time in green spaces has been proven to help people relax by reducing stress. Fresh air and Vitamin D also have health benefits, reducing headaches and improving coordination and balance.

Getting active

Children of all ages love the chance to burn off some energy and some (particularly in urban areas) rarely get the chance to get outside very often.

A more inclusive environment

Outdoor learning means that pupils with SEND can learn in the same environment as their friends and don't need to feel excluded. Exploring the world outdoors can help children with SEND to overcome challenges and learn new skills, building their resilience and boosting self-confidence.

Freedom and independence

An outdoor environment can enable risk-taking which allows children to identify hazards and develop resilience.

Open eyes to the world around them

Studies show that regular access to nature enables children to develop their understanding and capacity to deal with the world around them. It also promotes the idea that learning takes place everywhere, all of the time rather than just in a classroom with a pencil and paper.

For resources and ideas on how to incorporate outdoor learning into your lessons, visit Learning Through Landscapes. They have guidance, training and lesson ideas, as well as projects that schools can get involved in.

The Arty Teacher

The Arty Teacher is a great hub of resources created and curated by Sarah Crowther. Sarah has been an Art teacher for over 20 years and she started The Arty Teacher to free up busy teachers from time-consuming lesson preparation. The website includes lesson plans, directories of artists and art education books, as well as lists of professional development courses and a super useful art dictionary. You can register for a basic or premium subscription to download a range of free resources to use in lessons, including PowerPoint presentations, worksheets and images. There is also the option to register for a school subscription with multiple users. Go and check it out!

ECTs wanted!

Still looking for a role for September? We have a number of roles for ECTs available on our jobs board, in locations all over the UK and internationally. We are currently working with schools in Australia and New Zealand to match candidates to the amazing positions they have available.

Eteach are here to support you every step of the way: from finding roles, to the application and interview process. Our teaching experts are happy to advise you on writing personal statements, what questions to ask during school visits and how to prepare for your interview lesson.

Feel free to get in touch through our Facebook ECT Community or by emailing ejohnston@eteach.com.

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