Nearing the end of Term 3...

Challenge is around every corner...
As the end of the term approaches I find that everyday still continues to bring something new.  No day is like any other and that has both positive and negatives to it. As the year has progressed I can see the growth in both my personal and professional life.  When I look back at how I felt, how I spoke and even how I carried myself I can see a big change, a positive change.  This week I attended the PRT course on inclusive classrooms.  I always find these days interesting and always come away with something, whether it was something from the actual course content itself or just from conversations with other beginning teachers.  This time around I came away feeling incredibly lucky to be in the school I am.  Some of the other teachers in the room seem to be having a really difficult time, whether it was the school, their mentor or the other teachers around them.  I have had such a great start and am in a school where beginning teachers are valued just as much as the teachers who have been here for many years.  I think in part it can come down to attitude and also being aware that the relationship needs to be happening both ways.  The old saying "it is what you make it," or "you get out what you put in" are quite valid when I think about some of the situations others were talking about.  I went into the day wanting to get a clearer picture of what needs to be in my evidence folder.  I walked away feeling as though I have definitely covered all areas that I need to and will continue to just carry on in the same way.  

Parents...a big challenge!
I have a classroom full of lovely children and lovely families...but there is always one. 
I had my first difficult parent meeting last night and again was in a situation where I was extremely glad to be in a job share position and have my co-teacher there with me at the time for support.  I actually felt very proud of the way I handled it and came away from the meeting with a great result.  The parent, who was very upset and had a lot to say, left calm, satisfied and with some strategies that we can all use for this child in the classroom and at home. I have found that this term the children are starting to get very tired and their behaviour definitely starting to show in some children that hadn't reared it's ugly head until now. This being said, we are all tired and it's even more vital to stay focussed on what matters, stay calm and deal with each child in the best way for them.  The children are at the centre of this whole journey and I want to care for each of them in the good times and the hard...I am getting to experience the hard at the moment but I know that will only make the good times even better in the future.