- You know it’s bad when a discussion starts with the word “Eek” (www.tes.co.ukeek). NQT lillipad kicks off the discussion with: “I worry that I’m not teaching them properly, or pitching at the right level, or they’re not progressing.”
- The message struck a chord with other NQTs, but reassurance comes from the experienced teacher Pinkflipflop: “Always make sure you have extension for your top children and make sure the work is challenging.”
- Another NQT, friendlywithteeth, tells lillipad not to worry too much: “We’ve only been doing this around a week, and aren’t expected to do everything perfectly. Right now I’m focusing on building constructive relationships with my class and setting down firm expectations.”
- On a similar theme there is another discussion titled, “Stressed already! It’s barely started!” (www.tes.co.ukstressed). This NQT feels “left behind and under prepared” and admits that the “NQT year is 10 times harder than PGCE”.
- Thankfully there’s plenty of advice on the forum: make the most of your PPA time; make a list in your next free lesson of things you need to get done; use half the weekend to sort out your head and your paperwork and the other half to relax; prioritise, plan your lessons and resources but not in the same detail you needed for your PGCE; make sure you get a lunch break and chat to other teachers.
- By now you’re probably suffering from a sore throat because of all that talking. Saclrop asks for tips at www.tes.co.uksorethroat. Suggested treatments include wear a scarf, drink warm water with honey, lemon and ginger in the morning, and don’t have drinks that are too cold or hot before lessons.
- Get advice from experienced teachers and support from your peers at www.tes.co.uknqtforum.
