Use headings such as environmental studies, language, expressive arts, and so on, followed by the task so they can identify what these subjects entail. This helps when they are completing self-assessment booklets. Also, by having a programme on view, it is easier at the end of the day to review areas of study that have been undertaken, or to round up the points covered.

Class rules can be discussed at the beginning of a circle time session and should be positive . For example, a rule would be “Be quiet” as opposed to “We will not talk”. All the rules can be displayed on a colourful background with bees in between rules. The bee theme can be used for allocating jobs to the children. Each child is given a picture of a bee to decorate to which their name is attached and then laminated.

Put a hive with a queen bee on the wall with some flowers surrounding it, also laminated. Each flower could have a heading, such as “helpers” or “messengers”. The children’s bees, which are on the hive, are then placed on a flower and this is their job for the week.

Carol Cooke is a teacher at Bridge of Weir primary school in Renfrewshire.

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