So after having a nice week off for half term. I'm back in the swing of things at work. As we are well into the 2nd term at school now my role has really become important. Reception are expected to do alot of reading and writing yet so many of our children are EAL children, which is English as an additional language. they struggle with even understanding what is being expected of them. this is when visual aids are really important and i would use these during carpet time.
The children learn to read and write through phonics. This far into a school year me being the TA takes certain groups out to push them forwards in their phonics and to ensure they aren't behind. I took a group this afternoon, which we were doing CVC words(consonant,vowel,consonant). One of them afterwards said that really helped me. I think it is very important for children to have that extra time when needed.
Recently reception have had to get their childrens assessments done. Reading high frequency words. checking letters, sounds. I feel that children at such a young age shouldn't be expected to know all of this. Alot of them need to be taught in play and social skills yet all that gets lost as for me and the teacher is constantly about having assess and observe. Observing, now thats a whole different kettle of fish, we have to observe three children a week and then do PLOds for them the following week, which are activities to push them. in the mean time the children will be loosing focus as they need guidance but we rarely have time to be model whats right and wrong.

Task 1a

CV

2001-2007 Chace Community School  6 GCSE’s A-C

2007-2011 Chickenshed Btec National Diploma in Performing Arts 3  distinctions

                                            Foundation Degree in Inclusive first honours

2008- Present Capag (playscheme)

2011- Present Hazelbury School

Personal Statement

My first experience in working with children was back in 2005, where I did work experience at Russet House School. This school offers a balanced education for children with autism. I was expected to support the children in the activities the teacher gave them to do. I would support their lunchtimes and ensure the children are getting the most out of there day. This experience gave me great confidence at a young age,14 to work with special needs children. I enjoyed my time there as I was familiar with the way special schools work. My mum worked at West Lea and Russet House school therefore when I grew up I was forever in and out of the schools on my days off.

I joined chickenshed as a student in 2007 studying a btec in Performing Arts and then going on to do the foundation degree in Inclusive Performance. One of the main aspects to these courses was working with children from supporting someone in a Christmas show to running workshops for home educated children. When I first started chickenshed I was so passionate about acting. But through out my time, even though I still do now love performing I realised my real interest was making a difference in childrens lives.

During my time there I had to support the children theatre sessions and be a group leader. This role was make sure that all the children were getting the support they needed and making sure everyones voice was heard.  I also ran work shops as part as a team, these were aimed at all different groups and based on different things. This ment I had to deliver sessions and plan workshop ideas. I am still very interested in doing this aside of my job now.

For the last 4 years I have been working at a playscheme called CAPAG which caterers for children with mild to severe needs. My role here is sometimes to be supporting someone on a one to one basis or just being a float and over seeing them all.

My degree came to an end coming out with a first. I was very pleased with this but new I wanted to start a fresh somewhere else. I am currently working as a classroom teaching assistant in a primary school. I work in reception, with 4-5 year olds. My job role includes, making toast in the mornings, ensuring that there is the fruit for the day and the water. I then have to let the children in and discuss with the parents any issues relevant. We then do carpet sessions on phonics before they go and have some child initiated play with an adult led activity. I also take groups of children to do cooking and outdoor play. I also do phonic groups and something called lola groups which is attention and listening.

So after weeks of struggling on how to start this course, I have made the decision  it's time to get started. After the induction day at Middlesex which really frightened me I just didn't know where to start. This is my second attempt of this course as i deffered my place in september. At first I just didn't see how it would help me as i work in education and most people are doing performing arts. But after chats with others who are doing the course I realised what I will get out of the course. Therefore I thought it is definitly time to get enrolled and to do my first blog!
I am currently working in a primary school as a general class teaching assistant in reception. There are certain things I can share with you all but obviously for confidentially reasons there's also lots I can't.
So I hope you can enjoy my experiences with me!!