Organizing For Learning In The Primary Classroom

This book explores the whole range of influences and values which underpin why teachers do what they do in the classroom context and what these mean to children and others. It examines teaching and learning styles, children's independence and autonomy, coping with children's differences, the physical classroom context and resources, time management and ways of involving others in the day to day organization.

Since the publication of the first edition, Organising Learning in the Primary School Classroom has been recognised as an indispensable guide for primary school teachers in their quest for more effective practice in the classroom. It gives help on everyday problems of classroom organisation: how to group children, how to set out a classroom physically, how to make the most efficient use of time and resources. Now in its 4th edition, the book retains these strengths but has been brought right up to date with the many changes that are taking place nationally and globally. The book begins with a survey of these recent changes and goes on to consider their implications for teachers if today's schools are to prepare children for what is, to some extent, an unknown future. In addition to chapters on classroom organisation, the book includes chapters on: child development creativity PSHE and citizenship teaching language and literacy, ICT, mathematics and science the foundation subjects working with parents working effectively with Teaching Assistants evaluating and assessing learning teaching children with special educational needs or exceptional ability. Throughout, the aim is to get teachers and student teachers to analyse their own classrooms and to produce solutions that will work for them. This book will be invaluable not only to newly qualified teachers, but also to experienced practitioners wishing to review their work.

Since its publication in 1984, the first edition of "Organising Learning in the Primary School Classroom" has been recognized as an indispensable guide for elementary school teachers in their quest for more effective practice in the classroom. This classic work offers help on everyday problems of classroom organization: how to group children, how to physically arrange a classroom, and how to make the most efficient use of time and resources. Throughout, the aim is to get teachers, and student teachers, to analyze their own classrooms and to produce solutions that will work for them. This second edition has been completely revised to take account of recent thinking in education, including discussions on Britain's Education Reform Act and the National Curriculum. Sections on curriculum content--particularly those connected with the teaching of science--have also been expanded.

Filled with clear explanations and doable strategies, this book helps PreK-2 teachers juggle the demands of planning effective instruction and creating a literacy-rich classroom environment. Realistic vignettes illustrate how to set goals, develop standards-based curricula and assessments, establish routines, and organize the classroom space and the daily schedule. The authors demonstrate the nuts and bolts of building an exemplary classroom library and professional teaching library, collaborating as a team with other teachers and specialists, preparing report cards, and communicating with families. Several reproducible forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

The primary classroom is the context in which a wide range of teaching and learning experiences occur - and not just for the children! What is it that underlies classroom organization, routines, rules, structures and daily occurrences? What are the prime objectives and what influences the decisions of teachers and children? What is it useful for teachers to consider when contemplating the issues of classroom management and organization? What do different practices have to offer? "Organizing for Learning in the Primary Classroom" explores the whole range of influences and values which underpin why teachers do what they do in the classroom context and what these mean to children and others. Janet Moyles draws on several different research findings to examine the evidence in relation to the underlying issues of teachers' beliefs and values. She examines teaching and learning styles, children's independence and autonomy, coping with children's differences , the physical classroom context and resources, time management and ways of involving others in the day to day organization. Practical suggestions are given for considering both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the classroom context. Opportunities are provided for teachers to reflect on their own organization and also consider innovative and flexible ways forward to deal with new and ever increasing demands on their time and sanity!.

"This easily accessible book is likely to influence the practice of any teacher reading it, whether or not their pupils are already experienced at shifting the furniture!" Primary Practice Classroom organization plays a greater role in children's learning than is generally recognized. Moreover, research studies of primary teaching have repeatedly shown that the way classrooms are usually organized makes learning unnecessarily difficult for most children. Re-organizing Primary Classroom Learning explains the evidence that should prompt primary schools to think again about the contexts in which children are expected to concentrate and learn. New ways of arranging classrooms are illustrated through case studies of teachers who take a flexible and strategic approach to the organization of learning. These demonstrate how children's attention and behaviour can benefit from creating a better match between working contexts and tasks. Suggestions and resources are provided to help teachers review how they and their children work, and to plan and evaluate ways of using their classrooms more effectively to support learning. A website, run by the authors, offers further examples and support (http/:education.ntu.ac.uk/research/primary_class_org). Re-organizing Primary Classroom Learning is written for primary teachers and headteachers who are curious and keen to improve the quality of children's learning and progress. It raises fundamental questions about accepted practice and offers realistic alternatives and encouragement to innovate.

* How do primary teachers incorporate all the facets of science in their teaching? * How do primary teachers plan and replan their science teaching in the light of how children are learning? * How do primary teachers retain lively and imaginative science teaching within the constraints of a specified curriculum? This book is about the very best of primary classroom practice in science; six teachers, six schools, six science topics, with children from ages five to eleven years. The teaching and children's learning are described in a straightforward style, richly illustrated by pen and ink drawings made from photographs, and by examples of children's work. The author has provided a commentary on the particular classroom examples by linking them to a wider discussion of science in primary schools and by sharing the teachers' own rationale for their decisions. The book was written initially for beginning teachers, but experienced teachers who reviewed the drafts, welcomed the combination of 'real' classroom examples coupled with a more theoretical commentary. Above all, they welcomed the essence of the book which, as the opening sentence indicates, is "about creativity in teaching and a celebration of the skills and expertise of primary teachers in the area of science." The book will be invaluable reading for both trainee and practising primary school teachers.

From birth, human beings are striving to make sense of the world. They learn through interaction, modelling first hand experience and independent action. Most children arrive at school with the notion that being independent and having the desire to take responsibility has been seen, in their homes, as a good thing. However, what often happens is that responsibility may be denied them in school and further bids for independence are viewed as negative behaviour. This book argues that independence in the classroom should be seen as beneficial for learners and also for teachers. Jill Williams makes a compelling case for a climate in which decision making is valued, where children are enabled to solve problems and where children and adults respect each others point of view, arguing that this will be a climate in which independence flourishes. In turn the benefits in terms of teaching and learning will be apparent for both the children and the teachers. The notion of independence in the classroom is explored through vivid cameos showing positive relationships between teachers and learners, inspirational classroom organization and management and examples of children taking their learning forward in an environment where they have choices. The careful monitoring, assessment and discussion of teaching and learning which is presented highlights the benefits for both learners and teachers when there is a focus on independence.