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NQT buzz from the TES forums

Just before the return to school you could smell the fear among NQTs on our web forum, with many worrying about that first week

4th September 2009, 1:00am

Here’s a selection of their thoughts and feelings below:

The thread entitled “Petrified about September!” (www.tes.co.ukpetrified ) echoes the feelings of many and is a good place to head if you’re looking for reassurance and solace from qualified teachers. You’ll also find that other NQTs have exactly the same worries as you.
If you’re still in a panic and you don’t start your first day’s teaching until Monday, take a look at our First Day Lesson thread (www.tes.co.ukfirstday ), which is packed with ideas from experienced teachers.
If you’re fretting about the state of your displays, find inspiration on this thread started by a Year 5 NQT (www.tes.co.ukdisplays ). There are heaps of ideas here - the most popular is the “Fabulous Year 5” display made up of individual portraits of class members. It’s an idea that can easily be adapted for any year group.
Worried about those awkward questions your pupils are likely to ask in the first week? There’s some great advice at www.tes.co.ukpersonalinfo about how much information you should give away and how to handle questions such as: “Have you got a boyfriend, Miss?”
You might also want to get together with other NQTs to share your first- week experiences. Year 4 NQTs hang out at www.tes.co.ukyear4nqts and you’ll find Year 5 NQTs at www.tes.co.ukyear5nqts . If you haven’t yet got a job, join the unemployed NQT thread for tips on supply teaching and tuition jobs (www.tes.co.ukunemployedNQTs ).
Get advice from experienced teachers and support from your peers at www.tes.co.uknqtforum .

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