Throughout my first placement I observed a range of literacy and mathematical class lessons so I could gather information to complete the eight observation tasks.  I interacted with pupils in the classroom, and with teachers in both the classroom and the staffroom. I supported learning within a variety of different classes throughout the school and demonstrated effective communication skills. During my time at placement, I was given the opportunity to evaluate my communication skills and my partner also had to peer assess me. My placement was a positive experience and I did not have any obstacles to overcome.

Strength

One of my main strengths that I demonstrated on my first placement was having good eye contact when communicating with adults and children in the classroom. I demonstrated good eye contact with children at the beginning of my placement experience when I sat down and listened to a group of primary 3 children preparing for reading. The children were predicting what the book was about by looking at the front cover and the blurb before reading, the children were given the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings on the book with me. I ensured that I gave eye contact to each child as they expressed what they thought the book was about and then I listened to them reading their books and helped them with any words they were struggling with.

Area Of Most Progress

My area of most progress on my placement visit would be trying my hardest to speak at an appropriate pace when talking to children and trying to further improve my communication skills by engaging in a range of different ways. When I am nervous, I always tend to speak really fast and I sometimes forget that it could be hard for people to understand, especially younger children who’s understanding would not be as advanced and they are less likely to understand what I’m saying.

Area Requiring Progress

An area requiring progress from my first placement would be gaining more confidence when speaking to a large number of people and learning how to make use of gestures more often such as hand, face and body to enhance my contribution. This would make class lessons or presentations appeal to a wider range of people and make learning much more effective. I realised on placement that although I do use some gestures, more could be included into my communication.

Action Plan

I have to practise speaking slower in conversations and I will practise to family members or friends so that I can gain more confidence when speaking to a larger group of people. I could also practise using more hand, face and body gestures within communication. I will try more to put myself out of my comfort zone which will give me more confidence when speaking in front of large groups of people.