Autonomy in Education by Sophie Smith-Tong

So demeaning to have post its added to my work books (without notice) with how I can improve my marking. Pulling me up on success criteria not being ticked when I know that! I am an adult. There are some occasions where children will not be regulated or able to tick - we cannot expect 100% "correct" all the time. No trust in my ability to make these judgements or assessments independently without being "told off" Bad for my stress levels and sense of care for my job.

sophiemsmith — 2024-09-18 09:52:29 UTC

I had yet another training session after school last week about another scheme I have to learn and follow. I am tired - why can't I just teach the children according to their interests and my professional knowledge!?

sophiemsmith — 2024-09-18 12:07:07 UTC

2024-09-18 16:03:17 UTC

Our school is so prescriptive that we have to have the same behaviour management in all classrooms - we have bland stickers that are issued by school, a list of school rules that are not age appropriate in some cases, bland certificates issued by school, dry and boring behaviour charts that don’t work - we are forbidden from giving out our own rewards/positive incentives and are not allowed to implement our own rules and routines in class. It’s so hard when every teacher is so different, we need the autonomy to manage our own classrooms effectively.

Joyless art

2024-09-23 17:49:40 UTC

Sad to see art in EYFS reduced to A4 paper print-outs to be filled in meticulously. Where are the balls chucked in paint pots and ketchup bottles filled with bubbles?