Back to tutoring next week.

Phew, it’s been a busy week, and the main focus has been preparing for the upcoming learning sessions. Lessons for my students resume next week, and I’d like to share some of the preparations I’ve made:

Reacquainting Myself with Learning Materials:

Over the break, I reviewed my scope and sequence, then set it aside. This week, I revisited it to ensure it still makes sense, checking for sequential and cumulative coherence. I am now very comfortable with the content and structure of the upcoming lessons. Additionally, I spent time organising stationery items, including workbooks, folders, pens, markers, and supplementary resources.

Setting Up My Teaching Space:

I don’t know about anyone else, but last year I walked out and left a huge mess in my learning space! I didn’t have the mental and physical capacity to leave it clean. I’ve spent the last two weeks creating a conducive and organised teaching environment. I’ve tried to keep my space as free from distractions as possible, apart from key learning items on the walls such as b/d reversal posters, and question words for summary sentences. At the end of last year my personal accounts got hacked and so this week I have been retesting technology to address any potential issues. 

Establishing Communication Channels:

In the last two weeks, I reconnected with parents, confirming time and day changes and addressing any last-minute instructions. I have a communication plan in place to keep in touch with students and their families throughout the tutoring process. Additionally, I spent time meeting new parents and students joining the sessions.

Planning:

Today was my major planning day. I reviewed each grouping, examined the skills completed last year, and analysed progress assessments from November. I’ve prepared engaging and interactive activities for the first week, tailoring lesson plans to the specific needs and learning styles of my students. I understand the importance of being ready to adapt based on their responses and progress. I know that some students may not have picked up a book or pen over the school holidays, and I anticipate the need for skill review in the initial lessons.

Review and Reflection on Teaching Strategies:

I’ve taken some time to revisit my teaching strategies and techniques. Part of my job is to consider how I can differentiate my instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. I’ve also spent some time reflecting on my goals and expectations for the first week. I know that some of the lessons will not go as planned, so I’ve set up lots of games to fall back on. It’s really prudent to anticipate potential challenges and have strategies in place to address them.

Bonus:

I’ve maintained a commitment to professional development, staying updated on the latest literacy teaching methods and resources. This involves listening to podcasts, reading books, and attending webinars. With these preparations, I feel confident in being well-prepared for my first teaching week, aiming to create a positive and effective learning experience for my students.

What are you doing to be prepared? Share your tips!