Teaching as Inquiry Brent

Teaching as Inquiry in Karearea 12...

Due to a growing roll at Allandale School we have moved a number of students across our school. Karearea 12 has had a child put into our classroom from another classroom in our syndicate. This child has been involved in a RTLB referral for increased concerning behaviours.

Consolation was had with our syndicate  teachers concerned before the move. Parents were also talked to and discussions were had about the benefits and best fits for all children.

A settlement time has been had (2 weeks) while the child settle into their new classes.

BRENT (Pseudonym)

How can we develop a classroom culture of caring where BRENT can feel valued and an important member of Karearea 12?

What impact does our teaching have on Brent?
Our classroom learning environment is established. Our learners understand the routines and expectations. Learners are clear about their responsibilities and roles. Coming into a learning environment that is already established is difficult and can be challenging for a less confident and behaviourally challenged student. Children are familiar with our expectations and learning routines and this student is not.

What do we need to change in our practice?

Having a new student in our class means that we need to re-establish our routines and expectations to this learner. He needs to be given the same opportunities as our older students to learn and understand our expectations.  
Develop a in-depth culture of caring in our classroom. Provide support people for this student. Regularly conference with this student to provide him with guidance and an opportunity to share his feelings. 


What is important?
Relationships - Relationships with Mum, Dad, Grandparents, BRENT and the school/classroom.
Provide BRENT with opportunities to feel good about school and while at school.
BRENT making friends and enjoying school.
BRENT developing strong social skills 
Provide consequences to BRENT or his behaviours positive and negative.  
Trusting relationships between Brent and children in Karearea
Keeping all students safe from violence and or uncalled negative attention.  

Supporting this student is being a happy learner. 

What strategies are mostly likely to help Brent?

• RTLB support
• Circle of Friends
• Cools School
• Friendly Children, Friendly Classrooms

How are we going to showcase this inquiry?
Professional Blog and observation data  

Praxis:

1. Identify that he is important and get him to see that his peers like him. Class discussion
2. Tell how you (chn) feel about our classroom. The Classroom Scale activity
3. Who are our class peers that could possibly help our student - role models. Measuring social acceptance activity.
4. Positive and negative descriptions activity.

Children mind mapping how we can use our hands to be helpful.