The Stuggle

 The Struggle

What an opportunity that Covid has provided for myself and many other educators! Being able to work with learners in their own environment. I have some students that has their own space for their learning and some students that has to share with other siblings. There were students who have the support of their whanau and some who are left to do their own. 

However, my learners love coming to the google meet. 

As we learn to use the google meet effectively, students came on at different times and it was really a struggle for me to get decent teaching and learning happened.   One step back and re-think.

The Reading Club

 The Return to School and The Book Club

On the 22 of May, the Reading Club was formally set up.    

Rationale: To develop a love of reading in our students.

                  When students are engaged in reading and are able to  self-select books for pleasure, their achievement in reading, writing and maths will improve.

Who is involved: Eight Year 8 students and their siblings. There are other boys but are not a focus.

How it works: 

• TWP learning space have increased silent reading time daily - 2 x 15 minutes personal and 1 reading to, or listening to text.

• Personal Reading Time - first thing in the morning except Monday and after morning tea.

• Parents are asked to monitor the reading at home and sign the reading log

• 30 minutes uninterrupted reading at home

There was a sense of joy and willing to be part of the journey.

Beginning of Term 2

 As the term began with learning from home or distance learning or online learning, whatever the term we used, the learners learn from home. It was not easy for myself or for my students. I really missed their presence and the physical presence of my learners. 

Learning to do the google meet distract the content, however, I focus on the well being rather than the curriculum. The first google meet was a mess. Students did not want to show themselves from their environment. Microphone were mute or unmute. I even did it myself. I talk and forgot I am muted. 

Students were coming in as dribs and drabs. It was frustrating to get them together to have a decent teaching and learning. Those learners that come regularly get the benefits of receiving decent teaching time.

I persevered and had to set project work so they can work on it in their own time. 

A big realisation I made was, some of my learners were lost on our site in class. When asked if they know their learning, a confused response is give.  

In our learning space, we did cross grouping for Year 4 to 8. This means that I will have a Year 7 & 8, Year 5 & 6 or 6 & 7 and a Year 4 group for reading, writing and Maths. This was particularly difficult during lockdown. Having to reach out to the year 4s was very difficult. I understand that it was early in the year but it gave me an important message - The importance of having a confident teacher for this year group. The year 4s need a teacher who is confident with the Learn Create Share Philosophy. 

I did not see my year 4 group much, even the year 5 & 6 group. Another important message is that students go to their home teacher as they connect well and the importance of having the homeroom teacher. 

A lot to learn.

A Reading Survey

 I conducted a survey for Years 4 to 8 on to see how much they read independently and to have an insight to barrier for reading independently. I also wanted to know what kind of books they read. This might help me shed light on helping them with reading materials.

This was not an easy tasks because I did it during Covid lockdown. My intention was to involve the parents with the questionnaires.  I managed to speak with some parents via google meet regarding the survey. 

The Responses from a reading survey

THE FINDINGS

1. Of the 60 students survey, they know the importance of reading, which is reflected in their responses.

2. They know that they are not great in reading

3. They know they don't read enough

4. The would like to read more as they know the importance of reading.

WHAT IS NEXT?

The Effect of Covid

 The Lockdown and My Inquiry

Term 2

The term begin with learning from home. I focussed on the wellbeing of learners. We learned to use the google meet and discuss the protocol involved to ensure that we are productive when we are meeting online. It was totally a different experience for the students and myself.  I am aware of how conscious my students are in showing their background. They feel that we are invading their privacy. I have to agree with them and we talked about it. It was a great opportunity to enter the students' world at home.  It is a great way to get the parents' support and to make them aware of what is happening with their children's learning. 

Because my inquiry was in its initial stage, I tried to encourage my students to read something. I encouraged them to go to read online if they don't have a book (doubt it).