So this week I go down to being a TA in a Reception class.
I am not weeping into my cornflakes .... yet.
How do I think its going to go ?
Well I think its not a case of being stoic and all Rose from the Titantic ....
Will I be scared of the Reception children ?
Will unless they represent evil Gremlins then no ... they do go home at the end of the day right ?
How do I approach the "I miss my Mummy" Oscar film winning situation?
Well practicality rules for me as most children starting school will appreciate a straight answer. Which for myself usually goes like this..
Blubbering child "I miss my mummy"...... exhibiting signs of Greta Garbo "I vant to be alone"
Me" Who do you live with?"
The child slowly calming down (mostly)
"Mummy, Daddy .. various brother , sisters , pets, imaginary friends and Justin from Cbeebies"
Myself "So you are going to see them at the end of the day"
A small child has no real concept of time the phrase "Are we nearly there yet is tantamount to this"
So as the said small child continues to muse this situation and rather like a deer trapped in headlights.
I finish with the phrase.
"So Mummy (etc) will be proud of you for being a big boy (girl) when you get home"
They usually accept this situation and topped off with a sticker they are your friend for life.
Reverse psychology works mostly....
I am not weeping into my cornflakes .... yet.
How do I think its going to go ?
Well I think its not a case of being stoic and all Rose from the Titantic ....
Will I be scared of the Reception children ?
Will unless they represent evil Gremlins then no ... they do go home at the end of the day right ?
How do I approach the "I miss my Mummy" Oscar film winning situation?
Well practicality rules for me as most children starting school will appreciate a straight answer. Which for myself usually goes like this..
Blubbering child "I miss my mummy"...... exhibiting signs of Greta Garbo "I vant to be alone"
Me" Who do you live with?"
The child slowly calming down (mostly)
"Mummy, Daddy .. various brother , sisters , pets, imaginary friends and Justin from Cbeebies"
Myself "So you are going to see them at the end of the day"
A small child has no real concept of time the phrase "Are we nearly there yet is tantamount to this"
So as the said small child continues to muse this situation and rather like a deer trapped in headlights.
I finish with the phrase.
"So Mummy (etc) will be proud of you for being a big boy (girl) when you get home"
They usually accept this situation and topped off with a sticker they are your friend for life.
Reverse psychology works mostly....
 |
| Reception child. |
Good luck. My middle boy starts Reception tomorrow but he's already been in school for a year so there'll be no tears from him. My oldest starts year 2 tomorrow and can't wait to get back to school!
ReplyDeleteI love the list of people they live with. Ours would include Gaston the ladybird, Two-and-a-half the dinosaur, and Terry Jones. Terry Jones is apparently 4 and a half, a princess, invisible, wearing a pink dress, and he eats peas.
ReplyDelete