In the dynamic world of education, pacing is a crucial element that often determines the effectiveness of our teaching strategies. It's not just about what we teach, but also how we deliver it. The pace at which we introduce new concepts, review old ones, and engage students in activities can significantly impact their learning experience. I recently came across an insightful blog post on Impact Teachers (https://impactteachers.com/blog/pace-2/) that delves into the importance of lesson pacing and offers some practical strategies to master it. I thought it would be beneficial to share some key takeaways with you all. The blog post emphasises that pacing is not about rushing through content but rather about maintaining a rhythm that keeps students engaged and motivated. It's about striking a balance between moving too fast, which can leave students feeling overwhelmed, and moving too slow, which can lead to boredom and disengagement. One effective strategy discussed in the blog is 'chunking' - breaking down information into manageable pieces or 'chunks'. This approach allows students to absorb information more effectively without feeling overwhelmed. Another strategy is 'wait time' - giving students a few seconds to process information before moving on. This simple pause can significantly improve comprehension and participation. The blog also highlights the importance of flexibility in pacing. Every class is unique, with different learning styles and paces. Therefore, it's essential to adapt our pacing strategies according to our students' needs. Lastly, the blog suggests incorporating regular breaks into lessons. These breaks not only give students time to digest information but also help maintain their focus and energy levels. In conclusion, effective lesson pacing is a delicate art that requires careful planning, flexibility, and constant adjustment. But when done right, it can significantly enhance the learning experience for our students. I highly recommend reading the full blog post for more detailed insights on this topic: https://impactteachers.com/blog/pace-2/. Remember, as educators, our ultimate goal is not just to teach but to inspire a love for learning. And effective pacing is a powerful tool in achieving this goal.

📚🍎 Gifts for Teachers – The Debate 🍎📚 As the academic year draws to a close, many parents and students find themselves pondering the age-old question: "To gift or not to gift?" The tradition of presenting teachers with end-of-year tokens of appreciation is steeped in history, yet it remains a topic of much debate. Some argue that it's a heartfelt way to express gratitude for a year of guidance and support. Others contend that it places unnecessary pressure on families and can inadvertently create an atmosphere of competition. So, what's the right answer? At Impact Teachers, we've delved into this complex issue in our latest blog post: "Teacher Gifts - The Debate" (https://impactteachers.com/blog/teacher-gifts-the-debate/). We explore various perspectives, consider the potential implications, and offer some thoughtful alternatives to traditional gift-giving. Whether you're a parent seeking guidance, a teacher navigating this tricky terrain, or simply an interested party, we invite you to join the conversation. Let's unpack this together and perhaps find a middle ground that honours teachers' invaluable contributions without fostering undue stress or inequality. Remember, the ultimate goal is to cultivate an environment of mutual respect and appreciation within our educational institutions. After all, isn't that the greatest gift we can give our teachers?

🍎📚✏️ As we approach the end of another school year, the age-old debate resurfaces: To gift or not to gift our beloved teachers? We all know that teaching is far more than a profession; it's a calling. Our teachers pour their hearts and souls into moulding our children's minds, often going above and beyond their job descriptions. They are the unsung heroes who inspire, motivate and guide our little ones on their journey of learning and discovery. So, how do we show our appreciation for these extraordinary individuals? A heartfelt note? A homemade craft? Or perhaps a thoughtful gift? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. Some argue that a token of appreciation can go a long way in making teachers feel valued and respected. Others believe that the best gift is simply acknowledging their hard work and dedication. And then there are those who feel that gifting can inadvertently create a culture of expectation or favouritism. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this debate. What matters most is the sentiment behind the gesture - whether it's a gift, a thank you note or just a warm smile. If you're still unsure about what to do, why not take a look at this insightful blog post from Impact Teachers: https://impactteachers.com/blog/teacher-gifts-the-debate/. It delves deeper into this topic, offering different perspectives and practical advice to help you make an informed decision. Remember, it's not about the size or cost of the gift but the thoughtfulness behind it. After all, teaching is a labour of love, and any gesture of gratitude, no matter how small, can make a world of difference. 🍎📚✏️

📚🧠 Attention, educators and parents! We all know that every child is unique, each with their own strengths and challenges. However, for those who are easily distracted or have ADHD, the journey of learning can often feel like a winding road filled with hurdles. 🚧 ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is not just about being hyperactive or impulsive. It's a complex condition that affects a child's ability to focus, organise, and complete tasks. It's like trying to listen to the radio while someone keeps changing the station - frustrating, isn't it? 📻 But here's the good news: with understanding, patience and the right strategies, we can help these bright young minds to thrive in their educational journey. 🌟 At Impact Teachers, we believe in empowering educators with knowledge and tools to make a difference. We've put together an insightful blog post on how to support easily distracted and ADHD students in the classroom. From creating a structured environment to incorporating movement breaks, these strategies can help students stay focused and engaged. Check out our blog post here: https://impactteachers.com/blog/easily-distracted-adhd-students/ Remember, every child has the potential to shine brightly. Let's work together to create an inclusive learning environment where all students feel supported and understood. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about teaching them facts and figures - it's about nurturing their curiosity, creativity and confidence. 💫🎓

📚✍️ Writing school reports can often seem like a daunting task. It's not just about summarising a student's academic progress, but also about providing constructive feedback and setting clear goals for future development. At the heart of every report is the understanding that each child is unique, with their own strengths and areas for improvement. It's our responsibility as educators to communicate this effectively to parents, who are eager to understand their child's journey in the world of learning. But where do we start? How do we ensure that our reports are comprehensive, yet concise? How do we strike a balance between being honest and encouraging? The answer lies in understanding the art of report writing. It's about being objective, yet empathetic. It's about being detailed, yet succinct. It's about being professional, yet personal. If you're looking for guidance on how to write effective school reports, look no further! Impact Teachers has put together an insightful blog post that provides practical tips and strategies on writing school reports. From understanding the purpose of reports to structuring them effectively, this blog post covers it all! So whether you're a seasoned educator or a novice teacher, this blog post is sure to equip you with the skills needed to write impactful school reports. Check out the blog post here: https://impactteachers.com/blog/writing-reports/ Remember, writing school reports is not just about ticking off a task on your to-do list. It's an opportunity to make a difference in a child's educational journey. So let's embrace this opportunity and make every word count!

A Whole Week of 'NEW'!!!

It's Sunday afternoon and it has been a lazy chilled out start to the week. Yesterday marked 4 weeks since we left Sydney and as I walked home from Victoria station to our apartment in Battersea Park, I took a moment to take in every single detail of my surroundings. 

As I walked across Chelsea Bridge,  I looked from my left to my right and basically ended up doing a complete 360. I took in the bright lights of the bridge I was standing on. I noticed that every part of my body, bar my face, was warm (my face on the other hand was chilled). As busy as it was and despite the chaos that was the traffic surrounding me... I felt at peace. The smile on my face couldn't have been any wider. Having gotten through the first week of trying to make a living in London, I was proud of myself for making it through.  If you ask Ate, Greg or Janine what kind of week I had, you would know that it has been one of the most stressful, challenging yet rewarding weeks yet. The source of my stress has been worrying about finding a place to live. Janine & I are temporarily living in Battersea Park and we will be here for another week. The apartment here is perfect. 2 bedrooms, a shared living area, kitchen and bathroom. We had only started seriously searching for a place 3 days ago. If you are wondering why the delay in finding a place, it is because we have both been chasing the pounds!!! Yep, the holiday is over and we are finally working. After a mentally and physically exhausting day... the last thing you want to do is trawl the internet through numerous sites, just trying to find a place to live. It got to the point that I would find myself in the shower just wanting to burst out crying. When I look back on how worked up I got over finding a place, I remind myself that worrying is pointless. All I can (and must!!!) do is to take one day at a time. I am forever indebted to Eric & Kate who are welcoming us with open arms into their home and ensuring that we will not be homeless in 7 days.  For a newbie like me, London with all it's different train lines(both the Tube, the Overground and the National Rail) and countless bus routes, travelling from one place to another has and continues to be one of the biggest hurdles so far. This isn't made any easier when you are working as a supply teacher (the UK equivalent to casual teaching) and are told in the morning, with only minutes to spare that you need to make your way to some unknown destination within a set amount of time. My first working day of the year was Wednesday January 23. Janine had the luxury of being told the day prior that she would be working and since I hadn't heard anything from the agency, I assumed I was safe. I woke up early at 6am and dozed in an out of sleep, ready for the call. It was 8.15am and by this point, I knew that it would be safe to expect that I could continue being a lady of leisure. I had my day planned out already: 1. Facetime date with Greg 2. Do my washing 3. Go to Oxford St and purchase a bag, dresses and a coat.  4. Update my blog 5. Cook dinner for Janine I got my washing started and had my laptop set up ready to Facetime. I walked into my room and noticed that I had just missed a call from Johnathan (our contact person from the agency). I shouln't have returned his call!  I called him back. It was 8.23am and I was expected to be at a school located in Royal Oak by 9am. PANIC. I threw everything into my bag, making sure that I had my essentials: my phone, my oyster card and money. I was out the door in 10 minutes and made my way hastily to Battersea Park. I didn't make the 9am start but that was beyond my control. Upon arrival, the receptionist handed my 4 class lists, a map and told me to make my way to room 118. As expected, the moment I opened my mouth, arms would shoot up and shouts of 'Arrr ewe os-trail-yin???' filled the air. Some kids thought I was Canadian, others even thought my accent was American. Really kids? Really?! Hahahahaha!  Let's just say classrooms aren't much different than they are in Australia. Having had 6 years of my own classes, working as a supply teacher is definitely a new and different side of teaching that I am learning to like. There is the massive positive of not taking any work home. YAY! **fist pump** The downside though is that your focus is 99.999% behaviour management and 0.001% of teaching content. I have two memorable stories from my first day working as a supply teacher but will only bore you with the details of one... MEMORABLE MOMENT #1: This boy... let's call him boofhead  Student A, lost the privilege of sitting down because he was rocking on his chair. He was standing in the corner facing the wall and I had to repeatedly tell him to turn around, face the wall and stop pacing the classroom being a distraction. When I did, he would look at me like I was speaking a foreign language and pretending he couldn't hear me, he would sarcastically say "Sorry, I can't hear you...what are you saying?" Student A eventually chose to storm out of the classroom. I wasn't bothered as all I had to do was just write his name down and give it to the AP. Before I continue, I must mention that the doors at this school automatically locked and were also see through. Anyway. My supervision of the class continued until I heard a massive banging against the door. Student A was there demanding to come in because he had left his bag in the room. I looked at his bag then I looked at him straight in the eye and said to him sincerely, "Sorry. I can't hear you... what are you saying?" The look on his face and on every student in that classroom was priceless.   When I returned to the staffroom after that first day, all I wanted to do was just close my eyes and sit down. The TA(teaching assistant) who had been in one of my classes approached me and told me: "Hi. I just wanted to say thank you. I learnt so much from you about behaviour management. You did such a great job today. I have never seen those kids do as much work as they did today for their own teacher, let alone for a supply teacher. So well done."  I was surprised by her comment and I confess that inside, I was patting myself on the back. I felt damn proud of myself! Day 2 & 3 of teaching was such a contrast. I knew the afternoon before that I was contracted to be working at a school in Dartford- a town over an hour away from Battersea. I left the apartment at 5.30am and arrived at the school 2.5hours later. Thanks to Google maps, the 90 minute long walk meant I ended up walking through the woods! Yep. The woods. 

As I trudged my way through the woods, Betty(the voice in my head) said to me..."Well Juv, you always wanted adventure... so how's this for one?!" HAHAHAHAHA! Despite feeling like I was Gretel, without Hansel, walking through this dark, lonely and cold path... all I could do was laugh at myself.   The challenge ended when I got to the school- which was not perfect but I could sense that the students here, would respond to instruction. The lesson I learned that day: taxis exist for a reason- use them!!!! I looked forward to the next day because I knew, for once, where I was going.  I was approached by 3 different members of staff about wether or not I was interested in working full time there. I was emailed an application form and strongly encouraged by the Head of Maths that I should apply. I discussed with Janine that night what I should do. My gut was telling me that full-time teaching, despite being a saving grace and a guarantee to earning money, just wasn't something I wanted to do. This OMG2013 year is all about adventure... and the teaching here is just to fund this massive holiday. So with that decision made and having survived the chaos of the classroom, Janine and I INDULGED ourselves at my FAVOURITE place to eat: Gourmet Burger King (GBK). 

This is us waiting in the queue for dinner. We waited 20 minutes. Needless to say, it was worth it.  I ordered the Kiwiburger and an Oreo shake. Everything about this meal hit the spot. NOTE: I've seen this word attached to hashtags and cringed every time I read it... but this is the one time I would say it was appropriate to use. This meal was a #FOODGASM!!!

So with a belly full of the yummiest food ever, the satisfaction of getting through the week, a package from Greg in my hands and the prospect of a chilled weekend ahead... I just felt on top of the world.  The awesomeness continued yesterday morning as I looked out my window and saw Sheila(the Sun) shining ever so brightly... I knew it would be a perfect day to explore London. We planned on using the sunshine to check London out via the London Eye. We were unprepared for the queue and quickly decided that we would just spend the day getting to know London. We got to know that "place where the Chinese are"(to which Janine replied with... you mean Chinatown? hahahaha!), Oxford St, Picadilly, Soho and Covent Garden. CC(my credit card) got a work out yesterday too as we went crazy shopping. Yay. I finally have more than 3 outfits. **happy dance**

Today the exploring continued. My lazy Sunday kicked off with Facetime dates, catching up on Revenge and treating myself to my all time favourite biscuits- TIM TAMS. We also watched the last set of the Australian Open Men's Final- this felt like we were back at home! Sheila was out again today, despite initial lashings of rain this morning... so Janine and I went for a walk to Battersea Park (the actual park not just the suburb!) I walked for 2 hours, taking in my surroundings and seeing all the couples and families that were also making the most of the sunshine. As I made my way back to the apartment, I couldn't help but think...

GOSHHHH...I LOVE LONDON !!!! <3 :D

So here's to another week ahead. The past week was an assault to the senses BUT I have learnt sooooooo much. I move forward knowing that things can(and will) only get better. 

📚 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. It includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. For students with ADHD, maintaining focus in a traditional classroom setting can be a significant challenge. 🔍 Are you a teacher, parent or guardian seeking to understand and support easily distracted or ADHD students better? Or perhaps you're an individual living with ADHD who's looking for strategies to enhance your learning experience? 👉 We invite you to explore our latest blog post at Impact Teachers: https://impactteachers.com/blog/easily-distracted-adhd-students/. 📘 This comprehensive guide delves into the world of ADHD, offering valuable insights into the condition and practical strategies for managing distractions in the classroom. It provides an in-depth understanding of how ADHD affects learning and offers actionable tips for creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment. 💡 From understanding the importance of routine and structure to exploring different teaching methods that cater to diverse learning styles, this resource is packed with information designed to empower educators and learners alike. 🌐 Let's work together to create an educational landscape where every student, regardless of their challenges, can thrive and succeed. Knowledge is power - let's use it to make a difference in the lives of those living with ADHD.

📚🧠 Attention, educators and parents! We all know that maintaining focus can be a challenge for some students, particularly those with ADHD. It's not just about being 'easily distracted', it's about understanding the unique way their brains process information. ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It manifests differently in every individual, making it crucial for us to understand and adapt our teaching methods to help these students thrive. We've stumbled upon an insightful article from Impact Teachers that delves into this topic in depth. It provides valuable tips and strategies to help manage distractions and create an optimal learning environment for students with ADHD. From creating a structured routine to incorporating physical activity into the day, these strategies are designed to cater to the unique needs of these learners. The article also emphasises the importance of positive reinforcement and building strong relationships with students. Whether you're a teacher looking for new strategies or a parent seeking understanding, this article is a must-read. Let's work together to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all our students. Check out the full article here: https://impactteachers.com/blog/easily-distracted-adhd-students/ Remember, every child has the potential to excel - it's up to us to provide them with the right tools and environment to do so. 🌟🎓

🖋️📚 As educators, we understand the importance of effective communication, especially when it comes to reporting on our students' progress. Writing school reports is an art that requires precision, empathy, and a deep understanding of each student's unique journey. In our latest blog post at Impact Teachers (https://impactteachers.com/blog/writing-reports/), we delve into the intricacies of writing comprehensive and meaningful school reports. We explore the importance of clear language, the balance between praise and constructive feedback, and how to accurately reflect a student's progress. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a newly qualified teacher, this guide offers valuable insights into crafting reports that not only inform parents but also inspire students to reach their full potential. Remember, a well-written report can be a powerful tool in fostering positive relationships between teachers, students, and parents. It's not just about grades; it's about growth, development, and celebrating every step of the learning journey. So why not take a moment to read our blog post? You might discover new strategies to make your next round of report writing more efficient and impactful. After all, as educators, we're lifelong learners too. 🎓✍️

📚🖊️ As we approach the end of another school term, the daunting task of writing school reports looms large for many educators. It's a task that requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of each student's progress. We understand that it can be overwhelming to encapsulate an entire term's worth of learning, growth and achievements into a single report. The challenge lies not only in summarising academic progress but also in capturing the unique personality, strengths and areas for improvement of each child. But fret not, dear educators! We're here to lend a helping hand with this mammoth task. We've discovered an incredibly useful resource that can make your report writing journey smoother and more efficient - https://impactteachers.com/blog/writing-reports/. This comprehensive guide provides practical tips and strategies to help you craft meaningful, insightful and impactful reports. From understanding the purpose of reports to structuring them effectively, this guide covers it all. It even offers advice on how to communicate effectively with parents through your reports. Remember, your words have the power to inspire students to strive for greater heights and reassure parents about their child's learning journey. So take a deep breath, grab a cuppa ☕️ and dive into this guide. Let's turn this daunting task into an opportunity to celebrate our students' achievements and set them up for future success.

As we approach the end of another academic year, it's crucial to ensure that we're well-prepared to navigate the challenges that come with it. From managing exam stress to planning for the summer holidays, the end of the school year can be a daunting time for both students and teachers alike. That's why we've put together The End of Year School Survival Guide - a comprehensive resource designed to help you successfully navigate this busy period. This guide is packed with practical tips and advice on a range of topics, including effective revision strategies, maintaining motivation, managing workload, and planning for the future. Whether you're a student looking for ways to maximise your study time, a teacher seeking strategies to keep your students engaged until the last day, or a parent wanting to support your child through this challenging time, this guide has something for everyone. So why not take a moment to check out The End of Year School Survival Guide? It could be the key to ending your school year on a high note. Visit https://impactteachers.com/blog/the-end-of-year-school-survival-guide/ today and equip yourself with the tools you need to thrive during this end-of-year period. Remember, preparation is key when it comes to surviving and thriving at the end of the school year. So arm yourself with knowledge and let's finish this academic year strong together!

📚🍎 As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, it's not uncommon to feel a mix of emotions. Excitement for the upcoming summer break, anxiety over final exams, and perhaps a touch of sadness as we bid farewell to another year. We understand that this time can be challenging for both students and teachers alike. That's why we've put together an End of Year School Survival Guide to help you navigate these final weeks with grace and resilience. Our guide is packed with practical tips on managing stress, staying organised, and making the most of your remaining time in school. Whether you're a student gearing up for GCSEs or A-Levels, or a teacher preparing your class for their final assessments, we've got you covered. Remember, it's not just about surviving - it's about thriving! So let's finish this school year strong together. 💪🎓 Check out our End of Year School Survival Guide here: https://impactteachers.com/blog/the-end-of-year-school-survival-guide/

As we approach the end of another school year, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions. Excitement for the upcoming summer break, relief at the prospect of a well-deserved rest, but also perhaps a touch of anxiety as you navigate the final hurdles. Whether you're a teacher wrapping up lessons and grading final assignments, or a student preparing for those last exams and projects, we understand that this period can be both challenging and rewarding. That's why we've put together an End of Year School Survival Guide to help you through these final weeks. Our guide is packed with practical tips and advice to help you stay organised, manage your time effectively, and maintain your wellbeing during this busy time. We cover everything from planning your revision schedule to dealing with end-of-year stress, ensuring you have all the tools you need to finish the school year on a high note. So whether you're counting down the days until summer or dreading the final push, our guide is here to support you every step of the way. Check out our End of Year School Survival Guide at https://impactteachers.com/blog/the-end-of-year-school-survival-guide/ and let's finish this school year strong together! Remember, it's not just about surviving - it's about thriving. Here's to ending the school year with confidence and starting the summer break with a sense of accomplishment.

🍎📚 As we navigate the complex world of education, a question often arises: Should teachers accept gifts from their pupils? This topic is not as black and white as it may seem, and it's one that warrants thoughtful discussion. Gift-giving can be seen as a token of appreciation, a way for students and parents to express their gratitude for the hard work and dedication that teachers put into their profession. However, it's also important to consider the potential implications of this practice. Could it inadvertently create an atmosphere of favouritism or unfairness within the classroom? At Impact Teachers, we've delved into this topic in depth, exploring both sides of the argument. We believe that while gifts can be a lovely gesture, they should never be expected or encouraged. It's essential to maintain professional boundaries in an educational setting to ensure fairness and equality for all students. We also suggest that if gifts are given, they should be modest and appropriate - perhaps a handmade card or a small token that doesn't carry significant monetary value. This way, the focus remains on the sentiment behind the gift rather than its material worth. For more insights on this topic, we invite you to read our full blog post at https://impactteachers.com/blog/should-teachers-accept-gifts-from-pupils/. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter - do you think teachers should accept gifts from pupils? Let's foster an open dialogue about this important issue in education. 🎁🏫

🎁🍎📚 Ahoy there, mates! Ever found yourself in a bit of a pickle, wondering whether it's proper to present your favourite teacher with a gift? Or perhaps you're a teacher yourself, pondering if it's appropriate to accept these tokens of appreciation from your pupils? Well, fear not! We've got the answers you seek! Embark on an enlightening journey with us as we navigate the choppy waters of this intriguing topic. We've hoisted the sails and charted a course straight to our latest blog post: "Should Teachers Accept Gifts from Pupils?" (https://impactteachers.com/blog/should-teachers-accept-gifts-from-pupils/). In this grand adventure, we delve deep into the heart of the matter, exploring the pros and cons, the ethical implications, and even the legalities surrounding this age-old tradition. From apples for the teacher to more extravagant offerings, we examine it all! So grab your compass and join us on this voyage of discovery. Whether you're a parent wanting to express gratitude, a student wishing to show respect, or a teacher seeking guidance - this is one expedition you won't want to miss! Remember, knowledge is the greatest treasure of all. So let's set sail together on this educational odyssey and uncover the truth about teachers accepting gifts. Anchors aweigh! 🏴‍☠️🌊📚

📚🍎 Should Teachers Accept Gifts from Pupils? 🎁🤔 This is a question that has sparked countless debates in the education sector. It's a topic that's as complex as it is sensitive, and it's one that requires careful consideration. On one hand, gifts can be seen as a heartfelt expression of gratitude from pupils and their parents, a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication teachers put into their roles. On the other hand, there are concerns about the potential for favouritism, inequality among students, and ethical dilemmas. So, where does one draw the line? What kind of gifts are appropriate, if any at all? And how should schools regulate this practice to ensure fairness and transparency? To delve deeper into this topic, we recommend reading this insightful blog post by Impact Teachers: https://impactteachers.com/blog/should-teachers-accept-gifts-from-pupils/. It provides a balanced perspective on the issue, exploring both sides of the argument with thoughtfulness and respect. As we navigate this discussion, it's important to remember that at the heart of it all is the teacher-student relationship. This bond is built on mutual respect and understanding, not material possessions. Whether or not gifts are exchanged should never overshadow the true essence of education: imparting knowledge and inspiring young minds. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Should teachers accept gifts from pupils? Share your views in the comments below!