Speaking and Listening

Speaking and listening
1.) The five things I’ll try to remember when in the classroom from these sessions.

a.) The Alice in Wonderland activity was a clever way of illustrating the different ways in which we attain information and to consider the different ways that you can encourage pupil’s to listen.
b.) I think that I’m very used to being interrupted when in the middle of something by both my daughters. Often it’s when I’m on the telephone and especially when I’m trying to read. The exercise of trying to read a passage from a text whilst being questioned was very frustrating to say the least. Pratiksha and I were extremely unfortunate and were given a book of Shakespeare’s plays to read from!! It outlines the importance of giving your attention to the person trying to speak to you as well as considering those who are busy!
c.) High tide and low tide was fun. We all had to listen attentively and comprehend the information so we could do the actions. I believe its valuable to have fun and to be able to bring humour to teaching and by doing activities like high tide low tide, you are inadvertently teaching others to listen.
d.) My favourite activity out of them all. Angela was brilliant as teacher and I was so impressed with the way she instructed, encouraged and praised. The role plays were fun to do as well as a powerful tool to promote empathy. I do feel however that I have been ‘type cast’ into the role of Mother, not necessarily a negative role but I’m trying not to age and being Mum makes me feel old!!
e.) The auction was also good fun. I will admit to enjoying countdown on channel four (I’m rubbish at the maths questions) and this game reminded me of that. I can see how a class room of children would really get involved and find it enjoyable. You know instinctively that it’s an educational game but with a healthy balance of competition and group work. Our team lost though, it was a fix I’m sure!!

2.) I started the session feeling extremely conscious of myself and felt quite nervous about acting out in front of everybody. I needn’t have been anxious as the whole group were fantastic and my position in the ‘danger zone’ ebbed back into my ‘growth zone’. My listening skills are definitely getting better and I’m learning so much in each session. My self confidence is building and I am focusing on developing clear speech.

3.) I had a really good feeling about everyone in the group and am really pleased to be part of such a friendly, thoughtful and supportive group. I feel that we gel well and are more than capable of developing as a team and help each others to progress individually.