Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Importance of a Positive Attitude When Teaching Maths

Before attending my first maths input with Tara, I was quite nervous regarding whether or not I would be any good at teaching the subject.  Although, my opinion on teaching maths very quickly changed as I progressed throughout the workshop.

As soon as we began the lesson, Tara initially discussed the ‘maths anxieties’ that many individual’s deal with, especially as primary teachers and as a result this suddenly eased my nerves.  Although there are some aspects of maths that I feel comfortable with, there are also many areas, such as algebra, that I feel I may struggle with in the near future, as a primary school teacher.

Tara also expressed some of her own concerns as a fully qualified maths teacher, such as struggling with mental maths and how she prefers to write down her working out on paper.  This assures me that just because I may struggle with certain areas of maths, does not mean that I can’t effectively and enthusiastically teach the subject.

One key point that Tara addressed within the workshop, consisted of the importance of enthusiasm and positivity that all teachers should direct towards maths.  If a teacher displays a negative attitude towards the subject, then it is most likely that this will be passed on to the children in relation to learning maths.  Whereas, if a positive and excited approach is used when teaching maths, it will reflect on the pupils and positively influence the outcome of their work.

Creating an Animation

As part of my ICT input, we were introduced to a program which allowed us to create animations that would act as a useful resource within the classroom.  In order to produce the animation, we were asked to compile a few clips of various shapes of different sizes and colours displaying different patterns and images.  We then were required to add a piece of music alongside our animation which really enhanced the overall effect of our presentation.  The process of creating an animation has allowed me to witness first-hand the positive benefits that it could bring to students within the classroom.  It has the ability to enhance their creativity, develop their confidence and also provide them with the opportunity to have fun whilst they learn something new.

My animation can be found linked below:

The Importance of Dance within the Classroom

Before attending the dance class, I was exceptionally nervous, as I am aware that dance is not one of my strong points.  I also was unsure of how dance could benefit children within the classroom.  Although, despite this, my perception of dance has widely changed since completing the session with Eilidh.

At the beginning of the class, we were shown multiple, child-friendly resources that could be used effectively within the classroom to teach dance.  Eilidh also outlined the range of benefits involved with dance, such as increased confidence and positive determination and aspects such as learning from each other and working together, either in pairs or as groups.  Within the session, we then proceeded to gather round in a circle to carry out a warm-up activity.  This allowed everyone to get over their initial anxiety in relation to dancing in front of others.  We were later placed into pairs, which allowed each individual to feel more comfortable, as they had someone they could rely on and share ideas.

Within each pair, we were asked to create a way in which we could travel across the room.  Each pair took a very different approach to this, which made the lesson all the more interesting.  Following this, we were asked to split the room in two and each side of the room had their chance to travel across the room in their pairs.  We then had to demonstrate our routine to another pair and likewise follow their routine.  In our new groups, we had to create a routine that we performed in front of the class, which allowed us to develop confidence whilst also having fun.

There were many aspects that I took away from Eilidh’s class that I will take forward into placement, that I feel would be beneficial within the classroom.  One key message that I took away from the dance class, was the importance of a safe space, free from prejudice and where the children feel supported by their peers.  An idea that I also took from the lesson, consisted of the use of videos showcasing different styles of dance at the beginning of the lesson.  This allowed children to see an example of what they were asked to do and enabled them to access a variety of cultures.  One of the main aspects that I took away from the dance lesson consisted of Eilidh’s persistent enthusiasm and passion for dance.  This is how I aim to act towards dance within my own classroom, as I feel it puts children more at ease and allows them to express themselves and have fun!

Welcome to your WordPress eportfolio

Welcome to your ePortfolio. This is where you will document and share your professional thoughts and experiences over the course of your study at the University of Dundee and beyond that when you begin teaching. You have the control over what you want to make public and what you would rather keep on a password protected page.

The ePortfolio in the form of this WordPress blog allows you to pull in material from other digital sources:

You can pull in a YouTube video:

You can pull in a Soundcloud audio track:

You can upload an image or pull one in from Flickr or any other image sharing site.

Teacher, Lorraine Lapthorne conducts her class in the Grade Two room at the Drouin State School, Drouin, Victoria

You can just about pull in anything that you think will add substance and depth to your writing.