Dawn Said:

Question for primary teachers-what books do you use in classroom that would be good for a range of activities?

We Answered:

The Jolly Postman- year 1 & 2- literacy, geography, Maths

Handa's Surprise- same age group - literacy, design and technology, science, art.

We're going on a bear hunt- Reception/Year 1- maths,geography, literacy.

Try :
www.literacymatters.co.uk - this can list good quality books.

try : www.sparklebox.co.uk this has good resources and books to print and then you can come up with activities that are simple to go with them


try to remember though, that most teachers will leave you work to complete on their desk or at least their planning- don't panic too much!

Chad Said:

I need advice on extra curricular activities for my sophomore year?

We Answered:

Have you left any time for schoolwork? And when do you plan to just be a kid?
You'll only be young once , if you don't enjoy it , you'll never get your youth back.

Ray Said:

I am a year one teacher, i need to plan some dance lessons keeping to a light and dark theme?

We Answered:

How about daytime and nighttime? Get the children to think about what they do during the day- get dressed, eat, go to school, play etc and what they do at night- go to bed, fireworks, trick or treating, sleepover etc.
Then get the children to mime the activities by themselves, then in small groups. Set it to music, some nice, soft classical style which won't get them too hyper! "Free expressive movement" is good with the little ones, they shouldn't feel like they have to do anything specific or set at first, just respond to the music until they get comfortable with it. Then you could start collating their ideas into a class dance. Good luck!

Kimberly Said:

Poor administration? What should I do?

We Answered:

Oh sweetie....... I'm so glad to see you, but I'm so sorry it is under these circumstances.

Ok...... the way i see it, if this administrator is this manipulative and sneaky, you can NOT be the first person he has pulled something like this on. Talk to your co-workers. Being only your second year, you might not know what has happened prior to your hiring. Some of the older teachers will. I can not imagine that he has just decided to pinpoint you for this powerplay. He has to have a history of this. FIND IT!! If you can get someone to speak on your behalf to attest to the fact that this administrator had done such things before, it will greatly help. In addition, your co workers should be eager to speak out on behalf of your performance too. Talk to parents of your students! They are the ones that have reaped the benefits from your teaching. They will be irate to hear of your treatment I'm sure! Parents can be very protective of good teachers. A few good letters to counteract whatever it is he's put in your file will greatly help!

But I know me..... the first thing I'd do is confront this administrator. Not aggressively....... but you have a valid question. Why were you not made aware of his displeasure with your actions? Why did he compliment you at every turn and never mention improvements? I would think you would have a very valid case. If there is no record of them putting you on an improvement plan...... how can they just terminate you for performance issues? Legally they did not go through the proper procedures to do this. So after talking to him....... if it doesn't go well, I might seek legal advice from an attorney.

No this isn't fair. At all...... and I know you are not a liar. I'm just so upset for you. I know how excited you were when you were hired and I can't fathom what on earth they would put in a file that would require this action. You seriously need to fight until this is settled. This is your reputation...... your livlihood. No man should tarnish that due to his power play. I know you! You are a great person...... and a fabulous teacher!!

Please tell me if there is anything I can do to help. Keep in touch!!