It's All Go..

2015 and back into MST.  It's a bit more daunting this year because there are only two out of five HB teachers continuing and I really miss the companionship and contact that we had going last year.  Sue is in Havelock North and doing a different Massey paper so we communicate via e-mail over activities to try with students but not over study. 

Hence I have been feeling a tad overwhelmed, also not starting with a block course has been very interesting in that they are extremely motivating and get you in the 'mood' to get started.

Brendon was stellar in helping select children after I tested them all and supportive in running not too many groups with smaller numbers.  These kids have much less place value knowledge than last years crew so we are really thrashing our way around number knowledge and PV.

I think I started too results focused and forgot the fun and excitement value.  Once I filtered in some games and variety the kids attitudes perked up and they are keen to come.  I am still concerned about attitudes and gelling as a group but we are getting there.  My biggest hassle is getting them to arrive on time!

Jo Aplin helpfully invited me to join a Facebook MST community and some great ideas are starting to show up there.  It's also like a mini forum/discussion zone too.

Porritt is undergoing maths PD with Robyn and her team but I am feeling very out of the loop regarding that stuff - I am assuming its because I've done it before but it would be nice to be included in some aspects.

Last year was easier in that we were guided more on what to do.  I know I should be independent but am feeling on the outside again as no one is really interested.  John Hemi is great to bounce ideas off and we share resources but he's the only one.  Hopefully as the year progresses along with the maths PD those neat conversations will start again.

I have been trying hard to be enthusiastic with the kids and am very regular about writing a short refection on how each session went.  This guides my focus for the next days lessons and reminds me to monitor and check in with the kids who may not have quite got the point.  I still struggle to get any planning down in a formal manner as it is a fluid process and I go where the kids need to go.  I however always have an idea of where I want to go and what activities and problems the kids will do.

On-wards and upwards - the end of term is approaching fast and gains need to be made.